Making a difference, one discovery at a time
We know this: early experiences matter. For more than 90 years, our faculty and students have been working together to increase knowledge about human development. But our work doesn’t stop there. At the Institute of Child Development (ICD), we’re also dedicated to solving real-world challenges that affect people at every stage of life. We prepare our students to bring science-based solutions to classrooms, communities, and families.
Take your next step with us. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of children and youth.
Latest from ICD
Meet ICD's new Department Administrator Abigail Alves Meet ICD's new Department Administrator Abigail Alves
ICD's new Department Administrator Abigail Alves joined us in October and shares more about her path to ICD in this Q&A.
Equitable development for all children Equitable development for all children
ICD PhD student Norwood Glaspie shares how doctoral fellowships and scholarships have boosted his academic journey and supported his research into how children learn about social inequality.
Early educators’ tour of German Kitas highlights differences from U.S. early childhood programs Early educators’ tour of German Kitas highlights differences from U.S. early childhood programs
How does early childhood education in German compare to the U.S. system? Child Development Laboratory School educators TaylorMae Ippolito and Alyssa Wilt share what they learned on a two-week tour of German Kitas, or child care centers.
PhD student Freddie Corcoran on risk and resilience, and translating research into practice PhD student Freddie Corcoran on risk and resilience, and translating research into practice
Freddie Corcoran is a fourth-year PhD student in developmental psychology at ICD. In this Q & A, she shares her experience in the program and why it’s important for researchers to collaborate with practitioners.
Meet ICD's 2024 PhD Cohort Meet ICD's 2024 PhD Cohort
In August 2024, ICD welcomed four new students to the Developmental Psychology PhD program. Get to know our new cohort.
Alumni highlight: Jeeva Palanisamy reflects on his undergrad experiences at ICD as he starts Internal Medicine residency at Mayo Clinic Alumni highlight: Jeeva Palanisamy reflects on his undergrad experiences at ICD as he starts Internal Medicine residency at Mayo Clinic
Dr. Jeeva Palanisamy is a 2018 graduate of the Institute of Child Development and shares more about his journey from a developmental psychology major to medical school.
Dakota Language Nest educator to create mural at CDLS Dakota Language Nest educator to create mural at CDLS
Learn about a new mural underway at the Child Development Laboratory School from artist and educator Wóokiye Wiŋ.
Ann Masten and PhD alumnus Angela Narayan receive awards from Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology Ann Masten and PhD alumnus Angela Narayan receive awards from Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Regents Professor Ann Masten and ICD PhD alumnus Angela Narayan received awards from the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology this month.
Welcome to new ICD staff Welcome to new ICD staff
ICD welcomes three new staff members for the academic year 2024-25. Welcome to Hannah Baxter, Tom Boyle, and Addy Hernick!
Learn about us: programs and degrees
Our academic programs are grounded in the latest research in human development. What this means: you’ll be prepared to bring science-based solutions to real-world challenges. Through our programs, we create classroom, research, and community engagement opportunities that prepare students to be leaders in fields that impact children, youth, and families. No matter your degree path, our courses, advisors, and top-ranked faculty can help you discover what’s next.
Undergraduate programs
Minors
Online infant and early childhood mental health graduate minor Online infant and early childhood mental health graduate minor
Gain knowledge of developmental processes related to competence, psychopathology, and resilience. Learn how to apply theory and research to meet the needs of children, families, and communities. All courses are online
Doctoral developmental psychology minor Doctoral developmental psychology minor
Supplement your doctoral studies with a minor in developmental psychology. In our minor, you’ll take foundational courses in cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Master's programs
Online applied child & adolescent development MA Online applied child & adolescent development MA
Choose a specialization in either child life, infant and early childhood mental health, or individualized studies
Doctoral programs
Developmental psychology Developmental psychology
Blend research and clinical practice. Study with award-winning faculty at the #1 ranked developmental psychology graduate program in the nation.
Certificates
Early childhood additional license Early childhood additional license
Our additional licensure program is for individuals who have a current Minnesota license in elementary education and want to add a license in early childhood.
Online infant and early childhood education mental health certificate Online infant and early childhood education mental health certificate
Our online certificate program prepares students and professionals to address the socioemotional and mental health needs of young children and their families
We're driven to close the opportunity gap
ICD Regents Professor Megan Gunnar, PhD, is dedicated to understanding the complex set of experiences that allow a child to thrive.
Read about how we're promoting healthy development for all children >
Child Development Laboratory School
We're home to one of the longest-running laboratory schools in the nation. Are you an aspiring early childhood educator? Train right on campus. See yourself as a future researcher? Work with the Lab School to bring your study to life.
The new Carmen D. and James R. Campbell Hall - home to the Institute of Child Development.
Introducing Campbell Hall
The Institute of Child Development's new home is an investment in the future. The completed Carmen D. and James R. Campbell Hall ushers in a new era for ICD's hallmark programs—research and teaching on the science of human development and early childhood education.