We rank colleges using publicly available data to find you the best programs based on admission rate, graduation rate, price, and financial aid. Three online master's in child development programs met our standards, ensuring you'll have the best experience possible earning your degree.
According to a 2024 National Association for the Education of Young Children survey, over half of childcare centers are short-staffed. With a master's in child development, you open the door to administrative and counseling roles within the childcare world. If you're ready to help fill the shortage and work in child development, learn more about the top master's programs.
Featured Online Child Development Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Texas Woman's University Ranks No. 1 This Year
Texas Woman's University comes in first for its dedication to helping you earn your master's in child development degree in 12 to 18 months for a lower cost. According to TWU, full-time enrollment will cost you less than $15,000. TWU also boasts the lowest net price of all our picks at $11,726. On top of that, we found that TWU awarded 93% of students financial aid.
TWU's master's in child development opens the doors for careers like child care administration and child and family advocacy. You can also pursue your education further through a Ph.D. in child development.
At TWU, you can access services like student health, development, mental health resources, free legal service consultations, and a career connections center.
Top Online Master's in Child Development Programs of 2024
More Master's in Child Development Programs
Our other top spots are Missouri State University and the University of La Verne. These two are easier to get into and even beat TWU's graduation rates by a few points. However, they'll cost you significantly more than TWU.
MSU's online program has a net price of $16,625. At MSU, students can hone their writing skills through the appropriately named Bear CLAW, or Center for Learning and Writing, enjoy academic advising, learn about the Microsoft Office 365 suite, and get career advice.
La Verne's MS in child and adolescent development costs $21,605. La Verne provides services for all types of learners. Its services include a Veteran Students Success Program, counseling, career development, and international and multicultural services.
Is a Child Development Degree Worth It?
This depends on your program cost, career field, and overall satisfaction in a career. Online degrees are typically cheaper than in-person programs since you don't have to pay for transportation, housing, dining, and other campus fees like recreation and on-campus services.
Childcare workers made a median of $30,370 in 2023, while preschool teachers made a median of $37,130, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most childcare development careers require at least a high school diploma or associate degree, but a master's degree could set you apart and yield a higher salary.
If you don't want to work directly with children, you can pursue a research career or become a leader at a childcare nonprofit or a university research childcare center.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Child Development Program
Some programs may require in-person clinical work to complete your degree. If your program does, ensure you live near the university or can complete your requirements at a local center or school.
Some degree programs also have different styles of instruction:
Synchronous: This style typically requires live lectures, test times, and assignments. If you pursue a synchronous program, make sure your class fits your schedule.
Asynchronous: These programs typically have little or no live components. Instead, all lectures and test materials are recorded and available for you to do at any time of the day. Some asynchronous programs still have weekly or daily deadlines you need to follow. Others allow you to speed through your classes or take your time at your own pace.
