Child psychology degrees require a core foundation of classes in science, math and English. Among the classes commonly studied include biology, chemistry, statistics, research methods, communication, philosophy and ethics. These foundation classes are intended to prepare students to understand more complex classes in psychology.
Students need a strong background in general psychology before going on to the specialization of child psychology. Required general psychology classes will examine common psychological disorders, treatment models, theories of psychology and laboratory classes. Some classes include neuropsychology, attention and memory, social psychology and health psychology.
The specialization of child psychology deals with how a child's psyche develops and how it differs from that of an adult. Classes will study how a child's sense of self develops, how he separates his identity from his primary caregiver, and development of cognitive, perceptual and language skills. Additional classes include abnormal child psychology, attachment disorders, and how disabilities affect psychological development.