The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports than one in five teens experiences mental health problems at some point during their adolescence. However, many of these young people never receive the help they need. To make matters worse, these problems don’t often go away. Instead, as teens become adults, their mental health issues may get worse and lead to drug abuse, relationship problems, poverty, and even criminal activity. If you’re interested in making a career out of helping teens cope with anxiety, depression, or more serious mental health disorders, then a bachelor’s degree in adolescent psychology may help you achieve your occupational goals. In this ranking, we’ll probe the top 25 adolescent psychology degree programs worth considering.
Types of degrees covered in this ranking include the following:
- BA in Psychology: Child & Adolescent Development
- BA in Psychology: Child Psychology
- BS in Child Development
- BA in Psychology: Developmental Psychology
- Bachelor’s in Psychology: Psychology and Children
- BA in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Services
- Bachelor’s in Psychology: Counseling
- BS in Child Learning and Development
- Bachelor’s in Psychology: Child Life
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Child and Family Studies
- BA in Children’s Studies
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition
- Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
- Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
- Net Price Below $20,000: 2 points
- Net Price Below $25,000: 1 point
Student to Faculty Ratio
- Less than 20:1: 1 point
- Less than 15: 1: 2 points
- Less than 10: 1: 3 points
Return on Investment (ROI) According to Payscale.com
- Top 500: 1 point
- Top 300: 2 points
- Top 150: 3 points
Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, writing/technology support, etc.)— 1 point per item
Concentrations/Specializations – 1 point per item
Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item Campus Diversity Support Network – 1 point per item
“Wow” Factor – 1 point (anything that would mark a program as unique. Special qualities that make a program “stand out from the crowd”)
Ranking the Best Adolescent Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
To develop this ranking of the top bachelor’s in adolescent psychology programs, our editors began with an initial pool of 36 colleges and universities. We then began applying the rating and ranking methodology above, focusing first on those schools identified as having the best return on investment, according to Payscale.com. In applying the methodology, other credible sources were consulted such as College Navigator and each school’s website. In the case of a tie, the more affordable school was awarded the higher ranking.
#25—Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
BA in Psychology: Child & Adolescent Development
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 82,693
Points: 4
The adolescent psychology bachelor’s degree option from Southern New Hampshire University is a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development. Major courses required for the degree include Lifespan Development, Psychology of Personality, and Cognitive Psychology, for example. Students will also take classes in the concentration such as Educational Psychology, Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence, and Social Development: Child and Adolescent. In addition to coursework, internship opportunities in adolescent psychology are also available. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 100 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $39,071
#24—Brandman University
Irvine, California
BA in Psychology: Child Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,276
Points: 4
Brandman University’s online bachelor of adolescent psychology is a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Child Psychology. Core requirements for this comprehensive 120-credit hour offering include Human Development Across the Lifespan, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, History and Systems of Psychology, and Social Psychology, for example. Students will also take classes in the concentration such as Psychology of Learning, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Preferred Behavior Enhancement. Brandman University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission to offer this adolescent psychology bachelor’s degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked its bachelor’s degree programs among the best in the nation.
Net Price: $27,446
#23—Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, Texas
Bachelor’s in Child Development
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,445
Points: 5
The bachelor’s in adolescent psychology option from Texas Christian University is an undergraduate major in child development. Offered through the school’s College of Science & Engineering, this 124-credit hour offering is multidisciplinary in nature and draws from disciplines such as education, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and nutritional sciences, for instance. Required classes include Comparative Psychology, Case Studies in Child Development, and Human Behavior and Social Environment. Students will also choose from elective offerings such as Child and Adolescent Development, Theories of Human Development, and Child Psychology. TCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this academic credential. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 100 national universities in the country.
Net Price: $37,344
#22—Emmanuel College
Boston, Massachusetts
BA in Psychology: Developmental Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,089
Points: 5
The bachelor’s in adolescent psychology program from Emmanuel College is a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental Psychology. Students enrolled in the program will take major courses such as General Psychology, Cognition, and Physiological Bases of Behavior, for instance. Classes in the concentration include Child Psychology, Adolescent Development, and Theories of Personality. A research or applied internship is also required prior to graduation. Emmanuel College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award the bachelor’s credential in adolescent psychology. U.S. News & World Report has placed it among the leading national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Net Price: $32,243
#21—East Texas Baptist University
Marshall, Texas
BS in Child Development
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,485
Points: 5
East Texas Baptist University offers a bachelor of adolescent psychology degree program through its School of Natural and Social Sciences and the Department of Behavioral Sciences. This BS in Child Development offering includes course titles such as Introduction to Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, and Introduction to Marriage and Family Counseling, for instance. A practicum in the behavioral sciences is also required prior to graduation. ETBU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this academic degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the 20 best regional colleges in the West.
