The field of child development has come a long way in recent years in part thanks to the advancement of neuroscience. Child development focuses on what we currently term “developmental stages:” what we consider to be age appropriate, and essentially the milestones to look out for as an infant matures into their early childhood years. Additionally, child development examines what happens to a baby and young child when their environment is not optimal- such as in instances of malnourishment, neglect, or under other forms of stress. Today, when considering the developing child, we also consider that child’s cultural background and language skills. Child development deals with questions including is the child communicating with eye contact, sounds, points, babbles, and eventually words? All of these developmental milestones are examined in child development. But today we know so much more now about children. Social and emotional development are also central to child development. What puts that smile on a baby’s face? When a mother says “oh she likes you!” the mother can tell because (according to child development) the mother and father are the primary teachers and ultimately should be the experts who truly understand their child’s development and state of mind. This is why so many programs in child development also include courses on parent and family interactions- as child development is far more than just a child’s interaction with a teacher or psychologist. In fact, family studies courses often appear in tandem with child development classes.
We wanted to help you navigate your way through the best online degree programs. We examined certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and even master’s degrees that focus on child development. We looked at quality of academics as well as student success rate- another indicator of quality. Understanding that heading back to school is expensive and cost not only money but precious time, we also factored in how affordable a program is. We looked at out-of-state tuition rates, and calculated an estimated total cost for tuition. With all of these factors in mind, we came up with these our 20 Top Programs on Child Development.
Methodology:
- Academic Quality (1/3): range of degree offerings for child development, average class sizes, admissions standards, accreditation, percentage of faculty with terminal degrees in their field.
- Student Outcomes (1/3): retention rates, four year graduation rates, 150% of average program time graduation rates.
- Affordability (1/3): the percentage of students receiving financial aid, the average size of financial aid packages, and tuition per credit hour for out-of-state students (when applicable).
1.) University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi informally known as Southern Miss was founded in 1910 and is a public research university located in Hattiesburg,
Mississippi.There are 14,552 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 17:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Southern Miss to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. The doctoral and research program is extensive offering more than 70 doctoral degrees and nearly 30 specialist and certificate programs. The student body is diverse representing over 70 countries worldwide. Southern Miss offers an extensive range of online degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students alike. There are over 50 fully online degrees and certifications including an online MBA for bachelor’s and master’s candidates, as well as 14 fully online education degrees like their online bachelor’s in elementary education, online master’s in physical education, and online doctorate in instructional technology.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies. There are two emphasis areas offered: Child Development and Family Relations. We selected this online degree in child development for its affordable tuition rate, high level of student support, and for the quality academic programming. Those who select to follow the child development course material will spend more time in taking experiential lab courses as well as literacy courses and those who focus on family relations focus more on public health and psychology. Both degrees are 100% online and include courses like the following: child development, child development methods and materials, personal development and interpersonal relationships, as well as behaviors and guidance, family and adolescents, infant development and more. This is a great bachelor’s degree for any individual looking to obtain a broad scope of child development as well as for individuals looking to hone their interests.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $25,452
2.) Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a public university located in Boone, North Carolina. There are 18,295 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Appalachian State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and professional certifications. According to U.S. News App State ranks as the 9th best school in the region, 7th best college for veterans, 3rd best public school, 2nd best school for undergraduate teaching, and has the 66th best online graduate education program. Academic programs are wide-spanning and varied including degree offerings in food science, women’s studies, educations, healthcare, visual and performing arts and more. When it comes to online education, Appalachian State offers 15 online degrees and certifications in fields like business administration, educational technology, child development, and nursing. Appalachian State accepts credit for life experience.
Appalachian State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Birth through Kindergarten. We selected this online bachelor’s degree in child development for the high graduation rates, affordable tuition, and quality of academic programming. This 122 credit hour online bachelor’s degree may be completed part-time and is seven semesters in length. All students will complete an additional semester for student teaching. Here’s a sneak peak into the curriculum: Child development Birth to 2 years, child study and guidance, child development 3- kindergarten, foods and nutrition for children, and variation in development from birth through kindergarten. There are also a number of courses that focus on curriculum and instruction. This is a great program for individuals looking to work as Preschool teachers, child life specialists, daycare directors etc.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $34,018
3.) Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant Michigan. There are 25,986 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits CMU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks CMU as the 113th top public school in the nation, 54th for best online MBA programs, and 46th for best online graduate education programs. Carnegie classifies CMU as having “Higher Research Activity.” Some of the best programs include their degrees in neuroscience, as well medicine. Generally, their academic offerings cover a wide-range of disciplines including fields like graphic design, exercise science, neuroscience, German, child development, and casino management. There are an impressive 45 fully online degrees and professional certifications including degrees like the online bachelor’s in political science, online bachelor’s in child development, and online master’s in educational leadership and administration.
