The earliest years of a child’s life are crucial to their cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Learn how you can help children and families successfully navigate this critical formative period with an online master’s in child development.
A masters degree in this field could help you develop your expertise and professional qualifications in the specialty of your choosing. Graduate-level training in child development can also be a beneficial supplement to careers in healthcare, social work, education, and counseling.
Read on to discover potential degree specializations, course topics, and career paths associated with the advanced study of child development.
What Is a Child Development Degree?
Child development education can be based on many different practices and ideologies, so finding a program that fits you can be difficult. A good undergraduate background with a focus on physiology, education, psychology, or social sciences will give you an edge.
There are many nationally recognized certifications that can be obtained in the course of your studies, including the child life specialist certification, nursing and healthcare certificates, and basic or advanced education certifications.
Courses include more psychological studies like Adolescent Sexuality and Parenthood and Cognition in Social Contexts. There are also more business and finance based elements like Basic Grant Development and Management and Youth Professionals as Consumers of Research.
Commonly, the requirements to apply for an online master’s in child development are reasonable. You should be able to apply for most of the programs on our list if you have:
- A relevant undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA in the last two years of coursework
- Reasonable GRE scores, including verbal and quantitative ability
- Relevant health or educational certifications may sometimes be required.
Careers for Child Development Majors
Child development degrees vary widely in name, coursework, and focus. A good program will help you prepare for a multitude of possibilities. Employers in both the private and public sectors need professionals with the capability to research, fund, and implement positive care and educational systems.
Due to a constant need for more employees, some of the most popular careers for child development professionals are in education and health services. A master’s level of education should provide you with a position as a tenure track teacher, a school administrator, or an educational researcher. Medically minded students can expect a position in home health aid, or as a pediatric therapist or dietitian.
A doctorate in child development is uncommon, however there are many opportunities in behavioral science research if you choose to continue your education past a master’s. A doctorate could earn you an advanced position in more unique child development industries like family financial planning or adolescent psychology.
10 Best Online Masters in Child Development
Earning an online Masters in Child Development provides online graduate students with an extensive network of career opportunities. Students with a Master’s Degree in Child Development go on work as Early Childhood Teachers, Resource and Referral Specialists, and Family Advocates. A specialist in Child Development aims to promote quality of life for families and individuals, as well as the act as a successful advocate for families across their lifespans. Besides making a difference in the lives of children, the best part of studies Child Development studies is how many related jobs have continued to grow successfully. As the demand for specialized employment rises, so does the need for more leadership and management positions. Professionals with a masters-level degree are more likely to obtain these type of leadership roles. Deciding on whether a Master’s degree is right for you can depend on the degree’s institution, the cost of attendance, and the types of certifications available. Earning an online degree, however, makes this decision easier because it allows students to complete classes from nearly anywhere in the world at an affordable rate. In addition, the flexibility of an online degree creates a more diverse learning community, and working students can participate in building healthy communities and families outside of class. Here are Best College Reviews’ 10 Top Online Master’s Degrees in Child Development, where online students can advance in the career field they love
Methodology
Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the Best Online Master’s Degrees in Child Development, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees: 25% – Student Satisfaction 30% – Earning Potential 15% – Retention Data 20% – Affordability 10% – Acceptance Rates For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.
#10 CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
MINNEAPOLIS, MNMASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT View Website
Score: 88.67Capella University understands that as working professional students need options. It offers 
two different courses to start their Master’s: The GuidedPath or FlexPath. These allow students to choose the level of structure or flexibility. Both tracks teach students immediately applicable skills that address mental health, social, and educational issues. Students will learn to recognize and value the diversity among children and their families and explore how to carry out best practices and policies. Students of Capella can choose a focus on childhood development, physical and mental health, or educational issues. Along with flexibility and options, Capella offers an affordable Master of Science degree, making it Best Value Schools’ #3 in Best Cheap Master’s Degrees in Child Development.
