Best Online Master’s in Child Development
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An online master's in child development can equip you with the necessary skills to pursue a meaningful career with many different pathways available, some of which may lead to leadership positions.
Program costs vary based on where you decide to attend. Most programs consist of 30-40 credits and last around two years. Some accelerated programs allow you to graduate in 18 months, while part-time programs can take around three years to complete.
Keep reading to explore top online schools offering master's in child development programs.
Featured Online Master's in Child Development Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Child Development
We use trusted sources like
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and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Tampa, USF serves over 50,000 students, many of whom enroll in online courses. USF offers a fully online master of science in child and adolescent behavioral health that prepares graduates for careers as directors of juvenile justice organizations, substance abuse rehabilitation clinics, and child welfare agencies. USF provides distance learning through the Canvas platform.
Required coursework in the program's 39-credit curriculum covers topics like behavioral health policy and cultural competency in children's mental health. Students also learn advanced research and evaluation methods. This master's in child development program lets candidates personalize the curriculum through seven electives. Participants also choose between thesis and applied (non-thesis) options.
The program offers fall and spring entry dates. Applicants must submit three recommendation letters, a resume or CV, a writing sample, and a one-page statement of purpose. USF recommends — but does not require — that students send in GRE scores.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UMN maintains its flagship campus in the Twin Cities, where it serves more than 50,000 students. The university also offers online degrees, including an entirely online master of arts in applied child and adolescent development. Program graduates are prepared to work as clinical counselors, social work case managers, and healthcare advocates for clients in this age group.
Students choose from three specialized tracks: individualized studies, child life, and infant and early childhood mental health. Learners in the child life track complete a 600-hour internship and qualify to sit for the child life professional certification examination and the Association of Child Life Professionals eligibility assessment. All three pathways require 32 credits.
Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. UMN's College of Education and Human Development awards several scholarships each year.
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
La Verne hosts over 90 academic programs across its four colleges and eight regional campuses. The university also offers several degrees through the Blackboard platform, including an online master of science in child and adolescent development. Students in the program can complete all coursework online or complete some classes on campus.
The program's 39-credit curriculum includes courses like educational psychology, studies in attachment, and cognition and brain development. The program culminates in a practitioner-focused experience or a research-oriented capstone. Distance learners can graduate in 18 months.
To earn admission into La Verne's online master's in child development program, applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA. All prospective students must also submit a statement of purpose detailing relevant work experience and career objectives and complete a writing assessment and an interview with the program chair.
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
MSU provides distance education through the Blackboard platform, delivering over 50 fully online certificates and degrees, including a master of science in early childhood and family development. This program allows working professionals to complete one class at a time around their schedules. Students may also take a full course load and graduate in three semesters.
MSU also offers an accelerated, dual-degree track for learners who want to earn both their bachelor's and master's in child development in five years. Core courses in the program include advanced human development studies and children/families in a diverse society. Learners can use 12 elective credits to personalize their curriculum.
Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students who do not meet this threshold may still enroll if they submit adequate GRE scores. The program accepts up to nine transfer credits.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Manchester, SNHU serves over 90,000 online students every year. The university offers roughly online 300 certificates and degrees, including a master's in child development. By taking two courses each10-week term, learners can complete the program in 15 months.
The program's 36-credit curriculum covers topics like theories of personality, cognitive neuropsychology, and ethical practice in psychology. Students learn common psychometric techniques and how to evaluate test results. The curriculum culminates with a capstone project.
SNHU does not require standardized test scores for admission. Applicants must hold a bachelor's in psychology or complete prerequisite coursework. SNHU provides a variety of financial aid, including scholarships and tuition discounts for military personnel.
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What Can You Expect From an Online Master's in Child Development?
When considering whether you want to pursue a master's in child development, you should consider whether this degree fits your interests. This degree could suit you if you are interested in education and psychology and serving children at various developmental stages.
The majority of programs comprise 30-40 credits and take two years to complete. Accelerated programs may allow you to graduate in as little as 18 months, while part-time programs could take up to three years to complete.
Master's in child development programs commonly include courses in child growth and development, programming for child education, child development program administration, and special education.
Programs also often require you to complete a semester-long practicum in an approved setting to meet mandated hours and build hands-on skills.
Admissions Checklist
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Application: Most online master's in child development programs use online college application systems. These applications often require basic demographic information, including personal information and citizenship status. -
Test Scores: Many programs will require you to submit GRE scores as part of your application. Some programs may not require test scores, and others will waive the requirement if you have a certain GPA or other relevant experience. -
Letters of Recommendation: Programs may also require letters of recommendation, allowing former or current professors, faculty members, or co-workers to endorse you and your readiness for a master's program. -
Resume and Work Experience: Work experience requirements differ among programs; some may look for applicants with relevant work experience, while others may welcome career changers or recent bachelor's degree graduates. Make sure to include all previous work experience on your resume. -
Essays: You may also be required to submit an essay focusing on why you want to pursue a master's in child development, your post-graduation plans, and why you chose that particular program.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Child Development?
A master's in child development provides you with the necessary skills to work in preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools, as well as in the counseling field in healthcare, clinics, and private counseling settings.
Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
---|---|
Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselor | $53,710 |
Elementary School Principal | $103,460 |
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $63,680 |
Preschool and Childcare Center Director | $54,290 |
Special Education Teacher | $67,190 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Child Development Programs
Is a master's in child development worth it?
Master's in child development programs can be worth it if you are aiming to pursue a high-level career in education, psychology, research, or academia. With this degree, you could go on to earn a salary well above $48,060, the median salary for all occupations.
Before you decide on earning a master's in child development, you should decide if an online degree is worth it. Make sure that digital learning fits your education needs before enrolling.
What's the career outlook for child development graduates?
According to the BLS, child development graduates won't see much change in the job market in the next decade. However, certain careers, especially in the counseling field, are particularly in demand.
For example, jobs for behavioral disorder and mental health counselors are projected to expand by 18% between 2023 and 2032, resulting in approximately 42,000 new positions.
How much will you make with a master's in child development?
Salaries for master's in child development graduates vary based on a few key factors. Career, work experience, type of employer, and location all factor into how much you can earn.
Public school kindergarten and elementary school teachers earned a median annual wage of $64,380 as of 2023, while those employed by private schools made just $51,360 during the same year.
Additionally, if you live in an urban area, you will likely make more than in a rural town since the cost of living is significantly higher in cities.