Child development programs cover the biological, cognitive, and social development of children, typically from infancy through adolescence. Drawing heavily from behavioral and social sciences, a child development degree prepares graduates to work in various professional arenas. Degree-holders may work in early childhood education, curriculum design, and career and technical program development.
Kindergarten and elementary teachers earn a median annual salary of $59,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals typically only need a bachelor's degree in child development or a closely related field. Child development specialists with a master's or doctoral degree earn even higher annual median salaries, including postsecondary teachers ($79,540) and college administrators ($95,410).
Like most educators, child development specialists believe that education plays a pivotal role in helping individuals reach their full potential. Child development experts believe that this process begins before a child enters preschool and continues through adolescence.
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Online Child Development Questions
What can I do with a child development degree?
Professionals with a child development degree can pursue many roles, including school and career counselor, middle school teacher, and instruction coordinator.
Is child development a good career?
A child development degree qualifies graduates for work in diverse career fields, many of which show steady growth and above-average salaries.
What is the difference between child development and early childhood education?
Child development encompasses the development of children and adolescents. Early childhood education focuses on learning activities and educational institutions for children prior to entering kindergarten.
What do you learn in child development?
A child development program covers topics such as language development in young children, social and emotional growth, and adolescent development.
What Are the Requirements for a Child Development Degree?
A child development degree typically maintains similar admission requirements as other bachelor's programs. Applicants must submit a school transcript from every secondary school attended, a high school diploma, and at least one recommendation letter from a school staff member. Some programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Typical child development degrees require 120 credits, and major courses comprise at least half of those credits. Child development programs often include an internship for junior and senior enrollees. Culminating activities vary, with many schools requiring learners to complete a capstone project or pass a comprehensive exam. Some programs require degree-seekers to write a thesis to graduate.
Accreditation for Child Development Degrees
Accreditation refers to the process of evaluation that postsecondary institutions voluntarily undergo to demonstrate their commitment to quality education. Independent accreditors assess a school's academic offerings to determine whether they meet recognized standards of excellence.
Nonprofit, degree-focused colleges and universities seek regional accreditation, while for-profit, career-centric vocational schools seek national accreditation. Since regionally accredited institutions maintain stricter admission requirements, regional accreditation is often viewed as the most prestigious.
Some accrediting bodies focus on specific programs instead of entire schools and issue programmatic accreditation. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the main accrediting agency in the child development and early childhood education field.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) recognizes all three accreditation types. Learners who plan to apply for federal financial aid should only apply to accredited schools since the ED channels funds only to accredited schools.
Certifications and Licensure for Child Development
Professionals who want to work in the classroom need licensure in the state where they plan to teach. Licensure requirements vary between states. Some states participate in reciprocity agreements, so students should check specific licensure requirements before completing a program. Child development graduates can also pursue the credentials below.
The Child Life Certification Commission requires candidates to hold a bachelor's degree in a child-focused field, show completion of required coursework, and possess at least 600 clinical internship hours or work experience. Candidates must pass the Child Life Professional Certification Exam for initial certification. Renewal occurs every five years and requires the completion of professional development units.
Nationally transferable and widely recognized in the early childhood education field, the CDA credential presents the holder as a professional trained to nurture children's emotional, psychological, emotional, and intellectual development. Requirements include a professional portfolio, completion of at least 120 clock hours of professional education in all CDA subject areas, and 480 direct contact hours with young children.
Candidates must pass three tests to earn this credential. They also need a bachelor's degree or higher and must pass a national background check.
Child Development Specializations
Many child development programs offer concentration areas or study tracks that allow students to focus on specific areas of professional or personal interest. Most schools offer concentration coursework only at the junior and senior levels.
Students enrolled in an online child development program may find that schools do not offer all specializations online. However, learners can still focus their studies by enrolling in a cluster of classes in a specific subject field. See below for three of the most common concentration options for child development majors.
Childcare Management
This specialization focuses on how to run facilities that cater to children, including daycare centers and nursery schools. Childcare administrators ensure their facility offers age-appropriate learning activities, adheres to industry safety standards, and complies with relevant legal regulations.Counseling and Family Services
Enrollees examine the various issues and challenges that impact the stability of family structures, including addiction, mental health problems, and abuse. Courses cover topics such as behavior modification and personality disorder theories. Independent practice in this field may require licensure and additional education and training.Early Childhood Education
Child development majors who specialize in early childhood education focus on the social, emotional, and academic needs of children under age eight. Many early childhood education specialists work as teachers who directly monitor and further children's growth and development. Some practitioners work in curriculum development or as child advocates within the social work arena.
