Best Online Master’s in Child Development
An online master’s in child development degree gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to play an integral role in organizations committed to meeting children’s needs from infancy through adolescence.
Making a meaningful difference in young people’s lives requires understanding their mental, social, and educational progress in order to help them grow into healthy, productive adults. Pursuing studies in child development enables you to recognize best practices in social services and education to assess effective programming.
This degree can lead to a variety of fulfilling careers, making a difference in others’ lives, for example, as a special education teacher or a preschool director.
The Best Online Master’s in Child Development Programs
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
From its campus in Tampa, the University of South Florida hosts a top-ranked master's in child development program. The child and adolescent behavioral health program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The child development master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in child development or a related field.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
University of South Florida at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 48%
Total Online Master's Programs: 27
Program Name: Master's in child and adolescent behavioral health
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,350
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,048
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled44,246
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of Minnesota
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The master's in child development program at the University of Minnesota, located in Minneapolis, offers a flexible online format. The master's in applied child and adolescent development program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in child development. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The master's program recommends a background in child development or a related field for those applying.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
University of Minnesota at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 57%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of arts in applied child and adolescent development
Graduate Tuition In State: $17,580
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,204
- In-State$13,318
- Out-of-state$31,616
- In-State$17,580
- Out-of-state$27,204
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled51,327
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Based in Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University hosts a top-rated online master's in child psychology and development. The master's program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. With a master's degree, candidates advance their current career or move into new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in child development. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a background in child development may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their area. The child development program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 88%
Total Online Master's Programs: 22
Graduate Tuition In State: $18,810
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,810
- In-State$30,756
- Out-of-state$30,756
- In-State$18,810
- Out-of-state$18,810
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled113,514
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Missouri State University
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Springfield, Missouri State University offers an online master's in Missouri State University-Springfield. The master's in early childhood and family development program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. After completing a master's degree, candidates advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to early childhood and family development. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants without an early childhood and family development background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.
Missouri State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 88%
Total Online Master's Programs: 28
Program Name: Master of science in early childhood and family development
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,202
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,476
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$14,850
- In-State$5,202
- Out-of-state$10,476
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled23,453
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
University of La Verne
- La Verne, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The master's in child and adolescent development degree at University of La Verne uses a flexible distance learning format. The program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of child development. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants who majored in child development or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees meet any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
University of La Verne at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 55%
Total Online Master's Programs: 2
Program Name: Master of science in child and adolescent development
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,256
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,256
- In-State$43,440
- Out-of-state$43,440
- In-State$14,256
- Out-of-state$14,256
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled7,396
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Masters in Child Development
2022
Online Master’s in Child Development Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyChoosing a Program
Your master’s degree in child development online coursework allows you to thoroughly examine child development theory, scientific literature, and relevant research. For example, your classes will explore topics like child and adolescent psychology and lifespan development. You should also expect to engage in research design and analysis. This advanced degree demands a firm grasp of subject matter through discussions, projects, and exams. Many programs also offer opportunities to choose a specialization within the degree. Some options for concentrations include family studies, teaching, or a focus on infancy. This enables you to customize your degree to match your academic and career interests.
Degree requirements depend on individual programs. Moreover, course format can be either fully online or a blend of online and on campus instruction. Carefully, review each available program to determine which best suits your interests and scheduling needs.
Online Master’s in Child Development Careers
A master’s degree in child development online is the ideal credential if you wish to enter a profession such as a child development specialist, afterschool program director, or childcare center manager. These careers require an ability to communicate effectively with a range of ages and demand a strong commitment to ethical practices.
This professional develops programming for children, manages staff, and maintains all budgetary aspects of facility operations. In addition, the director works closely with parents to update them on their child’s progress. A master’s in child development can better ensure your business management skills in a director position.
These teachers support the development of young people with emotional, learning, and physical impairments by tailoring instruction to meet their academic needs. They ensure students develop literacy and communication skills, assessing and working with those who have mild disabilities or a more serious condition. Some states require additional teaching certification.
A social worker identifies community needs and assesses intervention options by reviewing clients’ concerns. These clients can include families and children that face challenges like illness, homelessness, and abuse. This expert connects people to resources that can help them improve their circumstances. A master’s degree in child development permits you to strengthen your case management and clinical assessment skills.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Featured Image Credit: 3sign | Moment | Getty Images
