Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
An online bachelor’s in child development degree program allows graduates to pursue careers in areas such as early childhood education, Montessori, or even crisis intervention.
Key Takeaways
- An online bachelor’s in child development is a strong credential that gets you hired in various industries.
- There will be a high demand for individuals capable of working with children at all stages of their development.
- Several educational settings offer entry-level employment opportunities to online bachelor’s in child development graduates.
Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Child Development Degree Programs
- University of Arizona
- University of Alabama
- Western Michigan University
- University of Memphis
- Bay Path University
- Union Institute & University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Appalachian State University
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- University of Arizona
- University of Alabama
- Western Michigan University
- University of Memphis
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Northern Arizona University
- Appalachian State University
- Western Kentucky University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
- University of Southern Mississippi 99%
- Western Kentucky University 97%
- Southern New Hampshire University 96%
- California State University, East Bay 96%
- University of Memphis 95%
- Maryville University 88%
- University of Arizona 87%
- Southeast Missouri State University 86%
- Muskingum University 86%
- Western Michigan University 85%
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University 22 to 1
- Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
- California State University, East Bay 22 to 1
- Southeast Missouri State University 20 to 1
- Northern Arizona University 20 to 1
- University of Alabama 19 to 1
- California Baptist University 18 to 1
- Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 18 to 1
- University of West Alabama 18 to 1
- Vanguard University $38,700
- California Baptist University $38,058
- Bay Path University $35,781
- Muskingum University $30,690
- Southern Wesleyan University $27,820
- Maryville University $27,166
- Union Institute & University $17,141
- Southern New Hampshire University $15,380
- Bacone College $15,060
- Western Michigan University $14,523
- Bay Path University $19,235
- Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
- Western Michigan University $17,539
- Union Institute & University $15,911
- Maryville University $14,346
- California Baptist University $13,680
- Vanguard University $12,456
- University of Arizona $12,348
- Western Kentucky University $12,140
- Southern Wesleyan University $11,952
- Bacone College
- Charter Oak State College
- Muskingum University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Chadron State College
- Maryville University
- University of West Alabama
- Southern Wesleyan University
- Northern Arizona University
- Vanguard University
- Charter Oak State College
- Southern Wesleyan University
- University of West Alabama
- Vanguard University
- Bay Path University
- Bacone College
- Maryville University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Chadron State College
- Muskingum University
- Southern Wesleyan University 51%
- Eastern Kentucky University 64%
- University of West Alabama 69%
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 71%
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University 74%
- Vanguard University 75%
- Bay Path University 76%
- California Baptist University 80%
- University of Alabama 80%
- Northern Arizona University 80%
- Union Institute & University 6 to 1
- Bay Path University 11 to 1
- Southern Wesleyan University 12 to 1
- Muskingum University 13 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Maryville University 13 to 1
- Bacone College 15 to 1
- University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
- Chadron State College 16 to 1
- Appalachian State University 16 to 1
- Appalachian State University $4,242
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,417
- California State University, East Bay $5,742
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University $6,420
- Charter Oak State College $7,656
- Southeast Missouri State University $7,761
- Chadron State College $7,834
- University of Memphis $8,352
- University of West Alabama $9,100
- University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
- Chadron State College $4,650
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University $4,734
- Appalachian State University $4,839
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,611
- Southeast Missouri State University $6,205
- University of West Alabama $6,678
- California State University, East Bay $7,176
- Charter Oak State College $9,288
- University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
- University of Memphis $9,378
Featured Programs
Child development is one of the most important fields of study. After all, the kids are the future leaders and members of society. It makes total sense to ensure that their progress is monitored and supported.
Supporting children’s progress starts with understanding how they develop and learn. Providers can set achievable, appropriate learning goals for children if they understand the sequence in which knowledge or skills are developed.
The online bachelor’s in child development degree program and its core courses are designed for students who want to study how children change from birth to adolescence physically and psychologically.
As children grow and mature, child development professionals play an important role, helping to nurture their minds and bodies as they become young adults. Through expert guidance during these formative years, children can prepare for life’s challenges.
Fortunately, many colleges and universities now offer online bachelor’s in child development, sometimes as a degree completion program.
An online bachelor’s degree in child development provides students with exposure to liberal arts and sciences while introducing them to theories, research data, and methodologies.
Career Outlook for Graduates with Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Child Development
A career in child development could lead to a variety of employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for childcare workers will grow by 6 percent between 2021 and 2031.
Besides working as a childcare worker or child life specialist, a career in education may be an option to explore. Education is one of the top industries in 2023.
Employment of preschool teachers and elementary school teachers is projected to show a 4 percent growth in the next decade.
Students typically pursue online bachelor’s degrees in child development because they seek a career in which they can have an impact on children’s lives. So if your dream is to have a career that involves family and human development, an online bachelor’s in child development degree can help you to achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Development Degrees
Earning a bachelor’s degree in child development can help set you on your path toward a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Back to TopThis four-year, 120-credit degree will cover topics such as child development, adolescent psychology, and counseling ethics. Additionally, most online and in-person programs offer a variety of concentrations, allowing students to focus their learning around their future career goals.
Back to TopConcentrations include early childhood education, Montessori education, and crisis intervention. Depending on their track, students can earn either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts degree.
Back to TopUpon graduation, students may be ready for careers as social workers, youth counselors, or pre-school educators.
