2027 Accredited Online Child Psychology Degree Programs With No GRE or GMAT Requirements

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Which Accredited Online Child Psychology Degree Programs Do Not Require the GRE or GMAT?

Accredited online child psychology degree programs with no GRE or GMAT requirement are usually housed in psychology, developmental psychology, applied psychology, or human services departments. The GMAT is rarely relevant because it is a business-school exam, while the GRE has become optional or unnecessary at many psychology programs, especially at the master's level.

The table below highlights examples of institutionally accredited online programs that prospective students commonly review when looking for child, adolescent, or developmental psychology coursework without standardized test requirements. Policies can change, so verify the current admissions page and ask the admissions office whether "not required," "test optional," or "waiver available" applies to your application term.

SchoolOnline Program or Relevant FocusAccreditation to VerifyGRE or GMAT StatusBest Fit
Southern New Hampshire UniversityMS in Psychology with Child and Adolescent Development concentrationInstitutional accreditation by NECHEGRE or GMAT generally not requiredStudents seeking a non-licensure master's focused on child and adolescent development
Capella UniversityMS in Psychology with Child and Adolescent Development specializationInstitutional accreditation by HLCGRE or GMAT generally not requiredWorking adults who want flexible online pacing and applied developmental coursework
Liberty UniversityMA in Applied Psychology with developmental psychology-related study optionsInstitutional accreditation by SACSCOCGRE or GMAT generally not required for many master's applicantsStudents interested in applied psychology, family systems, and developmental perspectives
The Chicago SchoolOnline psychology programs with child, adolescent, or applied psychology pathways depending on catalog availabilityInstitutional accreditation by WSCUCGRE or GMAT often not central to admission, but program-specific confirmation is importantApplicants comparing practitioner-oriented psychology coursework and specialized tracks

When reviewing these and similar programs, pay close attention to whether the degree is designed for licensure. A child psychology concentration can strengthen knowledge of development, behavior, family systems, and assessment concepts, but it may not independently qualify graduates to become licensed psychologists, school psychologists, counselors, or therapists.

A useful first step is to sort programs into three categories before applying. This prevents you from treating all "child psychology" programs as interchangeable.

  1. Non-licensure master's programs: Best for roles in youth services, research support, education-adjacent work, case coordination, or preparation for doctoral study.
  2. Counseling or school psychology programs: Better for students seeking a pathway toward state credentialing, supervised practice, or school-based mental health roles.
  3. Doctoral psychology programs: Typically required for licensed psychologist roles and may have more intensive practicum, internship, residency, or campus requirements.
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Why Have Accredited Online Child Psychology Degree Programs Eliminated GRE and GMAT Requirements?

Many accredited online child psychology programs have removed GRE or GMAT requirements because schools increasingly view standardized tests as only one narrow measure of graduate readiness. For adult learners, first-generation students, military-affiliated students, and applicants returning after years in the workforce, a test score may say less than professional experience, academic maturity, and a clear purpose for graduate study.

This trend is also tied to access and application cost. Preparing for the GRE can add fees, study materials, scheduling friction, and months of delay. For psychology programs that are not heavily quantitative or research-intensive, admissions committees may prefer to evaluate writing ability, undergraduate performance, recommendations, and fit with the program's curriculum.

Other online healthcare and professional programs have moved in a similar direction, particularly where schools want to evaluate applicants through experience and readiness rather than one test day. Students comparing flexible graduate pathways may notice the same admissions shift when researching an easiest DNP program, although nursing and psychology have very different accreditation and licensure rules.

The key distinction is between test-free and test-optional policies. A test-free program does not use scores in the admissions process. A test-optional program lets you submit scores if you believe they strengthen your file. A waiver-based program may still require scores unless you meet conditions such as a minimum GPA, prior graduate degree, or professional experience threshold.

What Admissions Criteria Matter Most Without GRE or GMAT Scores?

When GRE or GMAT scores are not required, admissions committees look harder at evidence that you can handle graduate-level reading, writing, research, and applied psychology assignments. Your application should show academic readiness and a realistic understanding of what child psychology can and cannot lead to professionally.

The table below summarizes the most common admissions factors and why each one matters when standardized test scores are absent.