Central Michigan University offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Early Childhood Development and Learning. We selected this online bachelor’s in child development for the affordable tuition rate and for the high success rate of its graduates. Through this program you will obtain a thorough knowledge of early childhood development. The curriculum includes: developmental psychology, education of children, lifespan development, infant toddler development, early childhood development, families schools and communities, and developmental assessment of children. Your capstone experience is an 8 credit hour program on lead teaching in early childhood.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $32,954
4.) West Virginia University at Parkersburg
West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP) is a public 4-year university. There are 2,561 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits WVUP to award associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. Student support services include remedial support, on-campus daycare for students’ children, academic and career counseling, and employment services for students. This community and technical college is known for its high level of completion rates as well as its affordable tuition rates. Currently there are 4 fully online degrees and professional certifications including an online certificate in accounting and an online associate degree in child development. As a community and technical college, a number of the academic offerings are in career-ready and hands-on fields like mechanics, engineering, education, business, and animation.
WVUP offers a number of programs for individuals seeking to further their understanding of child development: the Certificate of Applied Science in Child Development, Associate of Applied Science in Child Development, and their Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Development. We selected WVUP for the wide-range of online options, quality of academic programming, and for their affordable tuition rate. The certification program gives a general overview of child development and each level above continues to delve deeper into theory and practice. All candidates are required to complete field experience. The bachelor’s curriculum includes infant and toddler development, preschool development, ethics, language arts and emergent literacy, an introduction to human development as well as course material on students with special needs.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $16,588
5.) Missouri State University- Springfield
Missouri State University is a public university located in Springfield, Missouri. Forbes listed Missouri State University as one of America’s Top Colleges. Currently, there are 23,538 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Missouri State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Missouri State as the 106th best school in the Midwest, 31st top public school, 105th for best online graduate business programs, and 115th best for online bachelor’s programs. Their academic programs are diverse and robust and include programs in agricultural business, journalism, creative writing, athletic training, financial forensics, religion, and clinical psychology among others. There are an impressive 73 fully online degrees and professional certifications including programs like their online bachelor’s in agriculture, online nurse practitioner program, online master’s in elementary education, and online master’s degree in child development.
Missouri State University offers two online master’s degrees in child development: a Master of Science in Child Life Studies, and a Master of Science in Early Childhood and Family Development. We selected Missouri State for the number of online options, affordable tuition rate, and quality of academic offerings. The Master’s in Child Life Studies prepares individuals to work as certified child life specialists- individuals who aid young children in hospitals and clinical settings. These children may have experience trauma, have anxiety or other barriers keeping them from living a happy and healthy life. You will study human development, family theory, child aspects of illness and disease, childhood death and bereavement, physiological psychology and prevention of child abuse and neglect. The Early childhood and family development track includes more in depth information on human development including courses like: orientation to early childhood and family development, inquiry in early childhood and family development, advanced human development, the educational role of play, family literacy and family advocacy.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $27,532
6.) Amarillo College
Amarillo College is a public community college located in Amarillo, Texas. There are 10,195 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Amarillo College to award certificates and associate’s degrees. Carnegie classifies Amarillo as a “Mixed Transfer/ Vocational and Technical” school and that is certainly reflected in its programming. Amarillo offers degrees and certificates in programs like photography, computer information science, CAD, child development, dental hygiene, liberal arts, welding, social work, graphic design, and more. The online programs include an online associate’s in psychology, online associate’s in liberal arts, and an online associate’s degree in child development. There are over 15 fully online associate’s degrees and professional certifications.
