Program Profile: Developmental and Child Psychology	Home	Español
		Informal perspective about a program of study.

How I Got Started: I've always wanted to help people, and I realized that I would love to be a counselor or a psychiatrist. However, I really want to work with children. They deserve all the attention and help we can give them for a comfortable and happy life. In order to do both, I decided to study developmental and child psychology. These psychologists focus on how children think, feel, and act and how they perceive the world. They also deal with problems between family members, with mental health, or with language development.  I've worked with children through babysitting and daycare centers, and am trying to study some psychology before I go to college.

What I Want to Study: Any branch of psychological study requires a lot of background in sciences and basic psychology. However, after working on the basics, I can focus on classes that deal with children's issues. Behavioral therapy and psychotherapy in children are both important classes that will help me understand the normal actions and reactions of children. I also want to take classes on Language Development, Developmental Disabilities, and Family Dynamics, all of which are important to understanding the development of individual children.

What I Can Do In The Future: Psychologists have many career options. I could choose to teach or do research at universities and medical schools. Many therapist are needed to help with social interventions, working with social workers to put children in safer and happier homes. As a child psychologist, I could work in hospitals, schools, and mental health centers. However, I'm hoping to start my own practice one day!