According to the American Psychological Association (APA), kids' mental health is in crisis. But by becoming a child development specialist, you can offer critical services to children in need. Educators and social service professionals who understand child development can better connect with young people and give them the tools to cope with and overcome challenges.
With a bachelor's in child development, you can access one of the many jobs available in the childcare and education sector. On this page, discover the best online child development bachelor's degrees and careers, and learn what to expect from these pathways.
Featured Online Child Development Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Child Development Programs
What Can I Do With an Online Child Development Degree?
An online child development bachelor's degree program can help you develop an understanding of the developmental stages, behaviors, and needs of children. You can learn how to communicate with children and how to help them manage their most important issues.
This broad and versatile education prepares you for many child development careers, including teaching, social services, and child specialist roles. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects slower-than-average growth for educational instruction and library occupations, it still projects 890,300 annual openings in the sector from 2024-2034.
The table below explores some of the most direct bachelor's degrees in child development careers, including several educator positions.
| Job | Job Description | Salary | Job Outlook (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Worker | Diagnoses and treats everyday issues, as well as emotional and behavioral problems in individuals and families | $61,330 | 6% |
| Parent Educator | Provides parents with support and information related to raising and educating their children | $33,590 | N/A |
| Preschool Teacher | Teaches, monitors, and encourages exploration in children under the age of 5 | $37,120 | 4% |
| Kindergarten Teacher | Educates children in foundational subjects and helps them with behavioral development | $62,310 | -2% |
| Special Education Teacher | Teaches children with learning and other disabilities based on their individual needs | $64,270 | -1% |
| Child Life Specialist | Assists and supports children as they undergo medical issues and disruptions to their everyday life | $61,330 | 10% |
| Child Development Specialist | Evaluates and supports children with developmental disorders, as well as their families | $58,570 | N/A |
| Youth Minister | Provides support and runs programs for children that address their spiritual needs | $58,570 | 1-2% |
| School Librarian | Helps library visitors find information and materials and teaches them to use library resources | $64,320 | 2% |
| Childcare Center Director | Designs programs, supervises staff, and oversees administrative duties for childcare centers | $56,270 | -3% |
| Youth Sports Coach | Coaches athletes and teams, including developing strategies and running practices | $45,810 | 6% |
What to Expect From an Online Child Development Program
Online child development programs vary, but they typically include similar courses and requirements. For example, most programs consist of 120 credits in classes that cover topics like the major child developmental stages, biological and psychological progression, and the educational and social needs of children. Some programs also offer internships, though these may be optional.
Online child development bachelor's degree programs usually take four full-time years to complete, but accelerated and part-time programs offer different timelines. Online programs may also take less time to complete as they may better accommodate heavier course loads. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual undergraduate tuition was $9,750 in public schools and $35,248 in private schools.
Common Courses
Child social and emotional growth
Infant and toddler development
Preschool, primary, and middle childhood development
Adolescent development
Child and adolescent mental health
Specializations
Administration
Differentiated instruction
Pre-kindergarten through primary education
Middle childhood education
Special education
What to Consider When Choosing an Online Child Development Program
When choosing an online child development bachelor's program or school, there are several important factors to consider. For example, you should only look at schools with institutional accreditation, as this could have an impact on your access to financial aid and postgraduate opportunities.
While not always mandatory like institutional accreditation, attending a course of study with programmatic accreditation may be required for teaching licensure in some states. Possible accrediting agencies include the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Your program may also need approval from the state board of education for it adequately prepare students for teacher certification.
If you have a specific subdiscipline or specialization in mind, prioritize programs with a concentration in that field. A program specialization can help you secure employment in your niche and better prepare you for the pursuit of a graduate degree or postgraduate certificate down the road.
Admission Requirements for an Online Child Development Program
The admission requirements for an online child development program can vary, but they don't usually differ from those of traditional brick-and-mortar programs. These requirements, which may include previous education, grades, and test scores, are intended to help schools identity applicants who have the best chance of success in and after the program.
The following section highlights some of the most common requirements.
Application Requirements
High school diploma or GED certificate
Personal statement
Background check
Prerequisite courses
Minimum GPA and ACT or SAT scores
Is an Online Child Development Degree Worth It?
An online child development degree can provide a strong financial and personal return on investment for many graduates. You can gain valuable skills for many in-demand teaching, counseling, and social service careers. You can also position yourself to contribute positively to your community and the lives of those around you.
The online format has value too, especially if you require a nontraditional class schedule or want to attend distance schools or programs. Some online public schools even save out-of-state students money by offering them in-state rates.
Below are some of the major pros and cons of earning a child development bachelor's degree online:
Pros
Versatility: Child development programs offer many specialization options, and this education can lead to many careers.
Flexibility: Online programs feature more flexible schedules than in-person programs, which can accommodate a wider variety of students.
Cost-Savings: Online programs require less travel and may help you save on room and board, materials, and tuition in some cases.
Meaningful Work: Working in child development allows you to help young people and their families overcome pressing issues.
Cons
Less Face-to-Face Interaction: Online programs often feature reduced interaction with peers and instructors.
Less Structure: Online programs may offer less structure and guidance than in-person programs.
Field Experience: Some online programs offer internships and practicums, but these are more limited as many schools push for entirely online programs.
Lower-than-average earning potential: According to the BLS, educational professionals often earn a lower median annual salary than other workers with bachelor's degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Child Development Programs
Wages vary by education level, experience, employer, and location, but instructional coordinators make some of the highest salaries in child development, earning a median annual wage of $74,720 in 2024, according to the BLS. Note that instructional coordinators at public schools must have a master's degree at minimum.