Amarillo College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development/ Early Childhood. We selected this online associate’s in child development for the affordable tuition rate and accessible online format. This program requires course material and three practicum experiences for a total of 660 practicum hours. The practicum experience is broken into three components: observations of young children, practicum in management, and practicum in advanced child care practices. The curriculum is comprehensive and includes courses like: creative arts in early childhood, child growth and development, wellness of the young child, marriage and family, infant and toddler development, children with special needs, emergent literacy, and math and science for young children among others. This is a great degree for entry level positions that affords you a wide-range of career options.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $16,608
7.) North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University is a public land grant research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. There are 14,432 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits NDSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Carnegie classifies NDSU as a research university with “higher research activity.” U.S. News ranks NDSU as the 198th best school in the nation, 106th top public school, and 156th best education school. As a land grant institution there are a number of programs available in the sciences including agriculture, agronomy, animal health, food science, soil science, zoology and more. The liberal arts are also widely covered, and students may select from programs like French language, philosophy, anthropology, and political science. There are 5 fully online degrees in programs that include construction management, human development, and transportation. Though there is some overlap, we recommend taking a closer look at the curricula to determine which track works for your career goals.
North Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science for Child and Adolescent Development. We selected this online bachelor’s in child development for the high quality academic content and affordable tuition rate. The course is divided into four main components: core courses, child and adolescent development, major electives, and “additional courses” that include professional development other electives and general education requirements. The child and adolescent development courses include: prenatal, infant and toddler development, child development, and adolescent development- this includes the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development of adolescents. All courses focus on contemporary issues that face each age group. In addition to child development courses you will also take family studies courses. This is a comprehensive degree that leads to a number of career outcomes.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $33,478
8.) Northern Oklahoma College
Northern Oklahoma College is a community college located in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. There are 4,543 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1 where 60% of students are female and 40% are male. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Northern Oklahoma College to award associate’s degrees. Carnegie classifies Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) as a mixed traditional/ nontraditional institution. NOC offers myriad of student support services including remedial services, academic and career counseling, placement services, and dual credits. There are a wide-range of vocational degrees available including in disciplines like business and commerce, computer and information technology, criminal justice, health, and fine arts. Currently, NOC offers 9 fully online associates degrees and one professional certification. The most popular associate’s are in business, health, and liberal arts. Their online certification program focuses on child development.
Northern Oklahoma College offers an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development. We selected this online associate degree in child development for the affordable tuition rate as well as the quality of academic programming. This degree prepares its graduates for a career as a child care worker, head start teacher, or a child care assistant. In addition to the general education course material all students will learn about infant development- including appropriate cognitive emotional, social, and physical development. Students examine child development from ages infant through to pre-school, and learn how to design and implement curricula that are developmentally appropriate for young learners. This is a great course for an entry-level position in child care, early childhood education, or child development.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition:$18,095
9.) Redlands Community College
Redlands Community College is a a public 2-year institution located in El Reno, Oklahoma. There are 2,946 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 23:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Redlands Community College (RCC) to award associate’s degrees as well as professional certifications. RCC awards credit for life experience and provides remedial support, academic and career counseling, as well as placement services for graduates. According to Carnegie this is a high transfer/ nontraditional school. RCC offers an impressive range of degrees including agricultural animal breeding, business administration, psychology, kinesiology, and art among others. Currently, RCC offers 6 online certifications and degrees including among them an associate’s in criminal justice, and an associate’s degree in child development.
Redlands Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Child Development. We selected this online associate’s in child development for the high quality of academic offerings as well as the affordable tuition rates. This online degree is broken into four components: general education requirements, technical-occupational speciality courses, support and related courses- including an internship, and institutional requirements. We like the wide-range of courses available such as their courses in child growth and development, nutrition health and safety for children, cognitive skills for children, professionalism in early childhood education, and portfolio development. This online degree opens up a number of doors for a career in child development.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition:$17,023
10.) West Virginia University
West Virginia University (WVU) is a public land and space grant university located in Morgantown, West Virginia. There are 28,488 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits WVU to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News, WVU ranks as the 187th best school in the nation, 99th top public school, 15th for best online graduate computer information technology programs, 51st for best online graduate nursing programs, and 63rd for best online graduate business programs among others. Carnegie classifies WVU as a research university with the “highest research activity” which is certainly reflected in the vast number of available degree programs. Students have the option to select from a wide array of disciplines including in biochemistry, agricultural education, systems engineering, audiology, forest management, and music management. Currently, there are 22 online degrees available to both undergraduates and graduates alike such as their online master’s degree in public relations, online bachelor’s in physical education, and online bachelor’s in child development.
