25 Best Online Master’s in Child Development

The University of Minnesota’s child development program is at the forefront of child development research. The program is broad enough to prepare you for a list of careers in things like psychology, social work, and education. The “Child Life” program is one of six graduate programs endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Because of its excellent reputation, this program is best suited for those with experience in child development looking to get ahead in their career, as its initial requirements for entry require a lot of additional extracurricular activity in addition to a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a relevant bachelor’s program.

The university participates in several excellent volunteer programs and services that can be utilized for the required 600 hour internship, and students accessing remotely have coordinators on staff to help find rewarding opportunities where they can apply their classwork. In short, Minnesota is the choice for professional, on-the-job experience.

The University of South Florida is a no-nonsense child development program based in a university with a reputation for high quality research. With four areas of focus including the unique “Leadership in child and adolescent behavioral health”, this program is not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, the university offers up to 12 credits for non-degree seeking students to give it a trial.

The program has a sharp divide between a thesis and non-thesis track. The former includes a supervised intensive 6 hours of research and a chance to defend the thesis before a committee. The latter will require field experience and a relevant project designed in part by the student’s advisor. Only the thesis-based track requires a GRE examination for entry.

Even with such a wide range, the university makes sure that their graduates are well-rounded with a standard comprehensive exam that requires students achieve a minimum of a B in core classes. USF might be right if you consider yourself a hardworking child development student with an interest in unique aspects of the business such as policy, economics, or cultural outreach.

Missouri State University provides an excellent opportunity for students looking to get a jump start on a master’s program while still in undergraduate school. With a minimum of junior standing and a 3.25 GPA, students can apply credits toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Along with affordable rates, this leaves your bank happy and your mind occupied.

The university is well versed in distance learning and allows for a lot of flexibility in courses. This program is perfect for students who need to work around a dynamic work schedule but don’t want to sacrifice the quality of education one gets with face-to-face learning.

Missouri State has a larger focus on social work and education, and the school’s flexible programs offer chances to have a more specialized resume for career building opportunities that may come your way. Educational administration, instructing, training, and advising all become valid options with the right courses.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers the majority of the programs in their renowned Child, Youth and Family Studies Department online. Another great school for research facilities, this program is taught online as part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (as well as a few other universities on our list). This means you have access to the work of not just one, but several participating universities.

For the economically minded, the University of Nebraska offers several unique focuses, including Family Financial Planning and Family and Consumer Sciences. The University of Nebraska also offers graduate certificates for students that know how they would like to specialize in advance.

If you don’t plan to sign up for the human and family service administration, The GRE is waived for online degrees. Family and consumer sciences requires a pre-professional skills test, however. What may seem like a lot of hoops to jump through is definitely worth it for the fantastic research opportunities available at Nebraska.

The University of Missouri is another completely online human development and family science master’s degree participating in the Great Plains Interactive Distance Alliance. Missouri has dense coursework for it’s online programs, and therefore only requires an average of two classes per semester. This brings tuition down to a 20,880 dollar estimated total cost.

Affordable cost does not sacrifice quality of education here, however. Missouri is very meticulous in ensuring that their online degrees provide necessary requirements for many states as a product of the university’s medical focus. If you plan to work in a medical-based child development position, consider this school for its excellent resources.

The youth development degree can be started at various points throughout the year, with fall, spring, and summer courses. The unique classes Adolescent Sexuality and Parenthood, and Basic Grant Development and Management are also available over the summer. Missouri requires a 3.0 GPA for entry, although a GRE score is once again not required for online coursework. 

Michigan State University is one of the largest universities in the country and its master’s program in child development falls under the college of social science. In addition to the resources and large faculty body found at such a large university, it has a reputation for being a quality educational school.

In part because it is so large, Michigan State has somewhat easier requirements for entry. Graduate admissions require a 3.0 GPA, but applicants with a GPA above 2.5 can be admitted with a good score on the GRE. If one wishes to pursue the thesis track, they must satisfy GRE requirements in verbal and quantitative ability.

The child development degree once again is split up into two “plans”; with a thesis, or without. The former requires courses like research methodology and quantitative methods. The latter is a little more education-centric, with lab or field experience requirements and courses like Advanced Practice in Infant and Toddler Early Childhood Programming.

The University of Southern Mississippi is another University that is both entirely online and rather flexible. It advertises as “designed for working professionals who struggle to fit traditional classroom learning into their busy schedules.” The program incorporates newer online learning systems like webcam and microphone use for more approachable courses geared at students who are not used to online learning.

