Child Psychologist Requirements

Child psychologists work with children in a variety of capacities that pertain to child psychological development and disorders. This career generally involves observing and working with children in a clinical or therapeutic setting. A child psychologist may also work with families of children who may be experiencing an assortment of issues ranging from post traumatic stress disorder to depression. In order to practice child psychology, people must fulfill several requirements.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree usually takes around four years. During this time the undergraduate should major in psychology or a relevant social sciences field such as sociology. The student would be advised to take any child psychology course he can. It is important to maintain a relatively high GPA during this time because those hoping to practice child psychology must also attend graduate school. It is also advisable to attend a university that offers graduate programs in child psychology, because this gives undergraduates an opportunity to meet graduate students and professors who work in the child psychology graduate area. These contacts not only may answer questions that you have relating to graduate level child psychology coursework, but they may also be valuable contacts later.

Graduate School

In order to have a career in child psychology, an individual must first obtain a doctorate in this field. There are two doctorate options including the Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or the Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology). Either doctorate is eligible for a career in psychology. A Ph.D. focuses on clinical research in addition to studying psychology-related literature and psychological theory. A Psy.D. largely emphasizes clinical practice of a more practical (and less theoretical) nature. On average, doctorate degrees take five years to complete.

Internship

After completing the necessary degree requirements, individuals must undergo a supervised internship. Students often enter these internships as they near the end of their doctorate work and may receive assistance finding an internship from their professors or through their graduate school. Internships may include work at a mental health facility, a hospital or a smaller psychology-based clinic. These internships often last two years.

Examinations

Two examinations must be passed in order to become a child psychologist. The first exam known as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a nationwide licensure process for psychologists. The second exam involves licensing to practice psychology on a state-specific basis. States have different licensing requirements; therefore people practicing in different states will take different exams. According to GuidetoPsychology.com, the failure rate for both of these exams is around 50 percent, thus preparation is imperative.

Finding a Position

The obvious, and final, step in a career in child psychology is securing a position. Often people who were successful during their psychology internships will be offered a position, if one is available, at the location of the internship. Child psychologists may find positions at a variety of locations including schools, hospitals and private practices.