25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Human and Child Development

In 2018, the University of Washington (UW) ranked within the top 15 universities in the world. More recently, the institution made the top 10 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities ranking, and it has also ranked second among all public universities in the United States. More than 50,000 students enroll at the UW annually. 

UW uses Canvas, a popular online learning management system that lets you access your course materials from anywhere. You’ll also be able to interact with peers through online forums, as well as your faculty. Program structure largely mirrors your on-campus peers; deadlines are the same and you’ll start and finish each class when they do.   

This program is based on an “Intentional teaching framework”, which consists of four components: know, see, do, and reflect. You’ll learn through traditional knowledge-seeking methods, but also take part in objective discussions, goal setting, and self-reflection. You will work in the classroom to gain valuable experience with youngsters at an early stage. 

If you choose to study full-time, you’ll finish the degree in 3 years, whereas distance learning part-time will take longer. The number of credits needed to complete this program varies depending on any credit transfers you’re bringing over, with the cost per-credit hour running at $231. 

According to the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, Arizona State University is the number one institution in the United States for innovation. The Times also ranks ASU within the top 1% of the world’s most prestigious universities. These are just some of the many accolades held by ASU. 

There are more than 300 online certificates and degree programs to choose from at ASU, including subjects like art, the sciences, business administration, and education. Their online Bachelor of Science in family & human development is offered fully online via remote learning. It’s based at the institution’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which encourages students to become socially aware, critical thinkers. 

In this program, you’ll develop important research, critical thinking, and analytical skills. You’ll advance your experience in written communication and the ability to both speak and listen carefully and effectively. As an enrolled student, you will cover classes such as Marriage and Family Relationships, Culture and Gender, and The Cycle of Human Development From Birth to Adolescence. 

You’ll learn remotely using the university’s online learning management software. In total, as an enrolled student, you’ll study 40 classes and spend 7.5 weeks on each class. The course comprises 120 credit hours overall, with the cost of a credit hour varying from $530 to $1,153 depending on your transfer credits. 

Washington State University offers a large breadth of programs via its Global Campus, offering qualifications that hold the same prestige and recognition as those earned on campus. You’ll also still be a member of the WSU Cougar cohort, with access to all the same resources and events. U.S. News & World Report ranks Washington State as one of the top online undergraduate institutions in the U.S.

As an online learner at the Global Campus, you’ll have a dedicated login for the myWSU portal, through which you can manage your access to courses, tuition and fees, and other financial aid. There are special provisions for those with disabilities, as well as links to external financial aid and other support. 

While studying in this program, you’ll have the opportunity to earn an early childhood education or gerontology certificate. After graduation, common career paths for Washington State graduates in the human development program include childcare, preschool education, social service positions, and working in juvenile justice. Your study will teach you about working with people of every age, from all walks of life. 

As an in-state student, you’ll pay $518 per credit hour for undergraduate study, whereas out-of-state students pay $595 per credit hour. You may also be able to get financial aid or scholarships directly from the university—as a distance learner, you have the same eligibility for these as students enrolled on-campus. 

Texas Tech is the home of a number of impressive accolades. Students at the College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources have won more than 100 awards, while 40 faculty members in the last decade have received Fulbright Scholar recognition. Students of law have attained more than 30 national championships in six years, too.

The university has more than 80 fully-online degree programs, in addition to a number of professional development courses and certifications. The online instruction has also previously been ranked number one by bestcolleges.com and onlinecolleges.com. You’ll study the same courses under the same faculty as your on-campus peers. 

Texas Tech’s Bachelor of Science in human sciences blends online learning with campus-based study in a ‘hybrid’ course structure. However, you can study entirely online if you wish. Throughout your studies, you’ll be assisted by the university’s student support team, who will help you design your own customized program aligned with your career aspirations. 

This course is 120 credits and the cost per-credit hour for online distance learners is much less than if you were to take the degree program entirely on-campus. Costs can vary depending on the course makeup, but you can use the university’s online tuition calculator to find an approximated cost for your course, here. 