Net Price: $21,850
#20—St. Mary’s College of California
Moraga, California
Bachelor’s in Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,795
Points: 6
The adolescent psychology bachelor’s degree program from St. Mary’s College of California is a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Child/Adolescent Development. Sample course titles comprising the curriculum for the program include Health Psychology, Advanced Psychological Statistics, Transpersonal Psychology, and Infancy and Childhood, for example. Internship opportunities are available to interested students. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited the college to award this bachelor’s degree in adolescent psychology. It’s also been ranked among the top 5 regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $35,332
#19—Hampshire College
Amherst, Massachusetts
Bachelor’s in Psychology: Psychology and Children
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,191
Points: 6
The adolescent psychology bachelor’s degree program from Hampshire College is a cross-disciplinary psychology major with an emphasis in Psychology and Children. The curriculum for this offering includes course titles such as Adolescent Development, Rethinking Childhood, Psychoanalytic Approaches to Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents, and Cognitive Development, for example. The college is also home to a child development research laboratory. Hampshire College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this academic credential.
Net Price: $32,569
#18—McPherson College
McPherson, Kansas
Bachelor’s in Psychology: Child Development
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 772
Points: 6
The bachelor’s in adolescent psychology from McPherson College is a BA program in psychology with an emphasis in Child Development. Requirements for the major include Introduction to Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Counseling, and Abnormal Psychology, for instance. Courses in the concentration include Applied Behavior Analysis and Youth, Parent-Child Relations, and Child Development and Social Policy. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited McPherson College to award this adolescent psychology credential. The school has also been ranked among the 30 best regional colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $22,094
#17—Bay Path University
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
BA in Psychology: Child Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,923
Points: 6
The bachelor’s in adolescent psychology from Bay Path University is a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Psychology. The curriculum for the program covers topics such as adolescent mental health, developmental psychology, family dynamics, and education. Internship opportunities are also available as are double major options. The school also offers an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s track for interested students. The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited Bay Path to offer these academic programs and credentials. U.S. News & World Report has also recognized the school as one of the top 100 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $21,100
#16—Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
BA in Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,437
Points: 6
The adolescent psychology bachelor’s offering from the Metropolitan State University of Denver is a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental Psychology. Required courses for the degree include Introductory Psychology, Statistics and Research Methods for the Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Applications of Psychological Research Methods, for instance. Students in the Developmental Psychology track will take additional classes like Psychology of Human Development, Psychology of Adolescence, and Adulthood and Aging. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the Metro State of Denver to award the adolescent psychology credential. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top regional universities in the West.
Net Price: $15,248
#15—Lesley University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
BA in Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,208
Points: 7
Lesley University’s bachelor of adolescent psychology offering is a BA in Psychology that provides specific preparation for graduates to work in juvenile facilities and special needs classrooms. Required courses for the degree include Lifespan Development, Theories of Personality, and Elements of Statistics in Psychology, for instance. Additional classes may include Foundations and Systems in the Helping Professions, Cognitive Psychology, and Psychology of Learning and Behavior Change. Lesley University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award the adolescent psychology credential. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top national universities in the country.
Net Price: $32,225
#14—University of Detroit- Mercy
Detroit, Michigan
BA in Psychology: Developmental Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,880
Points: 7
The adolescent psychology bachelor’s option from the University of Detroit-Mercy is a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology. Requirements for the major include Introduction to Psychology, Human Relationships and Parenting, Cross-Cultural Socialization, and Research in Developmental Psychology, for instance. Students will also take additional courses like Middle Childhood and Adolescent Development, Biopsychology, and Social Psychology. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the University of Detroit-Mercy to award this academic credential. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the country’s top 100 national universities.
