How to Become A Developmental Pyschologist

If you have a love for children and want to pair it with a passion for mental wellness and health, then a career in developmental psychology may be a great fit.

Developmental psychology relates to dealing with the mental health of individuals throughout developmental stages in life. You may work with young people from toddlers to high school teenagers who may have developmental disabilities.

What is the process of becoming a developmental psychologist? Getting into this profession may require several steps, including earning a psychology degree at an accredited school, completing required coursework, and earning a license in the field.

In this article, we'll cover all these steps and more toward becoming a developmental psychologist.

Steps for Becoming a Developmental Psychologist

Working with adolescents who have developmental disorders does require some steps before working full time. Here is the process toward becoming a developmental psychologist, aiding patients in their path toward healthy emotional development.

1. Find Out Which Major Is Best for You

The first step is finding the right developmental psychology programs. Most students opt for a bachelor's degree in psychology, however, you may also find a concentration in developmental psychology.

A typical Psy.D will teach the fundamentals of psychology, including supporting patients through all stages of life. The focus won't typically be on one single age group but will teach about core developmental disorders like autism and ADHD.

2. Find the Right School for Your Major

Finding the right school is equally as important as choosing your major. Ideally, you should look for a school with an excellent psychology program and the opportunity to take on internships before graduation.

Find a school with professors who work in the field of developmental psychology who can speak about their real-world experience. Additionally, you will want to look for a university that has either a national or regional accreditation.

3. Obtain a Bachelor's Degrees in Developmental Psychology

During this time, you'll learn essential skills in utilizing research methods and therapeutic methods for overall human growth and well-being. Beginning your psychology career with an applicable undergraduate degree can help you build the necessary foundation for another related field in psychology as well. This is also necessary if you prefer a career as a social worker.

4. Pursue a Master's Degree and Choose a Specialization

A master's degree is typically required to work in clinical settings of child psychology. Graduate school will enrich your experience in education and help you reach your full potential as an early career psychologist.

Most professionals go for a Master of Science in psychology or a master's degree in developmental psychology. Likewise, another popular option is a master's degree in early childhood development. This concentration will emphasize cognitive development from infancy to childhood. This concentration is particularly popular among social workers and those who plan to work with children.

5. Acquire Proper Licensure

Licensure happens at the state and national level. Before developmental psychologists work, they may need to complete the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is a standardized test administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

Throughout their career, professionals will need to complete continued education coursework to maintain skills.

6. Gain Experience Working With Patients or Clients

Upon completion of the required license, clinical practice is the next natural step. This is when an early professional begins working in healthcare for patients. A clinical psychologist may complete interventions for at-risk patients early in their lifespan, or work with older adults living with undiagnosed illnesses.

7. Consider a Doctoral Degree

At the next step, you may also choose to pursue a doctor of psychology. Doctoral programs in developmental psychology will help you sharpen skills further for higher-level career paths, such as owning your own private practice. You may also collaborate with government agencies for human development programs across public education systems and regulations.

What Is Developmental Psychology?

Developmental psychology is the understanding of how people evolve from infancy through old age, including physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality, and emotional growth.

What Is a Developmental Psychologist?

A developmental psychologist is a professional who studies the psychological growth and changes that occur throughout a person's lifespan.

Responsibilities of a Developmental Psychologist

When learning the answer to what developmental psychologists do, you may be surprised to find that psychologists have many different responsibilities. They must conduct empirical studies to understand various aspects of human development and work with individuals, families, and schools to provide evaluations and recommend interventions.

Skills Required of a Developmental Psychologist

To be a great developmental psychologist, you must have great communication skills to collaborate with other professionals such as educators, pediatricians, and gerontologists to apply developmental psychology principles in various settings. Building hard skills in a relevant degree program is also essential, giving someone the ability to employ techniques and analyze data.

Benefits of Being a Developmental Psychologist

This career is a strong choice for those who love working with people from all different age ranges who may be suffering from mental health complications. If you're fascinated by the different developmental stages in life, and the possible challenges from developmental disability, then this may be a good career choice.

Featured Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs

There are a few online programs with renowned psychology bachelor degrees:

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a great choice for online-only students because it allows students to complete their courses in accelerated, 8-week programs. The Bachelor of Science in psychology is 100% online and is transfer-friendly, allowing up to 90 transfer credits.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a 4-year program that consists of 120 credits. This program is entirely online, which allows students to save money and time on transportation costs. According to their program outline, these courses help prepare students for successful careers in:

• psychological treatment
• business
• law
• social services

3. Bay Path University

The Women's College at Bay Path University offers a distance-learning Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

The school hires only industry experts who have worked in psychology and can provide relevant career information and context for entry-level students. The program consists entirely of asynchronous courses that can be taken at any time of the day.

FAQs About Developmental Psychologists

If you still have questions about becoming a developmental psychologist, continue reading for some frequently asked questions.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Developmental Psychologist?

Including a bachelor's and master's degree, it will usually take a student six years to complete their required coursework before they can begin working full time. Otherwise, it can take longer if the student decides to pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

Is It Difficult To Be a Developmental Psychologist?

Yes, it may be challenging to become a developmental psychologist because this profession requires several years of education, including advanced degrees, and then specific licensure and credentials. However, this is a profession that's highly valuable and impactful, making it a great career choice for those who are passionate about the well-being of others.

Can You Become a Developmental Psychologist Completely Online?

Yes, several online programs are catering to distance learners. It's always helpful to find a program that's accredited and has a strong psychology program.

What Are the Career Prospects for Developmental Psychologists?

Developmental psychologists may work in several different settings. If they are entrepreneurial as well, they may choose to open their own private practice. They can also work as social workers or guidance counselors.