Back to Top25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs
- #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
68%
Student body
54K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/25
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at University of Arizona
Cost of Degree: $13,277Expenses: $19,500Starting Salary: $38,969Salary after 4 years: $47,597Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BAS in Early Childhood
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
73%
Student body
42K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/27
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at University of Alabama
Cost of Degree: $11,900Expenses: $21,482Starting Salary: $35,907Salary after 4 years: $43,857Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Human Development and Family Studies
Concentrations
- Child Life
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Colleges in Michigan 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
55%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/23
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Western Michigan University
Cost of Degree: $15,298Expenses: $15,472Starting Salary: $35,142Salary after 4 years: $42,922Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Family Studies, Child And Family Development
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
48%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/20
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at University of Memphis
Cost of Degree: $10,344Expenses: $17,726Starting Salary: $30,062Salary after 4 years: $36,718Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Professional Studies
Concentrations
- Child Life Specialist
- Legal Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #5 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #6 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
47%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Bay Path University
Cost of Degree: $37,227Expenses: $17,016Starting Salary: $31,960Salary after 4 years: $37,070Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Child Psychology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Early Childhood Leadership
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #4 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs 2025 #8 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Union Institute & University
Cost of Degree: $14,330Starting Salary: $39,237Salary after 4 years: $45,510Online Degrees
BS in Child & Adolescent Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
41%
Student body
224K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Southern New Hampshire University
Cost of Degree: $16,450Expenses: $24,000Starting Salary: $35,812Salary after 4 years: $41,539Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Psychology
Concentrations
- Child And Adolescent Development
- Addictions
- Applied Psychology
- Mental Health
- Social Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
75%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/24
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Appalachian State University
Cost of Degree: $7,541Expenses: $15,783Starting Salary: $30,340Salary after 4 years: $37,058Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Child Development - Birth Through Kindergarten
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
51%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/21
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Western Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $11,436Expenses: $15,452Starting Salary: $26,861Salary after 4 years: $32,808Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Family And Consumer Sciences
Concentrations
- Child Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #12 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
49%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1062/20
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Eastern Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $10,130Expenses: $14,535Starting Salary: $27,348Salary after 4 years: $33,403Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Child & Family Studies
Concentrations
- Child Development
- Required Credits: 120-125
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
Concentrations
- Geral Psychology
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Forensic Psychology
- Child & Family Psychology
- Workplace Psychology
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Brain & Cognitive Sciences
- Substance Abuse
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
52%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at University of Southern Mississippi
Cost of Degree: $9,618Expenses: $17,484Starting Salary: $29,714Salary after 4 years: $36,293Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Child And Family Sciences
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: 2-4 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
56%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/20
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Southeast Missouri State University
Cost of Degree: $9,495Expenses: $17,786Starting Salary: $28,809Salary after 4 years: $35,188Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Child & Family Studies
Concentrations
- Child Development (
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #22 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #24 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
63%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at California Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $39,720Expenses: $16,178Starting Salary: $33,886Salary after 4 years: $39,304Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Early Childhood Studies
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 4-5 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
65%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
Cost of Degree: $10,110Expenses: $18,000Starting Salary: $38,482Salary after 4 years: $47,002Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Early Child Care And Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024 #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
46%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at California State University, East Bay
Cost of Degree: $7,055Expenses: $21,461Starting Salary: $40,500Salary after 4 years: $49,467Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Human Development
Concentrations
- Early Childhood Development Concentration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4-5 years
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #18 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
60%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Vanguard University
Cost of Degree: $39,950Expenses: $17,600Starting Salary: $34,814Salary after 4 years: $40,380Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Early Childhood
- Required Credits: 55
- Completion time: 4-5 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
59%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Northern Arizona University
Cost of Degree: $12,238Expenses: $17,028Starting Salary: $31,036Salary after 4 years: $37,908Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Concentrations
- Administration
- Early Childhood
- Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #11 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/21
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Southern Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $27,870Expenses: $14,039Starting Salary: $32,959Salary after 4 years: $38,229Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Early Childhood and Family Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood and Family Studies Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) #11 Best Online Master's in Biology
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
38%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
930/19
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at University of West Alabama
Cost of Degree: $10,990Expenses: $12,972Starting Salary: $28,114Salary after 4 years: $34,338Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Early Childhood Development
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion time: 3-4 years
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
67%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Maryville University
Cost of Degree: $27,166Starting Salary: $36,455Salary after 4 years: $42,283Online Degrees
BA in Human Development and Family Studies
Concentrations
- Child Life Specialist
- Early Child Development
- Youth Development
- Family Life Education
- Adult Development and Aging
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Chadron State College
Cost of Degree: $7,564Expenses: $15,060Starting Salary: $29,923Salary after 4 years: $36,548Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Family Consumer Science
Concentrations
- Child Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
34%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Cost of Degree: $7,200Expenses: $12,176Starting Salary: $28,531Salary after 4 years: $34,848Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Early Intervention And Childhood Development
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
60%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/19
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Muskingum University
Cost of Degree: $31,440Expenses: $15,190Starting Salary: $31,033Salary after 4 years: $35,995Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Child And Family Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
100%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Charter Oak State College
Cost of Degree: $8,506Starting Salary: $30,410Salary after 4 years: $37,143Online Degrees
BS in Child Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #7 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Graduation
8%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for Child Development degree at Bacone College
Cost of Degree: $15,060Expenses: $17,805Starting Salary: $26,396Salary after 4 years: $30,616Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Early Childhood Development
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with Child Development Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolChild Development
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,014
- Avg. Expenses*: $16,787
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,285
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $40,654
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
- Job Growth: 0.84%
- Number of Jobs: 1,569,000
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Psychologists, All Other | 4.95% | $117,750 |
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | 3.57% | $95,890 |
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.06% | $78,410 |
Farm and Home Management Educators | -1.02% | $59,770 |
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | 4.41% | $37,130 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Psychologists, All Other | $117,750 |
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $95,890 |
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,410 |
Not sure if an online degree in child development is the right fit for you? Check out our rankings of online degrees in child development, public health, or graphic arts!
Online Child Development Programs Looking for You
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?
If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.
In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).
While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Online College-Bound Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.