Department of Psychology

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Developmental Psychology Career Advising

What is Developmental Psychology?

 Developmental psychology focuses on patterns of growth, change, and stability across the human lifespan. Throughout their lives, humans go through various changes in the physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality and emotional domain. These changes happen within the context of family, peer groups, child-care and after-school programs, schools, neighborhoods, and larger communities and society. Examples of important life transitions are learning to walk and talk, starting school, getting married, and retiring. Developmental psychologists take a scientific approach to conduct systematic research concerned with the well-being of children, youth, and adults in order to help them to reach their full potential.

Why should a student be interested in Developmental Psychology?

You will learn what researchers have found out about development and the question “How do people come to be what they are?”. You will study typical and atypical developmental patterns as well as the multiple factors (e.g., genetic, biological, social, cultural) that influence development. For example, babies who are not walking by 15 months may be demonstrating a developmental delay or signs of a more serious health condition. Developmental psychologists work with parents and doctors to understand the situation and detect and treat any resulting

psychological or health problems. By intervening early, developmental psychologists work to help a child get on track to normal development.

You will learn about risks, challenges, and opportunities to grow occurring at various stages of life. You will learn how theories and research apply to situations’ in your and other people’s lives. You will study the scientific methods that are used to investigate behavioral change across the lifespan. In order to make sense of the data that such research produces, you will also learn how to use statistics.

What does the QC psychology department have to offer regarding Developmental Psychology?

In accordance with individual interests and goals, students acquire substantive theoretical and applied knowledge in the area of lifespan development, from fetal development through death. Queens College offers specialized opportunities for in-depth study of deviant as well as normal psychological functioning within a developmental framework. Advanced undergraduate courses focus on the study of cognitive and perceptual development, psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence, and developmental disabilities.

Several core faculty at our department offer training opportunities for undergraduate students in a broad range of research areas including cognitive and brain development, aging/dementia, childhood adversity, developmental psychopathology, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

What comes next after taking the Developmental Psychology cluster?

While a career in developmental psychology often requires a graduate degree, entry-level job opportunities exist for students majoring with a concentration in Developmental Psychology (see career opportunities). The common educational pathway for a developmental psychologist is similar to that of psychologists working in other subfields — an undergraduate degree in psychology, followed by a master’s degree (Developmental Psychology, School Psychology, Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health, Family Studies, Education, Counseling, etc.) and, potentially, a doctoral degree.

What career opportunities are there in Developmental Psychology?

Developmental psychologists work in a variety of settings, including academic and research institutions, government agencies, health care facilities, schools, community programs/non-profit organizations, and business/industry.

Developmental psychologists working in colleges and universities tend to focus primarily on research or teaching. Others working in more applied settings like health care facilities or clinics help to assess, evaluate and treat people living with developmental disabilities. Developmental psychologists may also work in assisted living homes for the elderly, hospitals, mental health clinics and centers for the homeless. There are also businesses that specialize in programs designed to enhance the lives of children and adults across the lifespan. Additional career options that require specialized knowledge of developmental psychology are marketing and advertising companies as well as creators of educational TV, games, or museums.

Entry-Level employment opportunities (Bachelor’s degree) include: Healthcare, e.g., Behavioral Therapist Aide, Program Coordinator, or Mental Health Practitioner, Educational Institutions, e.g., Daycare Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Business/Industry, e.g., Consultant, Sales Manager, or Non-Profit/Advocacy, e.g., Youth Center Leader, Parks and Recreation Leader, Caseworker.

Employment opportunities that typically involve further education/graduate training include: Mental Health Counselor, Psychotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Family Therapist, Psychometrist, Case Specialist, Health Care Coordinator/Manager, Career Counselor, Academic Advisor, Teacher/Professor/Instructor, Health Consulting Analyst, Statistical Consultant, Sales Manager, Product Development Manager, Social Worker.

Developmental Psychology Cluster Coursework

(View all course information here.)