Online Child Development Degrees: See the Best Schools & More

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Updated: 04/02/2026

From associate to master’s degrees, this guide explores top schools and options where you can learn to help children grow up to be their best selves.

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Program Details
Degree Types
Childcare Worker
FAQs
Paying for School
Best Schools

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Program Details
Degree Types
Childcare Worker
FAQs
Paying for School
Best Schools

A smiling woman helps a young girl with drawing at a brightly lit table filled with colorful art supplies in a cheerful educational setting.

When pursuing an online degree in child development, you’ll get to understand the significance of cultural and familial influence on a child’s environment. You will study the stages of child growth and development, including cognitive, affective, language, and physical development.

Depending on your concentration area, you will also engage in specialized classes that further develop your knowledge in a specific topic or area in the field.

Use EduMed’s guide to explore the different online degrees available in child development, including coursework, program outcomes, careers, and more.

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

What It’s Like to Earn Your Child Development Degree Online

The majority of your classes for your child development degree will be online, if not all of them. Though course activities may be entirely remote, you may be required to log into the virtual classroom on certain days or specific times whether than on your own schedule. It all depends on if your program has a synchronous or asynchronous format:

Synchronous: meet with professors and classmates for lectures and other activities at specific times
Asynchronous: review course content such as recorded lectures on your own time, whenever you wish

Regardless of the format offered, most child development programs require degree-seekers to complete an in-person internship for at least one semester.

As a remote student, you may also be able to choose electives or emphasis areas to broaden your coursework beyond the required standard ones in your program. Some common emphasis areas for child development degree-seekers include:

Cognitive studies
Environmental management sustainability
Public administration
Public relations

Your options for expanding into specialized areas and taking extra electives depends largely on the school and your degree level. There will be fewer options at the associate degree level compared to bachelor’s and master’s programs.

Types of Online Child Development Degrees

In this section, we take a closer look at the types of child development degrees you can pursue online. We will give a detailed explanation of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in this field.

Online Child Development Associate (CDA) Training Programs

Students who complete CDA training possess the skills to foster positive developments in children on intellectual, social, physical, and emotional levels. This is an early career, pre-degree training option that can be a great first step into a career in child development or a way for current professionals to improve their job prospects.

Students choose between four focus areas for their certification:

Preschool
Infant-toddler
Family child care
Home visitor

Each concentration area helps students explore eight central subject areas to ensure that professionals become well-rounded leaders for all early childhood education environments.

Subject areas include:

Safety
Intellectual development
Social and emotional development
Relationship skills with family members
Teaching effectiveness
Professionalism
Behavior observation
Basic principles of child development

While it is certainly possible to find a job working in child development without earning a CDA credential or degree, it is a cheaper alternative, with a smaller time commitment, than an associate’s or higher degree.

Program Requirements

Total hours: 120 total hours of formal ECE (Early Childhood Education) training and classes

Other Common Requirements: To apply for the CDA credential after this program, you need 480 hours of work experience and a professional portfolio.

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 3-5 months

Full-Time Program: 3 months (complete 10 hours per week)

Related Career

Childcare Worker

National Median Annual Salary (2023)

$30,370

National Estimated Job Growth (2023-33)

-1%

Job Level

Entry-Level

Online Associate Degree in Child Development

Perhaps you’re ready to make a larger investment in your future as an early childhood development professional. The two-year associate degree is an excellent choice.

Program offerings:

Prepares you with the necessary skills to help young students develop characteristics that will help them achieve long-term academic success
Allows you to delve deeper into supporting children’s emotional, educational, and social needs than the CDA credential
Helps you develop the skills to make informed decisions about curriculum design and effective instructional classroom practices

You can complete associate degree programs in child development entirely online. During the last semester, online students typically complete a faculty-supervised internship in a childcare setting.

This associate degree is an excellent choice for professionals who want to jumpstart their career and pursue full-time entry-level positions in the field.

Program Requirements

Total Credits: ~60-65

Other Common Requirements: Faculty supervised internship in childcare or community setting.

