Online M.A. in
applied child and adolescent development

Applications for the online MA program are currently open until February 15th. Students can only apply for the Summer term. View application instructions.

Attend an upcoming virtual info session on graduate programs at the Institute of Child Development! The Psychology Grad School Virtual Fair is Thursday, Oct. 5 from 10 am - 2 pm CT.

Learn how to draw on developmental science to address the needs of children and adolescents in advocacy, community, and health care settings. Acquire the field experience and strategies you need to put theory into practice when and where it benefits children and adolescents most.

In this program, you’ll take core courses in advanced developmental psychology, cognitive and biological development, social and emotional development, research methods, and ethics. Then, you’ll complete coursework in one of three specializations: infant and early childhood mental health, child life, or individualized studies.

This an online program. View information about University of Minnesota (U of M) online programs, including technical requirements and student resources.

Find what drives you: Join us

  • Be a part of a community devoted to understanding and supporting how children learn and grow.
  • Study with award-winning faculty from the #1 developmental psychology program in the nation (Ranked in 2017 by U.S. News and World Report).
  • Earn your degree online: learn from where you are, when it’s convenient for you.

How to apply

Are you interested in taking a graduate course but aren't a student at the U of M? Visit OneStop Student Services to learn more about how to register.

Choose your specialization

In our program, you'll build a strong foundation in child and adolescent development and choose a specialization from one of our three track options. Click on a track below to learn more about coursework and career opportunities.

Child life

Prepare to be a child life specialist, a trained professional who helps children cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization.

Individualized studies

Personalize your degree by selecting elective courses that you can apply to a career field that interests you.

Infant and early childhood mental health

Prepare for a career that incorporates early childhood mental health practice or policy. Live in Minnesota? Pursue an option to prepare for a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) license.

Tuition and funding

Students who take all their courses online qualify for the Minnesota resident tuition rate. Tuition for our MA program follows the University’s general resident graduate tuition rates. Full-time enrollment is 6 to 14 credits per semester. Each track in our MA program has its own course and credit requirements.

Learn more and get in touch

Info session recording

We've put together an info session to provide an overview of the online MA program, its three tracks—child life, infant and early childhood mental health, and individualized studies—and application materials and requirements. We invite you to watch the info session and get in touch if you have any questions.