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Child and Adolescent Development
MS in Psychology
Gain a deeper understanding of the developing mind and help build a brighter future. The MS in Psychology, Child & Adolescent Development from Capella University prepares you to facilitate positive outcomes in the lives of children, adolescents, and families today. You’ll acquire a broad psychological skill set to address mental health, social, and educational issues in diverse professional settings, from education to human services. Sharpen your ability to evaluate and apply best practices, and learn how to advocate for policies that make a difference in the real world.
Classes start July 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 4 Core courses
- 6 Specialization courses
- Integrative project
With FlexPath, you can earn your master’s in psychology in 15 months and under $18,000.*
*Based on fastest 25% of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore child and adolescent development courses
- This degree requires a total of 27 program points in FlexPath or 53 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, six specialization courses and one integrative project
| PSY6010 |
Human Prenatal Development
Learners in this course gain an overview of prenatal and postnatal development through the first three months of life. Learners analyze genetic and reproductive technology and articulate its impact on families and society. Throughout the course, learners demonstrate their knowledge of the stages of prenatal development (embryonic and fetal). Learners investigate various prenatal illnesses and physical problems while considering the impact of prenatal health disparities. In addition, learners engage with research, theory, and culturally relevant best practices related to promoting healthy newborn and infant development. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6020 * |
Advocacy in Child and Adolescent Development
Learners in this course critically evaluate and apply theory and research to child and adolescent development issues and current topics. Learners analyze the impact of policy and legislation in areas such as education, health, mental health, the military, media, and the economy on child and adolescent developmental outcomes and advocate for issues related to policy and legislation that improve the lives of children and adolescents. Prerequisite(s): PSY6010; PSY6025 or PSY6030. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6015 |
Lifespan Development
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and cultural differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6025 |
Child Psychology
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of the developmental stages of children from the prenatal period to adolescence. Learners examine how children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively, and evaluate and articulate the influences of family, society, and culture on child and adolescent development. Learners also assess children’s evolving needs and apply theory and research to recommend appropriate responses to those needs. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6030 |
Adolescent Psychology
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of the developmental stages from early adolescence to emerging adulthood. Learners evaluate and articulate the physical, psychosocial, emotional, sexual, moral, and cognitive changes associated with adolescent development and examine the ways in which adolescent development is influenced by family, society, and culture. Learners also assess the evolving needs of adolescents and apply theory and research in order to recommend appropriate responses to those needs. |
5 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our FlexPath Trial Course, you will explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll learn
The MS in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development equips you with the knowledge, theory, and best practices you need to promote and support the development of children, adolescents, and families in diverse educational and human services settings. The requirements for this specialization are not designed to prepare graduates for licensure as professional counselors or psychologists.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Research and evaluate sources of knowledge, theory, and best practices in child and adolescent development
- Critically analyze and evaluate the scientific and practical merit of research and literature within the field
- Effectively communicate knowledge, theory, and best professional practices
- Apply ethical and professional standards to a comprehensive range of services and programs for children, adolescents, and families
- Recognize, value, and respect cultural and ethnic diversity among children, adolescents, and their families
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that puts you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you want in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per session*
$14,750
ACCELERATED PACE
$23,600
TYPICAL PACE
$32,450
SLOWER PACE
$2,950 per 12-week billing session, 27 total program points, 8 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$19,380
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$27,030
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$510 per credit, 53 total quarter credits, 15 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and completed courses at the speed of a median FlexPath student, as quickly as the fastest 25% of FlexPath students, or as quickly as the fastest 75% of students. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for FlexPath.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$175, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
“It is very flexible with my time. I also enjoyed that it was online and the professors were responsive.”
Haley Walker* — MS Psychology Student
*Actual student who agreed to appear in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Psychology, Child & Adolescent Development must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
FlexPath Admission Requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath Self-Paced Learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Step Into FlexPath is an option for those who don’t qualify for FlexPath. Start a program in our GuidedPath learning format, and then transition into FlexPath upon successful completion of one course, at a 2.8 GPA or higher.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
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Helping Professions Guide
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What can you do with an MS in Child and Adolescent Development degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Psychology, Child & Adolescent Development.
Job titles to explore
- Child protective services manager
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Instructor
- Child development specialist
- Child/youth program director
- Before/after school program director
- Child care center manager
- Intervention advocate
- Early childhood education specialist
- Research assistant
- Consultant
- Child care specialist
Employment settings to explore
- Health care organization
- Child and family service agency
- Early childhood education program
- Government—local, state, federal
- Law enforcement
- Nonprofit organization
- Religious organization
- Group home
- Social service agency
- Community college
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.