Child psychology bachelor degree programs often feature prerequisite coursework that must be completed prior to starting major-specific courses. Along with general education courses, which include science, mathematics and English, child psychology majors must also complete general psychology courses and introduction to child psychology before progressing to other major-specific coursework. University prerequisite course requirements vary, so be sure to check with a university advisor to determine specific mandates.
Major-specific coursework can vary from institution-to-institution, but program curriculum for child psychology degrees is relatively similar. Some classes a child psychology major may undertake include cognitive development, perceptual development, biological foundations of development, behavioral/emotional problems of children, disabilities in development and counseling/consulting theory. Child psychology classes are commonly taught through theoretical and practical lesson plans.
Child psychologists are required to successfully complete a graduate school program. While every graduate program features different classes, some of the most common include advanced-level child psychology, foundational psychology courses and applied research in child/adolescent psychology. Most child psychology graduate degree programs take anywhere from less than a year to more than two yeas to complete, depending on how many credit hours students take per semester.