Students enrolled on a course at Oregon State University are known as ‘Beavers’ and you’ll be no exception as a distance learner. The OSU’s Ecampus offers 37 undergraduate and 34 graduate programs. More than 1,300 online classes fill the platform and nearly 25,000 students took at least one class in 2019. 

The online human development and family sciences degree is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). If you’re a resident of the Portland area and want to supplement your online learning with face-to-face classroom instruction, then you’re also allowed to attend the OSU Portland Center in Pioneer Square. 

Some of the course topics you’ll cover include the adult development process and aging, families and living with poverty, violence and neglect, and children and adolescents living with a disability. You can also add a minor to your degree program’s curriculum, which could help you with future employability—for example, in health management or leadership. 

In total, the course is made up of 180 credits, with the cost per-credit hour coming in at $309—below average compared to some other institutions we’ve ranked here. OSU works on a quarter-term system, with 11 weeks in each quarter and four quarters per year. 

West Virginia University (WVU) is ranked nationally for students that go on to receive recognized financial awards like the Truman, Rhodes and Goldwater scholarships. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the institution has recently undergone a thorough evaluation by the organization to ensure that it adheres to accreditation criteria. 

Online programs at WVU follow the same stringent standards as on-campus programs, with the same high-caliber faculty. Their online programs have been ranked nationally for quality, including recognition in the fields of software engineering, business administration, and nursing. Online teaching takes place through state-of-the-art software (eCampus), while you’ll also have access to enrollment coaches and academic advisors. 

WVU’s child development and family studies bachelor’s degree is made up of 40 required courses, with a total of 120 credit hours taken. You’ll pay tuition of $426 per-credit hour during the course of your program. To be eligible, you need a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). 

The course focuses on early childhood development, with the aim of improving leadership within the field of early childhood education. Woven into the curriculum are the West Virginia core knowledge and core competencies, and the West Virginia early standards framework. This ensures that you’ll have the latest knowledge required for employment within state organizations. 

Utah State University has over 500 programs, with more than 60 of these taught fully online. As an online educator, they’ve been running for around 25 years and more than 150,000 students have used their online learning management system. They’ve been featured in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent ‘Best Online Programs’ lists for three separate areas, too. 

Utah State University Online (USU Online) has educated students from across nearly every state and 55 different countries. There are more than 500 credit courses available spread across over 60 different degrees, minors, and certificates. And while you’re studying remotely, you’ll have access to the same resources as your peers studying on-campus. 

The family life studies bachelor’s degree is made up of 55 credit hours, with an estimated annual tuition of $6,778 for students who study fully online. This is based on three semesters of tuition and fees for those based in-state. You’ll study from a selection of 26 industry-relevant courses. 

Studying towards this degree will make you an expert in improving others’ lives and you’ll be ready to take on a career within early childhood education, social services, or geriatric wellbeing. You might also find yourself working in community service, foster care, or residential treatment. There are also links to organizations like 4-H and Extension. 

Colorado State is a regular fixture in U.S. News & World Report rankings. In 2020, they ranked for the Best Online Programs – Bachelor’s and the Best Online Programs – Veterans. Online teaching follows the same strict quality standards and curriculum as classroom-based learning. 

This university’s online human development and family studies program is highly-customizable, with a mix of coursework and field experience. As part of this course, you’ll be able to choose two specializations from early childhood professions, leadership and entrepreneurial professions, pre-health professions, human development and family studies, and prevention and intervention sciences. 

The course is made up of 120 credit hours, with an option to transfer credits from previous college courses to reduce costs. Tuition runs at a cost of $476 per-credit hour and this includes access to student services, such as a career center, Office 365 software, the student resolution center, and online technical support.

You’ll pay the same rate of tuition at Colorado State University whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. This is what makes Colorado State University one of the most affordable public universities in the United States—and there’s financial aid available for all programs, too. 

Recent freshman classes from The University of Alabama have included more than 250 National Merit Scholars, while recent statistics show that 56 students have also been named Goldwater Scholars. There have also been 15 Rhodes Scholars, 33 Hollings Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, and 15 Boren Scholars. There have been many other student and institution-specific awards, too. 

