EXPLORING DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Developmental psychology allows you to study developmental issues, including physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes throughout the lifespan. You will work directly with many different people, including children, the elderly, and families, focusing on causes and reasons behind behavior.
Degrees
Developmental Psychology (B.A.)
Major
Why Study Developmental Psychology?
Morningside University’s Developmental Psychology program examines how people grow and change throughout every stage of life. Students explore cognitive, emotional, and social development while preparing for graduate study and careers that support individuals and families.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Study development across the lifespan
- Explore child and aging populations
- Personalized faculty mentorship
- Preparation for graduate study
THE MORNINGSIDE DIFFERENCE
Internships
Morningside is nearly unmatched in its ability to provide you with an internship placement. Internships provide you with a chance to combine your knowledge and skills with projects that will help you grow and prepare for your career or graduate school.
Travel
You will have the opportunity to travel regionally, nationally, and even internationally for professional conferences, industry field trips, or May Term courses. Travel grants and special scholarship eligibility may be available.
Research & Active Learning
Research is at the core of Morningside’s psychology curriculum. From the very start of your student experience, you will have the opportunity to engage in research that allows you to understand the fundamentals as well as explore topics that interest you.
What Can I Do With This Degree?
A Child Development degree prepares you to support the growth, learning, and well-being of children and families across a variety of settings. Graduates gain a strong understanding of human development, behavior, and family dynamics, preparing them for careers in education, mental health, social services, healthcare, and youth advocacy, as well as graduate study. Potential careers include:
- Child or Family Therapist*
- Child Counselor*
- Child Development Researcher
- Social Services Provider
- Behavior Analyst*
- Youth Program Coordinator
- Child Life Specialist*
- Family Support Specialist
*Some careers require graduate education and professional certification or licensure.
Child Development graduates make a difference in organizations dedicated to supporting children and families. They work in schools, childcare centers, youth programs, healthcare organizations, mental health clinics, social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, helping children thrive at every stage of development. Graduates work in:
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Schools and Educational Organizations
- Childcare Centers
- Youth Programs
- Mental Health Clinics
- Healthcare Systems
- Social Service Agencies
- Government Agencies
Child Development students explore how children grow and develop from infancy through adulthood while gaining a strong foundation in psychology, research, and human behavior. Coursework examines cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development across the lifespan, with opportunities for hands-on service learning that prepares students to support children and families in real-world settings.
WHY STUDY AT MORNINGSIDE?
13:1
student/faculty ratio so you’re assured a quality education focused on you
99%
employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation
65+
majors & pre-professional programs available
Related Majors & Minors
Still looking for the right fit? check out some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.
Explore Related Programs
MEET THE FACULTY
Jessica Pleuss
Professor
Watching students develop from their first day on campus through to their senior year is a real privilege, and knowing I have a small part to play in that transformation is incredibly rewarding.
Jessica’s Profile
Jessica LaPaglia
Professor
I love the people at Morningside. Interacting with students and colleagues is always a highlight of my day.
Jessica’s Profile
Dr. Kim Christopherson
Professor
I hope students find their passion and their vocational calling, whatever that might be. I love engaging in project-based learning with my students allowing them to develop teamwork and leadership skills while also learning the content and how it can be applied outside of the classroom.
Kimberly’s Profile
Next Steps
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Financial Aid
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Contact Us
Our admissions team is eager to answer your questions about this program and how to apply.
