Online graduate minor in infant and early childhood mental health
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.
Curriculum
To earn a master's or doctoral level minor, you'll take three foundational courses in infant and early childhood mental health:
- CPSY 5503: Development and Psychopathology in Early Childhood (3 credits - Spring semester only) [A-F]
- CPSY 5513: Early Childhood Assessment (3 credits - Summer semester only) [A-F]
- CPSY 5518: Prevention and Intervention in Early Childhood: Principles (3 credits - Fall semester only) [A-F]
Master’s level minor
In addition to the three required courses, you have the option of taking a three-credit field experience course.
- CPSY 5996: Field Experience in Applied Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits) [S-N]
Doctoral level minor
In addition to the three foundational courses, you'll complete three more required one-credit courses. You have the option of taking a three-credit field experience course.
Required courses
- CPSY 5506: Infant Observation Seminar I (1 credit - Spring semester only) [S-N]
- CPSY 5508: Infant Observation Seminar II (1 credit - Summer semester only) [S-N]
- CPSY 5511: Infant Observation Seminar III (1 credit - Fall semester only) [S-N]
Optional field experience
- CPSY 5996: Field Experience in Applied Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits) [S-N]
How to apply
You’re eligible to pursue a graduate minor in infant and early childhood mental health if you’re actively pursuing another master’s or doctoral degree at the University of Minnesota.
If you’re a master's degree student, you must declare a minor prior to your final exam.
If you’re a doctoral student, you must declare a minor prior to passing your doctoral program’s preliminary oral exam.
Questions?
We’re here to help. Get in touch with our academic and student services team: carls032@umn.edu.
Elizabeth Carlson, PhD, is affiliated graduate faculty at the Institute of Child Development and director of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health certificate program. Her research focuses on the role of early experience in development, including how individuals become vulnerable to psychopathology and the impact of trauma on development.