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 2-3 Years

Full-Time Program: 2 Years

Related Career

Preschool Teacher

National Median Annual Salary (2023)

$37,130

National Estimated Job Growth (2023-33)

Job Level

Entry-Level/Mid-Level

Online Bachelor’s in Child Development

Bachelor’s degrees in child development can prepare you to pursue careers as an educator as well as a manager or administrator in a variety of settings including government agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations.

With a bachelor’s, you can:

Work with children individually one-on-one
Be a part of a team to manage an educational facility
Design community programs that serve children

These programs typically require four years of work. During this time, child development students develop advanced communication, research, and critical thinking skills that help them better assist young students today.

Degree-seekers typically choose from several concentrations, including:

Early childhood education
Child development practitioner
Montessori education
Prevention and intervention sciences
Pre-health professions

An online bachelor’s degree in child development can be an excellent, flexible fit for working professionals who want to make a career change. These programs are also valuable for first-time college students preparing to enter the competitive job market.

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 120

Other Common Requirements: Multiple internships for hands-on experience in classroom or community settings.

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 5-6 Years

Full-Time Program: 3.5-4 Years

National Median Annual Salary (2023)

$63,670

National Estimated Job Growth (2023-33)

-1%

Job Level

Mid-Level

Get a closer look at online bachelor’s degrees in child development

Online Master’s in Child Development

Master’s degrees in child development build further upon the skills that students acquire in their bachelor’s programs. Master’s degrees allow graduate students to focus on a specialized area of study. In many cases, degree-seekers must produce a final project or traditional master’s thesis based on their original work or research.

Your intended concentration area and research interests are some of the most important factors for you to consider when it comes to choosing a school. Though they vary among master’s programs, concentration options may include:

Adolescent growth
Mental health
Counseling and family services
Infant and early childhood development

Master’s degree-holders, depending on their area of specialization, can pursue careers as:

Teachers
Social workers
Social and community service managers
Nonprofit directors

Admission requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Institution
Prior professional experience working in the field
At least a 3.0 or higher GPA
Letters of recommendation and GRE scores (in some cases)

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 30-40 credits

Other Common Requirements: Final master’s project or traditional master’s thesis

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 2-3 Years

Full-Time Program: 2 Years

Related Career

Postsecondary Education Administrator

National Median Annual Salary (2023)

$102,610

National Estimated Job Growth (2023-33)

Job Level

Senior-Level

FAQs About Online Bachelor’s Programs in Child Development

It is essential that you get to know a program before you spend the time applying. It can be a good idea to reach out to administrators and professors in the department to answer specific questions that you may have regarding the curriculum, what recent child development grads are up to now, and more.

Additionally, you will want to look into the overall cost of each program to ensure that it fits in your budget. The best decision is an informed decision. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions regarding bachelor’s degrees in child development.

What do you learn in an online child development degree program at the bachelor’s level?

While every program will have strengths and weaknesses, and therefore an emphasis on particular types of classes and subject areas, many should have similar foundational courses and intentional learning outcomes.

Bachelor’s programs will give you the chance to learn about the essential social, cognitive, psychological, and emotional components of the field, focusing on youth from infancy through adolescence. This coursework will also teach you to examine social and cultural elements that influence young students today.

Identify and Utilize Essential Learning Materials: Bachelor’s graduates develop the skills to identify and use the latest technology and techniques in the classroom and in community settings. They know how to play to their own strengths but also what materials best serve their students or clients.
Documentation and Assessment Skills: Child development majors learn how to observe and document the actions and developments of their students or clients. This information can then be used to communicate with educators, curriculum designers, parents, school administrators, and more.
Adhere to Legal and Professional Standards: Bachelor’s degree-holders understand the foundational guidelines that ensure their students’ and their own safety. They also know when professional, legal, or ethical lines are crossed and can intervene when appropriate.
Written, Technological, and Oral Presentation Skills: Graduates of this program possess the necessary communication and technology skills to provide quality instruction, advising, and mentorship for their students or clients and their families.
Social Skills and Ability to Foster Community: These trained professionals have the ability to foster community in their classrooms, community centers, clinics, and more. They help create positive environments and relationships for children, which ultimately contribute to their academic and social success as young students.

