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Do you see yourself working directly with children or in research roles focused on child development issues? Do you enjoy teaching and have an analytical mind that enjoys thinking through learning processes? A career and degree in child development may be an excellent fit for you. And if you need a flexible option that lets you learn from home, an online child development program can be a wise choice. From associate to master’s degrees, this guide explores top schools and options where you can learn to help children grow up to be their best selves.
When pursuing an online degree in child development, you’ll get to understand the significance of cultural and familial influence on a child’s environment. You will study the stages of child growth and development, including cognitive, affective, language, and physical development. Depending on your concentration area, you will also engage in specialized classes that further develop your knowledge in a specific topic or area in the field.
Use EduMed’s guide to explore the different online degrees available in child development, including coursework, program outcomes, careers, and more.
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What It’s Like to Earn Your Child Development Degree Online
The majority of your classes for your child development degree will be online, if not all of them. Depending on the school’s format, you may be able to work on homework and review course content such as recorded lectures on your own time, whenever you wish. Most child development programs, however, require degree-seekers to complete an in-person internship for at least one semester.
As a remote student, you may be able to choose electives or emphasis areas to broaden your coursework beyond the required standard ones in your program. Some common emphasis areas for child development degree-seekers include cognitive studies, environmental management sustainability, public administration, and public relations. Your options for expanding into specialized areas and taking extra electives depends largely on the school and your degree level. There will be fewer options at the associate degree level compared to bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Types of Online Child Development Degrees
In this section, we take a closer look at the types of child development degrees you can pursue online. We will give a detailed explanation of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in this field.
Online Child Development Associate (CDA) Training Programs
Best for … working professionals who want to bolster their resume and increase employment options and those new to the child development field who want to receive training quickly and pursue a job.
Students who complete CDA training possess the skills to foster positive developments in children on intellectual, social, physical, and emotional levels. This is an early career, pre-degree training option that can be a great first step into a career in child development or a way for current professionals to improve their job prospects.
Students choose between four focus areas for their certification: preschool, infant-toddler, family child care, and home visitor. Each concentration area helps students explore eight central subject areas to ensure that professionals become well-rounded leaders for all early childhood education environments.
Subject areas include safety, intellectual development, social and emotional development, relationship skills with family members, teaching effectiveness, professionalism, behavior observation, and basic principles of child development. While it is certainly possible to find a job working in child development without earning a CDA credential or degree, it is a cheaper alternative, with a smaller time commitment, than an associate’s or higher degree.
Program Requirements
Total hours: 120 total hours of formal ECE (Early Childhood Education) training and classes
Other Common Requirements: To apply for the CDA credential after this program, you need 480 hours of work experience and a professional portfolio.
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 3-5 months
Full-Time Program: 3 months (complete 10 hours per week)
Perhaps you’re ready to make a larger investment in your future as an early childhood development professional. The associate degree is an excellent choice. These two-year programs can prepare you with the necessary skills to help young students develop characteristics that will help them achieve long-term academic success. Associate degree programs allow you to delve deeper into supporting children’s emotional, educational, and social needs than the CDA credential. Additionally, you will develop the skills to make informed decisions about curriculum design and effective instructional classroom practices.
You can complete associate degree programs in child development entirely online. During the last semester, online students typically complete a faculty-supervised internship in a childcare setting. This associate degree is an excellent choice for professionals who want to jumpstart their career and pursue full-time entry-level positions in the field.
Program Requirements
Total Credits: ~60-65
Other Common Requirements: Faculty supervised internship in childcare or community setting.
Bachelor’s degrees in child development can prepare you to pursue careers as an educator as well as a manager or administrator in a variety of settings including government agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations. You may find yourself working with children individually one-on-one, working as part of a team to manage an educational facility, or designing community programs that serve children.
These programs typically require four years of work. During this time, child development students develop advanced communication, research, and critical thinking skills that help them better assist young students today. Degree-seekers typically choose from several concentrations, including early childhood education, child development practitioner, Montessori education, prevention and intervention sciences, or pre-health professions.
An online bachelor’s degree in child development can be an excellent, flexible fit for working professionals who want to make a career change. These programs are also valuable for first-time college students preparing to enter the competitive job market.
Program Requirements
Total Credits: 120
Other Common Requirements: Multiple internships for hands-on experience in classroom or community settings.
Best for … The master’s degree is for those passionate individuals who want to develop a specialty area in the field and seek out higher level careers in managerial and administrative positions.
