Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024

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Find the best online bachelor’s in human development degree programs for students who want to work with vulnerable populations, at-risk children, or families in crisis so that they can develop the required problem-solving, communication, and counseling skills.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degrees

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  1. University of Alabama
  2. Arizona State University
  3. University of Louisville
  4. University of Arkansas
  5. California State University, East Bay
  6. Empire State University
  7. Prescott College
  8. Stephen F. Austin State University
  9. Jacksonville State University
  10. Maryville University
  1. Arizona State University
  2. University of Alabama
  3. University of Louisville
  4. University of Arkansas
  5. California State University, East Bay
  6. Jacksonville State University
  7. Stephen F. Austin State University
  8. Prescott College
  9. Warner Pacific University
  10. American Public University System
  1. Prescott College 98%
  2. California State University, East Bay 96%
  3. Arizona State University 90%
  4. Stephen F. Austin State University 90%
  5. Maryville University 88%
  6. University of Louisville 82%
  7. University of Alabama 80%
  8. University of Arkansas 79%
  9. Jacksonville State University 78%
  10. Warner Pacific University 72%
  1. American Public University System 24 to 1
  2. California State University, East Bay 22 to 1
  3. University of Arkansas 20 to 1
  4. Jacksonville State University 19 to 1
  5. Arizona State University 19 to 1
  6. University of Alabama 19 to 1
  7. Stephen F. Austin State University 17 to 1
  8. Empire State University 17 to 1
  9. Amberton University 16 to 1
  10. University of Louisville 13 to 1
  1. Hope International University $35,700
  2. Prescott College $35,450
  3. Maryville University $27,166
  4. San Diego Christian College $26,300
  5. Warner Pacific University $20,240
  6. University of Louisville $12,324
  7. University of Alabama $11,100
  8. Arizona State University $10,978
  9. Jacksonville State University $9,990
  10. Amridge University $9,000
  1. Prescott College $16,824
  2. Maryville University $14,346
  3. Hope International University $14,256
  4. University of Louisville $13,944
  5. Arizona State University $12,014
  6. Empire State University $11,310
  7. University of Alabama $11,100
  8. Amridge University $10,800
  9. Jacksonville State University $9,840
  10. Warner Pacific University $9,000
  1. Warner Pacific University
  2. Amridge University
  3. San Diego Christian College
  4. Amberton University
  5. Hope International University
  6. American Public University System
  7. Maryville University
  8. Jacksonville State University
  9. Stephen F. Austin State University
  10. Prescott College
  1. Amridge University
  2. San Diego Christian College
  3. Amberton University
  4. Hope International University
  5. Empire State University
  6. Maryville University
  7. American Public University System
  8. Warner Pacific University
  9. Prescott College
  10. Stephen F. Austin State University
  1. Hope International University 32%
  2. Warner Pacific University 72%
  3. Jacksonville State University 78%
  4. University of Arkansas 79%
  5. University of Alabama 80%
  6. University of Louisville 82%
  7. Maryville University 88%
  8. Stephen F. Austin State University 90%
  9. Arizona State University 90%
  10. California State University, East Bay 96%
  1. Warner Pacific University 5 to 1
  2. Prescott College 9 to 1
  3. San Diego Christian College 11 to 1
  4. Amridge University 12 to 1
  5. University of Louisville 13 to 1
  6. Hope International University 13 to 1
  7. Maryville University 13 to 1
  8. Amberton University 16 to 1
  9. Stephen F. Austin State University 17 to 1
  10. Empire State University 17 to 1
  1. California State University, East Bay $5,742
  2. Empire State University $7,070
  3. American Public University System $7,360
  4. University of Arkansas $7,666
  5. Stephen F. Austin State University $7,842
  6. Amberton University $8,550
  7. Amridge University $9,000
  8. Jacksonville State University $9,990
  9. Arizona State University $10,978
  10. University of Alabama $11,100
  1. Stephen F. Austin State University $5,262
  2. American Public University System $6,660
  3. Amberton University $6,840
  4. California State University, East Bay $7,176
  5. San Diego Christian College $7,440
  6. University of Arkansas $7,875
  7. Warner Pacific University $9,000
  8. Jacksonville State University $9,840
  9. Amridge University $10,800
  10. University of Alabama $11,100

Key Takeaways

  • Online human development and family studies students explore the subjects of family dynamics, family relationships, and human relationships.
  • Graduates qualify for entry-level positions in government agencies, private organizations, and nonprofits due to the extensive human development and family studies coverage.
  • Studying human development and family studies is among the most challenging and exciting endeavors because of its interdisciplinary nature.