What are the prerequisites to get into a child development bachelor’s program?

When researching prospective schools to pursue your bachelor’s in child development, make sure you understand all of the admissions requirements and prerequisites before applying. In general, you can expect there to be a handful of admissions requirements at virtually every school, including:

Online application and application fee
Competitive GPA, usually a 2.5 or higher, varies among programs
History of completed coursework in social and hard sciences with a “C” or higher grade
Submission of high school transcripts

Depending on the school, there may be additional prerequisites or requirements. You may find that bachelor’s programs in child development also require you to submit:

At least one letter of recommendation from a former teacher or employer
Standardized test scores such as the ACT or SAT
Personal statement outlining career goals and why you wish to attend a particular program

Bear in mind that even though online child development bachelor’s programs may have more “seats” available than on-campus programs, admissions numbers may still be limited and highly competitive. If appropriate, send supplemental materials to help bolster your application and further articulate your desire to attend a particular school or program.

How much do online child development bachelor’s degrees typically cost?

The cost of your online child development bachelor’s program will vary among schools. Factors impacting cost can include:

School type (public versus private institutions)
School’s location or where it’s based (if online)
Program length
Funding secured, such as grants or scholarships

Below are examples of costs of three online childhood development bachelor’s degree programs to give you a better sense of the pricing landscape.

Point
University

Online Bachelor of Science in Child Development

Total Credits: 120

$410/credit

University of West Alabama

Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development

Total Credits: 123

$325/credit

Purdue
University

Online Bachelor of Science in Childhood Administration

Total Credits: 180

$371/credit

Ways to Help Pay for Your Online Child Development Degree

The cost of a degree in child development is a significant investment for just about anyone. It is important that you consider all of the ways to help you pay for your education. These might include:

Scholarships: there are many institutional, private, and public scholarships available for students of all backgrounds, majors, and extracurricular interests.
Student loans: Many students choose to take out student loans to pay for their education. Federal loans typically offer better deals for students compared to private loans.

Whether or not you think you need to do so, it is important that all college students complete a FAFSA^® so that they receive consideration for federal funding.

Check out EduMed’s dedicated guides on scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid to learn more about options for paying for your online degree in child development.

Best Online Options for Child Development Degrees

In the school rankings below, we’ve identified some of the best online child development degree programs with an eye on affordability and flexibility. These programs hold the appropriate accreditations that ensure their students earn valuable credentials that can lead to a rewarding career in the child development field.

We’ve also spotlighted three additional programs popular among child development students to give you additional insight into what you should look for during your own program search.

Grayson College

Denison, TX

66% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

75% Students w/ Aid

The Grayson College Child Development Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a 60-hour program focusing on child growth, development, and interaction for ages birth through eight. It integrates hands-on experience in early childhood classrooms from the first semester and prepares students for careers in childcare, education, intervention, and therapy fields. Completion requires meeting TSI standards and a capstone course with a grade of B or higher. The program is NAEYC accredited.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
33% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Grayson College

Grayson College’s Child Development program offers an online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, providing flexibility for students balancing work or other commitments.
Students gain practical early childhood classroom experience beginning in the first semester, ensuring hands-on learning alongside theory.
The program includes multiple specialized certificates and occupational skills awards, enabling students to tailor their education for specific careers like Child Care Administration or Early Childhood Intervention.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
33% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Blue Ridge Community College

Flat Rock, NC

58% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

74% Students w/ Aid

Blue Ridge Community College’s Early Childhood Development program, accredited by NAEYC, covers child growth, development, health, safety, and nutrition. Students engage in real-life school settings and study language arts, behavior guidance, and infant/toddler care. The curriculum prepares students for professional roles and further education with hands-on experience and courses aligned with educational standards and developmental theories.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$872 Avg. Aid Amount
69% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Blue Ridge Community College