Admissions FactorWhy It MattersHow to Strengthen It
Undergraduate GPAShows consistency in college-level work and may determine whether you qualify for unconditional admissionExplain upward grade trends, highlight psychology coursework, or complete prerequisite courses if needed
Prerequisite courseworkHelps programs confirm that you understand foundational psychology conceptsLook for courses in general psychology, statistics, research methods, lifespan development, and abnormal psychology
Statement of purposeReplaces part of what a test score cannot show: motivation, fit, writing skill, and career clarityConnect your background to child development, youth mental health, education, family support, or research goals
Résumé or CVShows applied experience with children, adolescents, families, schools, nonprofits, clinics, or social servicesQuantify responsibilities where possible and emphasize ethical judgment, communication, and documentation skills
RecommendationsProvides third-party evidence of maturity, persistence, and readiness for graduate workChoose supervisors or faculty who can discuss your writing, reliability, empathy, and analytical ability

If your GPA is below the preferred range, do not rely on the no-GRE policy to carry the application. Instead, use the rest of the file to prove recent readiness.

  • Take one or two undergraduate or graduate-level psychology courses and earn strong grades before applying.
  • Use your statement to address academic weaknesses briefly, then focus on evidence of improvement.
  • Ask recommenders to speak directly to your ability to manage online coursework, deadlines, and complex reading.
  • Submit a polished writing sample if the program allows optional materials and your writing is a strength.

How Should Students Compare Accredited Online Child Psychology Degree Programs Without GRE or GMAT Requirements?

The best program is not simply the one with the easiest application. It is the accredited program that fits your academic record, budget, schedule, career goal, and licensure needs. No-GRE admissions can be a benefit, but it should be one factor in a broader decision.

Use the following process to compare programs before applying. This sequence keeps admissions convenience from outweighing long-term value.

  1. Define your target outcome: Decide whether you want youth services work, doctoral preparation, research experience, school psychology, counseling, or another child-focused pathway.
  2. Verify accreditation: Confirm institutional accreditation and, if relevant, specialized approval for counseling, school psychology, or doctoral psychology pathways.
  3. Check the test policy: Identify whether the program is test-free, test-optional, or waiver-based for your exact start term.
  4. Review curriculum depth: Look for child development, adolescent development, family systems, ethics, assessment, research methods, diversity, trauma-informed practice, and statistics.
  5. Confirm licensure limits: Ask whether the program meets any state licensing requirements or is strictly non-licensure.
  6. Compare total cost: Include tuition, fees, books, travel, transfer credits, scholarships, and loan interest.
  7. Evaluate support: Ask about faculty access, advising, writing help, library resources, career services, and internship guidance.
  8. Speak with admissions and faculty: Request specific answers about outcomes, online workload, and how graduates use the degree.

If you are comparing several online health and wellness pathways, it can help to examine how other programs balance speed, cost, and career alignment. For example, an online nutrition degree may offer a different mix of prerequisites, credentialing options, and employment settings than child psychology.

Before you apply, ask each school direct questions: "Is the GRE or GMAT required for my program and term?" "Is this degree licensure-track?" "What jobs do graduates commonly pursue?" "How many credits can I transfer?" "Are any campus visits required?" Clear answers to these questions are more valuable than a fast application process.

Other Things You Should Know About Child Psychology

What is the difference between child psychology and developmental psychology?

Child psychology focuses on children's emotions, behavior, learning, family context, and mental health. Developmental psychology is broader and studies human growth across the lifespan, although many programs include child and adolescent development as a major area.

Can I study child psychology fully online?

Many non-licensure child psychology and developmental psychology programs can be completed fully online. Programs that lead to counseling, school psychology, or clinical licensure may require supervised fieldwork, practicum hours, internships, residencies, or state-specific placements.

Do I need a psychology bachelor's degree to apply?

Not always. Some programs accept applicants from other majors, especially if they have completed prerequisite courses in psychology, statistics, or research methods. Applicants without a psychology background should expect closer review of academic preparation.

Is child psychology a good path if I want to work with children but not become a therapist?

Yes, it can be useful for roles in youth programs, education support, family services, research coordination, nonprofit work, and behavioral support. If you want to provide therapy or diagnose mental health conditions, check state licensure rules before choosing a program.