MS in Developmental Psychology
Request InformationExpand and focus your expertise with one of six specializations in the master’s in developmental psychology program.
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule October 10, 2022
- Up to 24 Credits
Explore our Online MS in Developmental Psychology
In Walden’s MS in Developmental Psychology online program, you can acquire and apply knowledge of human growth and development to advance your career in hospitals, advocacy organizations, research institutions, or nonprofits.
Our online master’s in developmental psychology program is geared toward the working professional. In this career-oriented program, you will interpret research and apply your learning to address the needs of diverse populations—and promote lasting change in the lives of children, teens, and adults.
The MS in Developmental Psychology program is not designed to prepare students to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.
Why Choose Walden?
You can choose the General Program or six specializations to tailor your study to what interests you most.
Study today’s most relevant issues such as development in the digital age and critical issues faced by populations such as children, the LGBTQ community, and the elderly.
Gain a global perspective from a diverse community of faculty and students as you examine international issues such as mass migration and refugee crises.
If you are interested in teaching, researching, or consulting, you can accelerate your progress toward a PhD by applying credits to Walden’s PhD in Developmental Psychology program.
Program Savings
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowProgram Details
Curriculum - General Program Specialization
Completion Requirements
- 48 quarter credits
- Core courses (33 cr.)
- Specialization courses (15 cr.)
This sequence represents the minimum credits to complete the program. The number of credits and the time to completion for the program may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-596-8162.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DPSY 6002 |
Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology
Students in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals, and they develop a program of study, a professional development plan, and strategies for online success. Students also explore resources used throughout the program, such as the online Walden University Library. They engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence. |
(3 cr.) |
| DPSY 6111 |
Themes and Theories of Developmental Psychology
Students in this course are introduced to concepts, theories, and research methods relevant to understanding developmental psychology. Developmental theories will be reviewed, including psychoanalytic, behaviorist, cognitive, social, and ecological theory. Students will critically examine the strengths and limitations of each theory and the research that contributed to each theory. Contemporary applications of developmental theories will be explored, with an emphasis on applications designed to effect positive social change. |
(5 cr.) |
| DPSY 6215 |
Lifespan Development
Students in this course are provided with an advanced overview of human development through the lifespan, including prenatal, childhood, adolescent, adult, and late-adult phases. Students examine and apply basic processes and theories to developmental milestones that occur within these phases of development. They explore factors of heredity and environmental elements on human development, and they consider ethical issues, research considerations, and global perspectives as they assess strategies to promote optimal development. Students also engage in coursework and discussions that highlight themes of diversity and social change. |
(5 cr.) |
| DPSY 6218 |
Gender and Human Development
In this course, students examine biopsychosocial theories of sex differences and conceptions of gender. Topics include history and theoretical perspectives on gender, differentiation of sex versus gender, gender similarities and differences, gender identity, and transgender psychology. Students will also learn about stereotypes, socialization and culture-appropriate social roles, and influence of socialization agents, such as family, schools, peers, and media on gender role development. Important developmental issues will be addressed as they relate to gender, such as body image, sexuality, emotion, communication, and cognition. Students also examine ethical considerations with regard to policy making and training on gender sensitivity. |
(5 cr.) |
| DPSY 6121 |
Development in the Digital Age
Students in this course examine the impact of social media and other digital technology on children, teens, and adults and at different stages of cognitive, social, and emotional development. They also examine how identity development, relationships, and socialization can be affected by the use of digital and social media. Students receive a historic review of electronic media research, including the effect of violent television on viewer behavior, which provides a foundation to examine the current impact of digital media. Current issues such as sexting, online harassment, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking are explored, along with strategies for mitigating these issues. Similarly, positive impacts of social media, such as building social groups, finding communities, overriding generational gaps, seeking health and mental health support and resources, are also explored. Students also examine generational, socioeconomic, and cultural differences in access to and use of digital media. Digital media literacy and public policy are explored, with an emphasis on positive social change. |
(5 cr.) |
| RSCH 6100Y |
Research Theory, Design, and Methods
In this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography. |
(4 cr.) |
| DPSY 6114 |
Language and Cognitive Development