Scholarships for Child Development
Students pursuing a child development degree can explore financial assistance from several sources, including professional organizations, federal agencies, and nonprofits. Most of these funding options accept applications from students pursuing an on-campus or online child development degree.
Scholarships for Child Development
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
Bright Futures National Scholarship |
$250-$1,000 |
Bright Horizons welcomes applications from undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in early childhood education or a related field, such as child development. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must have completed at least 30 credits of coursework in the field. The program gives preference to minority students and nontraditional enrollees. |
Jack Kinnaman Scholarship |
$2,500 |
The National Education Association administers this program and accepts applications from undergraduate students pursuing an education-focused degree. Child development majors who plan to pursue a career as an educator can apply. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and must demonstrate financial need. |
Best Child Development Classes Online
#1 Online Child Development Degrees
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Appalachian State University offers several top-ranked online programs, including a bachelor of science in child development - birth through kindergarten degree. From its campus in Boone, North Carolina, the public institution offers on-campus and online bachelor's programs. The flexible learning format appeals to busy students balancing school with other responsibilities.
The online program builds foundational and advanced knowledge of the field. Enrollees meet with faculty mentors and academic advisors to individualize their degree through electives and minors. The school supports distance learners with academic services and career counseling.
The school's accreditation status means that students qualify for federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant. Degree-seekers can also use scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for their degree.
Appalachian State University Numbers:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 81
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Number of Online Students: 4,490
Percent of Applicants Accepted: 77%
Undergrad Graduation Rate: 73%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Child Development Degrees
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Michigan University delivers undergraduate programs for remote degree-seekers throughout the country. The Michigan-based public institution also provides in-person academic programs. The online bachelor's degrees in early childhood development and learning deliver flexible learning options. Early childhood development students choose from three degree options: a bachelor of arts, bachelor of applied arts, or bachelor of science.
Distance learners in the programs can study from anywhere using the virtual classroom environment. The programs' online format allow participants to view lectures and participate in discussions virtually. Core and general education classes help enrollees in the programs develop transferable skills and prepare for advanced coursework. Graduates of the institution's bachelor's programs often secure entry-level positions to gain experience before pursuing career advancement.
An admissions advisor can provide specific application details, including requirements and deadlines.
Central Michigan University at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 125
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Percentage of Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 96%
Students Awarded Student Loans: 70%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Child Development Degrees
Point University
- West Point, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Point University's online bachelor of science in child development provides a flexible option for learners interested in child development. The private institution enrolls students in 58 programs, including 37 online programs. Degree-seekers across the country can pursue the school's 14 online bachelor's programs without relocating.
The institution delivers coursework for the program in a virtual classroom environment. Along with core classes, the program requires advanced child development coursework. Degree-seekers gain transferable skills while completing general education coursework. Many online programs require in-person internships, which undergraduates typically complete locally.
The school provides student support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, to support learners' overall success. Students at the accredited institution can qualify for federal grants and loans. Financial aid counseling can help enrollees explore options for reducing out-of-pocket expenses, including loans, scholarships, and grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Child Development Degrees
Concordia University, St. Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Concordia University, St. Paul delivers academic programs in many disciplines. Learners can pursue 57 online programs from the school, along with in-person academic offerings in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The flexible bachelor of arts in child development is ideal for students with personal or professional responsibilities.
Learners complete core courses, general education requirements, and upper-division classes. Degree-seekers also take elective classes and complete projects to develop in-demand skills. Enrollees meet with academic advisors and faculty mentors to discuss their interests and career goals.
The institution holds accreditation, which means students can qualify for federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant. Admissions advisors provide prospective applicants with program-specific application details.
Concordia University, St. Paul at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 55
Online Bachelor's Programs: 18
Number of Online Students: 3,036
Admission Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Average Tuition Per Credit: $473
Transfer Credits Accepted: No
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online Child Development Degrees
Fresno Pacific University
- Fresno, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate programs at Fresno Pacific University prepare students for new career opportunities and advancement. Learners can pursue any of the school's three virtual bachelor's programs. Online learning allows working professionals to conveniently earn accredited degrees. People interested in child development can enroll in the bachelor of arts in early childhood development.
Enrollees watch lectures and complete assignments at convenient times. Smaller classes help online participants achieve better outcomes. Degree-seekers may receive credit for service-learning opportunities. Student organizations provide professional development and networking opportunities to help learners succeed after graduation.
Fresno Pacific University at a Glance:
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $32,458
Out-of-State Undergrad Tuition: $32,458
Undergraduate Admission Rate: 66%
Percentage of Learners Awarded Aid: 100%
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
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