This is a list of schools and programs that focus on the Most Affordable Accelerated Online Master’s degree in Child Psychology in the United States. Professionals in the field know the importance of an accelerated online Master’s degree in Adolescent Psychology, especially as the field grows with the needs of American adolescents.
That’s why employers are now seeking more and more candidates with a graduate degree that specializes in this field. Even psychologists and therapists are clamoring for more accessible graduate degrees.
Working psychologists do not have time to attend a traditional program. They need access to affordable online programs that provide them with the flexibility they need in order to stick to the plan of study.
In most cases, psychologists are searching for accelerated programs that enable them to use their previous work experience to test out of certain classes so they can graduate in less time. All of the programs on this list offer these benefits and more, making these schools some of the best to consider when looking for an online graduate degree in adolescent psychology.
Methodology
The research needed for this ranking was conducted on the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. The initial pool included 20 schools that were identified by searching for online Master’s degree in Adolescent psychology.
Then each school was reviewed with several factors in mind, including tuition costs and degree completion timelines. The final 15 schools, which are listed below, were chosen based on the total estimated in-state graduate tuition cost for the program.
15. Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
Online Master of Arts in Counseling, Specialization in Children and Adolescents
Tuition: $121,884
Northwestern University is home to an exceptional accelerated online Master’s degree in Adolescent Psychology that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This program offers online students the chance to take one of two different tracks: Standard or Bridge to Counseling.
The former is for professionals with counseling experience while the latter was built for child psychology students who do not have an educational or work background in psychology. This is a low-residency cohort program that requires that students complete two on-campus immersions; all other coursework requirements can be completed online through the use of the school’s learning management system. Courses are held in asynchronous or synchronous sessions that last 12 weeks in length, enabling students who take on this course of study to graduate within two years.
Students will also be expected to complete 800 clinical hours while in the program. Other requirements include 62 credit hours of coursework, a bachelor’s degree, a supervised internship, practicum hours, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Theory and Technique of Substance Abuse, child psychologist classes, school counseling classes, developmental psychology concentration courses, clinical psychology, Cultural Diversity in Counseling, and Career Development.
14. Pepperdine University
Los Angeles, California
Online Master of Arts in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy and Behavioral Psychology
Tuition: $55,080
Students at Pepperdine University are provided with a one year Master’s degree in Adolescent Psychology online degree that can be completed as a full-time or part-time plan of study. The program comes with two specializations for child psychologists: Marriage and Family Therapy and Behavioral Psychology.
This degree was created for professionals who are already working in the field; foundational courses can be waived if online students can provide proof of work experience. This is a 100 percent online program of study that utilizes asynchronous and synchronous courses that can be found through the school’s virtual portal.
Courses follow the traditional eight-week academic structure, meaning that students will find that the program can be completed in one year when students take a full course load every term. Students can expect to complete 48 credit hours of coursework, have a bachelor’s degree, clinical hours, a capstone project, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Behavioral Principles and Theories of Learning, school counseling classes, school psychologists, Career Development Theories and Techniques, and Assessment of Intelligence.
13. Argosy University
Los Angeles, California
Online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $45,000
Argosy University realizes the importance of an accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology. Designed for working professionals, this program was built to be of special benefit to child psychologists work in the clinical mental health counseling arena as it pertains to adolescents.
This is a 100 percent online program that has no residency requirements or developmental psychology seminar. Students will be required to complete internships and practicums, they will engage in their clinical hours in their own community under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
All other requirements are completed online through the school’s learning management system. Courses are held asynchronously or synchronously and in 16-week sessions; students who study full-time will be able to complete this degree in two years, provided they complete at least one summer sessions. This degree also requires 60 credit hours of coursework, a portfolio, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Career and Lifestyle Development, Multicultural Diversity and Advocacy, and Diagnosis and Treatment of Behavioral and Emotional Disorders.
12. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Los Angeles, California
Online Master of Arts in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Concentration
Tuition: $41,904
Students at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology can complete a one-year online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that can be completed as a 100 percent virtual plan of study. This degree was created for professionals who are working in the field and require additional education to move forward with their career ambitions.
This is a 100 percent online course of study that utilizes lectures, labs, and local immersive experiences to ensure that every student is prepared to move into the field once they have graduated. This program’s hands-on experience is an applied research project that is applied to a workplace. This means that professionals will not be required to take on practicum hours in addition to their coursework. All lectures and assignments can be found through the school’s global learning platform; courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously, depending on the nature of the subject.