Your studies will take place through a secured online website that utilizes Blackboard Learn technology. It’s full of tools that allow your faculty to communicate with you and share course information, and you’ll be able to submit work directly through the platform. You’ll also have access to online video streaming, giving you playback direct from lectures that take place on the same day on-campus. 

The BS in human environmental sciences, human development, and family studies is designed solely for students who work within Head Start agencies. By graduating with this degree, the intention is that you’ll be able to take on senior roles and achieve greater salary progression. It has been ranked in top position for The Best Online Bachelor’s in Human & Family Development Programs by thebestschools.org, and came 15th in a list of the top online programs of its kind by affordablecolleges.com. 

This program is delivered entirely online with a total of 120 credit hours. You’ll pay tuition of $375 per credit hour, as well as a $10 undergraduate HES fee per credit hour. However, bear in mind that there’s a prerequisite of at least 5 years of experience in a lead teacher role before you apply.

UMassOnline was created in 2001 to offer education off-campus to students across the United States and the rest of the world. More than 150 of the institution’s programs are now available over the internet and utilize the same well-known faculty for teaching—this includes winners of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and other literary accolades. 

Whether you’re studying remotely or on-campus at the University of Massachusetts, you’ll have access to the same UMass campus that offers the program. Your transcript or diploma won’t make any reference to online learning either. The online degree curriculum is said to be equally, if not more challenging, than the on-campus equivalent. 

The linked bachelor’s program at UMassOnline is designed for people who want to work for organizations or programs that serve families and their children. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to progress into—or enhance an existing career within—the fields of youth and family counseling and administration, education, or child advocacy. 

Your Bachelor of Arts in children’s learning and development will span 120 credits, with each credit costing $390—a little below average. There’s also a $150 program fee due each fall and spring semester, as well as a $47 registration fee per semester (quarterly). You can even see a course demo before you commit. 

Students here are known as ‘Bisons’ and the official colors of the institution are yellow and green, a theme that can be seen throughout campus and a tradition that has been going since 1907. Faculty, students, and alumni champion those colors throughout Bison Pride Fridays to show appreciation for the university. Bisons are known for integrity, hard work, and high expectations. 

This course’s main emphasis is around the life span development of a human and the family unit. You’ll learn how children grow into adults and the interactions they’ll face with their environment and society. When completing this degree, you can choose from adult development and aging, family science, or child and adolescent development. 

After graduation, you’ll have access to careers in two distinct areas: direct services provided to children, adults, and families; or support services for the same groups. The first group includes roles like community service, outreach, gerontology, and financial counseling, while the latter includes roles within child care, hospital-related services, and family life education. 

At an undergraduate level of study, you’ll pay around $350 for each credit hour, with this course having 120 credits in total. There are also other mandatory fees, including an application fee, general activity fee, and potentially an undergraduate discipline fee. 

California State East Bay is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, or WASCUC. Individual programs throughout their prospectus are also accredited by various other organizations, too, highlighting the quality promised by an education at Cal State. Learning was recently restructured to the two semester system. 

When you enroll in the human development BA in early childhood development, you’ll look at how to identify and tackle problems arising in early years development by applying your human development knowledge in practice. The program requires critical thinking and core knowledge in psychological, biological, and social impacts on human development. 

The program is made up of 120 credits, with 53 to 55 of those being major requirements. There are also free electives making up 8 to 10 of the course’s units. You’ll have the opportunity to study anthropology, psychology, sociology, human or child development, and many other modules. 

All online undergraduate degrees at Cal State are charged the same per-credit tuition fees. You’ll pay $476 per credit, with the cost of graduate study being slightly higher. There are also other course fees for additional services or supplies like travel and books. 

AT EKU, the online platform used to deliver your studies includes free online tutoring, in addition to career advice services. Overall, Eastern Kentucky University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as being among the best universities for online programs. You can also choose from one of six start dates yearly for your convenience. 

In addition to the above accolade, EKU has also made the top spot for the Best Online Programs for Veterans by the same ranking organization. The university’s official colors are maroon and white and their mascot is “The Colonel”. The Blackboard online learning system makes online learning as easy as on-campus study. 

