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Developmental Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Advance your knowledge with an online PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology from Capella University. This program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change across the lifespan.
Learn ways to encourage well-being and psychological health as a teacher, researcher, or policy and care advocate.
Classes start December 1
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- GuidedPath
- 7 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 3 Virtual residencies
- 4 Dissertation courses
- 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore developmental psychology courses
- This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses, three virtual residency courses and four dissertation courses
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RSCH7020 Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Research in a Diverse World | Learners evaluate their own biases with an emphasis on self-awareness and reflection on cultural identity and ethics in research. Learners develop strategies to apply and incorporate ethical and multicultural principles and influences in research and publications. | 4 quarter credits |
| PSY7421 Cognitive/Affective Psychology | Learners in this course apply their knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate the ways in which the integration of cognition and affect influence an individual’s behavior. | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY6020 Advocacy in Child & Adolescent Development | Learners in this course critically evaluate and apply theory and research to child and adolescent development issues and current topics. Learners analyze the impact of policy and legislation in areas such as education, health, mental health, the military, media, and the economy on child and adolescent developmental outcomes and advocate for issues related to policy and legislation that improve the lives of children and adolescents. | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY6030 Adolescent Psychology | In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of the developmental stages from early adolescence to emerging adulthood. Learners evaluate and articulate the physical, psychosocial, emotional, sexual, moral, and cognitive changes associated with adolescent development and examine the ways in which adolescent development is influenced by family, society, and culture. Learners also assess the evolving needs of adolescents and apply theory and research in order to recommend appropriate responses to those needs. | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY6010 Human Prenatal Development | Learners in this course gain an overview of prenatal and postnatal development through the first three months of life. Learners analyze genetic and reproductive technology and articulate its impact on families and society. Throughout the course, learners demonstrate their knowledge of the stages of prenatal development (embryonic and fetal). Learners investigate various prenatal illnesses and physical problems while considering the impact of prenatal health disparities. In addition, learners engage with research, theory, and culturally relevant best practices related to promoting healthy newborn and infant development. | 5 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
Students in the PhD in Psychology, Developmental Psychology specialization acquire a broad base of knowledge associated with lifespan development, policy, and advocacy. Core coursework provides a foundation of the science of psychology, and specialization coursework provides depth within the discipline of developmental psychology. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Apply critical thinking skills in response to challenges in developmental psychology
- Apply scientifically established principles and knowledge from the study of human development and policy development in relation to individuals and society
- Evaluate developmental processes and theories related to meeting the needs of individuals and diverse populations
- Promote ethical standards and guidelines in professional interactions
- Communicate professionally in the discipline of developmental psychology
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
How much does the PhD in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$555 per credit, 72 coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Number of quarters spent working on practicum
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$51,509.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$46,509.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 17 quarters |
$48,609.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$54,289.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$49,289.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 18 quarters |
$51,389.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 8 quarters |
$22,240.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$59,849.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$54,849.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 20 quarters |
$56,949.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the PhD in Psychology admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff and online resources along the way.
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What can you do with a PhD in Psychology, Developmental Psychology?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a doctoral degree in developmental psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct psychology instructor
- Assistant/associate/full professor
- Child and adolescent case manager
- Child development director
- Children’s director
- Director of child and family services
- Director of family life
- Early childhood professional
Employment settings to explore
- Child care services
- Civic and social organizations
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Individual and family services
- Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.