Developmental Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Gain a deep understanding of the ways humans grow and develop over the course of a lifetime. Capella’s PhD in Developmental Psychology examines theories and research findings for every developmental stage from birth to old age. You’ll learn to apply scientifically established principles to help guide policy development in relation to individuals and various populations. Three virtual residencies offer opportunities to gain practical experience and professional skills. You can also conduct research in consultation with professors who are active in their fields.
At a glance
- Online
- GuidedPath
- 7 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 3 Virtual residencies
- 4 Dissertation courses
- 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)
Reduce your tuition up to $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore developmental psychology courses
- This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses, three virtual residency courses and four dissertation courses
What you'll learn
Students in the PhD in Psychology, Developmental Psychology specialization acquire a broad base of knowledge associated with lifespan development, policy, and advocacy. Core coursework provides a foundation of the science of psychology, and specialization coursework provides depth within the discipline of developmental psychology. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Apply critical thinking skills in response to challenges in developmental psychology
- Apply scientifically established principles and knowledge from the study of human development and policy development in relation to individuals and society
- Evaluate developmental processes and theories related to meeting the needs of individuals, groups and communities
- Promote ethical standards and guidelines in professional interactions
- Communicate professionally in the discipline of developmental psychology
How much does the PhD in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
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
$570 per credit, 72 coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Other Costs
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Number of quarters spent working on practicum
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment specialist.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$52,526.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$47,526.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 17 quarters |
$49,626.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$55,306.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$50,306.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 18 quarters |
$52,406.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$63,646.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$58,646.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 21 quarters |
$60,746.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral 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 assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the PhD in Psychology admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A master’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 master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
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 doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff and online resources along the way.
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What can you do with a PhD in Psychology, Developmental Psychology?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a doctoral degree in developmental psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct psychology instructor
- Assistant/associate/full professor
- Child and adolescent case manager
- Child development director
- Children’s director
- Director of child and family services
- Director of family life
- Early childhood professional
Employment settings to explore*
- Child care services
- Civic and social organizations
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Individual and family services
- Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
*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. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program. 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.