Child Psychology Major: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How do I declare a major in child psychology (CPsy)?
Make an appointment to meet with the Undergraduate Academic Adviser, Henriette Warren (612-626-2295 or warre143@umn.edu). The adviser is available to discuss coursework requirements and answer general questions, remember to bring in a current transcript. (For more information, see: How to apply to the undergraduate program in child psychology)
Is there an advantage of one major program over another?
There is no distinct advantage of bachelor of arts degree over the bachelor of science degree. Students who plan to meet the language requirement (including American Sign Language) typically enroll in the B.A. degree program. If a student is not planning to complete a language, then they should enroll in the B.S. degree program.
Can I take child psychology courses satisfactory/non-satisfactory (S/N)?
All courses in the major must be taken A/F, with the exception of those courses only offered S/N, such as Special Topics courses.
Can I earn a minor in child psychology?
For more information, see:
Earning a degree in child
psychology.
A minor in child psychology is offered for other majors; for
example, psychology students may minor in child psychology. Child
psychology students may minor in psychology but not double major in
psychology. Another excellent minor for CPsy students is
Youth Studies;
many of the required CPsy courses can be used for this minor.
What can I do with a child psychology degree?
Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees prepare students for graduate study in psychology, education, medicine, law, sociology, and other behavioral sciences. In addition, with its combination of intensive training in developmental psychology and in-depth field experience, the B.S. prepares students for careers and additional training in such areas as early childhood education, counseling, and human service programs. Students may also go to CLA Career Services for workshops and other career opportunities and internships.
The child psychology advising office in room 196 Child Development also has information regarding additional child psychology career opportunities. See also: Special programs
Are there internship and research opportunities available, and how do I get involved?
Research opportunities. Students can do "hands on" research for credit under faculty supervision through the course CPSY 4994 Directed Research. Students need to coordinate with a specific research lab prior to registering for research credits. Generally, 1 credit of CPSY 4994 requires 45 hours of lab experience. Students are able to register for up to 4 credits of CPSY 4994 during a semester and can receive a maximum of 8 credits total for CPSY 4994.
To register for CPSY 4994, students need to contact a lab directly to see if Directed Research credit is available (see Faculty research projects for listing of labs within ICD). Permission numbers are required to register and can be obtained from the lab directly. CPSY 4994 (or CPSY 4996) is required for the B.S. Child Psychology major. CPSY 4994 can be used toward major elective credits for the B.A. Child Psychology degree.
Internship opportunities. For more information see CPSY 4996—Field Study in Child Psychology.
Does the Institute of Child Development offer a child life specialist certification?
The Institute of Child Development does not offer a child life specialist certification, but many of the child psychology courses do satisfy necessary course requirements. The advising office has some information, but for more detailed information, visit their website at www.childlife.org.
Can I Study Abroad if I am a Child Psychology major?
Yes! Child psychology students can study abroad at any time during their four years. Work with the Child Psychology Advising Office to determine course equivalencies. See Study Abroad in Child Psychology.
What is CPSO?
CPSO stands for Child Psychology Student Organization and is a group designed to help undergraduate students take an active role in their education by connecting them with the community, the faculty at the University of Minnesota and their fellow students. Anyone interested in child psychology or the betterment of children is welcome and encouraged to become a member. To become a member, e-mail cpso@umn.edu
Other useful website links
Yahoo's directory of psychology sites
Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association
American Psychological Society Job Search Support
American Psychological Association Job Bank
Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Job Net
Revised April 2003