West Virginia University offers a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies. We selected this online bachelor’s in child development for the high quality of academics and affordable tuition rate. This program follows the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and allows for two areas of emphasis: child development (non-certification track) and Preschool Education Birth-4 (with a pre-K certification). Those looking to pursue the Pre-K certification track must pass the PRAXIS core exam. All student will look at families across the lifespan and explore the physical, psychological, and cognitive developmental changes within family system change. Other courses include: an introduction to marriage and family, introduction to parenting, infant development, early childhood development, an early childhood practicum and contemporary issues facing family relations among others.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $34,348
11.) Grayson College
Grayson College is a public 2-year institution located in Denison, Texas . There are 4,600 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Grayson College to award associate’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Grayson has an open enrollment policy and offers credit for life experiences. In fact, Grayson offers the full gambit of student support services including remedial support, employment for students, and academic and career counseling. Carnegie classifies Grayson as a mixed-vocational/ mixed-technical institution. So, academic programs are career ready and many are hands-on including an associate’s in child development, professional certification in police science, an associate’s degree in welding, and a professional certification in culinary arts. Currently, Grayson College offers 5 fully online degrees and professional certificates.
Grayson College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development. We selected this online associate’s in child development for their affordable tuition rate and for the high quality education. This online course is designed to prepare students for entry into a career in child development. The quality of this program really shines in the variety of courses that include: infant and toddler development, creative Arts for early childhood, children with special needs, curriculum resources for early childhood programs, observation and assessment of children’s development, administration of programing, child abuse and neglect, and diverse culture/ multilingual education. This program works well for individuals who work in myriad of setting whether urban, suburban or rural.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $23,212
12.) Post University
Post University is a private university located in Waterbury, Connecticut. There are 7,681 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Post University to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certification courses. Student support services include remedial services, placement services for graduates, and academic and career counseling services. Additionally, Post accepts credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics, Post offers a number of professional, and science-related degrees that are perfect for both traditional and non-traditional learners alike. Their online offerings are robust and include programs like an associate’s in accounting, bachelor’s in child development, and a master of education in learning design and technology. In fact, there are 35 fully online degrees and professional certifications- the most popular online degrees are in the fields of business, homeland security, and public administration.
Post University offers a Bachelor of Science in Child Studies. We selected this online bachelor’s in child development for the quality of academics as well as for the affordable tuition rate. This program is divided between general education credits, major core courses, and practicum. We like this program for individuals looking to head into a field in early childhood education at the curriculum features foundations of early childhood education, STEM in the classroom, teaching exceptional learners, curriculum approaches as well as classes on child development. The more common child development courses include health safety and nutrition, emergent literacy, educational psychology, learning theory, and environments for play.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $30,264
13.) Concordia University Saint Paul
Concordia University- Saint Paul (CUS) is a private liberal arts university located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. There are 4,582 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits CUS to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News CSU ranks as the 106th best school in the Midwest, and highly for their online bachelor’s programs, online graduate education programs, online graduate business degrees, and graduate criminal justice programs. Concordia University Saint Paul has a robust online presence with nearly 50 degree and certification programs that include online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Some of the most popular online offerings include their online master’s in educational leadership, online MBA, online bachelor’s in nursing practice, and online bachelor’s in kinesiology and exercise science. All post-graduate certifications are available online.
CUS awards a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. We selected this online bachelor’s degree in child development for its low tuition costs, flexible format, and quality academics. As is stated on their site, the “degree is designed for busy adults.” CUS allows all students to take classes when their ready and each course is only 7 weeks in length. You will learn about theories in early education, ways to define developmentally appropriate classes, set up learning environments for young children, reach out to families and caregivers, and more. All students complete field work in a licenses child care center or early childhood learning center.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $34,500
14.) Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College is a private 4-year institution located in Pasadena, California. There are 1,197 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is just 2:1. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Pacific Oaks College to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Carnegie classifies Pacific Oaks as a “special focus” institution. As it sounds, special focus institutions are classified as such based on the concentration of degrees within a specific field. In the case of Pacific Oaks, most degrees are in education, human sciences, and health. The majority of their programs are available on campus as well as online. There are 7 fully online programs including their online bachelor’s in early childhood education and teaching, online masters in human development and human studies, and their online certification in general education.
