Making a difference, one discovery at a time
We know this: early experiences matter. For 100 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
Jed Elison named Distinguished McKnight University Professor Jed Elison named Distinguished McKnight University Professor
Institute of Child Development Professor Jed Elison has been named a Distinguished McKnight University Professor, an honor that recognizes outstanding faculty members who have recently achieved full professor status.
Meet undergraduate student employee Zainab Ahmad Meet undergraduate student employee Zainab Ahmad
Junior Zainab Ahmad shares the origin of her interest in her major, developmental psychology, and reveals her favorite class so far. She also talks about her work as a research assistant on a project studying adverse childhood experiences.
Meet undergraduate student employee Mirka Zhagui Meet undergraduate student employee Mirka Zhagui
Junior Mirka Zhagui talks about life experiences that led her to choose the early and elementary education track in ICD’s early childhood BS program and about her career goals.
Q & A with online MA student Jenna DeBruin Q & A with online MA student Jenna DeBruin
A behavioral interventionist currently enrolled in the online MA in applied child and adolescent development, Jenna DeBruin was inspired to pursue graduate education when she volunteered in a children's hospital.
Masten, Ip and Eales receive 2025 SRCD Biennial Awards Masten, Ip and Eales receive 2025 SRCD Biennial Awards
Two ICD faculty members and a recent PhD graduate were recipients of 2025 Biennial Awards from the Society for Research in Child Development.
Q & A with online MA student Laura Zumbrunnen Q & A with online MA student Laura Zumbrunnen
Laura Zumbrunnen enjoyed a multifaceted career in healthcare and engineering. In retirement, she wanted to continue to learn new things, and she wanted to find a new way to contribute to social justice causes.
Alumni highlight: MA graduate Krystle Holliday's journey into the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health field Alumni highlight: MA graduate Krystle Holliday's journey into the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health field
Krystle Holliday completed a master's degree in the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health track at ICD so she could pursue her goals of becoming a Black mental health professional and working to support young children and parents.
ICD undergrads selected for Tom Burnett Leadership Program ICD undergrads selected for Tom Burnett Leadership Program
Three ICD undergraduate developmental psychology students were selected to be participants in the Tom Burnett Advanced Leadership Program in the Office of Undergraduate Education.
Two ICD alumni receive CEHD Distinguished Alumni Awards Two ICD alumni receive CEHD Distinguished Alumni Awards
The College of Education and Human Development recently celebrated its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards with a ceremony to recognize the achievements of 13 alumni, including ICD alumni Maureen O'Brien (PhD '91) and Jamie Ostrov (PhD '04).
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.
ICD celebrates 100 years in 2025.
A century of advancing developmental science
In 2025, the Institute of Child Development (ICD) celebrates its Centennial—a century of leading the field of developmental science and advancing discoveries that have improved children’s wellbeing across the world.