Southern Mississippi offers an undergrad degree in child and family studies as well, so you can expect a large faculty base and proper resources, and online students pay state resident tuition. The master’s program has a focus on child education, with courses like Educational Research: Interpretations and Applications.

This program has some relatively strict demands of its student body, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 and no more than one “C” grade for graduation. The alternative to the thesis track in this case is a supervised practicum that must be a “new professional experience” for the student, so be prepared to put your skills to the test.

West Virginia University’s child development and family studies major is based in educational psychology, so expect a bit more hard science than some of our other choices. This might be one of the best choices for students interested in pursuing a doctorate after their master’s degree.

The university has an impressive array of careers that their degree can prepare you for including community healthcare organizer and curriculum developer. The research focus of the institution allows a lot of flexibility regarding the interests of its students with courses like a capstone seminar in program evaluation and applicable classes like Cognition in Social Contexts.

West Virginia University requires a certain level of vested interest in the area of child development, sometimes requiring students with an unrelated bachelor’s degree to take supplemental courses to admit them. Admission is also based on a joint decision of all department faculty members, so be ready to defend your interest.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s online master’s program is called birth-kindergarten interdisciplinary studies in education development and is focused on nationally recognized certificates for teaching, ensuring that their graduates have opportunities nationwide. This program is good for students looking for a career in areas like childcare consulting or early intervention.

This program is split into two disciplines: early childhood leadership, and advanced teaching licensure and early childhood leadership and program administration. The former is for focused educators who wish to improve their chances for tenure or other growth in the educational system, as it requires an initial teaching license for admission.

The program administration discipline, however, is geared toward students looking for a versatile track leading into other areas of the education industry with courses such as Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Policy and Diversity and Inclusive Care and Education. Both disciplines require a capstone portfolio with an oral defense intended to demonstrate critical thinking and mastery of their intended field to graduate.

Southern New Hampshire University’s child and adolescent psychology master’s program is the easy choice for students with a psychology undergrad background. This degree’s methodology may be based in more categorical coursework such as cognitive neuropsychology, but it concerns itself heavily with proper ethical intervention strategies that can be applied to a variety of disciplines as well. 

This university is accredited by several institutions for relevant disciplines like health and education, for those looking for a more well-rounded set of electives, and has a reputation for hiring industry experienced faculty. The application does require a coursework background in psychology, social science statistics, or social research methods, however.

The online degree has 24/7 access to materials, and flexible course scheduling that doesn’t financially punish those who take longer to fulfill their degree requirements, perfect for students who are working part time and studying remotely. Rates are remarkably affordable, and following the lead of the undergrad university’s open enrollment policy, the GRE is not required for admission to the master’s program.

This fantastic program looks at institutions from the top down. Yes, schools need fantastic teachers. Yes, we need more field professionals promoting healthy childhood development. But we also need administrators and behind-the-scenes workers who understand the best child development practices. 

If you want to lead faith-based groups, nonprofit organizations, juvenile corrections programs, or become a schoolteacher, this program is for you. Students take courses like Youth in Cultural Contexts, Administration and Program Management, Adolescents and Their Families, and Youth Development. These classes prepare graduates for excellent careers, no matter their chosen profession.

Some remote programs require students to attend classes at specific times. Not this one. You can attend recorded classes and study material at your leisure. This flexibility allows working professionals to attend to their daily lives and still complete the program. Whether you live in Nebraska or elsewhere, all students are charged a flat rate of $580 per credit. Students must reach 36 credits to graduate.

The University at Albany’s Master of Science in childhood education program focuses on the educational side of the child development realm. Thus, this option is best for aspiring teachers or educational institution administrators. This program is offered online or on-campus: The online program is part time, while the on-campus program is full-time. 

In this program, students take classes like Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School, Literacy in Society, Science for Children, and Children’s Literature. These courses emphasize teaching above all else. But they do focus on implementing the latest child development theories in your teaching strategy. Essentially, this program is a hybrid between a teaching degree and a child development degree.

To gain admission to this program, you must have official transcripts of your undergraduate education, three letters of recommendation, official GRE scores, and a teaching certificate from any state. If you’re not a teacher already, focus on gaining licensure and spending a year or two in the field before signing up for a program like this one. 

North Dakota State University is another burgeoning research university with a devoted faculty. The Human Development and Family Science Department includes youth development, as well as family financial planning and gerontology programs. This is well suited for a student who plans to have a well-rounded career in social work.

To properly take advantage of these other paths available under the human development category, students should consider the unique youth program management and evaluation certificate coursework which includes classes like Youth Professionals as Consumers of Research. A youth development specialist certificate is available as well. This includes courses like Youth in Cultural Contexts. There is no graduate seminar or thesis work required.

