Child psychology courses can help you learn how children grow, think, feel, and behave by exploring cognitive, emotional, and social development.
The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

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

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Communication Disorders, Neurology, School Psychology, Patient Evaluation, Disabilities, Special Education, Pediatrics, Child Development, Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Assessment, Mental Health, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Occupational Therapy, Psychological Evaluations
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Self-Awareness, Personal Development, Human Development, Growth Mindedness, Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Social Work, Cultural Diversity, Social Sciences, Goal Setting
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Tenacity, Persistence, Personal Attributes, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Case Studies, Emotional Intelligence, Growth Mindedness, Resilience, Overcoming Obstacles, Cognitive flexibility, Psychology
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

Relay Graduate School of Education
Skills you'll gain: Student Engagement, Positivity, Teaching, Education and Training, Classroom Management, Pedagogy, Curriculum Planning, Lesson Planning, Personal Attributes, Working With Children, Course Development, Growth Mindedness, Childhood Education and Development, Optimism, Research, Empowerment, Self-Awareness, Personal Development, Persistence, Rapport Building
Mixed · 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

University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Human Development, Mental Health, Social Sciences, Scientific Methods, Neurology, Experimentation, Cultural Diversity
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Patient Evaluation, Diagnostic Tests, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Assessments, Cultural Diversity, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Neurology, Demography, Psychology, Pharmacotherapy
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Relationship Building, Relationship Management, Psychology, Human Relations Movement, Interpersonal Communications, Cultural Diversity, Research, Behavioral Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 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.