Master’s degrees in child development build further upon the skills that students acquire in their bachelor’s programs. Master’s degrees allow graduate students to focus on a specialized area of study. In many cases, degree-seekers must produce a final project or traditional master’s thesis based on their original work or research.
Your intended concentration area and research interests are some of the most important factors for you to consider when it comes to choosing a school. Concentration options vary among schools. Popular areas of specialty in master’s programs include adolescent growth, mental health, counseling and family services, and infant and early childhood development.
Master’s degree-holders, depending on their area of specialization, can pursue careers as teachers, social workers, social and community service managers, nonprofit directors, and more. When you apply, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited Institution, prior professional experience working in the field, and at least a 3.0 or higher GPA. Additionally, graduate schools often require applicants to submit letters of recommendation and GRE scores.
Program Requirements
Total Credits: 30-40 credits
Other Common Requirements: Final master’s project or traditional master’s thesis
FAQs About Online Bachelor’s Programs in Child Development
It is essential that you get to know a program before you spend the time applying. It can be a good idea to reach out to administrators and professors in the department to answer specific questions that you may have regarding the curriculum, what recent child development grads are up to now, and more. Additionally, you will want to look into the overall cost of each program to ensure that it fits in your budget. The best decision is an informed decision. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions regarding bachelor’s degrees in child development.
What do you learn in an online child development degree program at the bachelor’s level?
While every program will have strengths and weaknesses, and therefore an emphasis on particular types of classes and subject areas, many should have similar foundational courses and intentional learning outcomes. Bachelor’s programs will give you the chance to learn about the essential social, cognitive, psychological, and emotional components of the field, focusing on youth from infancy through adolescence. This coursework will also teach you to examine social and cultural elements that influence young students today.
Identify and Utilize Essential Learning Materials: Bachelor’s graduates develop the skills to identify and use the latest technology and techniques in the classroom and in community settings. They know how to play to their own strengths but also what materials best serve their students or clients.
Documentation and Assessment Skills: Child development majors learn how to observe and document the actions and developments of their students or clients. This information can then be used to communicate with educators, curriculum designers, parents, school administrators, and more.
Adhere to Legal and Professional Standards: Bachelor’s degree-holders understand the foundational guidelines that ensure their students’ and their own safety. They also know when professional, legal, or ethical lines are crossed and can intervene when appropriate.
Written, Technological, and Oral Presentation Skills: Graduates of this program possess the necessary communication and technology skills to provide quality instruction, advising, and mentorship for their students or clients and their families.
Social Skills and Ability to Foster Community: These trained professionals have the ability to foster community in their classrooms, community centers, clinics, and more. They help create positive environments and relationships for children, which ultimately contribute to their academic and social success as young students.
What are the prerequisites to get into a child development bachelor’s program?
When researching prospective schools to pursue your bachelor’s in child development, make sure you understand all of the admissions requirements and prerequisites before applying. In general, you can expect there to be a handful of admissions requirements at virtually every school, including:
Online application and application fee
Competitive GPA, usually a 2.5 or higher, varies among programs
History of completed coursework in social and hard sciences with a “C” or higher grade
Submission of high school transcripts
Depending on the school, there may be additional prerequisites or requirements. You may find that bachelor’s programs in child development also require you to submit:
At least one letter of recommendation from a former teacher or employer
Standardized test scores such as the ACT or SAT
Personal statement outlining career goals and why you wish to attend a particular program
Bear in mind that even though online child development bachelor’s programs may have more “seats” available than on-campus programs, admissions numbers may still be limited and highly competitive. If appropriate, send supplemental materials to help bolster your application and further articulate your desire to attend a particular school or program.
How much do online child development bachelor’s degrees typically cost?
The cost of your online child development bachelor’s program will vary among schools. For the most part, you’ll find cost differences between public and private institutions, and even differences based on location despite a program being fully online. Additional factors that will affect your overall cost include how long it takes you to complete the program and how much funding you’ve secured, often in the form of grants or scholarships, to put toward your education. Here’s a look at the cost of three online childhood development bachelor’s degree programs to give you a better sense of the pricing landscape.
Ways to Help Pay for Your Online Child Development Degree
The cost of a degree in child development is a significant investment for just about anyone. It is important that you consider all of the ways to help you pay for your education. Whether or not you think you need to do so, it is important that all college students complete a FAFSA® so that they receive consideration for federal funding. Additionally, there are many institutional, private, and public scholarships available for students of all backgrounds, majors, and extracurricular interests. Many students choose to take out student loans to pay for their education. Federal loans typically offer better deals for students compared to private loans.
Check out EduMed’s dedicated guides on scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid to learn more about options for paying for your online degree in child development.
