About 

The University of Washington Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment program gives current and aspiring child psychology professionals the skills to diagnose mental health disorders in children and teens and provide effective, evidence-based interventions.

The program is offered by the UW Department of Psychology, which is considered one of the best in the country. In its 2021 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked the UW fifth nationally in graduate clinical psychology education.

A self-sustaining, fee-based degree, the Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Treatment & Prevention is administered in partnership with UW Continuum College, which extends the reach of the UW with a range of online and on-campus programs for working professionals and other learners of all ages.

Who Should Apply

The UW Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment program is designed for those who want to enter or advance in the field of mental health services for children and teens. It is a terminal degree — meaning, it's not a gateway to the UW’s doctoral program in psychology.

Besides training for professional work, the program can serve other purposes as well. For those considering pursuing a doctorate, the degree can help clarify your graduate school trajectory and strengthen your qualifications for doctoral programs in psychology, social work and nursing.

And for those who work with children in other capacities — such as attorneys, social workers and nurses — the degree can give you a comprehensive understanding of child development for your work. Learn about admissions.