Featured Programs

A Peek into the Online Bachelor of Human Development Degree

The best online bachelor’s in human development degree program prepares students for challenging yet rewarding career paths. Students learn to adopt the human and family development approach that focuses on expanding human life experiences, particularly creating choices and opportunities.

Human Development and Family Studies As a Distinct Discipline

The discipline of human development and family studies has evolved through the years. As a contemporary discipline, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) identified three fundamental elements of human development in general.

  • People: The human development approach should focus on the improvement of people’s lives. There’s more emphasis on income growth being a means to an end, not an end per se.
  • Opportunities: The human development approach focuses on empowering people to enjoy more freedom and get more opportunities to live lives according to their values. Education and employment access, for example, should go hand-in-hand to create fair opportunities.
  • Choices: The human development approach is, at its core, about more choices and more opportunities to make choices. While human happiness isn’t guaranteed, aside from being a personal concern, the process of human development should create conducive environments for full personal development.

While the curriculum for bachelor’s degrees in human development and family studies programs differ, these three elements are their guiding principles.

High Demand for Human Development and Family Studies Professionals

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, community and social service occupations have a projected employment growth rate of 10% (over the next decade). The faster-than-average rate means about 294,600 new jobs every year. The good news: human development and family studies professionals are among the in-demand workers in this category!

The community and social service occupations involve drug abuse, rehabilitation, and school and career counseling. Even faith-based organizations seek community and social service professionals. Human development and family studies programs are a perfect fit for these occupations!

Furthermore, community and social service professionals earned a median annual wage of $48,410 (May 2021). This is higher than the $45,760 median annual wage for all occupations. Career advancement is also excellent, particularly for professionals with advanced degrees and relevant work experiences.

Learning Outcomes in Human Development and Family Studies Programs

Human development majors benefit from the comprehensive curriculum. Their online education covers the full spectrum of human development, including the environment’s influence. Students also learn about evidence-based interventions and their impact on family relationships and quality of life.

While every human development program has its specific learning outcomes, students learn about the:

  • Physical, emotional and social development of individuals within the family and society, including early childhood development and adult development
  • Human relationships between individuals, families, and establishments in their society, such as schools, churches, healthcare facilities, and employment thru early childhood education and family life education
  • Development and maintenance of family relationships
  • Laws, rules, and regulations that influence the physical and mental health of individuals and families
  • Physical, psychological, and social aspects of human sexuality from childhood to adulthood
  • Ethical issues that human development practitioners face today

Indeed, the best human development and family studies programs provide online students with a solid foundation in the interdisciplinary discipline.

In addition to the didactic coursework, human development and family studies majors also develop practical skills through internships. The applied learning experiences are usually conducted in human service organizations.

Students are also encouraged to participate in virtual seminars and workshops, make presentations, and complete a capstone project. These learning experiences not only broaden their knowledge and develop their soft skills but also expand their networks.

Students in human development and family studies programs agree that theirs is a challenging discipline! Aside from selective admissions, students must also be passionate about people, possess time management skills, and have an interdisciplinary mindset.

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Development Degrees

Students who wish to work with vulnerable populations, at-risk children, or families in crisis can develop the required problem-solving, communication, and counseling skills by earning a bachelor’s degree in human development.

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This undergraduate degree requires the completion of 120 credits, which can typically be earned either online or on campus in a minimum of four years.

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Students in this program will typically take courses in sociology, psychology, family counseling, and more. Students can also select concentrations such as child development, family advocacy, and case management. Some programs may also include a fieldwork component.

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Although additional certifications may be required for some roles, graduates generally qualify to work as youth program specialists, community education instructors, family financial planners, social service managers, and more.

