Introduction to Developmental Psychology Careers
Without knowing it, most people will, at one time or another, rely on the lessons of developmental psychology. Whenever parents gauge whether their children are meeting language-acquisition milestones, juries consider a defendants ability to understand the consequences of criminal actions, or children express concern over their aging parents forgetfulness, they are asking questions that relate directly to developmental psychology. If you have thought about these issues, and want to help answer them, you should consider a career as a developmental psychologist.
Developmental Psychology Job Description
Developmental psychologists study the manner in which humans (and sometimes animals) psychologically develop throughout their lifetimes, attempting to understand the mechanisms that underlie development.
Developmental psychologists can pinpoint their interests along two dimensions: stage and type. Stages of development include infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle and old age. The principal types of development studied are physical (i.e., neurological), cognitive (thought processes), and social (emotions, interactions and personal identity).
Developmental Psychology Requirements
As undergraduates, candidates often major in psychology or a cognitive neuroscience. Graduate programs vary in their requirements concerning the specific undergraduate major. Typically, some collegiate exposure to psychology, biology and statistics is necessary. Graduate programs offer both masters and doctoral level degrees in developmental psychology, and usually require that candidates have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Developmental psychologists generally engage in research. Programs that offer clinical exposure in the form of patient care require a specialized course of study and supervised professional experience, which satisfies government and licensing requirements. There is no specific license for developmental psychologists, and those that aspire to a career in clinical practice often obtain a license as clinical or educational psychologists.
Developmental Psychology Career Outlook
Developmental psychologists earn, on average, $55,000 to $65,000, though exact salary can be significantly higher (or lower) depending on experience, geographic location, and competence. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% growth in psychologist employment, so job prospects for graduates–particularly those with doctoral degrees–appear to be good. Developmental psychologists are usually found in research positions at universities, though some, particularly those who have obtained a clinical license to work in schools, hospitals and mental health centers.
Developmental Psychology Trends
The field continues to grow as the modern era ushers in new questions and novel problems. For instance, as the average human lifespan increases, psychologists continue to explore the often uncharted territory of development into old age. Developmental psychologists have also become involved in studying the role of computers and other forms of technology in human development. New frontiers are likely to open as advances in genetics prompt a deeper understanding of development and the potential to genetically alter its course.
Developmental Psychology Degree Programs
Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Developmental Psychology programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 281 schools across the country.