Tuition: $14,365
#9 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
EAST LANSING, MIMASTER OF ARTS IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT View WebsiteScore: 89.61 Michigan State University is a member of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education 
Alliance, or IDEA. As such, MSU faculty developed the MS curriculum from various Research 1 institutions associated with IDEA. For the online MS program, professors and students communicate over the phone and online via e-mail, Skype, and Zoom. MSU’s online courses are interactive and collaborative so that students can share their strengths and receive the support they need as they learn. MSU is ranked among the top 100 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition: $17,436 / $34,260
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#8 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO
GREENSBORO, NCMASTER OF EDUCATION IN BIRTH-KINDERGARTEN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES WITH EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT View Website
Score: 89.99The University of North Carolina at Greensboro provides online students with a Master of 
Education in Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies. UNC students can choose degree concentrations in either Early Childhood Leadership and Program Administration, or Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure. The second of the two is geared toward students who are more focused on education. Both concentrations prepare graduates to assume leadership positions and teach them the foundation of child development. Students at UNCG can be involved in research on topics such as preparation of early childhood educators, measurement of child-care quality, inclusive practices, and collaboration in early childhood programs and services. CollegeChoice called UNCG the #1 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Child Development, and U.S. News & World Report listed it as #201 in National Universities.
Tuition: $5,219 / $18,937
#7 MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY – SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD, MOMASTER OF SCIENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT View Website
Score: 90.65The Master of Science in Early Childhood and Family Development from Missouri State 
University – Springfield is customized to fit student needs. MSUS students can study entirely online, or with a hybrid of online and face-to-face classes. The MS program provides courses such as Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and The Educational Role of Play. Regarding its reputation, MSUS is ranked #105 for Best Big Colleges in America by Niche, and #111 amongst the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition: $4,824 / $9,702
#6 UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE
LA VERNE, CAMASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT View Website
Score: 94.38Listed among the top 200 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University 
of La Verne has an excellent Master of Science in Child Development program. Students are prepared to assume leadership roles within the child services industry after completing courses such as Cognition and Brain Development and Studies in Attachment. The MS emphasizes topics involving the theories and issues accompanying the growth and development of early childhood. While enrolled, students build up their understanding of children’s physical, intellectual, and emotional development.
Tuition: $13,626
#5 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA – MAIN CAMPUS
TAMPA, FLMASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH View Website
Score: 94.49The University of South Florida provides online students with a Master of Science in Child and 
Adolescent Behavioral Health. USF partners with agencies across the world to provide opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in the field. The program offers four areas of concentration: Developmental Disabilities, Leadership in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, Research and Evaluation, and Youth and Behavioral Health. Online courses cover subjects such as cultural competency, behavioral health conditions and services, and policies within behavioral health. The online MS has two track options consisting of a thesis and an applied track. The thesis track works best for students interested in a post-graduate research setting or continuing their education, while the applied track has an experiential focus. Both options are offered entirely online and prepare graduates to become professionals serving public and nonprofit agencies.
Tuition: $8,350 / $19,048
#4 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – COLUMBIA
COLUMBIA, MOMASTER OF ARTS IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH View Website
Score: 96.62The University of Missouri-Columbia offers a flexible timeline for working students. The 
Human Development and Family Science program encourages online students to become leaders in the field. Online students at Mizzou interact with professors and students from across the nation. Graduates are capable of directing agencies and managing programs and are knowledgeable in topics such as Youth Development, Gerontology, and Family and Community Services. Mizzou is ranked #10 for Best Cheap Master’s in Child Development by Best Value Schools and is in the top 200 National Universities according to U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition: $8,640 / $23,659
#3 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – LINCOLN
LINCOLN, NEMASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY STUDIES View Website
Score: 96.88Also ranked among the top 200 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, the 
University of Nebraska stands out for its online Master of Science in Child, Youth, and Family program. UN provides students with the power of choice when it comes to their degree by offering several specializations to aligns with student career goals. Specializations include Child Development, Ethnic Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Family Financial Planning, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Youth Development. Students at UN can choose to take a thesis or non-thesis track. All online students gain valuable teaching experience by learning how to conduct research and organize intervention among individuals, couples, and families.
