5 Best Child Psychology Courses - Learn Child Psychology Online
Interested in working with children or understanding their behavior better? Child psychology courses explore how young minds develop and how to support their emotional and mental well-being. These courses are ideal for aspiring psychologists, educators, or anyone working closely with kids and teens.
Ever wondered why children behave the way they do?
Why do some kids lash out while others stay quiet?
Why do learning styles vary so drastically, even between siblings?
That’s exactly what child psychology helps us understand.
What is Child Psychology?
Child psychology (also known as child development) is the branch of psychology that focuses on the mental, emotional, and behavioral development of children from birth through adolescence. It explores how children perceive the world, develop language, form relationships, handle emotions, and make decisions—all of which differ from adults in key ways.
In simpler terms, child psychology helps us understand how kids think, learn, and grow—and why they behave the way they do. This includes everything from communication and memory to social skills, emotional regulation, and cognitive development.
Why Learn Child Psychology?
Whether you're a parent, teacher, caregiver, or aspiring mental health professional, learning child psychology can be incredibly valuable. It helps you:
- Recognize behavioral or emotional issues early
- Support children through challenges like anxiety, trauma, or learning difficulties
- Communicate more effectively with kids and teens
- Build stronger relationships based on empathy and understanding
From improving parenting skills to launching a career in education, counseling, or pediatric care, understanding child psychology opens many doors.
Best Child Psychology Courses Online
To help you get started, we’ve curated the best online child psychology courses, designed for beginners, parents, educators, and professionals alike. These courses will help you learn how to identify behavioral problems, understand emotional development, and apply strategies that support healthy growth in children.
Let’s explore the top-rated child psychology programs that can deepen your understanding of young minds, online and at your own pace.
5 Best Child Psychology Courses Online (2025)
-
Introduction to Child Psychology (Udemy)
Learn how children develop cognitively, emotionally, and socially from birth through adolescence.
Duration: 2 hours · Rating: 4.7 out of 5 · Certificate: Yes -
Understanding Child Development: From Synapse to Society (Coursera)
Explore child development through neuroscience, psychology, and real-world applications.
Duration: 28 hours (approx) · Rating: 4.6 out of 5 · Certificate: Yes -
Professional Child Psychology Diploma (Udemy)
A fully accredited diploma course covering emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development.
Duration: 40 minutes · Rating: 4.5 out of 5 · Certificate: Yes -
Child Psychology (Advanced Level) (Udemy)
Deep dive into complex child behaviors and psychological patterns with advanced concepts.
Duration: 2 hours · Rating: 4.7 out of 5 · Certificate: Yes -
Advanced Level Psychology (Udemy)
Covers advanced psychological theories with a section dedicated to child behavior and development.
Duration: 4 hours · Rating: 4.6 out of 5 · Certificate: Yes
Disclosure: We're supported by the learners and may earn from purchases through links.
1. Introduction to Child Psychology
Instructor: Elmira Strange, MPhil, Dip (Motivational Psychologist)
- Course Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 10,400+
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Certification: Yes
- Price: ₹3,099 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: Beginners, parents, and professionals who want to explore the basics of child psychology without prior background.
This accredited course explores the foundational principles of child psychology, including parenting styles, early development, cognitive growth, and social behavior. Whether you're a parent, aspiring psychologist, teacher, or caregiver, this course helps you understand how children develop emotionally and mentally, right from newborn attachment to the behavioral impact of modern society.
In this Child Psychology course, you will learn:
- Identify and understand different parenting styles
- Recognize early childhood behavioral patterns
- Understand how homeschooling vs public schooling affects development
- Learn how divorce or separation impacts children psychologically
- Understand how babies form attachments
- Learn the role of culture and society in shaping child behavior
Pros:
- Accredited certificate from IAOTH
- Practical examples across different real-life scenarios
- Beginner-friendly and easy to understand
- Suitable for parents, students, and professionals
Cons:
- Some topics are surface-level and may require deeper follow-up
- Short duration (2 hours) may not be enough for advanced learners
2. Understanding Child Development: From Synapse to Society
Instructor: Dr. Jorg Huijding (Associate Professor, Clinical Child and Family Studies from Utrecht University)
- Course Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 85,780+
- Duration: 28 Hours
- Certification: Yes
- Price: Free to audit
- Best For: Students or professionals seeking an academic, research-backed understanding of child development from multiple disciplines.
This course takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach to child development, examining how brain function, motor skills, cognition, language, and emotional development all interact over time. You'll explore real research conducted at Utrecht University, learning how child development is shaped by a wide web of internal and external influences.
