Developmental Psychology

[amn]

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Hello

I was curious to learn more about Developmental PhD programs. I am planning on applying to PhD Clinical Programs to work with children and adolescent, but was thinking of applying to Developmental programs as well. Are Developmental programs just as competitive as Clinical ones? Any feedback would be great!

Thanks,
amn

 

[kh1264]

Hey amn!

I just got into a Developmental program to start in the Fall and I actually do not feel that they are as competitive to get into as Clinical programs (based purely on my own observations, of course ;-). When I used the APA Graduate program guide and reviewed the number of applicants for Developmental programs vs. other Psych PhD programs, the applicant pool seemed smaller. However, Developmental programs may not admit as many students as other programs, probably due to funding. Also, if you want to actually work with children and adolescents, then make sure the Developmental PhD program is either a Clinical program with an emphasis on working with children OR a Developmental program that will lead to licensure. My program states in the handbook that you have the option to become licensed, but you must pursue most of that work yourself, as it is a research oriented program. Hope that helps!

~kh1264 😀

 

[erg923]

Just to make sure you know, if you still want to work with children and adolescents with a developmental degree, it will probably be within a research context, as you are not going to be trained in any clinical skills such as assessment, diagnosis, therapy, or interventions.

 

[CatoftheCanals]

It's also not a bad idea to look into Applied Developmental Programs...they're not clinical, but they do involve a kind of practica and a potential for licensure. APA has a list of such programs on their website. I would also say they're generally not as competitive as clinical programs.

 

[JackD]

Are Developmental programs just as competitive as Clinical ones?

Good question, actually. I do know that clinical programs, in all of their forms, are the ones that are the most applied to, so there is a lot of competition. However, I doubt there are as many developmental psyc programs out there, so probably fewer people but fewer spots as well.

I would guess that it would be a little more difficult to locate the developmental psychology programs but that they may not be as difficult to get into as clinical programs, once you find them. However, with that said, it would be no cake walk getting into a fully funded developmental program either.

 

[docma]

Claremont Graduate University has a very interesting Applied Developmental Psych program and if you go to this link http://www.cgu.edu/pages/183.asp you will find a link to a pdf on career paths within the field. You can also see a sample of course work. Cal Berkeley also has a developmental program with lots of evolving options for employment. Developmental programs will definitely have a more intensive research and program evaluation element than most PsyD and many PhD programs. They do not however rule out clinical licensure or practice. I know at least one Developmental grad who did all her internship hours post-doc and was licensed readily and established a private practice in psychotherapy in addition to other things she does.

 

[krisrox]

The APA doesn't approve Developmental Programs, correct?

 

[kh1264]

Correct...unless, somehow, that program leads to licensure. In most cases, those would be combined Clinical-Developmental programs or Clinical programs with a focus on child psychopathology.

 

[aagman01]

If you really are interested in the practice aspect, you may want to find a clinical/school/counseling program to apply to. At the same time, find such programs at universities that also have developmental researchers that you are interested in working with. You can complete a professional clinical program while at the same time investingating research in developmental areas of interest (or that developmental faculty are investigating).

Correct...unless, somehow, that program leads to licensure. In most cases, those would be combined Clinical-Developmental programs or Clinical programs with a focus on child psychopathology.