This child & family studies bachelor’s degree is 100% online and comprises 120 to 125 credit hours, with tuition costs of $409 per-credit hour. However, active duty military servicemen and servicewomen pay just $250 per-credit hour, making it significantly more affordable if you’re in the military. 

The curriculum for the linked course blends professional and academic preparation, with topics like early childhood assessment, family involvement, ethics, and interaction and guidance. You can also transfer up to 90 hours of credits—the remaining 30 to 35 credits, as a minimum, must be earned through Eastern Kentucky University. 

Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, UTPB has won multiple awards for its affordability from GetEducated. It also ranked within the U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Colleges for Social Mobility’ in 2020. There’s a busy student calendar that’s open to both on-campus students and remote learners. 

When you begin an online program of study at UTPB, you’ll take part in a first-time online orientation to get you familiar with the tools and program. The Canvas platform will be your link to the university, giving you access to materials, assignments, and examinations. You can also purchase books from the UTPB Bookstore. 

The core curriculum for the online child and family studies degree is made up of 120 credit hours in total. Of these, 42 hours are mandatory to all students, covering topics such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, personal responsibility, social responsibility, and empirical and quantitative methods. The remainder can be chosen from a broad undergraduate course catalog. 

Your tuition for the program will be around $300 per-credit hour, with some additional fees as part of the application process and for supplies. Financial aid is available through the institution and you may qualify for a university scholarship if you meet the eligibility requirements. You can also choose from one of six start dates to best manage your study. 

Appalachian State University is set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the United States, so it’s no wonder that the institution participates in programs that seek to protect our environment. There are also heaps of student organizations, clubs, and extra-curricular activities to take part in and as an online distance learner, you’re still more than welcome.  

Online programs at the university are taught by the same faculty that teach on-campus, so you know you’re getting the same standard of education. Instruction is both synchronous and asynchronous, and uses the most recent software to deliver course materials and assessments directly to your home. There are also hybrid class programs available if desired. 

This online bachelor’s degree in early childhood development—birth through kindergarten—teaches you to facilitate the success of children during a critical period of development. Graduates who achieve ‘A’ licensure—a dual certification of special and regular education—can also pursue a graduate qualification in the same field. 

The course is split into 6 to 8 hours per semester, with seven semesters of classes and a single semester of student-led teaching. Graduates from this course commonly progress to roles such as preschool or kindergarten teacher, daycare management, or child life specialist. 

To graduate, you’ll need to complete 120 credit hours. You can transfer credits to reduce the cost of tuition and the amount of study required to graduate, though 63 hours must be taught by Appalachian. This is one of the most affordable universities for in-state students, at $163 per-credit hour. 

It has been over 100 years since the University of Southern Mississippi was founded and there are now alumni in 71 countries around the world. Students can also take part in 30 study-abroad programs as part of their learning. In total, students based at Southern Miss have also collected 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Scholarships and 4 Truman Scholarships, as well as having 24 Goldwater Scholars. 

There are more than 220 student organizations to take part in — even if you’re a remote learner, you’re still welcome. This includes adventures that take place both on and off-campus, including intramural competitions and physical fitness services. There are also free counseling services available, plus group exercise programs. 

Students enrolling in the child and family sciences bachelor’s degree will choose from one of two areas of emphasis. The child development emphasis is suited to you if you want to work in a field related to early childhood education, while family sciences is relevant to those who want to work in social services, parent education, or non-profits. 

As an online undergraduate, your tuition fees will be $4,448 per semester, which equates to around $370 per credit hour if you’re studying part-time. There are also 13 scholarships offered directly by the School of Child and Family Sciences, which are available to new students each year. 

Fort Hays State University’s history dates back to 1902. Their mascot is ‘Victor E. Tiger’ and they serve an average of around 6-8,000 students via their virtual college each year. Their recent job placement rate for graduates was a huge 96%, which is reassuring for any graduate.  

Regardless of whether you study on-campus or via distance learning, you’ll have access to the same student resources. You’ll also have access to a wide variety of student organizations as well as permission to participate in starting a new student organization. 