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Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs
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Selecting the Best Human Development and Family Studies

The best human development and family studies bachelor’s degree programs were chosen based on several factors. First, the colleges and universities that offered these online bachelor’s degree programs were regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, among other accrediting agencies. Many are also accredited by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), meaning graduates can apply for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation.

These human development bachelor’s degree programs are also known for their emphasis on academic excellence. Online students must meet the same rigorous academic standards as their on-campus counterparts, such as minimum grades and internship completion. Graduate outcomes are among the highest in these programs because their graduates possess the top-notch skills employers look for.

The faculty members of these human development and family services programs also possess advanced degrees in their expertise. Their knowledge and skills are then passed on to their students, thus ensuring quality education and creating the next generation of professionals.

Online education has challenges, too, but students can overcome them with access to student support services. These human development and family services programs provide tutoring services, academic and career advising services, IT help desk and library services, and financial aid counseling.

Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Development Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,940
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $30,775
    Salary after 4 years: $39,816
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Human Development and Family Studies

    Concentrations

    • Child Life
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,618
    Expenses: $19,509
    Starting Salary: $33,101
    Salary after 4 years: $42,826
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Educational Studies

    Concentrations

    • Business
    • Community Health
    • Family and Human Development
    • Global Studies
    • Health Innovations
    • Personal Health
    • Political Science
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $12,520
    Expenses: $19,160
    Starting Salary: $28,986
    Salary after 4 years: $37,501
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Organizational Leadership & Learning

    Concentrations

    • Career & Technical Education
    • Counseling & Human Relations
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Healthcare Leadership (term or flex option)
    • Leadership
    • Training & Organization Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,656
    Expenses: $18,644
    Starting Salary: $31,431
    Salary after 4 years: $40,665
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Human Development And Family Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at California State University, East Bay

    Cost of Degree: $6,995
    Expenses: $20,964
    Starting Salary: $34,711
    Salary after 4 years: $44,909
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Human Development

    Concentrations

    • Adult Development and Gerontology Concentration
    • Early Childhood Development Concentration
    • Women’s Development Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at Stephen F. Austin State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,600
    Expenses: $14,518
    Starting Salary: $27,674
    Salary after 4 years: $35,804
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Human Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Human Development and Family Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/19

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at Jacksonville State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,952
    Expenses: $12,038
    Starting Salary: $22,723
    Salary after 4 years: $29,399
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Family and Consumer Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Human Sciences
    • Child Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. #10

    Maryville University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at Maryville University

    Cost of Degree: $27,166
    Starting Salary: $32,784
    Salary after 4 years: $40,866

    Online 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
  9. Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    32%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at Hope International University

    Cost of Degree: $35,700
    Expenses: $17,253
    Starting Salary: $26,112
    Salary after 4 years: $32,549
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Human Development

    Concentrations

    • Addiction Studies
    • Behavioral Psychology
    • Community Mental Health and Counseling
    • Family Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #13

    Amberton University

    Garland , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Student body

    2K

    Online Degrees

    BA in Professional Development

    Concentrations

    • Human Behavior and Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #14

    San Diego Christian College

    Spring Valley , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at San Diego Christian College

    Cost of Degree: $26,300
    Expenses: $17,000
    Starting Salary: $27,267
    Salary after 4 years: $33,988
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Human Development
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Human Development degree at Warner Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $20,240
    Expenses: $12,672
    Starting Salary: $28,999
    Salary after 4 years: $36,147
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology And Human Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Human Development Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Human Development And Family Studies

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,378
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,355
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $31,264
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $40,449
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 13 years
  • Job Growth: 3.45%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,900
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Psychologists, All Other4.97%$99,205
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary3.45%$83,977
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other1.92%$82,652
Farm and Home Management Educators-2.06%$52,633
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education3.38%$33,219

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$37,408$60,265$87,137

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New Jersey13% higher than average$93,073
#3 California26% higher than average$100,042
#4 Missouri16% higher than average$61,669
#5 Virginia5% higher than average$69,699
#6 Ohio14% higher than average$62,478

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Psychologists, All Other$99,205
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$83,977
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$82,652

Not sure if an online degree in human development is the right fit for you? Check out our rankings of online degrees in sports management, Christian education, or ESL!

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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.

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