Child psychology courses can help you learn developmental milestones, emotional regulation, behavioral assessment, and the impact of environment on child growth. You can build skills in effective communication with children, understanding attachment styles, and implementing intervention strategies. Many courses introduce tools such as observational techniques, standardized assessments, and play therapy methods, that support applying your knowledge in real-life situations and supporting children's mental health and development.

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Child Development, Psychiatry, Mental Health, Human Development, Human Learning, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Sociology, Neurology, Critical Thinking, Scientific Methods, Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Utrecht University
Skills you'll gain: Child Development, Human Development, Speech Language Pathology, Developmental Disabilities, Systems Thinking, Pediatrics, Research, Neurology, Cultural Diversity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Parent Communication, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Child Development, Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

The State University of New York
Skills you'll gain: Child Development, Childhood Education and Development, Working With Children, Teaching, Family Support, Parent Communication, Cultural Diversity, Diversity Awareness, Classroom Management, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Curriculum Development, Policy Development, Rapport Building, Creativity, Data Collection, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Positivity, Mental Health, Goal Setting, Growth Mindedness, Stress Management, Resilience, Self-Awareness, Behavioral Health, Psychology, Mindfulness, Decision Making
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental and Behavioral Health, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health, Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Health, Patient Evaluation, Diagnostic Tests, Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Assessments, Cultural Diversity, Pharmacology, Neurology, Epidemiology, Pharmacotherapy, Demography
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Resilience, Goal Setting, Emotional Intelligence, Positivity, Smart Goals, Optimism, Research Methodologies, Overcoming Obstacles, Research Design, Empathy, Productivity, Positive Behavior Support, Cognitive flexibility, Relationship Building, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Qualitative Research, Research, Empowerment, Psychology
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University at Buffalo
Skills you'll gain: Classroom Management, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Psychiatric Assessments, Parent Communication, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Working With Children, Clinical Assessment, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Treatment Planning, Diagnostic Tests, Child Development, Planning, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Relationship Building, Relationship Management, Psychology, Culture, Interpersonal Communications, Research, Behavioral Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Psychological Evaluations, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Cultural Diversity, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Experimentation, Health Education, Interpersonal Communications, Culture, Clinical Assessment, Goal Setting
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Stress Management, Resilience, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatry, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Physiology, Trauma Care, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Psychological Evaluations, Behavioral Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cultural Diversity, Patient Evaluation, Health Assessment, Health And Wellness Coaching, Patient Treatment
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Special Education, Nutrition Education, Community Health, School Psychology, Chronic Diseases, Case Studies, Student Support and Services, Nutrition and Diet, Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Parent Communication, Care Management, Communication Disorders, Neurology, Child Health, Behavioral Health
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Browse the child psychology courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Yes. Many child psychology courses offer a free audit option. This allows learners to access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
You’ll learn how children develop emotionally, socially, and intellectually from infancy through adolescence. Topics may include attachment theory, learning behaviors, parenting strategies, and how to support healthy psychological growth in different environments.‎
No prior experience is required for most beginner-level courses. They are designed to introduce core concepts in a clear and accessible way, whether you're a caregiver, educator, healthcare provider, or simply interested in child development.‎