Best Online Options for Child Development Degrees
In the school rankings below, we’ve identified some of the best online child development degree programs with an eye on affordability and flexibility. These programs hold the appropriate accreditations that ensure their students earn valuable credentials that can lead to a rewarding career in the child development field. We’ve also spotlighted three additional programs popular among child development students to give you additional insight into what you should look for during your own program search.
Grayson College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development and Early Childhood Education, along with various certificates and occupational skills awards. The AAS programs require 60 credit hours, including general education, child development-specific courses, and electives. These programs emphasize hands-on experience in early childhood classrooms, starting from the first semester. Graduates are prepared for careers in child care, therapy, Early Childhood Intervention, and Head Start programs. The degrees are available online, providing flexibility for students.
Why We Selected Grayson College:
The program offers hands-on experience in Texas Rising Star early childhood education classrooms.
The Child Development program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Students can pursue specialized career tracks in fields like Early Childhood Intervention and Head Start.
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Development, preparing students for roles such as Head Start teachers, preschool teachers, and teaching assistants. The program includes hands-on field experiences, focusing on child development theory, culturally responsive teaching, and STEAM integration. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the program is available online and at multiple campuses. Graduates are well-prepared for early childhood education careers across Alaska.
Why We Selected University of Alaska Anchorage:
The program offers a strong emphasis on early literacy and culturally responsive teaching practices.
The Early Childhood Education program at UAA provides nearly 1000 hours of field experience across its pathways.
UAA's Early Childhood Education program boasts a 100% job placement rate for graduates seeking employment in the field.
West Virginia University at Parkersburg offers an Associate of Applied Science in Child Development, which can be completed online. The program includes 60 credit hours, emphasizing the development of engaging and playful learning environments for young children. Graduates can pursue careers as lead teachers, childcare center directors, and family support specialists. The program also offers certificates and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Development. Tuition rates are affordable, and all students pay in-state rates regardless of location.
Why We Selected West Virginia University at Parkersburg:
The program offers specialized child development courses with expert faculty guidance.
The curriculum includes practical training in childcare settings, enhancing hands-on experience.
Students benefit from networking opportunities with professionals in early childhood education.
Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science in Child Development – Birth through Kindergarten prepares students for careers in early childhood education. The program focuses on developing competencies to teach and lead in pre-K and kindergarten settings. It includes multiple student teaching experiences, culminating in a full-time internship. Students can pursue dual certification in regular and special education, enhancing career opportunities. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for preschool teachers, with a projected 20-23% job market growth in North Carolina. Career paths include preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, daycare director, and child life specialist. Admission requirements vary for first-year and transfer students, with specific general education and teacher education admission requirements. Financial aid and scholarships are available to support students throughout their studies.
Why We Selected Appalachian State University:
The program offers a dual certification in regular and special education, enhancing career prospects.
The program includes multiple student teaching experiences, providing hands-on learning opportunities.
It prepares students for graduate degrees in various education fields, offering future academic flexibility.
The Early Care and Child Development program at Oklahoma State University prepares students to work with young children from birth to five years old in Oklahoma-licensed facilities. The program focuses on child development and early education, equipping graduates to manage day-to-day operations of early care centers. Potential career paths include roles as Master Teachers and child care administrators. The program is designed to accommodate working students, with flexible scheduling. Students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree, which can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at partnering institutions. Financial support is available through the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program, which covers significant portions of tuition and textbooks for qualifying students.
Why We Selected Oklahoma State University:
The program offers a 100% online format for flexibility.
It prepares students for various early childhood settings, including childcare centers and Head Start programs.
Graduates are qualified to work in diverse programs like infant and toddler care and before/after-school programs.
The Master of Science in Child Development at Texas Woman’s University focuses on child growth and development from infancy through adolescence, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The program requires 31 credit hours and offers a thesis or professional option. Students explore major theories and empirical research, applying them to work with children and families. Career pathways include roles in early childhood intervention, community outreach, and parent education. The program emphasizes practical application of child development knowledge and critical thinking skills. Admissions typically require a bachelor’s degree and relevant prerequisites. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to support students. The program prepares graduates for diverse roles in child and family services, enhancing their ability to critically consume research and apply evidence-based practices.
Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University:
The program offers knowledgeable and supportive faculty with expertise in child development and early education.
The small class sizes provide an intimate learning environment conducive to personalized attention and mentorship.
Students gain marketable skills in critical thinking, academic writing, and quantitative research methodologies.
