Developmental Psychology Programs

What is Developmental Psychology?

As awareness of mental illness and common sources of stress continue to grow, the field of psychology is rapidly expanding. Developmental psychology is one of the main fields of psychology, because it encompasses all individuals. From those with mild stress to those with mental conditions, developmental psychology plays a crucial role in the function of many clients. As a result, developmental psychologists are know found in many different settings, including schools, hospitals, and nonprofit agencies. In these settings, psychology professionals are expected to work with a wide array of patients, including elderly individuals, teens, children, those who are mentally ill, and disabled individuals. Families, victims of abuse, and those who fell victim to drug/alcohol abuse are all common consumers of developmental psychologist services.

Developmental Psychologist Education

Individuals who go into the field of developmental psychology are expected to research and study contextual aspects of life such as gender and culture as well as socioeconomic factors. Since this field encompasses almost any aspect of the human experience, many developmental psychologists choose to narrow their field of study down to a particular stage of life (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, geriatric, etc.). Many career opportunities within this field require candidates to have at least a Master’s Degree in Psychology. However, internships and social field work allow students to gain work experience before graduating college. Positions that entail duties such as teaching and those that are research-based usually require a Ph.D. Some individuals may even be eligible to participate in student teaching prior to graduation in order to gain more experience.

Developmental Psychologist Salary

Since there are so many diverse opportunities within the psychology field, one can expect a variance in salaries. While a behavioral technician may make a median of $25,000 annually, a psychologist can expect to earn around $85,000 annually. Psychology assistants also rank at the lower end with annual earnings of around $40,000, while an educational diagnostician can expect to earn around $68,000. As with any other career, salaries increase with education and experience. Salaries may also vary between different geographic areas and may be dependent on the need of such services in any particular setting.

What do developmental psychologists do?

Depending on the type of facility one is employed at, a developmental psychologist can perform a wide array of duties. From performing psychology-based research to working independently as a counselor, developmental psychologists have many career options. From a typical day as a preschool counselor to one as a rehabilitation assistant as a residential facility, developmental psychologists are needed in various settings to perform a wide array of duties pertaining to the well-being of patients. No matter what setting one is employed within, the ultimate duty of a developmental psychologist is to help individuals deal with stress that is caused by common occurrences. Eliminating or managing stress can lead to better health, less anxiety, and more pleasure from daily life for most clients. In the case of children, simply having another caring individual listen to their concerns can relieve stress and enhance desirable behavior.

Developmental Psychologist Resources

American Psychological Association – The world’s largest association of psychologists, consisting of over 137,000 researchers, consultants, researchers, and clinicians.
Social Psychology Network – Features developmental psychology subtopics with links for more information about each field.
Psychology Careers – Obtain details about the career field of developmental psychology, including current trends, pay rates, and duties.
Psychology Field – Explore the Princeton Review pertaining to developmental psychology and essential educational information for success in this field.
Child-Psych – A research blog that explores issues related to child psychology and parenting.
The Mouse Trap – Comprehensive scientific findings featured in a blog that is displayed from methodical and analytical viewpoints.
American Psychological Society – Offers a wide array of developmental psychology research that is education-, research-, and analytically-based.