Child psychology is a sub-discipline of psychology that studies children. It is concerned with their minds and behavior patterns, as well as development that begins before a child is born and continues until adolescence is completed. A child psychologist is a psychologist who specializes in children. Obtaining a start in this field usually necessitates earning a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree.
In many places, a person must gain admission to college, maintain a good grade point average, and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in order to work as a child psychologist. He can major in any subject he wants in college, but majoring in psychology or something related to it might be beneficial for graduate school later on. It’s a good idea to take psychology and child development classes regardless of one’s major. Some graduate schools prefer applicants who studied statistics in college, as statistics knowledge can be useful not only in graduate school but also throughout a psychology career. Long before it’s time to apply, many aspiring psychologists contact graduate schools to inquire about admission requirements.
Another important step on the path to becoming a child psychologist is to volunteer. Volunteering with children can benefit aspiring child psychologists in two ways. First, they can determine whether they are comfortable working with children ahead of time, and second, they can demonstrate to graduate school admissions officers that they are committed to working with children.
Tests are frequently required in the early stages of a career in child psychology. The aspiring child psychologist may be required to take a test called the Graduate Record Examination near the end of junior year or the beginning of senior year of college (GRE). This test is required for admission to graduate schools in the United States as well as schools in other countries where English is the primary language. A student’s academic abilities are expected to be indicated by their GRE score.
The next step in pursuing a career in child psychology is graduate school. A master’s degree in child psychology, which typically takes two years to complete, is an option for aspiring child psychologists. He could also pursue a doctorate degree, known as a PhD, which could take up to five years to complete. A PhD, on the other hand, usually means more job opportunities, and it may be required for those who want to run their own practice.
Before you can work as a child psychologist, you may need to obtain licensing, depending on where you live. In the United States, for example, a person must apply for licensure and pass an examination administered by his state. A prospective child psychologist in Canada would apply to his province’s psychology board for licensure, whereas a child psychologist in New Zealand would apply to the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Child psychology licensing requirements differ depending on the country in which the person wishes to practice.