Tuition: $7,518 / $22,425
#2 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – TWIN CITIES
TWIN CITIES, MNMASTER OF ARTS IN APPLIED CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT View Website
Score: 98.75Students at the University of Minnesota learn to research, develop, and apply appropriate 
prevention and intervention strategies. UM’s Master of Science in Applied Child and Adolescent Development teaches several research methods and ethical models in addition to the basics of social, emotional and cognitive development, and biological development. The 32-credit degree includes field experience for hands-on application. Students in the program can specialize in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Child Life, or Individualized Studies to match their career goals. The University of Minnesota is ranked #76 for National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition: $16,728 / $25,884
#1 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
HATTIESBURG, MSMASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES View Website
Score: 100.00The Master of Science in Child and Family Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi 
looks at the relationship between family, self, and society. Courses provided within in MS Child and Family Studies cover topics such as family life education, human and social services, and public health. Graduates of USM are prepared to help children and their families by conducting research and applying strategies for improvement. The university’s online MS program is ranked #4 for College Choice’s list of Most Affordable Online Master’s in Child Development and #230 for Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition: $8,108
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Child Development Program?
Successful individuals in this field typically excel at multitasking, tolerating long hours, and exhibiting patience when helping children through illness or personal problems.
People who enjoy working with children might benefit from an online master’s in child development. Successful individuals in this field typically excel at multitasking, tolerating long hours, and exhibiting patience when helping children through illness or personal problems.
Most master’s programs require 30-38 credits and take about two years to complete. Students who enroll in classes while working full time might need three or more years. Many programs require applicants with bachelor’s degrees outside of child development to take extra prerequisite courses.
Many students choose a concentration while earning their master’s in child development. Common options include counseling, mental health, and education. Students might also select an age group for their focus, such as adolescent or infant development. Picking a specialization can expand graduates’ employment opportunities.
In addition to coursework, a master’s in child development program might require a thesis. Many graduates find that a teaching license can help them qualify for more jobs and advance their careers. Professionals who want to operate a childcare center need a childcare license, for which requirements vary by state.
Admission Requirements for Online Master’s in Child Development Programs
Applicants to most online master’s in child development programs need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Some programs also require work experience, especially from prospective students who hold a bachelor’s outside of child development. Many schools require at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA but may offer conditional admission to applicants with lower GPAs.
Prospective students must often submit writing samples, recommendation letters, a statement of teaching philosophy, GRE scores, and an application fee. Applicants with other backgrounds than child development might need to take some prerequisites before enrolling in core courses.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Child Development Program?
A master’s in child development program typically offers courses in theory, curriculum development, and legal issues. Students might also get exposure to research methods, communication theory, and principles of assessment.
Master of arts (MA) programs often prepare students for fields like social work, healthcare advocacy, and counseling. Many students pursuing a master of science (MS) degree learn more about psychology and brain development and receive more research-based training.
While courses will differ according to the specific program, below are some of the common courses you will likely encounter in an online master’s in child development program.
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Social and Historical Perspectives of Early Childhood
Cognition, Language, and Play
Physical Growth and Development
Literacy Development
Child, Family, and Community
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What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Child Development Degree?
The BLS projects 3% growth for preschool teachers between 2019 and 2029, slower than the projected 4% rate for all occupations. During the same period, the BLS projects 2% job growth for childcare workers. Increasing costs for childcare might reduce some demand for workers. Nevertheless, the need to replace professionals who retire or transfer will still increase.
Are you curious about what you can do with a master’s in child development? Find out about child development careers.
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Elementary or Secondary School Principal
Principals, vice principals, and other administrators guide faculty and hold them responsible for their lesson plans. These professionals also plan and oversee budgets, create safe school environments, and help ensure that students’ academic performance meets district and state requirements. Principals often meet with parents, deal with disciplinary violations, and uphold student conduct codes.
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