10 Most Affordable Developmental Psychology Online Programs

If you are looking for a career that helps facilitate positive outcomes for individuals across their lifespan, developmental psychology is a great choice! Earning an online Master’s in Developmental Psychology can help you advance your career working with children and adults in a variety of settings including:

  • education
  • social service agencies
  • the military

Developmental psychology master’s programs offer a diverse curriculum allowing students to gain skills and knowledge in:

  • assessment
  • critical thinking
  • neuropsychology
  • cognitive development

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates the demand for psychologists will increase by 3% through 2029 with an additional 5,700 jobs. Professionals with training as developmental psychologists have the skills needed to meet the needs of an aging population while addressing new challenges facing youth. Online developmental psychology programs can give students professional training while providing the flexibility they need to continue working and gaining experience while pursuing their advanced degree.

We created this ranking of the most affordable Master’s in Developmental Psychology online to showcase some of the top programs in the country. We initially identified schools with this degree through College Navigator and selected them based on their offering of an online degree program related to the field of developmental psychology. We then applied our ranking criteria to determine the best online affordable master’s in developmental psychology programs.

Average Graduate Tuition

  • Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
  • $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
  • $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
  • $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
  • Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

We also looked at a school’s student/faculty ratio and awarded more points to schools with a lower ratio. We believe a lower student to faculty ratio allows students to receive individualized attention and support throughout the program.

Student to Faculty Ratio

  • 12:1 or less= 5 Points
  • 13:1 to 15:1= 3 Points
  • Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

10. Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, New Hampshire

Online MS in Psychology-Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $18,810/year
Points: 4
The high-quality online master’s degree in developmental psychology from Southern New Hampshire University is focused on child and adolescent development. Course offerings include:

  • Cognitive Neuropsychology
  • Intervention Strategies
  • Developmental Psychology

Students develop skills in assessment, intervention, and consulting that address the needs of children, adolescents, and their families. There is no application fee and GRE/GMAT scores are not required. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of roles in settings like:

  • community centers
  • schools
  • nonprofits.

9. Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Child and Adolescent Development Specialization-Master of Science in Psychology Online

Capella University

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Average Graduate Cost Per Credit: $485
Points: 5
Capella University, a leader in online education, offers a high-value master’s in child and adolescent developmental psychology online. Courses are relevant and applicable, following a competency-based learning model. Course offerings include:

  • Lifespan Development
  • Child Psychology
  • Human Prenatal Development

Students can utilize FlexPath learning, the online self-paced learning format, or GuidedPath, a more structured approach. All courses are taught by faculty members with significant hands-on industry experience.

8. The University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia

Master of Education in Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition and Development

University of Georgia


School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,878/year in-state and $25,186/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The University of Georgia features a unique MEd in educational psychology focused on applied cognition and development offered through the Mary Frances Early College of Education. Students can choose a secondary area of focus from options like learning with technology and development of high intellectual capability. The program follows a cohort model and maintains a small class size. Course offerings include:

  • Foundations of Cognition for Education
  • Applied Statistical Methods in Education
  • Foundations of Human Development for Education

Graduates typically pursue non-clinical roles in areas like education and the military.

7. Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

MA in Applied Psychology-Developmental Psychology Online

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,935/year
Points: 6
The high value master’s in developmental psychology from Liberty University is a 36-credit hour program that takes just 18 months to complete. Courses are offered 100% online in short, eight-week sessions. The program is tailored to meet the needs of students planning to work with children in counseling settings. Coursework is relevant to students seeking career advancement as well as those just starting out. Course offerings include:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Developmental Neuropsychology
  • Adolescent Psychology

Students are taught by professors with real-life experience in the field. Tuition rates are extremely affordable making this a great choice for students on a budget.

Featured Programs

6. American Public University – Charles Town, West Virginia

Online Master of Arts in Psychology-Developmental/Personality Concentration

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,660/year
Points: 6
American Public University, a member of the accredited American Public University System, features a low-cost master’s in developmental psychology. Courses are offered online and are taken in eight-to-18-week sessions. The developmental/personality psychology concentration gives students an in-depth look at human development and personality. Required courses include:

  • Substance Abuse and Addiction
  • Lifespan Development
  • Psychopathology

New courses start monthly and there are no on-campus requirements. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and some coursework in psychology.

5. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, Illinois

Master of Arts in Psychology-Child and Adolescent Concentration

Student to Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $22,212/year
Points: 7
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a best value master’s in child and adolescent development. This fully online program can be completed in one or two years depending on course load. Students will learn to address complex issues facing today’s children and youth. The curriculum includes 21 credit hours in foundational psychology, nine credits in child and adolescent coursework, and six hours spent on an applied research project. Courses cover areas like:

  • Addictive disorders
  • Trauma and crisis intervention
  • Evaluation and treatment of juvenile offenders

Online students can interact with their instructors and peers, complete coursework and assignments, and ask questions through an online Global Student Dashboard.

4. Bay Path University – Longmeadow, Massachusetts

MS in Developmental Psychology Online

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $19,235/year
Points: 8
Bay Path University features a flexible developmental psychology master’s program with classes offered online or on-campus. This comprehensive program gives students a strong understanding of developmental psychology at all phases of life. New students are admitted three times each year. The curriculum includes 12 courses and 160 clock hours of community-based field work. Courses include:

  • Ethics and Professional Conduct in Counseling
  • Bullying and Coercive Behavior
  • Psychopathology

Both full and part-time program options are available. Students do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores to be considered for admission. Most students can complete their degree in one to two years.

3. Northcentral University – La Jolla, California

Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology Online

NCU

Student to Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $16,983/year
Points: 8
Northcentral University features a top master’s in child and adolescent developmental psychology. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to work with, and advocate for, children and their families. The program consists of coursework and an optional 100 clock hour internship. Students can earn their degree in just 16 months after completing 10 courses. Coursework is completed independently, allowing students to maintain a well-balanced life. Scholarship opportunities are available to help make college affordable for new students.

2. Henderson State University – Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Master of Science in Developmental Therapy Online

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Tuition: $5,580/year in-state and $7,452/year out-of-state
Points: 8
The affordable master’s in developmental psychology at Henderson State University is an innovative program for students who want to work with young children with identified exceptional learning needs and/or developmental delays. Courses meet online and cover areas like:

  • Advanced Child/Adolescent Development
  • Assessment and Programming
  • Advanced Studies in Early Childhood Special Education

Graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to focus on the development of young children from birth to age three. They will be able to provide assessment, consultation, and intervention services to help children and their families.

1. CUNY School of Professional Studies-New York, New York

cuny-school-of-professional-studies

Online Master of Arts in Psychology with a Specialization in Developmental Psychology
CUNY

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduate Tuition:$9,930/year in-state and $23,160/year out-of-state
Points: 10
Our top choice for a master’s in development psychology is offered by the City University of New York. The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers a high value online master’s in developmental psychology. The program is the only program of its kind at CUNY. Courses are offered in a fully online format that allows students to read material, participate in discussions, and complete assignments around their busy schedule. I/O psychology courses include:

  • Organizational Development and Effectiveness
  • Performance Management and Motivation
  • Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology

All students complete a psychology capstone project planning and psychology capstone course.

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