Net Price: $22,016
#13—Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
BA in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Services
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,625
Points: 7
The robust adolescent psychology bachelor’s degree offering from Cornerstone University is a BA in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Services. Students enrolled in the program will follow a four-year plan comprised of courses such as History and Systems of Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, Creative Therapies, and Positive Psychology, for instance. A Child and Adolescent practicum is also required prior to graduation. Cornerstone University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this bachelor of adolescent psychology. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 80 regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $20,461
#12—Maryville College
Maryville, Tennessee
Bachelor’s in Psychology: Counseling
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,146
Points: 7
The adolescent psychology bachelor’s program from Maryville College is an undergraduate major in psychology. Students in the counseling track can elect an advising concentration in Child Welfare. Courses required for the program include Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Group Facilitation, and Sociology of Marriage and Family. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this bachelor’s-level credential. It’s been ranked among the top 5 regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $19,565
#11—Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
BA in Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,031
Points: 7
Metropolitan State University offers a bachelor’s in adolescent psychology degree program from its College of Community Studies and Public Affairs. The curriculum for the program includes just two required courses: Research Methods and History and Systems of Psychology. The remaining classes are elected from one of four content areas, one of which focuses on child psychology. Classes in this concentration include Adolescent Psychology, Lifespan Development Psychology, and Adult Development and Lifelong Learning. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Metro State University to award this bachelor’s degree. The school has also ranked the school among the leading national universities in the United States. Net Price: $14,900
#10—University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, California
BS in Psychology: Developmental Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,285
Points: 7
The bachelor’s adolescent psychology program from the University of California-San Diego is a BS in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology. Sample course titles comprising the program’s curriculum include Research Methods in Psychology, Learning Sustainable Wellbeing, Learning and Motivation, and Hormones and Behavior, for instance. UC-San Diego is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission to award this academic degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country’s top 40 national universities.
Net Price: $13,452
#9—University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Child Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,583
Points: 7
The bachelor’s in adolescent psychology option from the University of North Florida is a BA in Psychology with a formal concentration in Child Psychology. Core courses for the program include Lifespan Developmental Psychology, Psychology of Abnormal Behavior, Human Sensory Perception, and Theories of Personality, for instance. Students will also choose from elective classes such as Advanced Adolescent Psychology, Applied Developmental Psychology, and Childhood Psychopathology. UNF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the bachelor of adolescent psychology. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the leading national universities in the country.
Net Price: $10,809
#8—Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 45,935
Points: 8
Liberty University offers a versatile bachelor of adolescent psychology program with concentrations in Child Life Specialist and Developmental Psychology. Major courses comprising the program’s core curriculum include Psychological Foundations of Learning, Behavior Modification, Physiological Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology, for instance. Depending on their chosen specialization, students will take additional classes like Psychology of Adolescents, Children in Healthcare, and Marriage & Family. Liberty University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It’s been ranked among the country’s top national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $27,432
#7—Morningside College
Sioux City, Iowa
Bachelor’s in Developmental Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,282
Points: 8
The bachelor of adolescent psychology degree program from Morningside College emphasizes experiential learning. This BA in Developmental Psychology features course titles such as Lifespan Development, History and Systems of Psychology, and Research Methods in Psychology. A capstone course is also required prior to graduation. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the college to award the bachelor’s credential in adolescent psychology. It’s been ranked among the top 70 regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,396
#6—Mary Baldwin University
Staunton, Virginia
Bachelor’s in Psychology: Child Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,327
Points: 8
Mary Baldwin University offers a highly versatile bachelor of adolescent psychology degree program with both BS and BA tracks. The bachelor’s in psychology with an emphasis in child psychology features course titles such as Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, Multicultural Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, and Psychology of Relationships. Mary Baldwin University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer this degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country’s leading national universities.
Net Price: $16,556
#5—University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, Texas
BS in Child Learning and Development
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,872
Points: 8
The bachelor’s in adolescent psychology program from the University of Texas at Dallas is a BS in Child Learning and Development. Offered through its School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, the program is comprised of major course requirements such as Social and Personality Development, Statistics for Psychology, Child Psychopathology, and Educational Psychology, for instance. A fast-track program is also available for students interested in pursuing a Master’s in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders. UT-Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the bachelor’s in adolescent psychology. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the country’s top national universities.