As each course lasts for 16 weeks, it is possible for a full-time student to graduate in one year. Requirements for this degree include 36 credit hours of coursework, an applied research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Family Systems and Family Therapy, and Evidence-Based Programs for Children and Adolescents.
11. Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Online Master of Science in Professional Counseling With an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders
Tuition: $38,110
Grand Canyon University offers students the chance to complete an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology. This degree is perfect for professionals with work experience in the field and who are interested in becoming advocates for adolescents. This program can be completed in two years and features a 100 percent online curriculum that is available through the school’s learning management system.
Most courses are available asynchronously and in sessions that last eight weeks, making it possible to complete this program as a part-time plan of study and still graduate within two years. This program requires 74 quarter credit units of coursework, practicum or internship, and a final portfolio. Sample courses include Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethics, Social and Cultural Diversity Issues in Counseling, adolescent psychology programs, and Marriage and Family Therapy.
10. Bay Path University
East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Online Master of Science in Developmental Psychology
Tuition: $30,060
Students who are interested in an accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology will want to check out the offering from Bay Path University. This child psychology online program was built for working professionals who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the field.
Students will be required to take some courses on campus, but most courses are found online through the school’s virtual portal. Students will find that their online courses feature small class sizes, dedicated professors and faculty, and an extensive list of online resources.
Courses are available asynchronously or synchronously and in sessions that last 16 weeks. Students who study full-time will complete this degree in two years or less. Students will be required to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, 160 contact hours, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Psychological Assessment in Counseling, Ethics and Professional Conduct in Psychology, adolescent psychology programs, and Applied Research Methods in Developmental Psychology.
9. Purdue Global University
Hammond, Illinois
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Tuition: $27,300
Purdue Global University confers an excellent affordable accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that offers students the chance to advance their knowledge in the field through various sub-disciplines. This child psychology online program comes with two concentrations: Applied Behavior Analysis or Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
The program is offered 100 percent online and provides students with the choice to either complete a thesis or sit for an exam for their final grade in the degree. Students will find that all of their degree requirements can be completed online through the school’s learning management system; fieldwork hours will take place in a student’s community under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
This degree will take two years to complete when students choose to study full-time. Course requirements include a minimum of 65 credit hours of coursework, fieldwork experiences, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Applied Statistics for Psychology, Ethics for Addictions Professionals, Advanced Research Methods.
8. Capella University
St. Paul, Minnesota
Online Master of Science in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development Specialization
Tuition: $26,675
Students interested in completing a 12-month online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology degree need look no further than Capella University. This school’s flexible degree options enable students to complete new coursework while testing out of courses they are already competent in.
Students will find that this is a 100 percent online course of study; courses are completed asynchronously or synchronously and in sessions that last between 10 to 12 weeks in length. Courses are offered via the GuidedPath or FlexPath; students will choose a track based on their needs and previous work experience, making it possible for them to graduate with their degree in just one year.
This program requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Human Prenatal Development, adolescent psychology programs, Lifespan Development, and Topics in Child and Adolescent Development.
7. Northcentral University
Scottsdale, Arizona
Online Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Psychology
Tuition: $26,675
Northcentral University is home to an excellent non-licensure accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that is perfect for working professionals who are interested in developing a specialization in this area. This is a 100 percent online program that can be completed in 20 months when students focus on a full-time plan of study.
This degree requires an internship that results in 100 hours in the field; all other requirements are completed through the school’s virtual portal in asynchronous sessions. Students will also be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a portfolio, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Lifespan Development, adolescent developmental psychology program, Applied Statistics for Psychology, and Ethics and Professional Conduct in Psychology.
6. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Online Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Development Psychology
Tuition: $22,572
Students at Southern New Hampshire University are conferred an accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that is research-based and perfect for working professionals. This is one of the shortest curriculums listed on this ranking; it can be completed in just 16 months when students study full-time. Students will find that is a 100 percent online program that does not require internships or on-campus residencies for graduation.
All courses are available online through asynchronous and synchronous courses in 16-week sessions. This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written oral exit exam. Sample courses include Ethical Practice in Psychology, child psychologist classes, ntervention Strategies, and Child and Developmental Psychology.
5. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, Concentration in Parent, Child, and Adolescent
Tuition: $20,340
Liberty University is home to an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that can be completed in just 18 months. This is a Christian-based degree that focuses on providing religious practitioners with a faith-based perspective into counseling. Offered through the Rawlings School of Divinity, all courses for this degree are available online through the school’s online learning management system; each course runs for eight weeks.
