Child and Family Therapy Jobs: Getting a Degree

There are a number of child and family therapy jobs (Click here) available for child psychologists, but you have to get the proper education before you can begin working.

Child psychologists work with children and their families to diagnose and treat behavioral concerns and learning disabilities. They also may administer educational and IQ tests.

The path to becoming a child psychologist begins with earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. Students can then choose to pursue either a master's or doctoral degree in professional child psychology.

By focusing on various theories of child development and growth, both of these degree programs prepare students to work as a child psychologist, according to an article by Education-Portal.com.

Those who obtain a master's degree will be able to work as a psychological associate under the supervision of a child psychologist, while those who earn a doctoral degree will be able to work as a child psychologist.

Courses in each degree program center on how a child's behavior is related to biology, psychopathology, multicultural concerns, behavioral traits, language development, family influences, and peer relationships.

Some specific classes students will have to take include:

• Assessment and observation
• Child growth and development
• Special needs children
• Health, safety, and nutrition for young children
• Infant and toddler education
• Child, family and community
• Literacy and language education
• Gender and sexuality

After completing the degree program, students should be able to: improve child management skills; develop individual treatment plans; interact with children and their families; respond to situations that occur when children are in supervised settings; and encourage children to express their views and feelings.