Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology
The Master of Arts in developmental psychology typically requires completion of 32 points. In accordance with individual interests and objectives, students acquire familiarity with basic theoretical and research orientations as well as exposure to substantive knowledge in the areas of cognitive, language, personality, and social functioning and development. Opportunity exists for the study of deviant as well as normal psychological functioning within a developmental framework.
Students may register for independent study in order to undertake theoretical or empirical research projects or fieldwork. Students whose goal is to acquire professional skills in clinical or counseling psychology may enroll in introductory course offerings, which in many cases can be applicable if the student is later admitted to one of the more advanced master's or doctoral programs in these areas.
In order to accommodate the diverse aims of individual students, a considerable degree of flexibility has been built into the course of study leading to the M.A. degree. An attempt has been made to minimize specific course requirements, and the student will find that there is a good deal of freedom to choose from among the many offerings provided by Teachers College and the Columbia University Graduate Faculties. In consultation with an advisor, students may create an individually tailored program of study.
The course of study has these main components:
- A basic course in methods of research.
- Required courses in cognitive development, personality development in atypical populations, and social and personality development.
- A basic course in statistics.
- Research practicum.
- Electives in developmental psychology plus relevant electives offered by other Teachers College and Columbia University programs.
- A special project.
Students completing the M.A. degree accept positions in research laboratories or field settings, biomedical institutions, educational and child care agencies, foundations, public policy settings, state and local governments, community programs, and as instructors in community colleges, or they go on to pursue more advanced degrees in particular areas of specialization.
Developmental Psychology MA Requirements 24-25
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Summer, Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Video essay required for all non-native English speakers (included in online application) | |
| Supplemental application required (included in online application) |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HUDadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
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Five CORE courses taken for 3 points each.
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The following three courses:
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HUD 4120 Methods of Empirical Research
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HUDK 5023 Cognitive Development
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HUDK 5040 Development and Psychopathology: Atypical Contexts and Populations
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One of the following two courses on Social-Emotional Development:
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HUDK 5029 Personality Development and Socialization across the Lifespan
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HUDK 5121 Children's Social and Emotional Development in Context
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A fifth course selected from among the following options:
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BBS 5068 - 5069 Brain and Behavior I and II (taken for a total of 3 points)
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BBSN 5193 - Neuroscience of Adversity
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HUDK 4027 Development of Mathematical Thinking
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HUDK 4029 Human Cognition and Learning
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HUDK 4080 Educational Psychology
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HUDK 5024 Language Development
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HUDK 5025 Spatial Thinking
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HUDK 5030 Visual Explanations
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BBSN 5007 Neuroscience Applications to Education
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One of the following three STATISTICS courses taken for 3 points:
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HUDM 4120 Basic Concepts in Statistics (if no undergraduate statistics)
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HUDM 4122 Probability/Statistical Inference
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HUDM 5122 Applied Regression Analysis
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Two SPECIALIZED Courses in the Developmental Psychology Program taken for 3 points each.
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HUDK 5500 Capstone
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One additional course in the Developmental Psychology Program
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Each student shall complete a Departmental Special Project.
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The Capstone will be the course in which students are mentored on their special projects. The special project is intended to be a "culminating experience" that allows the student to integrate in one paper various aspects of what has been learned at Teachers College. The project does not have to be an empirical study; it can be a literature review or theoretical paper. If the special project involves an empirical study, it does not have to be a complete investigation; it can be a report of a pilot study. Students should aim to generate an organized, scholarly document, reporting thoughtful, careful and rigorous work.
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Additional COURSES OUTSIDE the Developmental Psychology Program taken for 1-3 points each. (To meet the College breadth requirement, students must take a total of six points in Teachers College courses outside the Program, by any combination of courses).
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One ELECTIVE COURSE selected in consultation with an advisor. Note: Students doing a field-based internship should enroll in HUDK5100.
Transfer Credit
For the M.A. degree, no transfer credit is granted for work completed at other universities.
Satisfactory Progress
Students are expected to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of degree requirements. If satisfactory progress is not maintained, a student may be dismissed from the program. Where there are concerns about satisfactory progress, students will be informed by the program faculty. If a student is performing below expectations, remedial work within an appropriate timeline may be required.