It is possible for a student following a part-time plan of study to complete this degree in 18 months. This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, an internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Parenting and Multigenerational Influence, Marriage and Family Counseling, child psychologist classes, and Introduction to Pastoral Counseling.
4. Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey
Online Master of Arts in Child Advocacy and Policy
Tuition: $19,495
Montclair State University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that is perfect for professionals interested in working in the field. This degree can be completed in one year when students choose to study full-time.
This degree is not specific to psychology but rather offers a unique perspective on the field. This is a 100 percent online program that includes asynchronous and synchronous courses delivered in eight-week sessions through the school’s virtual portal, small class sizes, the interaction between classmates and faculty, and more.
This degree requires 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Child Advocacy Research Methods and Evaluation, Child Advocacy Policy and Practice, child psychologist classes, and Child Welfare Policy.
3. The University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Online Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
Tuition: $16,825
Students at the University of South Florida are treated to a 100 percent online accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that is offered through the school’s virtual portal. This program is conferred through the school’s online department and has no residency requirements; students will be required to complete an internship that takes place in their community under the supervision of an approved preceptor. This degree’s courses can be found online in either an asynchronous or synchronous format; courses adhere to the traditional 16-week format, meaning that students who study full-time will complete the degree in just two years. This degree requires 42 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or a portfolio, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Policy, child psychologist classes,Cultural Competency in Children’s Mental Health, and Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health.
2. The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Online Master of Arts in Child and Family Studies
Tuition: $16,687
The University of Southern Mississippi offers students the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that can be completed 100 percent online and in two years. This degree was designed for working professionals and was created with a thesis or non-thesis option choice.
Students will complete all of their coursework requirements online through the school’s online learning management system; courses follow the traditional 16-week session length and are asynchronous or synchronous in nature. This degree requires 37 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Critical Issues in Child Development, Intimate Relationship Development, child psychologist classes, and Adulthood and Aging in the Family System.
1. CUNY School of Professional Studies
New York City, New York
Online Master of Arts in Psychology, Specialization in Developmental Psychology
Tuition: $16,155
The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers an accelerated online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology that is perfect for working professionals who are interested in specializing in developmental psychology. This is a 100 percent online course of study that can be completed in two years or less when students choose to study full-time.
This degree is conferred through the school’s online learning management system; courses run in 16-week sessions and are delivered asynchronously or synchronously. Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Theories of Personality, child psychologist classes, Atypical Development, and Cognitive Development.
What are the Career Options for an Accelerated Online Master’s in Adolescent Psychology Degree?
- Child Development Specialist
- School Psychologist
- Developmental Play Specialist
- Care Coordinator
- Sexual Health Educator
- Family Program Administrator
- Executive Coach
- Early Childhood Educator
- Research Assistant
- Community Outreach Specialist
- Nonprofit Program Manager
- Foster Care Coordinator
- Group Facilitator
- Substance Abuse Specialist
- Resource Specialist
- Child psychologist
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The median salary for psychologists who specialize in adolescents is $70,580. The actual salary range is between $40,000 to $177,250. The range is broad because there are a variety of career options in the adolescent psychology field that include entry-level and senior-level positions.
The range mentioned above includes salaries for therapists, licensed counselors, psychiatrists, and more. Professionals will find that the majority of high-paying positions will require, at a minimum, a graduate degree in the field; in some cases, a medical degree and license are also necessary. Even the positions on the lower spectrum will require a graduate degree.
What are the Various Disciplines of Adolescent Psychology?
Adolescent psychology is primarily concerned with development and psychology. Adolescence is a complex time in every person’s life and is punctuated by chemical and hormonal changes that may play a role in their psychological health. It is therefore important to have a subfield of psychology especially dedicated to this timeframe in an individual’s life.
There are other disciplines that play a role in adolescent psychology; biology, chemistry, neurology, human development, and more. Other disciplines, such as family counseling, substance abuse, cultural diversity, the law and more, all inform the discipline. Depending on a professional’s specialization, they may find that one or more of the above disciplines take precedence in their work.
Professionals in the field of adolescent psychology are among the best suited to help their clients understand the changes and issues that they are faced with every day. These psychologists work diligently to better the lives of their clients as well as to inform the field to ensure that any new developments in the field are applied in their practice.
While this is a demanding field that requires that working professionals earn an accelerated online master’s in adolescent psychology, it is a career that positively impacts younger generations so they can succeed in life.
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