Net Price: $9,989
#4—Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
Bachelor’s in Child Development
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,861
Points: 9
The bachelor of adolescent psychology program from Vanderbilt University is an undergraduate major in Child Development. The program consists of major core courses such as Developmental Psychology, Adolescent Development, Principles of Experimental Design, and Social and Personality Development. Students will also choose from among elective classes like Developmental Neuroscience, Children in Families and Schools, and Family Interventions. An honors program is also available as is an accelerated bachelor’s plus master’s option in child development and nursing. Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award these credentials. It’s been ranked among the top 20 national universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,596
#3—Utica College
Utica, New York
Bachelor’s in Psychology: Child Life
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,722
Points: 9
The bachelor of adolescent psychology program from Utica College is a BS in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Life. Major course requirements for the program include Principles of Behavior Change, Developmental Research Methods, Adolescence, and Psychological Assessment & Testing. Students will also take classes in the concentration such as Introduction to Child Life Specialty, The Family, and Care of the Human Spirit, for example. Utica College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award the adolescent psychology bachelor’s credential. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 90 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $22,991
#2—Roosevelt University
Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Child and Family Studies
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,513
Points: 10
Roosevelt University’s bachelor’s in adolescent psychology program is a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Family Studies. The program is interdisciplinary in nature and requires a 72-hour field placement at the culmination of the student’s coursework. Courses required for the major include Introductory Psychology, Research Methods, and Introductory Statistics. Additional classes may include Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Adult Development, Psychology of Gender, and Brain and Behavior. Roosevelt University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award the bachelor’s adolescent psychology credential. It’s been ranked among the leading national universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,707
#1—Eastern Washington University
Cheney, Washington
BA in Children’s Studies
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,408
Points: 10
The interdisciplinary bachelor’s in adolescent psychology program from Eastern Washington University is technically a Bachelor of Arts in Children’s Studies. The program features courses from not only psychology, but from other academic disciplines such as education, social work, and even geography. Enrolled students can choose from one of three available specialties: Child Life and Health, Child Services, and Child and Family Support. The latter option includes a professional certificate option. EWU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to award bachelor’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as one of the top 65 regional universities in the West. Net Price: $10,751
About Bachelor of Adolescent Psychology Degree Programs
Bachelor’s in adolescent psychology programs are ideal degree plans for individuals interested in entering the field or preparing for graduate study in child and adolescent psychology. These programs are suitable for those passionate about helping teens and young adults navigate the complex issues they face in school, family relationships, and social situations, for instance.
Bachelor’s of Adolescent Psychology Degree Programs: Admissions
The admissions criteria for adolescent psychology bachelor’s programs are similar to the requirements for other types of bachelor’s degree programs. This means you’ll need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent in order to prove your eligibility. Some schools may ask that applicants meet a minimum GPA as well. In addition to an academic transcript, you may also be asked to submit college admissions test scores such as SAT or ACT results. Other admissions requirements may include letters of recommendation, personal essays or statements, and application fees, but these may vary by school.
Adolescent Psychology Bachelor’s Programs: Curriculum
Bachelor of adolescent psychology degree programs are broad, comprehensive plans of study that typically encompass issues related to both childhood and adolescence. Usually, these degree plans require a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework and take about four years to complete. They often culminate in a capstone experience such as a practicum or internship. Some programs require just a research paper or scholarly project prior to graduation, however.
General Education Courses
General education courses are classes taken from a variety of academic disciplines, not just the student’s chosen major. General education requirements are intended to give students an overview of the fundamental academic subjects such as liberal arts and sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, fine arts, and behavioral and social sciences, for instance. Below, you’ll find some examples of the types of classes usually labeled general education courses:
- Introductory Composition
- College Algebra
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Physical Anthropology
- Foundations of Art History
- Human Biology
- Fundamentals of Economics
- The Global Environment
Major Core Classes
After completing all general education requirements, adolescent psychology students must enroll in major core courses in order to fulfill all requirements for their bachelor’s degree. These classes make up the heart of the undergraduate adolescent psychology major. Though specific course titles for these major requirements will vary depending on the specific college or university you attend, they’ll cover many of the same basic topics and concepts. These often include therapeutic approaches, human development, mental health issues specific to childhood and adolescence, and statistics and research methods in the behavioral sciences, for example. Below, we list some examples of major core course titles for your reference:
- Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
- Adolescent Development
- Child Psychopathology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Psychoanalytic Approaches to Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents
- Statistics for Psychology
- Human Development Across the Lifespan
- History and Systems of Psychology
Elective Classes
Elective classes in adolescent psychology are courses that are offered as part of the degree program but are not specifically required for graduation. In some cases, students may be able to strategically select electives in order to create a specialty or area of expertise. Elective topics can vary widely from program to program. Still, we list some examples below for the sake of reference:
- Psychology and Culture
- Addiction and Recovery
- Neurological Bases of Human Behavior
- Pioneering Ideas in Psychology
- Psychology in the Community
Practicum/Internship Experience
Many bachelor of adolescent psychology degree programs culminate in an experiential learning component such as a practicum or internship. These experiences enable students to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired over the duration of the program. Many times, colleges and universities have connections with businesses and organizations that can provide students with internship/practicum opportunities. Some of these may include schools, nonprofit agencies, hospitals, doctor’s offices, or mental health facilities.
