Child Psychology Degree Online

Child psychologists assess and treat learning disabilities, behavioral problems and mental disorders in children. An online bachelor's degree program qualifies graduates to work in not-for-profit settings, and graduate-level education is required for licensing and practice in the field.Child psychology is a particular branch of developmental psychology that analyzes the psychological, emotional, and perceptional changes within children. Students of a child psychology degree online will learn to monitor the cognitive development of children as they grow older. This can include many different aspects of behavior, such as problem-solving skills, moral understanding and personality. Child psychologists have three major contexts to consider during the analysis of a child because of their effect on a child's mental development: social, cultural, and socioeconomic.

Information

Bachelor's degree programs in psychology that sometimes offer concentrations in child development are available online. These programs may offer students credit for approved on-site internship experiences. At the master's degree level, online programs are available, although these programs may require a small amount of time on campus for clinical experiences or a capstone.A bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for entry-level positions in non-clinical social work, although clinical social workers are required to have a minimum of a master's degree. A master's degree may be sufficient educational preparation to work as a school psychologist, although some school psychologists earn a post-baccalaureate educational specialist

Program Information and Requirements

Online bachelor's degree programs in child psychology take the same amount of time to complete as traditional programs. The entire program can be completed online; however, some schools offer an optional credit internship to students, requiring registration and school approval. Students may complete assignments and take exams through a virtual classroom. Instructors may also require students to purchase certain software or textbooks.

List of Common Online Courses

Coursework in these programs vary by school, degree and specialty; however, some classes are common to all programs. The science, research, theory and application of psychology are core courses applicable to all bachelor's degree programs in the subject.

Introduction to Psychology Course

Students in this course explore the basic principles of human behavior. The class also teaches application of fundamental psychological theories and procedures to solve problems related to human activity.

Adolescent and Child Psychology Course

This class concentrates on psychological theories, research and principles related to children. Typical topics covered include the development of a child's personality, morals and social skills.

Psychology Professions Course

This course gives an introduction to the career opportunities available to the psychology major, as well as the history of psychology and methods of application. Students also assess personal goals, values, ethics, abilities and interests to create a career plan.

Career Information

A bachelor's degree in psychology qualifies graduates to work as social workers with not-for-profit organizations and after school care programs. Individuals may be responsible for providing counseling and advise, mentoring and looking after kids. Payscale.com reports that as of December 2013, social workers with a bachelor's degree earned salaries of $27,906-$50,628 per year.