Pacific Oaks College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Development. We selected this online bachelor’s in education for the affordable tuition rate and convenient online format. Student may selected to study part-time across 5 years or full-time across just 2 years. The focus of this online degree is on diversity and how diverse cultures affect young children’s developmental and learning outcomes. As part of this program you will learn how to work with bilingual children, study early childhood themes and lifecycle issues, as well as examine sociology and cultural anthropology. Applicants may also be eligible for prior learning assessment credits. All students are required to participate in a practicum. Pacific Oaks also offers three additional human development concentrations: social change, working with adults, and active learning across the lifespan.
- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $21,090
15.) Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a public 4-year institution located in Richmond, Kentucky. There are 16,881 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 16:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools- a regional accrediting institution- the highest level of accreditation accredits EKU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks EKU as the 73rd best university in the South, 27th top public school, and 23rd for best online graduate nursing programs, 76th for best online graduate education programs, and 115th for best online bachelor’s program. EKU offers a number of student support services like career and academic counseling, employment services for students, remedial support, and placement for graduates. When it comes to academics there are nearly 150 different degree programs from which to choose including degrees in anthropology, philosophy, occupational therapy, industrial technology, ornamental horticulture, and criminal justice. Online programming includes 40 degrees and professional certifications in a wide range of fields including their online bachelor’s in insurance, online master’s in library science, online bachelors in industrial technology, and online master’s in nursing practice. The most popular by enrollment include homeland security, education, health, and psychology- including human development.
Eastern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. We selected this online bachelor’s in child development for the high quality of academic programming, and affordable tuition. The coursework focuses on both child development and family studies, and requires 120-125 hours for completion. The cost per credit hour is just $409. Your curriculum is mapped out as follows: Pre-Child and Family Major Courses, Core Courses, the Childhood development concentration, and electives. As with most bachelor’s degrees, you will be required to fulfill their general education requirements. Some of the exciting child development classes include: early childhood literacy, early childhood practicum, programming for infant and toddlers, child development from conception to age 8, creative activities and materials for young children. This excellent academic program is constructed of course materials from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $33,778
16.) Ashford University
Ashford University is a private 4-year institution located in San Diego, California. There are 41,361 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Ashford University to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The majority of programs are additionally offered online. Carnegie classifies Ashford University as a Master’s University with “larger programming.” In fact, Ashford offers robust programming in the fields of business, education, health and more. There are 65 degrees offered completely online for both undergraduate and graduate students alike including their online bachelor’s in child development, online master’s in education, online bachelor’s in healthcare administration, and online associate’s in military applied sciences. Ashford University accepts credit for life experiences.
Ashford University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. We selected this online bachelor’s in child development for its affordable tuition rate, high level of support for students, and quality academic programming. Each course is just five weeks in length and Ashford allows for up to 90 credit hours for transfer. Their motto is “one course at a time” which we find works well for busy professionals. Through this online degree you will learn not only learn about childhood development but also how it relates to curriculum development. This course therefore works well for those interested in advancing in child development or early childhood education. The program requires 120 credit hours for completion: 43 general credit hours, 29 major course requirements, and 38 elective credit hours. Some of the major course requirements include language development in young children, an introduction to child development, cognitive development of infants and young adults, and early childhood curriculum and methods.
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- Tuition: $485/credit
17.) Washington State University
Washington State University (WSU) is a public 4-year institution located in Pullman, Washington. There are 30,142 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 15:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Washington State University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Washington State University as the 140th best school in the nation, 89th best college for veterans, 87th best value school, and 23rd for best online bachelor’s programs, 12th for best online MBA programs, and 29th for best online graduate engineering programs. Additionally, WSU ranks as the 356th best school in the world. Academic programming is versatile and comprehensive including over 350 degrees ranging from agriculture to veterinary science. It may come as no surprise that the online offerings are robust as well including over 30 fully online degrees for undergraduate and graduate students alike. The most popular online programs by enrollment are in business, engineering, social sciences and psychology including their online bachelor’s in human development and professional certification in child development.
