FAQs

The developmental psychology programs at Teachers College are not licensing programs. Students interested in programs resulting in eligibility for state licensure should consider the masters programs in school psychology, counseling psychology and social work (at the the Columbia School of Social Work) or our doctoral programs in school psychology, counseling psychology or clinical psychology.

You can find our program requirements here, and our class schedule here.

With the exception of our statistics and doctoral level courses, there is no required sequence of coursework for our program. We recommend that you look at both our program requirements and the class schedule. Given you program length, identify when you will be taking all of your required courses first. Once you have done this, find the semesters where you will have space for electives and then return to the class schedule to look for potential electives.

Incoming students enter our program from a number of different countries and a number of different life paths. For many students, our program provides an opportunity to decide on next steps in life and to mull over possible career changes. For others, our program represents a sabbatical year or the final step in teacher accreditation. Following our program, a number of our students enter PhD programs in clinical, counseling, experimental and of course developmental psychology. Other students became researchers with academic or professional or political research and policy organizations. Still others enter the field as practitioners in community, hospital and school settings.

Students who enter the MA program must complete at least 32 credits in 11 classes and write a special project paper to be approved of by their program advisor. For students who already have their post-study plans established, it is possible to complete the course in one calendar year. Typically, however, we strongly recommend that students take a year-and-a-half or two years to complete the program. This provides time to pursue additional research or internship opportunities that will increase the likelihood of employment or admission into another academic program.

To apply to the Developmental Psychology program at Teachers College, please visit our Office of Admissions website. Program faculty review doctoral applicants with non-accepted doctoral applications being entered into our masters applications. An admissions committee reviews all masters applications. Questions regarding admission into our doctoral program can be referred to the program coordinator, and questions regarding admission into our masters program can be referred to our Office of Admissions liaison.