Students in this course are introduced to theories and research related to the development of cognition and language acquisition. Both normative and individual differences will be explored. In the course, students will examine basic concepts in cognitive development in addition to problem solving, decision making, and creativity. Piagetian cognitive theory will be examined, as well as sociocultural and neurobiological perspectives. Contemporary research and theory will be reviewed, including information processing and theory of mind. Students will also learn about psycholinguistics, including the structure of language, stages of language acquisition, and multilingualism. Theories of language acquisition will be explored, including behaviorist and conditioning perspectives, Chomsky's perspective, neural networks, and linguistic relativity. Through the course, students will examine atypical development, such as cognitive delay, language disorders, and autism. |
(5 cr.) |
| DPSY 6217 |
Social and Emotional Development
Through this course, students review contemporary theory, research, and methods relevant to understanding social and emotional development through the lifespan and the way in which culture and context shape developmental processes. The focus of this course is on both normal and abnormal development and the emphasis on individual differences, and social and cultural diversity. Topics include early interaction, emotion and its expression and regulation, temperament, attachment through the lifespan, social cognition, family and peer relationships, prosocial and antisocial influences on human development, social identity, development of gender differences, and intimacy. Students will also explore topics in social-emotional development that are particular to middle and late adulthood, including the impact of retirement, changes in health, and dying and bereavement. |
(5 cr.) |
CHOOSE ONE COURSE FROM THE FOLLOWING TWO COURSES: |
||
| DPSY 6393 |
Capstone
Students are provided with the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program into a practical project designed to promote positive social change in a capstone project. During this course, students work on a capstone project in which they complete a major integrative paper on a topic related to their specialization, incorporating theoretical and practical knowledge as well as social scientific research skills acquired throughout the program. The instructor may approve other capstone projects presented by students. |
(5 cr.) |
| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition and Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 48 quarter credit | $548 per quarter hour | $26,304 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $165 | $825 |
| $27,129* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 15 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-675-1072.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
Learn moreProgram Savings
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowGeneral Program
Gain a broad understanding of developmental psychology and how you can apply its principles across the lifespan.
Administration and Leadership
Learn theories and research regarding developmental psychology while gaining knowledge and skills in the areas of organizational behavior, leadership development, and consulting.
Adult Development and Gerontology
Apply the latest theories and research on adult development to impact people’s lives.
Child and Adolescent Development
Apply the latest theories and research on child development, abnormal psychology, behavior analysis, and health to promote the well-being of children and adolescents in schools, communities, and families.
Health and Human Development
Apply the latest psychological research and theory in developmental psychology to real-world situations within healthcare and human and social services settings.
International Perspectives in Developmental Psychology
Learn how cultures impact human development; international perspectives on human development; and how current global crises impact development, including the physical and mental health of global populations.
Self-Designed
This specialization provides you with maximum flexibility by allowing you to design a program that most closely matches your personal and professional goals.
Program Outcomes
Career Outlook
With an MS in Developmental Psychology, you can work in a variety of settings, such as:
- Public and private hospitals
- Educational settings, including early childhood education centers
- Community organizations
- Senior centers or nursing and residential care facilities
- Nonprofit human service organizations
- Crisis intervention programs
- Rehabilitation centers
- Research institutions
- Mental health facilities
- Advocacy and policy organizations
- Individual and family services agencies
- Youth and adult correctional facilities
- Research, healthcare, or special education coordination and support organizations
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this program.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to:
- Describe the theoretical foundations of developmental psychology.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply principles of developmental psychology in areas of cognitive, language, social, and emotional functioning across the human development lifespan.
- Synthesize principles of developmental psychology theory and research.
- Apply principles of developmental psychology theory and research to real-world educational, social, health, and other settings.
- Interpret psychological theory and research related to developmental psychology.
- Describe developmental psychological theory, research, and practice from a multicultural and/or global perspective.
- Promote positive social change through the application of developmental psychology theory, research, and practice to scholarly and/or professional activities that promote positive social change.
Resources
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