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Developmental Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Advance your knowledge with an online PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology from Capella University. This program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change.
Learn ways to encourage well-being and psychological health as a teacher, researcher, or policy and care advocate.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 7 Core courses
- 9 Specialized courses
- 24 max transfer credits
- 3 Doctoral Project Development Seminars
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Explore developmental psychology courses
- This degree requires a total of 85 coursework credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, nine specialization courses, three doctoral project development seminars and one comprehensive exam
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| PSY7240 Adult Psychology | Learners in this course analyze major contemporary theories and research on continuity and change from late adolescence through the end of life. Throughout the course, learners apply models and approaches for delivering psychological services to adults in a variety of settings and contexts, including in the workplace, within family, and in social relationships, in order to help those adults negotiate life transitions and increase their psychological well-being and longevity. | 5 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
This degree is designed to provide relevant expertise and help advance your career. Graduates of this specialization pursue careers in teaching and instruction; higher education; child, adolescent, and adult development; policy and advocacy; or research.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- 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
- Apply scientifically established principles and knowledge from the study of human development and policy development in relation to individuals and society
- Discern and evaluate policy and advocacy processes regarding issues across the life span with the goal of affecting change
- Evaluate developmental processes and theories related to meeting the needs of individuals and diverse populations
- Promote ethical standards and guidelines in professional interactions
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
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
$555 per credit, 85 coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,780 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,780
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- 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 2023–24 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2023. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$44,692.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$61,372.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$41,372.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 20 quarters |
$43,872.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$44,692.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$64,152.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$44,152.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 21 quarters |
$46,652.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$44,692.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$72,492.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$52,492.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 24 quarters |
$54,992.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor 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. And it may be well within reach – with 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:
- 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.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Developmental Psychology: Making a Difference through Advocacy
Faculty member Jessica Emick, PhD, discusses the field and her own experience in advocacy.
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.
What can you do with a PhD in Psychology degree?
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 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.