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Classes Start January 13th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo Fall19)
PhD in Psychology, Developmental Psychology program highlights
Scholar-practitioner faculty
Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced doctoral faculty actively engaged in their professions.
Prepare to teach
Our applied teaching track program helps you gain experience as a teaching assistant or tutor.
Relevant, real-world learning
Get real-world skills. Our research in psychology course allows you to conduct research alongside Capella faculty.
Complementary coursework approach
Your online coursework is enhanced by face-to-face residencies designed to give you intensive, hands-on experience to successfully complete your program.
Comprehensive doctoral support
Experts will support you throughout your coursework, residencies, and dissertation to keep you moving toward your goal of a PhD.
Convenient & flexible learning
Access your learning environment at anytime, anywhere, on any device so you can learn on your schedule.
Our unique doctoral structure
Our PhD in Psychology, Developmental Psychology program is designed
to remove roadblocks for you and demystify the dissertation process.
This unique approach centers on supporting you in three ways: through
program structure, a dedicated faculty and support team, and online
resources. To help generate momentum toward graduation, you’ll begin
your dissertation early in the program. Our faculty, support team, and
online resources will help guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your PhD in Psychology faculty
Our distinguished psychology faculty are industry leaders, bringing real-world relevance into the courseroom to enrich your education, and career.
Get the support you need for success
Our dedicated support teams guide and advise you through every step of your educational journey.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Doctoral advising
Doctoral programs are specific and challenging. That’s why you’ll have access to expert support at every step along the road to your degree.
Financial aid counselors
Our team knows how to run the numbers and help find ways to save on costs.
Cost & learning format
A more 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
$540 per credit,
107 total quarter credits,
25 max transfer credits
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet
standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and
fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
$10K toward your doctorate
Apply for the $10K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help you fund your doctoral degree.
10% military discount
If you're an active-duty military service member, spouse, or veteran, discounts may be available.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.
Developmental Psychology PhD sample courses
Your doctoral-level coursework in developmental psychology offers a
foundation of the science of psychology, while you also specialize in
child and adolescent development, adulthood and aging, or lifespan.
The program includes dissertation research seminars, which allow you
to get an early start on your dissertation.
| PSY7868 |
Qualitative Design and Analysis
Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to
conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research
techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the
strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and
analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage
technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps
necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider
methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable
and diverse populations.
Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
|
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY7210 |
Lifespan Development
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan
development from infancy through adulthood, including human
development processes and milestones. Learners evaluate theories and
approaches for examining human development and analyze human
development processes related to their specialization. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7510 |
Psychology of Personality
This course is an examination of personality development from the
perspective of several theoretical orientations: psychodynamic,
humanistic/ existential, dispositional, and learning theory. Learners
analyze and evaluate these theories and consider how other factors
such as culture and gender contribute to personality development. This
course also allows learners to apply personality theory to their
professional practice. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7230 |
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 |
What you’ll learn
- Apply critical-thinking skills in response to challenges in developmental psychology.
- Design, plan, and conduct research and/or evaluation to advance knowledge and practice in developmental psychology.
- Communicate professionally in the discipline of developmental psychology.
- Discern and evaluate policy and advocacy processes regarding issues across the life span with the goal of effecting change.
- Evaluate developmental processes and theories related to meeting the needs of individuals and diverse populations.
- Promote ethical standards and guidelines in professional interactions.
Developmental psychology PhD career insights
Developmental Psychology: Making a Difference Through Advocacy
Faculty member Jessica Emick, PhD, discusses the field and her own experience in advocacy.
PhD in Psychology vs. Doctor of Psychology
Need help deciding between a PsyD and PhD? Learn the differences between these doctoral degree programs.
PhD in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?
Learn more about Capella's PhD in Psychology program and available specializations.
PhD in Developmental Psychology professional paths
Here are just some of the career options you could explore with our
online developmental psychology doctoral degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Full-time psychology faculty
- Instructor
- Developmental psychologist
- Consultant
- Researcher
- Policy consultant/advocate
- Program administrator/ director
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Nonprofit organization
- Health care/medical center
- Consulting firm
- Government – local, state, federal
- Group home
- Social service agency
- Early childhood education program
- Child and family service agency
- Research and assessment organization
- Advocacy organization
*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.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit?
The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one
that suits your academic and professional goals.