In this Child Psychology course, you will learn:
- Understand developmental systems theory
- Learn how various domains of development (cognitive, motor, and emotional) are interconnected
- Explore how biology, psychology, and social factors influence child growth
- Apply interdisciplinary frameworks to analyze child behavior and development
Pros:
- Developed by a leading European university
- Strong academic foundation with practical examples
- Great for both beginners and advanced learners
Cons:
- Slightly academic tone may not suit casual learners
- Requires consistent attention across all 6 modules
3. Professional Child Psychology Diploma
Instructor: Dr Karen E Wells (Best-selling Instructor)
- Course Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 11,000+
- Duration: 40 minutes on-demand video
- Certification: Yes (CTAA Accredited)
- Price: ₹1,939 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: Aspiring child therapists, school counselors, or professionals working with children looking for a structured, accredited diploma program.
This accredited diploma dives deep into child psychology from prenatal development through adolescence. It's designed to prepare you to support children through trauma, emotional stress, separation anxiety, and behavioral challenges. The course includes a downloadable training manual, case studies, and self-assessment tasks for practical understanding.
In this Child Psychology course, you will learn:
- Principles of child psychology and development
- How to recognize and support attachment styles
- Understanding bullying, child abuse, and early grief
- Working with separation anxiety and emotional distress
- Psychology through toddler stages
- Hands-on child psychotherapy techniques
Pros:
- Fully accredited by CTAA
- Ideal for career enhancement in therapy or counseling
- Rich combination of theory and case studies
Cons:
- Requires an external assessment for the CTAA certificate
- Relatively short video content (40 mins) relies on self-study material
4. Child Psychology (Advanced Level)
Instructor: Elmira Strange, MPhil, Dip (Motivational Psychologist)
- Course Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 12,100+
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Certification: Yes
- Price: ₹2,369 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: Parents, caregivers, and psychology students seeking to deepen their understanding of emotional and behavioral development in children.
This advanced-level course digs deeper into child psychology, from emotional development to language, behavior, and subconscious processes like ego and role modeling. Designed for learners who want more than just the basics, it offers insights into how a child’s mind matures and how parents, teachers, or professionals can support their journey.
In this Child Psychology course, you will learn:
- Key psychological theories of child development
- Language, emotional, and ego development in kids
- The importance of unconditional love for growing children
- How children mirror behaviors and choose role models
- Spotting developmental delays and emotional issues
Pros:
- Explains psychological milestones clearly
- Accredited by IAOTH
- Suitable for both parents and professionals
Cons:
- Short runtime (2 hours)
- Best suited for learners with some prior exposure to psychology
5. Advanced Level Psychology
Instructor: Elmira Strange, MPhil, Dip (Motivational Psychologist)
- Course Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
- Students Enrolled: 13,100+
- Duration: 4 Hours
- Certification: Yes (IAOTH Accredited)
- Price: ₹3,099 (may vary with coupons)
- Best For: Students preparing for advanced psychology studies, professionals transitioning to psychology-related fields, or anyone seeking deeper psychological insight for personal development.
This advanced psychology course is ideal for learners who want a broader and deeper understanding of human behavior. It explores developmental stages in children, social influence, perception, and various psychological disorders like anxiety and depression. It’s designed to give both aspiring professionals and curious learners a strong psychological foundation.
In this Child Psychology course, you will learn:
- Child development stages and cognitive growth
- Social conformity and behavioral patterns
- Perception, attention, and decision-making
- Anxiety, depression, and emotional disorders
- Basics of treating abnormal behavior
Pros:
- Broad scope covering child to adult psychology
- IAOTH accreditation
- Taught by an experienced psychologist and author
Cons:
- Less focused on child psychology alone
- Better suited for learners with basic psychology knowledge
FAQs about Online Child Psychology Courses
How long does it take to complete an online child psychology course?
Most online child psychology courses can be completed in 2 to 30 hours, depending on the depth of content. Beginner-friendly courses tend to be shorter, while diploma or advanced-level courses may span several weeks with assessments and assignments.
Are online child psychology courses accredited?
Some online courses are fully accredited by recognized bodies like the IAOTH (International Association of Therapists) or universities offering verified certificates via platforms like Coursera. Always check the course description for accreditation details.
Can I study child psychology without a psychology degree?
Yes. Many introductory and intermediate-level courses are designed for complete beginners. No prior degree in psychology is needed, though having an interest in the subject helps you absorb concepts faster.
How much do online child psychology courses cost?
Prices vary widely:
- Free to ₹3,000 INR for Udemy courses (with discounts applied)
- Coursera often offers free enrollment (you only pay for a certificate)
- Advanced or diploma-level courses may cost more, depending on features like live mentorship or accreditation.
What skills will I gain from a child psychology course?
You’ll gain insights into:
- Child development stages and behavior patterns
- Emotional and social development
- Learning difficulties and psychological disorders
- Parenting strategies and attachment styles
- Tools to identify and support children with trauma or behavioral issues
Related Readings
We hope you found this list of Online Child Psychology Courses helpful and insightful. If you’re still curious and eager to explore more topics in the world of psychology, here are some handpicked recommendations we think you'll enjoy:
Explore these to deepen your understanding of how the brain, behavior, and development intersect across all stages of life.