Online Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology
Impact the Lives of Children and Their Families
Request More Information
Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
- Duration 3.5 years
- Cost per Credit $410
- Credit Hours 120
Program Benefits
- Prepare to identify and address the mental health and developmental needs of children
- Access courses on your schedule through an interactive, virtual classroom
- One-on-one instruction from expert faculty in a program that accepts up to 90 transfer credits
- Study in a fully online, asynchronous classroom
Support Emotional and Social Development
Explore all aspects of child development and gain the skills to help children of all ages with the online BA in Psychology: Child Psychology degree from The American Women’s College of Bay Path University (TAWC). You’ll graduate with the academic credential to pursue a master’s degree, plus the career-ready skills to identify and address the mental health and wellness needs of children in both individual and group settings.
A Curriculum Aligned with National Standards
3.5 Years
120 Total Credits
The online Child Psychology degree requires the completion of 120 total credits, including TAWC’s undergraduate core courses and the Child Psychology major courses.
To view the complete list of program courses, visit the curriculum for all psychology programs.
Required Child Psychology Major Courses
In this course students will apply the practices for effective reading and writing introduced in ENG 114 to the distinctive language and forms of various disciplines. This course lays the foundation for academic and professional research and stresses the use of appropriate and effective information sources. Readings for a variety of academic audiences will provide students with strategies to communicate in the sciences, business and technology, psychology, liberal studies, and the social sciences. Research and documentation skills appropriate to the disciplines are stressed. In addition to leading students through the research process from start to finish, this course will examine the many ramifications of academic honesty.
Prerequisite: ENG 114
This course is designed to assist, encourage, and challenge students to develop more fully their awareness and knowledge of self and others in a culturally pluralistic society. Basic concepts and ideas that are relevant to multicultural human service and development will be introduced. Culture and environment will be discussed as interactive experiences and basic dimensions of diverse groups will be explored.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
This course explores a wide range of personality, behavioral, and cognitive disorders. The symptoms, etiology, and dynamics of various disorders are studied, and a variety of therapeutic theories and techniques are discussed.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
This course presents the etiology of childhood disorders (emotional, social, and cognitive), as well as intervention techniques.
Prerequisite: PSY 205
This course investigates the major personality theorists from Freud to more recent and contemporary theorists like May and Rogers. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation and practical application of each theory reviewed.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 and junior or senior status
This course provides the student with a knowledge of the biological components of behavior. Basic neuroanatomy and neurochemistry are discussed with respect to a variety of topics such as emotions, sensation, aggression, sleep, memory, reproductive behaviors, eating disorders, and certain forms of psychopathology.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 and junior or senior status
Social behavior is studied from a psychological perspective. Topics addressed typically include: small group behavior, personal perception, attitude acquisition and change, leadership, conformity, and prejudice.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 and junior or senior status
This course introduces fundamental skills used in the helping profession including, interviewing, developing rapport, and elements of the counseling process. The multicultural, ethical and legal considerations, non-verbal behavior, and self-care will also be addressed.
Prerequisite: PSY101, Jr/Sr status
This course will focus on the role of the parent as it relates to the child’s healthy development at each stage. The importance of providing a proper role model, communication, discipline, attachment, and sibling relationships are discussed with consideration of varying cultural and family configurations. Issues such as the role of the father, as well as situations involving abuse, neglect, and stress will be included.
Prerequisite: PSY 205 and junior or senior status
The BA in Psychology: Child Psychology program requires 50 credits of major electives:
- Applied Psychology Elective (3 credits)
- Child Psychology Elective (3 credits)
- Development Psychology Elective (3 credits)
- Education Elective (3 credits)
- Experiential Electives (6 credits)
- General Electives (32 credits)
Learn more about which courses apply to these credits by speaking with an enrollment counselor.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum for the online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Child Psychology major explores the emotional, intellectual, physical, and moral needs of children of all ages. You’ll complete the program with the academic foundation to pursue the graduate coursework needed to become a child psychologist, along with the qualifications for a variety of other in-demand roles that support children.
By Graduation, You’ll Have Skills to:
- Identify the stages of development and significant milestones in a child’s life
- Understand the causes of childhood mental illness and the cultural influences that shape identity
- Describe the fundamentals of early intervention programs
- Demonstrate proficiency in the essentials of family communication
Child Psychology Career Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field of child psychology to grow at a steady pace of 6% through 2031, creating thousands of new positions throughout the decade.1 60% of all psychology careers require applicants to have completed at least a bachelor’s degree, making now an ideal time to earn your Child Psychology degree online and prepare for the career you want.2
Explore Major CareersLearn from Industry Experts
At The American Women’s College, your learning is expanded by the rich workplace experience our faculty bring to the classroom. Faculty are professionals who hold an array of titles in the fields they teach. Their involvement in the day-to-day challenges of their role and industry brings curriculums to life with real-world examples as you connect what you learn to what they share.
Faculty Spotlight
Each faculty member at TAWC incorporates real industry experience into each lesson. As a student, you’ll receive personalized, one-on-one support and graduate fully prepared to face the challenges of your chosen field.
Michelle McGrath, MA, Senior Director, Psychology Programs
Michelle comes to Bay Path with a combination of experience in the field of psychology as well as higher education. She began her career working as a licensed clinician in a variety of mental health settings, and eventually transitioned to working in higher education where she could combine her interests.
Prior to coming to Bay Path University, she worked at Southern New Hampshire University supporting students in a variety of roles, including university counselor, academic advisor, and adjunct faculty member. An undergraduate education major, Michelle has found that her passion lies with education and student support. Having worked in both a traditional and online undergraduate program, Michelle is able to apply her broad experience to enhancing The American Women’s College psychology program both online and on ground. She is inspired daily by the stories of her students and the motivation and dedication they have for their education.
Choose Your Major
Customize your BA in Psychology program by choosing from a variety of career-focused majors designed to help you achieve your professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.
Choosing a major for your degree allows you to gain career-ready skills in a specific area of expertise. These specialty skills will allow you to stand out among other professionals in your field and better compete for the position you want.
You’ll complete 120 total credits to earn the online Child Psychology degree. You can review courses now.
No, a major is not required for the online BA in Psychology program. You may choose the standard Psychology degree or one of five major options, which include:
- Child Psychology
- Counseling Foundations
- Forensic Psychology
- Foundations of Alcohol & drug Abuse Counseling
- Human Services & Rehabilitation
You can learn more about coursework for this program on our curriculum page.
The requirements for the online BA in Psychology program include:
- Submit your application.
- Submit official high school transcripts and college transcripts if applicable.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
You can learn more about our admission requirements on our admission page.
Yes. All students of the online BA in Psychology program are required to take the same psychology core courses. This provides the flexibility to change majors during the program without the risk of losing credits.
Those who hold an online Child Psychology degree often pursue career titles such as family development specialist, child support officer, family support coordinator and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of social service is expected to grow 10% by 2031. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Psychologists.” Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Field of Degree: Psychology.” Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/psychology/psychology-field-of-degree.htm.