Best Online Child and Adolescent Psychology Programs

Earning an online bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology at a top online school paves the way to several career opportunities. Graduates can continue their education and pursue graduate studies to become child psychologists or enter the workforce as counselors who work with behavior disorders or community service managers.

If you are interested in helping children and adolescents manage emotional and mental conditions, this degree can lead to a rewarding and lucrative career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of behavioral disorder counselors will grow by 19% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations.

Our bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology program guide offers a comprehensive look into career opportunities, admission requirements, and how to choose a program.

Most online bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology programs offer similar core courses that teach students the skills needed to pursue careers helping children, adolescents, and their families. The following list covers common courses found in online bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology programs.

This course covers the developmental stages of children and adolescents, including biological development and how outside influences can alter their development. Covered topics include various theories of development, such as Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development. Additional topics include contemporary theories on learning, morals, and relational development.

This course delves into the emotional, social, cognitive, and genetic causes of childhood disorders. Students explore contemporary research in the treatment and recognition of mental health conditions, the classification of these conditions, and research methods in psychopathology. Students learn about specific conditions commonly diagnosed in childhood, including ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder.

Students explore the basic concepts of child psychology, including the scientific analysis and evaluation of the behaviors and conditions common in children and adolescents. Additional topics include child psychologists’ role in supporting children and varying responsibilities in different clinical and educational environments.

Students learn the essence of family dynamics and how they relate to child development. Covered topics include communication issues, theories of family conflict, enmeshment in family dynamics, signs of an emotionally destructive household, and common responses to stress.

Admission requirements are often similar, if not the exact same, for on-campus and online bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology programs. In rare cases, in addition to the requirements listed below, some schools may require prospective students to complete an interview with an alum or admissions representative.

All bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology programs require prospective students to submit an application form. In some cases, you can apply to multiple schools at once through application systems like the Common App and Coalition App. These forms collect basic information, like your background and address.

Standardized test scores are becoming a less common requirement for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Nevertheless, many online bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology programs still require students to submit ACT or SAT scores. Score minimums vary by institution.

Most online bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology programs require applicants to send in 2-3 letters of recommendation. In most cases, you should ask former high school teachers to write these letters on your behalf. If you are an adult learner, you can ask a former employer. Ask your recommenders months in advance so they have enough time to write.

Most undergraduate programs require students to submit 1-3 application essays. The Common App features a basic essay prompt that you can send to multiple schools, but most programs also ask applicants to write supplemental essays on specific topics. These documents are usually relatively short, often no more than 500 words.

The true cost of a bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology can vary widely. For the lowest tuition rates, consider in-state public schools vs. private universities. Furthermore, by enrolling online, you can save on major expenses like transportation and room and board.

All distance learners must consider which program format can help them thrive. Synchronous coursework provides structure through scheduled, live online courses. Asynchronous coursework provides flexibility by eliminating those scheduled sessions. Online students should also consider whether they want to enroll part time, full time, or in an accelerated program.

Even if you ultimately decide to enroll in an online program, you should consider choosing a school close to you. Online child and adolescent psychology curricula may include certain lab courses that you need to complete on campus. Local schools may also maintain relationships with local companies for internship and job opportunities.

Accreditation is a third-party approval process that evaluates a school’s programs and services. You should only enroll at accredited schools. If you enroll at a non-accredited school, you cannot receive federal financial aid, and some employers may not recognize your degree.

Good student services can make the difference in terms of an excellent distance learning experience where you feel well supported. Before you commit to a school, check to see if it offers services like tutoring, mentorship opportunities, internship placements, and networking events.

After earning an online child psychology degree, graduates can pursue entry-level careers in psychology, education, and mental healthcare. Additional education opens the door to higher-paying opportunities as psychologists, social services managers, and counselors.

Child and adolescent psychology is one of the most popular majors. Students pursuing an online bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology can go on to graduate school to pursue careers as psychologists working in private practices, educational settings, and research facilities. Other graduates enter the workforce as behavioral disorder counselors, social workers, and community service managers.

The BLS projects that positions for social and community service managers will grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average employment growth for all occupations.

Learn more about child and adolescent psychology careers and see where a bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology can take you.

Social and community service managers supervise social service programs. These professionals work for nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations that support communities and individuals. Targeted demographics may include children, the elderly, homeless individuals or families, and veterans. As supervisors, they are often responsible for hiring, budgeting, and overseeing the effectiveness of programs.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $77,030

Social workers assess clients and help them manage the impacts of trauma, substance misuse, and mental health conditions with the help of community and government resources. Clinical social workers need a master’s and state licensure. These professionals can work for government agencies, schools, and nonprofits.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $53,940

Behavioral disorder counselors help individuals and groups modify their behavior. Counselors in this field use principles of therapy to help people stop unwanted behavior and replace it with positive, productive behavior and habits. Behavioral disorder counselors and substance misuse counselors considering private practice must have a master’s degree and state licensure.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $53,710

Graduates pursuing careers as substance misuse counselors often work in prevention and intervention, offering high-risk youths alternatives to drug and alcohol misuse. Some addiction counselors work with psychologists, physicians, or psychiatrists, developing treatment plans and supporting patient care.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $53,710

Some graduates use their acquired knowledge in youth psychology to work for companies that sell products to children and adolescents. A market research analyst researches market conditions to help companies determine in-demand products, target markets, and price structures. Students interested in entering this field must ensure that they take courses in statistics and research methodology.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $74,680

The value of any degree is subjective and depends on the individual student. Nevertheless, an online bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology is worth it for most learners. This degree can often lead to a wider set of immediate employment options than comparable psychology degrees. Furthermore, it can still lead to plenty of opportunities to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees.

Additionally, many child and adolescent psychology professionals earn high, stable salaries, benefit from high projected job growth, and find their careers fairly rewarding.

Soon after graduating, bachelor’s degree-holders in child and adolescent psychology can pursue careers as market research analysts. With additional professional experience, they can work as community and social service managers. After earning state licensure, graduates can practice as substance misuse, mental health, or behavioral disorder counselors or child or school social workers.

Graduates can also enter master’s and doctoral programs in psychology and counseling. These degrees can often lead to lucrative and in-demand positions in academia and research.

Yes. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS projects 19% job growth for substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. This rate nearly triples the average projected growth rate for all occupations during that period.

Furthermore, during that same decade, the BLS also projects significant job growth for market research analysts (13%), social and community service managers (9%), and social workers (7%). All of these rates eclipse the average projected growth rate across all occupations during that period.

Salary potential depends significantly on key factors like experience, location, employer, and industry. However, most bachelor’s degree-holders in child and adolescent psychology can expect to earn solid starting salaries. For example, as of May 2023, market research analysts earned a median annual salary of $74,680, according to the BLS, which is excellent pay for an entry-level career.

With additional credentials, like a master’s or doctoral degree, psychology graduates can begin to approach six figures by finding work as researchers, professors, and practicing psychologists.

The highest-paying job for graduates with a bachelor’s in child and adolescent psychology is likely community and social service manager. According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $77,030. These professionals often work as executive directors at child-focused nonprofit organizations.

Keep in mind that these positions generally require significant professional experience. You may have to work your way up the ladder at a nonprofit, beginning in an entry-level position before qualifying for a managerial role.