Washington State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development. We selected this online bachelor’s in human development for its high quality academic programing, and high value tuition rate. The curriculum follows a progression of foundational material through to a culminating experience. Students may select to either complete a practicum in early childhood or a field placement. The curriculum is designed so that students understanding deepens with a foundational understanding of child development. So that first you examine: lifespan development, family systems, communication and life skills, and human development theories. Upon completion of those foundational courses the material delves deeper with courses like: child development adolescent development, and adult development. From there students will learn about all aspects that affect development such as child maltreatment, family stress and coping, parent-child relationships, family diversity, and death and dying.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition:$41,675
18.) Tulsa Community College
Tulsa Community College is a 2-year institution located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There are 17,135 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits TCC to award associates degrees as well as professional certifications. TCC supports their students in myriad of ways including through remedial help, academic and career counseling as well as through credit for life experiences. Though a community college, TCC offers a vast range of degree options in vocational fields, technical fields, and in the arts. Students may study drama, social work, air traffic control, nursing, child development, accounting, and more. There are also an impressive 27 fully online degrees and professional certifications available including the online associate’s in business, online associates in computer information sciences, and the online associate’s in American sign language.
Tulsa Community College offers an Associate of Science in Child Development. We selected this online associate’s in child development for the affordable tuition rate, wide range of online options, and high quality of academics. The curriculum is designed to meet the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Student may also choose an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood or an Associate of Arts in Elementary and Secondary Education. Additionally there are three certifications available. The AS in Child Development focuses on the following coursework: child development in the lifespan, child and family in the community, children with special needs, physical development and creative expression in birth to age eight, professionalism and leadership in early care and education, and programming for infants and toddlers. For a wide range of child development option, try TCC.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $23,543
19.) Union Institute and University
Union Institute and University is a private research institution located in Cincinnati, Ohio. There are satellite campuses located in Florida, Los Angeles, New England, and Sacramento. There are 1,133 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1. Some of the student support services include employment opportunities for students, placement for graduates, and credit for life experiences. When it comes to their academic offerings, Union Institute focuses on vocational programs in fields like business, education, human sciences, health, homeland security, psychology and others. There are 25 fully online degrees available to both undergraduate and graduate students including their online bachelor’s in special education teaching, online bachelor’s in child care and support services, online master’s in mental health, and online doctorate in interdisciplinary studies.
Union Institute and University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. We selected this online bachelor’s in child development for the high quality of academic programming, flexibility, and affordable tuition. This 120 credit hour degree may be taken part-time or full-time and UIU allows for up to 90 credit hours of transfer. As a student you will complete general education requirements, core course material, and electives. The major course are as follows: the integration of developmental domains, theory and practice, transforming learning standards into achievement, constructing reciprocal relationships with families and the community, and the art and science of assessing children and families. The electives are an opportunity to further tailor your degree to meet you interests and include but are not limited to: challenges and opportunities in the classroom, promoting social and emotional growth, administration, multicultural issues in child development and others.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $26,340
20.) California State University East Bay
California State University East Bay is a public 4-year institution located in Hayward, California. There are 15,855 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 27:1. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits CSU East Bay to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. U.S. News ranks CSU East Bay as 96th best in the region, and 210th for best online bachelor’s programs. One of East Bay’s strengths lies in its wide variety of academic offerings including in disciplines like ethnic studies, health, anthropology, chemistry, and studio arts. Currently there are 9 fully online degrees available to both undergraduate and graduate students including their online bachelor’s in hospitality management, online master’s degree in educational leadership, and their online bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. East Bay provides on-campus day care for students’ children, remedial support, and academic counseling.
California State East Bay offers a number of online human development degrees including the Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with an option to focus on Early Childhood. We selected this online bachelor’s in human development for the quality of academic programming. The curriculum examines human developmental theories and lifespan concepts initially including issues relevant to all ages- children, adolescents, adults and aging populations. You will learn about child language development, children in families, social and cultural dynamics, child cognitive development, and more. All students will be required to take a course in sociology and anthropology. For an intensive bachelor’s the delves deeply into childhood development, this is a great option.
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- Estimated Total Cost for Out-of-State Tuition: $36,879
Great Programs for Child Development Online Learners
Child development careers are growing at a rapid clip, with a full 20 percent job growth expected between 2010 and 2020. As government agencies begin to focus on early childhood education and Head Start programs as a way to end the country’s poor academic rankings, this growth is likely only to accelerate further. The programs mentioned here will give graduates a great way to hit the ground running as this job growth continues.
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