Psychology (Infant and Toddler Development)

The Walden University Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Infant and Toddler Development offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for impactful careers in early childhood development, research, and intervention. This program emphasizes the scientific study of infancy and toddlerhood, focusing on cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development during these critical early years. Throughout the program, students explore developmental theories, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies that support optimal growth and development for infants and toddlers, equipping them with the tools needed to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families.

The curriculum encompasses core psychological principles, developmental psychology, family dynamics, and ethical considerations relevant to working with young children. Students engage in coursework that covers topics such as neurodevelopmental processes, language acquisition, socialization, and early behavioral assessment. The program also emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive practices and the impact of environmental factors on development. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical applications, and research projects, students develop critical skills to analyze developmental milestones, design intervention programs, and collaborate effectively with families, educators, and health professionals.

In addition to foundational knowledge, the program offers specialized training in evidence-based practices, early intervention approaches, and policies affecting early childhood services. Students have opportunities to participate in practicum experiences and research initiatives that deepen their understanding of infant and toddler development in real-world settings. Walden University’s flexible online format allows working professionals and those with other commitments to pursue their degree while balancing their personal and professional lives.

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles in early childhood education, research institutions, healthcare agencies, and nonprofit organizations focused on child development. They may also pursue doctoral studies to further specialize in developmental psychology or related fields. Walden University’s commitment to social change and applied knowledge ensures that graduates are equipped not only with academic expertise but also with the ethical and cultural awareness needed to foster healthy development in diverse populations. With a focus on innovative, evidence-based strategies, the program aims to develop practitioners who are dedicated to improving early childhood outcomes and advocating for policies that support young children and their families.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

The Infant and Toddler Development concentration examines the development of infants and the importance of quality relationships to their emotional and social well-being. Study to assess developmental delays at an early age and identify treatment alternatives. Explore healthy living and learning environments that foster infant/toddler growth socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically.

Completion Requirements

• 181 total credit hours
  • Foundation course (1 cr.)
  • General education courses (45 cr.)
  • Core courses (35 cr.)
  • Concentration courses (35 cr.)
  • Psychology elective courses (20 cr.)
  • Elective courses (45 cr.)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

Students may be eligible to transfer up to 135 credits with at least 45 credits (including specific courses) completed at Walden.

Foundation Course

• Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab

Core Courses

These courses may be taken while you are taking general education courses as long as prerequisites are complete.

• Psychology as a Natural Science

• Psychology as a Social Science

• Cross-Cultural Psychology

• Theories of Personality

• Data Analysis and Presentation

• Methods in Psychological Inquiry

• Capstone: Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology

Concentration Courses

• Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence

• Social Influences on Behavior

• Learning

• Infant/Toddler Mental Health

• Family Cultures of Infants and Toddlers

• Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Infant Settings

• Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Toddler Settings

Elective Courses

Choose nine courses from general education, B.S. in Psychology, or other Walden bachelors degree programs. At least four credits must be at the 30004000 level. Your elective credits should total 45 to meet your program requirements. You may also be eligible to transfer previous credit to meet your elective requirements. Note on Minors: Electives can also be used to complete a 6-course minor.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Admission is considered for adults who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, or for candidates who may have completed college coursework.
Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

• You are at least 24 years of age.
• You are between the ages of 21 and 23 and have at least 12 transferable college credit hours.
• You are an active member of the military or a veteran with documentation of service.
• You have already completed at least 90 college college credit hours.

International Students

General Admission Requirements for International Students

Admission requirements vary by program and degree level. For more information, please call an enrollment advisor.

Walden requires the following information to be considered for admission into any of its programs and the information may vary by program:

• Official transcript(s) of highest degree or coursework completed to date
• English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
• Goal Statement (Select Master's and Doctoral Programs Only)
• Completed application
• Current resume, when applicable
• Access to a computer and the Internet
• $50 non-refundable application fee

English Proficiency Requirement

For most Walden programs, the language of instruction is English. Therefore, academic success depends upon a students ability to converse in, write, and understand English.

International applicants must submit official scores from one of the tests listed below:*

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Paper-based: 550; computer-based: 213; Internet-based: 79
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 82
• Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 overall band score
• Pearson Test of English: 53

Scores may not be more than two years old.

*Students are exempt from the English proficiency test if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The student is a permanent resident (as indicated on the application) of the following countries: Australia, Belize, the British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Scotland, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Wales.
• The admitting degree is from an institution where the primary language of instruction and evaluation was in English, and for which verification is available through the International Handbook of Universities, published and edited by IAU/UNESCO. Additional information may be requested from the applicants university registrars office to verify that the instruction was conducted in English.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Walden University.

Funding

Federal Financial Aid

Funding Your Education

As a Walden student, there are a number of resources available to you to help fund your education. Our enrollment advisors, along with our knowledgeable financial aid advisors, are committed to helping you identify your options and answer any questions you may have about the financial aid process. Currently two-thirds of Walden students receive some form of financial aid. Many defray up to 100% of their tuition and fees through Federal Direct Loans.*

Types of Financial Aid

The following are the loans and grant programs administered by Walden Universitys Office of Financial Aid. New and current students must meet eligibility requirements to receive and maintain federal student aid.