The philosophy of the youth development program at North Dakota State relies heavily on positive youth development, or the act of using positive reinforcement rather than common corrective measures to try and develop good habits that will stick with children into adulthood. 

The University of Northern Colorado has one of the nation’s leading special education programs, so if that’s the career you’re leaning towards, it’s an easy choice. The program has several specializations including: deaf and hard of hearing, intervention, visual impairment, and gifted and talented. If you are looking to work with one of these groups, look no further!

This field has a growing demand for employees, and a degree from one of the top institutions is sure to be a lucrative decision with numerous opportunities. The University of Northern Colorado puts a lot of emphasis on learning in real-world scenarios and different communities that are potentially outside the student’s comfort zone.

University of Northern Colorado offers a broad range of classes like Learning Environments and Cultural Considerations and Scientific based literacy interventions, a very good selection for a reasonably affordable university. The GRE is not a requirement for admission, but you can definitely add it in if you think your scores will add to your application.

Stephen F Austin State University’s early childhood education program can be taken entirely online and is one of the most affordable options on our list. This doesn’t mean they sacrifice a quality education for affordability, though. The school has a great, focused faculty. This program is focused on preschool through eighth grade education, which leads students through modern education practices and leadership in recreational activities.

Attendance at this university is not high (only 100 students a semester), which means you’ll be top on the list of the faculty’s priorities, a rare occurrence for online programs. The course options here are limited, but focused. This may sacrifice the opportunity to explore creative opportunities, but it allows for credits to be transferred to other school’s education or specialist programs, like elementary education for example.

In addition to childhood development, the course content will focus on curriculum, instructional strategies, and leadership and research (something you’re not likely to get with most other early childhood education programs). The program requires 36 credit hours of work, but can be completed at whatever pace the student desires.

University of Colorado Denver’s online Master of Arts in early childhood education is another education degree. This program includes an option for an early childhood special education specialist certification. This certification is also available as a stand alone option from the university.

The university takes a lot of care in outlining possible tracks for its students. This includes “administration and leadership”, for students looking to become center directors or coordinators, the classic “teaching and learning” for the more research focused, and the particularly unique “diversity and inclusion” focus outlining modern inclusion techniques, that ensures graduates can take their skills into any community.

Graduation requirements include a capstone and field experience. Colorado is a university with experience in online education and can reasonably guarantee quality, experienced online coursework that includes 24/7 tech support. They are so confident in the quality of their education that they offer to find scholarships for their students, including the Daniels Boundless Opportunities Scholarship, with up to $2000 awarded per year and the William Goodwin Scholarship with up to $500 awarded every semester.

Purdue University’s Master of Science in human services program caters to working professionals. If you’re already making an imprint in the human services field and you want to return to school for better jobs or more education, this program is for you. To graduate, students must obtain 45 credits at $420 per credit. Students take classes 15 hours per week for 10-week terms.

Students in this program take fascinating classes like Human Development and Human Behavior in Context, Skills and Practice in Human Services, and Professional Ethics and Personal Values. These courses will improve your understanding of concepts that are vital to your career, and just as important, they will give you the perspective to lead an examined life.

Of the 45 required credits, 30 are core credits and 15 are elective credits. Students are eligible for Title IV federal financial aid and military discounts. If you happen to be an international student, the university may waive 25% of your tuition. Also, employees of the school’s corporate partners may receive substantial discounts. 

The University of La Verne has an excellent Master of Science in child and adolescent development. While this program may interest many types of professionals, it especially suits elementary, middle, and high school teachers. La Verne offers an on-campus and online option. Unlike many other schools, these two options are identical in course load.

Students in this program take courses like Educational Psychology, Methods of Research, and Human Development. They also take classes in their areas of concentration like Cognition and Brain Development, Teaching Adults, and Language, Reading, and Concept Development. Additionally, students take a three-credit Graduate Seminar before graduating. 

To gain admission to this program, students should have a 2.75 or higher GPA. If they don’t, they can still gain admittance if they have a 3.0 GPA or higher in relevant courses. They also need a statement of purpose, an interview with the program chair, and a writing assessment. 

Grand Canyon University’s Master Of Education in early childhood education is one of the better programs of this type offered online. Prospective students should note, though, that this course doesn’t lead to teacher licensure. With that said, it will still prepare you to gain licensure — you’ll just have to do so on your own time. 

Some courses that students take in this program are Typical and Atypical Behaviors of Young Children, U.S. and Arizona Constitutions for Teacher Candidates, Advanced Methodologies of SEI, and Creating and Managing the Early Childhood Environment. As you can see, these classes focus on teaching theories and classroom management at least as much as teaching specific courses.

