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
Doctoral student spotlight: Jaylen Santos Doctoral student spotlight: Jaylen Santos
Jaylen Santos was selected for a Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Fellowship in 2025-26, engagin in research related to pediatric and adolescent health as well as multidisciplinary leadership and advocacy training.
Alumna spotlight: Bria Gresham Alumna spotlight: Bria Gresham
From an early age, Bria Gresham, PhD '25, was interested in child advocacy, but it was her first developmental psychology class that both helped her make sense of her own experiences and inspired her career path.
Dr. Stephanie Carlson announced as next Director of ICD Dr. Stephanie Carlson announced as next Director of ICD
The Institute of Child Development announces Dr. Stephanie Carlson as its next director.
Doctoral candidate Hopewell Hodges on talking with children about immigration enforcement activities Doctoral candidate Hopewell Hodges on talking with children about immigration enforcement activities
Last year, Hopewell Hodges heard from her personal and professional connections about children worried that immigration enforcement could affect their families. Her training in developmental resilience science motivated her to act.
Resources for supporting children affected by federal enforcement actions Resources for supporting children affected by federal enforcement actions
In light of recent immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis, we recognize that families in our community are facing profound uncertainty, fear, and distress. These resources offer guidance on supporting children through this crisis.
Meghan Allen Eliason receives Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Meghan Allen Eliason receives Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Senior Academic Advisor Meghan Allen Eliason was recognized with the 2025-2026 John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising.
Ann Masten receives Distinguished Alumni Award Ann Masten receives Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes community builders and leaders who make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, families, schools, and organizations, and whose achievements bring honor to the College of Education and Human…
Meet our first-year doctoral students Meet our first-year doctoral students
The ICD community is excited to welcome five new PhD candidates in 2025. Meet Regan Andringa-Seed, Elena Busick, Spencer Carter, Juliette Chartier, and Isabella Viducich!
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 master's (MA) in applied child and adolescent development Online master's (MA) in applied child and adolescent development
Get your master’s degree in adolescent and child development, and support the mental health of children and families with a foundation in infant and early childhood mental health.
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.
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.