Developmental psychologists study the physiological, cognitive, and social development that takes place throughout life. Because so much of our development happens between birth and 7-8 years of age, many psychology professionals specialize in early development and child psychology. Many clinical child psychologists help children deal with personal issues, like divorce or the death of a loved one, by offering ways of interpreting problems and situations in a way that young people can understand.

Stages of Child Development

Child development is a process every child goes through. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs in developmental and child psychology typically cover the various stages of development and the skills mastered at each level, called developmental milestones. The five main areas of development include:

• Cognitive Development - the ability to learn and solve problems.
• Social and Emotional Development - the ability to interact with others, including helping themselves and self-control.
• Speech and Language Development - the ability to both understand and use language.
• Fine Motor Skill Development - the ability to use small muscles, specifically their hands and fingers.
• Gross Motor Skill Development - the ability to use large muscles.

Some developmental psychologists specialize in behavior during a particular stage like infancy, childhood, and adolescence, as well as changes that occur during maturity or old age. Other developmental psychologists study developmental disabilities and their effects and may specialize in working with children that are slow to develop or have been diagnosed with a specific developmental disorder like cerebral palsy, vision or hearing loss, or autism spectrum disorders.

Finding the best online or campus program means finding a degree that fits your lifestyle and is in line with your academic and career goals. Whether you're looking to start a new career or enhance your current skills, accredited online and campus degrees in developmental and child psychology have helped many achieve success and improve the lives of others.