Bachelor’s in Adolescent Psychology: Types, Concentrations, and Areas of Emphasis
When considering bachelor’s degree programs in adolescent psychology, it’s good to know that there are varying types of degree plans. Moreover, within these degree plans, there are several different concentrations, specialties, and areas of emphasis. These focus areas enable students to customize plans of study that accommodate their areas of academic interests and career plans. Below, we’ll highlight a few examples of these different variations within the basic adolescent psychology bachelor’s curriculum.
Child Life
A bachelor of adolescent psychology program with a focus on child life prepares students to work with children and teens undergoing medical treatment or those with serious illnesses. Many of these programs prepare students for the professional certification examination necessary to become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Some sample courses typically associated with this type of adolescent psychology bachelor’s degree are listed below.
- Introduction to Child Life Specialty
- Psychology of Adolescents
- Children in Healthcare
- Crisis Intervention
- Care of the Human Spirit
- Medical Ethics and Children
Child and Adolescent Services
A bachelor’s in adolescent psychology with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Services is a broad degree program that prepares graduates for a variety of different roles in the field of child/adolescent services. Some of these roles include work in school environments, youth treatment programs, adoption agencies, and more. Coursework for these types of bachelor’s degree offerings in adolescent psychology may include the following classes:
- Sociology of the Family
- Creative Therapies
- Adolescent Psychology
- Social Influences on Behavior
- Trends and Issues in Adolescence
- Child, Family, and Community Relationships
Child Learning and Development
Bachelor’s degree programs in adolescent psychology with concentrations in child learning and development approach the field of child/adolescent psychology in the context of human learning and development. As such, it focuses on educational and social psychology and prepares graduates to work primarily in schools. Some of the course titles typically found in a child learning and development curriculum include:
- Social and Personality Development
- Cognitive Development
- Educational Psychology
- Psychology of Individual Differences and Special Needs
- Counseling Processes and Techniques
- Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
Frequently-Asked Questions About Adolescent Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees
Embarking on a bachelor’s degree program in adolescent psychology is a big step that could influence your future career in the long-term. It’s important to gather as much information as possible before making the decision to enroll in one of the many colleges and universities that offer this type of degree. Below, we’ll answer some of the common questions prospective students ask before choosing to study adolescent psychology at the baccalaureate level. Keep in mind that the answers we provide are general in nature. For specific information about a school or program, it’s best to speak to an admissions counselor or school representative.
Q: How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s in adolescent psychology?
A: Most bachelor’s in adolescent psychology degree programs take four years to complete. However, there are accelerated tracks that can enable you to complete your degree sooner. On the other hand, part-time programs may take longer to finish.
Q: What is the cost of an adolescent psychology degree program?
A: The cost of attendance for bachelor’s degree programs in adolescent psychology can vary significantly. For example, the net price of the programs highlighted in this ranking varies from under $10,000 to over $30,000.
Q: Can I earn my bachelor of adolescent psychology degree online?
A: Yes. We’ve identified nearly two dozen online bachelor’s in adolescent development options. See our separate ranking of these programs for more information.
Q: Will a bachelor of adolescent psychology program prepare me for graduate study?
A: Most of them will, yes. A large percentage of bachelor’s in adolescent psychology graduates continue their studies in a master’s degree program.
Q: Are internships available through a bachelor’s in adolescent psychology?
A: Yes. Many colleges and universities offer their adolescent psychology bachelor’s degree students the opportunity to complete an internship with a local organization.
Career Questions About Bachelor of Adolescent Psychology Programs
Q: What jobs can I get with a bachelor’s in adolescent psychology?
A: Although you’ll need an advanced degree to become a child psychologist, there are entry-level jobs in the field that a bachelor’s degree will qualify you for. Some of these include youth counselor, psychiatric technician, childcare worker, teacher’s assistant, career counselor, and probation officer, for example.
Q: How much will I make with an adolescent psychology bachelor’s degree?
A: Payscale.com reports that graduates of bachelor of arts degrees in psychology make $60,000 per year on average. Your exact salary will depend on a number of different factors, including your specific degree, employer, and years of work experience.
Q: Are jobs in adolescent psychology in demand?
A: Many of them are, yes. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for psychiatric technicians are growing much faster than average due to the increasing need for mental health services.
Q: What professional organizations exist in adolescent psychology?
A: There are dozens of different professional associations and organizations in the discipline of psychology. Many of these are specific to child and adolescent psychology. As an adolescent psychology student or graduate, you may want to join a mix of these. Some examples are listed below for your reference:
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
- Association of Educational Therapists (AET)
- Association for Psychological Science (APS)
- Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Society for Research in Child Development
- Society for Research on Adolescence
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