About the child psychology undergraduate program

Comments from students

"Being able to participate in directed research has allowed me to know professors on a more personal basis and be part of cutting edge research, and field applications."

"Every time you open a child psychology or developmental psychology textbook the people from ICD are cited all over the place."

"This is how a university department is supposed to be: the best instructors, a supportive advising office, a variety of activities and opportunities, all wrapped up in a warm and friendly environment."

Child psychology involves the study of behavioral development from the prenatal period to maturity in the areas of cognition, ethology, genetics, language, learning, perception, and social behavior.

The Institute of Child Development, housed in the College of Education and Human Development, offers a bachelor of arts (B.A.), a bachelor of science (B.S.), and a minor in child psychology through the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). All undergraduate child psychology courses are considered CLA courses and they count toward the CLA graduation requirements.

Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees prepare students for graduate study in psychology, education, medicine, law, sociology, and other behavioral sciences. In addition, with its combination of intensive training in developmental psychology and in-depth field experience, the B.S. prepares students for careers and additional training in such areas as early childhood education, counseling, and human service programs.

The Institute of Child Development was established in 1925 to conduct training and research on the development of infants, children, and youth and to apply this knowledge to improving the quality of human life. It has an international reputation for research on biological, sensory, perceptual, cognitive/learning, social, and emotional development.

Institute faculty members are distinguished leaders in the field of child psychology, holding offices and editorships in many professional organizations. They serve in advisory or consulting positions for many national and state agencies and receive research grants from numerous foundations. Faculty routinely collaborate with other University departments.

More information:
How to apply
Earning a degree in child psychology
Special programs for undergraduates in child psychology