The Bachelor of Science in Child Development at Indiana Tech is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of child development stages from infancy through adolescence. The program focuses on assessing children’s development, advocating for children, and understanding the impact of societal and cultural factors on development. It typically requires completion of a set of core courses and institutional requirements. Students can leverage transfer credits from associate degrees, such as those from Ivy Tech, to streamline their path to a bachelor’s degree. Financial aid options include scholarships like the Ivy Tech Merit Scholarship for eligible students. Career paths include roles in preschool management, teaching, social services, and child protective services. Additionally, the degree can serve as a foundation for further graduate study, such as pursuing a master’s degree in school psychology.
Why We Selected Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies:
The Child Development program at Indiana Tech offers specialized career tracks in early education.
The program provides opportunities for hands-on experience in supporting children's emotional and psychological development.
Faculty expertise in child development enhances student learning and career preparation.
Alcorn State University offers a variety of degree programs across several schools, including the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, School of Education and Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Business. These programs provide students with rigorous academic preparation and opportunities for leadership. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with options like Agricultural Sciences, Education, Psychology, Nursing, Business Administration, and more. While specific details about program length and credits vary, Alcorn State University is known for its strong tradition in agriculture and applied sciences, as well as its commitment to preparing students for careers in their chosen fields. Financial aid and scholarships are available to support students. Admissions requirements typically include transcripts, test scores, and application fees. Career outcomes include roles in education, healthcare, business, and agriculture.
Why We Selected Alcorn State University:
Personalized student support is provided by a team of advisors throughout the program.
Faculty combine personal field knowledge with proven academic theory to enhance learning.
A world-class online library is available 24/7 for access to scholarly research.
The Child Development and Family Studies Bachelor of Science degree focuses on development from birth through age eight, emphasizing typical and atypical development. It requires 120 credit hours, including courses like Infant Development, Child Development Practicum, and Professional Field Experience. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in emphasis courses and earn a C- or higher in major coursework. Career paths include roles as family/parent educators, Head Start teachers, and family support workers. The program prepares students to work in various settings, such as childcare centers and hospitals. Admission requires meeting university standards, and financial aid options are available. Graduates can pursue advanced degrees or certifications for specialized roles. The program offers extensive field experiences, equipping students to support children and families in diverse settings.
Why We Selected West Virginia University:
The program offers extensive field experiences with various age groups of young children.
The online format provides flexibility for students managing work and family responsibilities.
Specialized career tracks include roles as family/parent educators and Head Start teachers.
The Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development with a focus on Child Development prepares students to support children from infancy to age 8 by guiding their educational, physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The program includes coursework on child development issues, research, and trends, complemented by lab experiences and community-based service. Career options include roles such as childcare center director, preschool teacher, and child advocacy. The program offers flexibility and affordability, with financial aid and scholarships available. Students can build their professional network through internships and volunteer opportunities. The degree is part of the School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences, providing a solid foundation for careers working with children and families.
Why We Selected Missouri State University-Springfield:
The program offers 100% online coursework, providing flexibility and convenience for students.
The program allows students to complete lab experiences and internships at a location of their choice, enhancing practical skills.
Affordable tuition and financial aid options make the program accessible to a wide range of students.
Program Details
AccreditationHLC
Average In-State Tuition$7,196
Average Institutional Aid$5,619
% of Students in ≥1 Online Course51%
% of Students Receiving an Award55%
Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
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Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
% in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
% Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
Timon Kaple, Ph.D., is a full-time writer and researcher. His work focuses on sociolinguistics, small-group folklore, the anthropology of sound, higher education, and student support services. He has experience as an ethnographer and enjoys conducting fieldwork and archival research.
Dr. Ellery Weil holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, and a master's degree and PhD in History from University College London, and has been writing professionally in the higher education sector and for nutrition and wellness spaces for over six years. In addition to her work below, her writing has been published by Pearson, Arizona State University, BestColleges, A-List Education, and more.
Michael Hoffman is a skilled freelance journalist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in the research and writing of online content. He has authored nearly 300 articles for higher education-focused websites (including over 140 for EduMed) covering a wide range of academic disciplines, such as business, healthcare, education, public service, computer science and information technology, and many others.
Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael practiced for several years as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked in Santa Monica, California as a development executive for a major film producer.
Michael Hoffman is a skilled freelance journalist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in the research and writing of online content. He has authored nearly 300 articles for higher education-focused websites (including over 140 for EduMed) covering a wide range of academic disciplines, such as business, healthcare, education, public service, computer science and information technology, and many others.
Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael practiced for several years as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked in Santa Monica, California as a development executive for a major film producer.
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