B.S./B.A. in developmental psychology
Study behavioral development across the lifespan. Complete coursework in topic areas including social and emotional development, cognitive development, language development, emotional and behavioral disorders, biological development, and research methods.
Our developmental psychology undergraduate program is offered through the College of Liberal Arts.
- Take classes with field-leading faculty in the #1 ranked developmental psychology program in the nation (U.S. News and World Report, 2018).
- Prepare for graduate study or a meaningful career in a field that impacts the lives of children and youth.
- Have the opportunity to study abroad and experience child development across cultures through classes and internships in places like France, Denmark, London, or Australia.
- Join the Child Psychology Student Organization to connect with other developmental psychology students and engage with our surrounding community.
100%
of students complete directed research with a faculty member or an internship experience
Choose your degree path
Bachelor of arts (B.A.)
Build a liberal arts foundation that includes a second language requirement. Take courses in developmental psychology and complete an internship or directed experience to apply what you learn. Learn more
Bachelor of science (B.S.)
Pursue a degree with a stronger emphasis on research. Replace the second language requirement with additional courses in development psychology. Complete an internship and directed research experience in the field of developmental psychology. Learn more
Minor
Take classes in social and cognitive development. A minor in developmental psychology is often paired with majors like psychology, neuroscience, sociology, family social science, early childhood education, or business. Learn more
Meet your advisor
We're here to answer any questions you have about the program.
I meet with undergraduate students to discuss program requirements and career goals. I am excited to get to know you and help you along your path. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions.
Academic advisor: Meghan Allen Eliason
Get in touch: cpsyadvis@umn.edu
Schedule an appointment
Careers
With a degree in developmental psychology, you'll be prepared for graduate study or for a career in fields like health care, science, education, business, consulting, marketing, nonprofit, human services, and social justice.
Our alumni have pursued careers including:
- Behavioral Therapist Aide - Partners in Excellence
- Program Coordinator - Meridian Services
- Child Development Specialist - Recovery Resource Center
- Mental Health Associate - Allina Abbott Northwestern Hospital
- Special Education Paraprofessional - Independent School District 197
- Child Care Teacher - Encompass Early Education and Care
- Health & Benefits Consulting Analyst - Mercer
- Marketing Assistant - University of Minnesota
- Domestic And Sexual Violence Advocate - Cornerstone Advocacy Services
- Youth Response Center Leader - The Bridge for Youth
- Parks and Recreation Leader - City of Hopkins and Minnetonka
- Child Protection Social Worker - Hennepin County Child Protection
Tuition and funding
Visit OneStop Student Services to learn more about tuition and financing.
Visit the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) financial aid and scholarships page to find out more about CLA-specific opportunities.
Anne D. Pick Award for Outstanding Child Development Major
The Anne D. Pick Award honors Professor Anne Pick’s commitment to undergraduate students and their education. Students who major in developmental psychology at ICD are eligible to receive the Anne D. Pick award. Recipients of the award receive a certificate and a scholarship of $500 and up to $250 in travel/research funds. Students also have their name inscribed on a plaque at ICD. Students who have reached their maximum financial aid award are not eligible for the $500 scholarship, but will be eligible for up to $750 in travel/research funds. Learn more
Additional resources
- OneStop: Grants, education benefits, and tuition waivers or reductions
- Office of Admissions scholarship information
- Office of Admissions financial aid basics
- McNair Scholars program
- CLA scholarships for continuing students
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
- Office for Equity and Diversity scholarships
- Disability Resource Center scholarship information
- Women’s Center scholarship information
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Funding
Get started
Freshman admissions
Freshman admissions are handled through the University Admissions Office.
Transfer admissions
If you're interested in transferring to CLA, review their transfer admissions website.
You're considered a transfer student if you're a high school graduate who has registered or enrolled at a college, university, or any other school after graduating from high school. Current UMN students who are not in CLA are also considered transfer students.
Declare or add a major
Are you a current CLA student who is ready to declare your major or a student in another UMN college who would like to add a developmental psychology major?
To declare a major in Developmental Psychology, you must attend an in-person declaration session in the Institute of Child Development. Sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes, and you must register in advance via the online advising calendar. See a list of upcoming dates below. When you sign up, indicate if you plan to declare the BA or BS degree. Email cpsyadvis@umn.edu if you absolutely cannot make any of the times and we will explore alternatives.
Before declaring, be sure that you've completed or are currently enrolled in CPSY 2301 or 3301: Introduction to Child Psychology (or an equivalent transfer course).
After attending a major declaration session, the advising office will submit your declaration information to CLA for processing, and then it will appear on your academic record and populate your APAS report.
If you would like to add a minor in developmental psychology please visit this page for requirements and the declaration process. Declaring a minor does not require an info session, but you are welcome to attend one to learn more about the department.
Finally, if you are not yet ready to declare but just want to know more about our department, we recommend attending one of the declaration sessions simply to hear the presentation and meet an advisor.
Upcoming major declaration session dates
Pick your date and register via the online advising calendar; in the notes please indicate if you plan to declare a BA or BS and if you have particular questions.
Fall 2019 major declaration sessions
All rooms listed below are located in the Institute of Child Development Building, 51 East River Road
- Monday, September 30 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 105
- Tuesday, October 8, from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in room 172
- Thursday, October 17 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. in room 172
- Friday, October 25 from 12 p.m.-1:00 p.m. in room 172
- Tuesday, October 29 from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in room 172
- Thursday, November 7 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. in room 172
- Monday, November 11 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 105
- Thursday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 in room 172
- Friday, November 22 from 12 p.m.-1:00 p.m. in room 172
- Tuesday, November 26 from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in room 172
- Monday, December 2 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 105
- Tuesday, December 10 from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in room 172
- Monday, December 16 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 105
Are you interested in taking an undergraduate developmental psychology course but aren't a student at the University of Minnesota? Visit OneStop Student Services to learn more about how to register.