Child Psychology

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Our M.S.Ed. in Child Psychology graduate program will prepare you to pursue a rewarding career as an educational advocate for children. This 30-credit program includes curriculum to enhance paraprofessional mental health services provided to children in community and school settings. While our Child Psychology master's degree does not lead to the professional practice of school psychology, other options to advance your career are available to you through this program.

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"The rigorous curriculum challenges me to expand my thinking beyond the classroom and envision real-world settings in which I will be able to pursue my passion of helping children to flourish."

Sally Shriver, M.S.Ed. Child Psychology Student

Program Information

Our M.S.Ed. in Child Psychology program will prepare you to pursue a rewarding career as an educational advocate for children and can be a pathway to eligibility for Autism Endorsement, the Behavior Specialist Licensure, or application to doctoral studies in our School Psychology programs.

Degree

Master's

Academic Department

Counselor Education and School Psychology

Duration

2-year

Required Credit Hours

30

Expand Your Horizons

Autism Endorsement
Students in the Child Psychology program who hold certain certificates through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) can meet Autism Endorsement criteria through the selection of electives.

Behavior Specialist License
Students of our Child Psychology program can also meet the Pennsylvania Behavior Specialist License criteria and can take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Verified Course Sequence.

As a Behavioral Specialist, you will:

  • Develop and implement functional behavior intervention plans for identified students
  • Establish intervention plans for the purpose of providing safe and effective environments for individuals with challenging behaviors Become an expert in coordinating child abuse and neglect cases while complying with mandated reporting requirements
  • Become a leader in the protocols of the Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students with disabilities
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Student Resources

TwoYears

You can complete our M.S.Ed. program in two years and then prepare for advancement in your career or continue your studies by applying to our Ph.D. School Psychology or Psy.D. School Psychology program for further advancement in the field.

BCBAOptions

Depending on your educational background, you can specialize as a student in this program and work toward Autism Endorsement or meet the Pennsylvania Behavior Specialist License criteria and can take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Verified Course Sequence.

PhD & PsyDDegrees

Also, as a graduate of our 30-credit Master's of Science in Education in Child Psychology program, you have the option to apply for our School of Education's Psy.D. School Psychology and Ph.D. School Psychology programs.

 

Curriculum

30 credits

  • GPSY 511  Psychology of Learning, 3 credits (Spring)
  • GPSY 512  Psychology Testing, 3 credits (Spring/Fall)
  • GPSY 619 Child and Adolescent Development, 3 credits (Fall)
  • GREV 510  Statistics I *, 3 credits (Fall)
  • GREV 500  Statistics in Behavioral Research*, 3 credits (Summer)
  • GCNE 549 Multicultural Issues and Strategies in Counseling, 3 credits (Fall)
  • GPSY 694 Topics in Abnormal Child Behavior, 3 credits (Spring)
  • GSPE 653  Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3 credits (Spring)
  • GPSY 515 Classroom Discipline and Behavior Management, 3 credits (Summer)
  • GPSY 662 Learning Disabilities, 3 credits (Summer)
  • Elective, 3 credits

*Either GREV 510 or GREV 500 may be taken.

Application Process

All Applicants

  • 3.0 GPA*
    *Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.
  • Bachelor’s Degree
    All majors welcome to apply 

International Applicants

Transcript Credit Evaluation

If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.

The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.

You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements. 

TOEFL/IELTS

Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants.

Score Requirements

The University requires the following minimum scores in each area to be considered for admission: TOEFL minimum of 80 (iBT - internet based) with no sub-score less than 17, or 550 on the paper-based test; IELTS minimum score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.5 for Reading, 5.5 for Writing, 5.5 for Speaking, and 6.0 for Listening. Have these scores ready to insert into the online application.

Additionally, the English as a Second Language program conducts a review of each matriculated student upon arrival to determine individual needs for English instruction to support success in their chosen degree program.

All Applicants

  • Graduate Application

  • Official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts

    • A 3.0 GPA is required*

      *Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.

    • If your transcripts are from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report. The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts. Please see Transcript Credit Evaluation section above.

Application Process

Submit official transcripts and all admissions materials through:

Or

  • Mail to:
    Duquesne University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    600 Forbes Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Each application will be reviewed to determine if minimum GPA standards have been met. Admissions decisions are mailed to applicants.

  • Fall Semester Admission: August 1
  • Spring Semester Admission: December 1
  • Summer Semester Admission: May 1

Early Start Program - Child Psychology, M.S.Ed.

Our M.S.Ed. Child Psychology program offers an early start option for School of Education undergraduate students. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.

Faculty Experts

Laura Metz Crothers, D.Ed., NCSP

Laura Metz Crothers, D.Ed., NCSP

Program Director | Professor

Elizabeth McCallum, Ph.D.

Elizabeth McCallum, Ph.D.

Department Chair | Professor

Dr. Ara Schmitt

Dr. Ara Schmitt

Associate Dean for Research & Faculty Advancement | Professor

Explore Your Opportunities 

 
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Learn about our admission requirements and the application process. Make an impact as a teacher, administrator, school psychologist, counselor and educator with our graduate programs and certificates.

Admission & Aid
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Graduate Programs

Make an impact as a teacher, administrator school psychologist, counselor, and educator, with our graduate programs and certificates.

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Child Psychology

Audrey Czwalga

Assistant to the Program Director