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• TEACH Grants
• State Grants
• Federal Direct Loans
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans
• Private Loans

Application Deadlines

The Office of Financial Aid processes awards on a rolling basis. You are strongly encouraged to begin the application process at least four weeks prior to the start date of your program or renewal date of your existing loan. Your completed financial aid application, which includes all documents required for awarding and disbursing funds, is required 30 days prior to the end of the term in order for funds to be processed for that term. You must also maintain all federal aid eligibility requirements for the entire term.

Applications will be accepted in the last 30 days of the term, but the Office of Financial Aid cannot be held responsible if funds are not available for disbursement for the term. Delays can occur that are outside of the control of the Office of Financial Aid.

Walden expects its financial aid advisors to always maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct in all aspects of carrying out their responsibilities. Read the Walden University Financial Aid Code of Conduct.

Scholarships

Walden University is committed to providing broad access to higher education. Our scholarships are an investment in the future of our students and the future of the communities they serve as advocates for positive social change.

Walden offers merit-based scholarships for academic and professional accomplishments. Certain scholarships may be available to international students.

• Commitment to Social Change Scholarship, For incoming students
• Dave Palmer Military Scholarship, For active-duty U.S. military
• National Public Service Scholarship, For new and continuing students
• NEA Full-Tuition Scholarship, For NEA members who are enrolled or are enrolling for the Sept. 4, 2012, start date in M.S. in Education, M.S in Early Childhood Studies, or M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology
• Nurses of the Year Scholarships, For new students enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
• Positive Social Change Doctoral Scholarship, For new students enrolling in an applicable Ph. D, Ed. D or Ed. S. program
• Presidential Scholarship, For Walden masters alumni pursuing doctorate
• Masters in Math Education Scholarship and Grant
• Ann Tunky Riley Scholarship, For new students enrolling in the College of Education and Leadership
• Terry OBanion Leadership Scholarship, For new students enrolling in an applicable higher education program
• Teacher of the Year Recipient Scholarship , For new Education students who were named a 20082011 State Teacher of the Year
• Walden Leadership Fellow Program, For new students enrolling in Executive M.B.A. program

Fellowships

To recognize and encourage the research and social change efforts of current students and faculty, Walden offers competitive fellowships. These fellowships are administered by the Office of the President, not the Office of Financial Aid.

• Don E. Ackerman Research Fellowship in Educational Leadership
• Fellowship in Research and Applications for Social Change
• Research Fellowship in Distance Education

Other Funding Options

Other potential sources for funding include:

• Tuition-Reduction Opportunities
• Private Education Loans
• Monthly Payment Plans
• Higher Education Professional Development Program
• Veteran Benefits
• Financial Assistance for International Students
• Nursing Scholarship Resources
• State Grant Aid

Grants, Scholarships, and Tuition Savings

We know that pursuing your degree is a significant investment of both time and money. Thats why our online programs are designed with life balance in mind and why we are committed to making your education more affordable.

$5,000 grant*

• Doctoral programs (start on Dec. 3, 2012)
• Masters programs (start on Dec. 3, 2012)
• Bachelor's programs (start on Dec. 3, 2012)

$3,000 Grant

• Ph.D. in Education (start on Dec. 3, 2012)

Tuition reduction for students residing outside of the United States

• 30% for new students enrolling in Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Ph.D. in Public Health, Ph.D. in Psychology, and Ph.D. in Management programs
• 20% for new students enrolling in all other bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs

$1,500 Scholarship§

• Bachelors programs (starts through December 2013)

The Psychology (Infant and Toddler Development) program at Walden University offers students an in-depth exploration of the psychological growth and development of children from birth to age three. This program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in early childhood development, including those working in clinical settings, educational environments, healthcare, and social services. Throughout the curriculum, students examine key areas such as cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development in infants and toddlers, integrating current research and best practices to promote optimal developmental outcomes. The program emphasizes evidence-based approaches and prepares graduates to apply developmental theories in real-world contexts, supporting families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals. Courses cover topics like attachment theory, language acquisition, neurodevelopmental processes, trauma-informed care, and intervention strategies tailored to young children. Walden University’s program also focuses on cultural responsiveness and diversity, recognizing the importance of understanding varied developmental pathways across different populations. The flexible, online format of the program allows working professionals to study concurrently with their careers, fostering immediate application of learned concepts. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue roles such as infant and toddler specialists, early childhood educators, developmental consultants, and policymakers committed to advancing early childhood development initiatives. The program is aligned with professional standards and may incorporate practicum experiences or research projects that provide practical, hands-on experience. Overall, the Psychology (Infant and Toddler Development) program at Walden University aims to prepare compassionate, knowledgeable practitioners who can make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of young children and their families. The faculty comprises experienced scholars and practitioners dedicated to supporting student success and fostering lifelong learning in the field of early childhood development.