This bachelor’s of general studies has numerous areas of concentration, including child development. It’s suited to anyone who wants to progress into the field of daycare provision, early childcare, or early childhood education. You’ll cover modules like human growth & development, children’s literature, the effective classroom, and diverse learners. 

Fort Hays State delivers distance learning via its virtual college at an affordable rate, with undergraduate tuition coming in at $218.67 per-credit hour. There’s also an undergraduate admission fee of $30. It’s no surprise that the university was ranked among the lowest in cost within the U.S., ranking in the ‘Best Online Programs’ list by U.S. News & World Report. 

UW Colleges Online was established in 1998 and recently rebranded to UW College Courses Online. It has since grown to offer 125 different online programs of study. Online classes are taught by the same faculty as those on-campus, utilizing the same learning materials, and offering you the chance to take individual personal enrichment classes. As an online learner, you’ll use Canvas to complete your courses and you’ll have dedicated support from faculty members if you encounter any issues. 

Online learning at this university isn’t much different than on-campus classes. You’ll still use textbooks to facilitate your learning, complete assignments remotely, and take examinations. You’ll also participate in peer and faculty discussions through the online learning management software. However, most classes are delivered asynchronously, where you’ll work on your degree at a different time than your instructor and peers. 

This Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies is focused on the study of the human development cycle. You’ll study how individuals, their family, and the wider community fit together to influence development. The degree will look at culture and gender, life stages, age, and other key areas. 

Financial aid is available for those students who need it and there are dedicated staff on-hand to help you find the support you need. You may be entitled to scholarships or grants offered directly by the university. According to an Annual Employment Report put together by the university, the average salary of new graduates is $36,000. 

Northwestern State University has been operating since 1884, founded at the site of the old Bullard Mansion. At the crest of a hill that overlooks the city of Natchitoches, the school has continued to expand with rebranding in 1921, 1944, and 1970. After 130 years, three central columns remain from the original building, which are instantly recognizable to any student or alumni. 

If you’re signing up for an online course, you’ll be informed via email a week prior how to activate your digital course content—if you’re using their custom portal, IncludED. Alternatively, via Moodle, you’ll receive an access code to access your program. There is another campus LMS (learning management system) that may be used to deliver your education. 

There are two concentrations available through this program: consumer services or child development and family relations (CDFR). If you’re studying on the CDFR concentration, you’re required to spend 60 hours of observation in a licensed childcare center or elementary school. Regardless of your choice, you’ll also need to complete 180 hours of training on-the-job within such an organization or institution. 

As an undergraduate, you’ll have course tuition costs of $375 per-credit hour for the first 12 hours, and $100 per-credit hour for all hours thereafter, making this a highly-affordable school. And if you’re studying solely online, you won’t have to pay any additional out-of-state fees. There is, however, an application fee of $20. 

CMU is a nationally-ranked university that has around a quarter of a million alumni spread across the globe. Established in 1892, it has more than 8,000 enrollees online and more than 30 campus locations across the United States. In fact, over 20% of CMU’s on-campus students supplement their learning with an online course through Blackboard. 

Aside from your standard online learning management tools, you’ll also have access to a variety of support resources. The Online Learning Resource Center at CMU offers a bunch of useful resources for students considering taking one of their online degrees. Here, you’ll find online learning assessments, useful information, and tutorials that show you how to use their learning management system, Blackboard. 

Getting your degree via distance learning will cost you $417 to $434 per credit, with a total of 120 credits required for graduation. These are made up of four course types: general education, core courses, concentration courses, and planned electives. General education courses branch into two more distinct types that all students must take. 

General education covers university program courses like humanities, natural science, and social science, plus competency requirements in written and oral English, mathematics, and reasoning. Core courses are the basic required courses for your major, while concentration courses are relevant to the concentration you choose. 

Western Michigan University (WMU) has been educating students for more than 50 years. It ranks highly for diversity, within the top 80 colleges, as well as being among the top 15 for being eco-friendly and affordable. It’s in the top 11 percent of all U.S. universities, too. 