The Child Development program at Blue Ridge offers financial support through the North Carolina TEACH scholarship program for those already employed in childcare.
It is nationally accredited by the NAEYC and features a new 2+2 transfer agreement with all UNC System universities for seamless continuation to four-year degrees.
Students can earn both the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications with instructor-guided portfolio development and exam preparation included.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$872 Avg. Aid Amount
69% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

47% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

92% Students w/ Aid

Oklahoma State University’s Early Child Care and Development bachelor’s program requires 120 credits, combining 45 general education, 24 electives, and 51 specialized credits. It offers a practicum with in-person classroom experience and is designed for careers on or near military bases. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, and tuition is uniform for in-state and out-of-state students. Course pacing is flexible but deadline-driven.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,189 Avg. Aid Amount
65% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

The Child Development program offers scholarships through the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program, enabling eligible students to receive tuition support and educational stipends for credentials and degrees in early childhood education.
Students in the program may benefit from tuition waivers specifically available for Human Services programs, which include child development, reducing financial barriers to enrollment.
Oklahoma State University at Oklahoma City provides specialized certificates and pathways such as the Director’s Certificate of Mastery, focusing on leadership and administration, preparing students for advanced roles within the child care industry.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,189 Avg. Aid Amount
65% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

53% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

90% Students w/ Aid

West Virginia University’s Child Development and Family Studies B.S. prepares students to support children’s academic, social, and cognitive growth from birth to age eight. The program emphasizes early education leadership, advocacy, and best practices aligned with NAEYC standards. Coursework integrates West Virginia-specific early learning frameworks, including supervised field experiences, equipping graduates for roles such as family educators and early childhood teachers.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$8,921 Avg. Aid Amount
63% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected West Virginia University

The Child Development and Family Studies program at WVU offers two specialized curriculum pathways—Birth through Pre-Kindergarten and Family and Youth—enabling students to tailor their education to distinct career goals with a focus on both typical and atypical early childhood development.
Students in the program complete extensive field experiences and internships in diverse child and family service settings, providing hands-on practical training and enhancing job readiness through real-world application.
The program is available fully online, increasing accessibility for students nationwide and allowing for flexible scheduling without sacrificing the comprehensive nature of professional preparation in child development and family studies.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$8,921 Avg. Aid Amount
63% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Western Oklahoma State College

Altus, OK

39% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

73% Students w/ Aid

Western Oklahoma State College’s Early Childhood/Child Development program is a 100% online Associate in Science degree focused on child development principles, family and community partnerships, observation and assessment, and ethical practices. Graduates are prepared to support young children’s growth in supportive environments and collaborate effectively with families and professionals, emphasizing reflective and research-based approaches aligned with the STAR framework. The program is NAEYC accredited.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$3,254 Avg. Aid Amount
29% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Western Oklahoma State College

Western Oklahoma State College’s Child Development program is accredited by the NAEYC Commission, ensuring nationally recognized quality education and professional standards for graduates.
The program utilizes the innovative STAR Conceptual Framework, which integrates transformational coursework with hands-on field experience focused on the holistic development of each child.
Students have access to the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Scholarship, providing financial support to enhance affordability and encourage student success.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$3,254 Avg. Aid Amount
29% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

41% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

88% Students w/ Aid

Kansas State University’s Early Childhood Education bachelor’s program prepares students to teach and care for children from birth through kindergarten, including those with special needs. It integrates online coursework with local field experiences, where teaching is observed and evaluated via video for personalized feedback. Graduates become eligible for Kansas teaching licensure, which may be transferable to other states. The program requires 120 credit hours and costs $493.95 per credit.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$8,131 Avg. Aid Amount
68% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Kansas State University

Kansas State University’s Child Development program offers tuition scholarships covering 100% of tuition and fees for qualified early childhood providers working in licensed child care facilities in Kansas.
The program provides competitive undergraduate scholarships specifically for education majors, including awards of $5,000 for incoming freshmen with strong academic records.
Students benefit from connections to employer partnerships and professional development opportunities through the Kansas Early Childhood Professional Development Network, enhancing job readiness and placement.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$8,131 Avg. Aid Amount
68% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS

65% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

63% Students w/ Aid

The Child Development and Family Studies Bachelor of Science at Alcorn State University integrates multidisciplinary coursework and experiential learning to study individuals and families across the lifespan. It prepares graduates for careers in early childhood program administration, family life education, and human service agencies, emphasizing the interrelation of child, family, and community dynamics in diverse settings.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$6,503 Avg. Aid Amount
42% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Alcorn State University

The Child Development program offers a Child Development Learning Center where students gain hands-on experience by observing and interacting with infants to preschool-age children in a fully licensed early childhood environment.
Students benefit from individualized academic and career advisement combined with pre-employment experiential learning opportunities, ensuring tailored support and practical readiness for professional roles.
The program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), which enhances its credibility and aligns it with industry standards for quality education and career advancement.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$6,503 Avg. Aid Amount
42% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, NC

28% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

76% Students w/ Aid

Wake Technical Community College’s Child Development program prepares students to work with children from birth through age 8 by combining theoretical knowledge and supervised practical experience. Coursework covers child growth, development, guidance, health, safety, nutrition, and family communication, equipping students to plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments in diverse early childhood settings. Graduates are ready for immediate employment in various child care and education roles.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$3,647 Avg. Aid Amount
37% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Wake Technical Community College

The Child Development Associate program offers two certification pathways—in infant/toddler and preschool-age care—for the price of one, maximizing career flexibility without extra costs.
Students receive personalized instructor feedback from a certified CDA Professional Development Specialist™ throughout portfolio preparation, ensuring thorough readiness for the CDA Verification Visit and certification exam.
All required instructional materials, including textbooks and eBooks, are included in enrollment, eliminating additional expenses for learning resources.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$3,647 Avg. Aid Amount
37% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

63% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

66% Students w/ Aid

Texas Tech’s Child Development program covers physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth from prenatal through school age, including special needs and child nutrition. It emphasizes care, guidance, and protection, equipping adults with skills for fostering positive child relationships and effective parenting while addressing cultural diversity and public policy impacts on child well-being. The curriculum develops knowledge for careers in child care and education.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$7,412 Avg. Aid Amount
65% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Texas Tech University

Texas Tech’s Child Development program offers extensive hands-on experience through nationally accredited early childhood centers, enabling work with infants, toddlers, and children from diverse backgrounds.
Students benefit from consistent one-on-one faculty mentoring with professors who provide updated research and personalized guidance throughout the program.
The program features a full year of competency-based student teaching, allowing immediate application of classroom learning in real schools, enhancing practical readiness and certification exam preparation.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$7,412 Avg. Aid Amount
65% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Winona State University

Winona, MN

38% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

93% Students w/ Aid

The online Early Childhood Education program at Winona State University prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curricula for children from birth to grade 3. It leads to licensure in Early Childhood Education, emphasizing collaboration with families and professionals to enhance learning. Admission requires an associate degree in Early Childhood, and the program is structured for working professionals seeking licensure advancement.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$2,316 Avg. Aid Amount
63% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Winona State University

Winona State University's Early Childhood Education program offers extensive hands-on learning experiences and clinical placements through its Children's Center, enhancing practical teaching skills with real-world exposure.
The program provides specialized training for licensure in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, ensuring recognized and career-ready certification.
Flexible online degree completion options accommodate working professionals and transfer students, enabling accelerated pathways toward licensure and career advancement in early childhood education.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$2,316 Avg. Aid Amount
63% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Online Child Development Degrees: See the Best Schools & More

What It’s Like to Earn Your Child Development Degree Online

Types of Online Child Development Degrees

Online Child Development Associate (CDA) Training Programs

Online Associate Degree in Child Development

Online Bachelor’s in Child Development

Online Master’s in Child Development

FAQs About Online Bachelor’s Programs in Child Development

What do you learn in an online child development degree program at the bachelor’s level?

What are the prerequisites to get into a child development bachelor’s program?

How much do online child development bachelor’s degrees typically cost?

Ways to Help Pay for Your Online Child Development Degree

Best Online Options for Child Development Degrees

Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.

One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs

Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs

About Our Data

Timon Kaple, PhD AUTHOR

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN EDITOR