College of Education and Human Development

Institute of Child Development

Bringing the science of development to life

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

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.

Photos of Alharith Dameh, Zach Douglas, Grace Goller

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).

Group photo of ICD PhD alumni

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.

Photo of Norwood Glaspie

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.

Group photo of ICD PhD cohort
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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

    Developmental psychology BS / BA Developmental psychology BS / BA

    Study human development across the lifespan. Complete coursework in topics including social and emotional development, cognitive development, language development, emotional and behavioral disorders, biological development, and research methods

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    Early childhood BS Early childhood BS

    Do you want to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families? Are you passionate about ensuring that every child has access to quality early learning experiences? If so, then consider a degree in early childhood.

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    Minors

    Undergraduate developmental psychology minor Undergraduate developmental psychology minor

    Supplement your major by gaining expertise in developmental psychology. A minor in developmental psychology is often paired with majors like psychology, neuroscience, sociology, family social science, early childhood education, or business

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    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

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    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.

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    Master's programs

    Early care and education MEd (non-licensure) Early care and education MEd (non-licensure)

    The Early Care and Education MEd provides students with a robust preparation for work as leaders in the field of early childhood education.

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    Early childhood education MEd (licensure) Early childhood education MEd (licensure)

    Earn a license to teach in early childhood (birth-3rd grade) classrooms in Minnesota. Build a strong foundation in child development theory, research, and developmentally appropriate methods that you can apply in the classroom.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

    100%
    of students in our undergraduate and graduate early childhood education programs student teach at the Lab School.

    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.