WMU offers a range of undergraduate bachelor’s degrees online, in addition to some master’s and graduate certificates. There are also other hybrid courses that combine both on-campus and distance learning. Their online platform is full of useful guides that help get you set up and running, as well as laptop loan resources, free tutoring, and accessibility options. 

Western Michigan University’s early childhood professional education bachelor’s combines both coursework and practical experience, with students earning a Michigan K-8 certification and an early childhood general and special endorsement (ZS). If early childhood education is your major, then you’ll also study language arts, science, mathematics, and social studies as part of your curriculum. 

Studying for an online degree in this field at Western Michigan University will cost $503.92 per credit hour in tuition fees. Graduates pay a little more at $681.67. However, students with 56 or more credit hours will be assessed at the upper-level rate for their tuition. 

Stephen F. Austin State University is a public university established in 1923. Set in rural America, it uses a semester-based calendar and asks below-average tuition from its enrollees. Their online programs specifically charge $254 per-credit hour for in-state students, or $676 per-credit hour for out-of-state non-residents. 

The online Bachelor of Science in human sciences covers a broad range of subject areas that will suit a variety of careers. These include infant and child development, middle childhood and adolescent development, adult development and aging, family life education, parenting, and social policies and the family. 

On this program, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the growth and development cycles for groups of all ages. It utilizes a multi-contextual, family-based approach, which is invaluable for developing professional careers in service-based professions. It’s best suited to students who want to progress into a role centered around child development and can’t commit to a full-time, campus-based program. 

In this program, you will learn about how children grow and develop from the moment they’re born through adolescence. This will impart upon you the knowledge you’ll need to take on a role working with young people in various settings, whether in a school, a hospital, or a clinic. 

Due to the broad nature of this course, you’ll have a wide range of career opportunities available after graduation. Aside from working with young people, you could also move into market research or human resources for example, both of which have strong growth predictions according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Tuition is highly affordable, with the cost of a single credit hour coming in at $320, or $225 if you’re a U.S. service member or spouse of somebody who is on active duty. You may be able to reduce the cost of your tuition by transferring credits; up to 90 credits can be transferred. 

For those who need help with finances, this institution is a good choice. The Student Financial Services Department has helped students to save more than $13 million in one year alone by supporting them in developing financial plans. The university has also frozen tuition fees since 2012. 

Penn State’s ‘World Campus’ online learning program was launched in 1998 and now offers over 150 fully-online programs. With a mission to “Provide the Penn State educational experience to anyone, anytime”, you’ll get the same standard of education as your on-campus cohorts. 

While offered online, you’ll still have the opportunity to take part in an internship within a human services organization. This real world situation will be invaluable in helping you to develop your professional network, gain important references, and gain first-hand experience in a role relevant to your field. Penn State has also ranked in the top 10 for online bachelor’s degrees according to the U.S. News & World Report. 

The Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies looks at how people change from birth to old age. It also looks at how families and society can impact this process, and how you can apply the knowledge you learn to design interventions that can improve lives. 

While you can start the program immediately, you can alternatively choose to work on other qualifications along the way, such as the undergraduate certificate in children, youth, and family services or the Associate in Science in human development and family studies. In total, you’ll study for 120 credits, with the tuition per credit slightly above average at $576 for in-state or $617 for out-of-state students. 

Half a decade after being founded, Liberty University offers more than 600 programs of study, with a huge 400 of these available via online distance learning. As a Christian school, Liberty has close ties to religious organizations and offers an online Bible college program, too. 

The tradition of distance learning at Liberty started in 1985, when the institution offered distance learning via correspondence. VHS tapes would be mailed to students, with students mailing their assignments back. Today, all the online learning takes place on Blackboard, with course content, assignments, and examinations all available remotely. 

The Bachelor of Science in early childhood education lasts for approximately 3.5 years, with 120 credit hours making up the program. Classes are entirely online and are spread across 8-week course modules. Credit hours are $390 per unit, though you may transfer up to 75% of credits from another institution to reduce the cost of your tuition at Liberty.  

As the name suggests, this degree is focused on educating students who want to become an educator themselves. With a focus on early childhood education, you’ll look at the growth stages that occur before the age of 8, understanding the educational theory and leadership needed to engage young minds.