Students at this program pay $440 per credit. They should note, though, that the school holds a special rate for service people, whether they’re in active duty or reserves. There is also a range of scholarships for eligible and high-performance students. 

Child development takes many forms. We need teachers to educate children and, more importantly, to teach them the power of learning. We need school administrative professionals who are sensitive to the needs of children. But we also need social workers for when something goes awry in a child’s life. If that sounds like your niche, consider Winthrop University’s online Master of Social Work program.

The school offers two options depending on whether your undergraduate degree is in social work. If it is, you’ll have an expedited 39-credit hour advanced standing program. If not, you’ll enroll in the 60-credit traditional program. Some courses you’ll take are Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, and Empowerment Practice Concepts.

Besides traditional online classes, Winthrop University requires students to engage in three field experiences. These internships of sorts will help you observe, understand, and participate in the day-to-day work of professionals. Winthrop values this section heavily: students will spend 730 hours in the field. 

Unfortunately, mental health concerns are growing in the United States. A combination of economic fragility, anomie, social dissonance, and changing norms has affected all of us. For many of us, that means seeking counseling to resolve our anxieties. For some of us, that means counseling others. If the latter option appeals to you, consider the University of the Southwest’s online master’s in clinical mental health.

Mental health counseling is a burgeoning field. It’s beneficial to patients, and pretty well paid for counselors. Students at this program take classes like Counseling Skills and Techniques, Testing and Assessment in Counseling, Human Sexuality, and Introduction to Play Therapy. You will learn how to use these skills for patients of all ages.

If you enroll full-time, you can complete this program in 30 months. This program is flexible, allowing students to start several times throughout the year. If you want to learn from highly regarded faculty, take some of the best classes in the nation, and study in the comfort of your home, this program is for you.

Psychology is our guide to hundreds of issues. Through it, we can analyze people, respond to systemic issues, and connect anxieties and trauma in patients of all ages. Capella University’s Master of Science in psychology with a focus on child & adolescent development caters to aspiring psychologists who want to focus on the younger demographic.

This program has four core courses and six specialization classes. Some of them are Human Prenatal Development, Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, and Lifespan Development. These courses will orient you to the latest research, theories, and practices in the field of psychology. Additionally, they will teach you how to seamlessly join the field as a leading expert.

Most of the programs reviewed on this list focus on developmentally typical people. While special education programs share many similarities with programs catered to typical learners, they’re really in separate spheres. There are different foundational theories, accepted practices, and ways of teaching for special education students. Saint Joseph’s University’s Master of Science in special education prepares teachers for special education classrooms.

Whether you want to teach preschool until eighth grade or seventh grade through the end of high school, Saint Joseph’s University has an option for you. They also allow students to earn a certification in both areas. There are several other optional curriculums for students, including a social, emotional and behavioral wellness endorsement and a track to be a supervisor of special education curriculum.

Some notable classes are Special Education Law and Policy, Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis, Behavior Assessment, and Culturally Responsive Teaching. These courses will prepare you for a successful career in special education, no matter the context.

Master of Psychology degrees allow students to make a positive imprint on the world. It helps them understand people, work with patients, and help the people around them lead better lives. The Chicago School’s MA in psychology with a child and adolescent concentration prepares students to work with children and adolescents in many contexts.

Students can choose between a one-year full-time and a two-year part-time option. No matter your preferred choice, you’ll take the classes required to address the needs of children and the issues that affect them. Many graduates from The Chicago School now work as counselors, educators, social workers, and nonprofit professionals.

Some courses students take are Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Family Systems and Family Therapy, and Evidence-Based Programs for Children and Adolescents. These classes prepare students for work as a child psychologist, as a guide, teacher, and learner. If you want to play a part in improving the outcomes for today’s youth, this program is perfect for you.

Ashford University has a fantastic Master of Arts in education program. Underperforming students should take note of this program. It accepts students with a 2.0 or higher GPA, but any student with a 2.0 to 2.74 undergraduate GPA will initially be placed on academic watch. Still, this isn’t a terrible situation, as most schools don’t accept students with a 2.0 GPA in the first place.

Students at this program choose from seven specializations: child development, curriculum & instruction, early childhood education, family & community services, higher education, school leadership in the 21st century, and special education. No matter your interest, Ashford University has a high-quality specialization that will suit your needs.

Depending on your specialization, some classes you may take are Quality Curriculum in Early Childhood Education, Building a Learning-Centered Culture, and Children & Families in a Diverse Society. Courses are given in six-week formats, and students only take one class at a time. That way, students can entirely engage with one topic before moving on to the next one.