Working in child development is probably one of the most important and selfless jobs one could choose.
Having the power to positively impact someone’s life is a very important duty that should not be taken lightly.
If you’re passionate about this type of work, then you’re lucky.
The demand for child development professionals is on the rise, and there are more and more schools offering high-quality programs both in-class and online.
If you’re looking to attend flexible yet comprehensive courses, then this list is perfect for you.
University of South Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi offers an amazing course in child and family studies.
The program is fully online, which is exceptional for prospective students who have to balance other aspects of their life with studying.
The program at this school is very well-rounded, which is of the utmost importance.
That is due to the fact that this field of work is very challenging and requires a lot of attention.
However, upon completion, students will be able to dive into this difficult, yet very rewarding profession.
Students will be able to work in the following areas:
- Human service organizations for-profit and non-profit organizations
- Research institutions
- Education
Also, students will be able to choose between the following degree options
- Child development – literacy and experiential laboratory courses
- Family relations – psychology and public health courses
University of Alabama
The Bachelor of Science in Human and Environmental Sciences of Human Development and Family studies is another amazing program perfect for everyone who wants to become a child development practitioner.
University of Alabama’s online program offers training in leadership roles in Heat Start Agencies.
Those agencies also provide educational and social support to students with low income.
By attending this course, students will go through courses that focus on achieving a better understanding of a child’s growth and development.
Upon completion, students will be able to implement the knowledge and techniques learned to design and evaluate programs for preschoolers.
The program requires 120 credit hours.
Official WebsiteCentral Michigan University
Central Michigan University offers competitive course prices while maintaining the highest quality of education.
Upon completion, students will have earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Development and Learning.
If you’d like to eventually become either education or social work practitioner, then this school might be a perfect choice.
By attending their courses, students will gain vast knowledge in the following areas of expertise:
- Developmental psychology
- School and communities
- Children education
- Families
- Developmental assessment of children
- Lifespan development
The program has 124 credit hours.
Official WebsitePenn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is one of the most renowned online schools in the country due to its long tradition and amazing success in creating outstanding industry professionals.
The main point of this degree is to teach students about the various changes individuals undergo as they progress from being toddlers to reaching old age.
Graduates will learn how to use their newly obtained skills to improve other people’s lives in the future.
All Penn State’s degree holders support social welfare programs and initiatives.
They will eventually become industry professionals who will know how to deal with behavioral and emotional issues for all individuals, regardless of their age.
Official WebsiteOregon State University
Oregon State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science degree to all students who want to better themselves as well as the world around them.
Students will go through an extensive training aimed at teaching them vital skills to perform the job up to standards.
The courses focus on developing strong critical thinking, interpersonal communication, as well as research.
Students can choose a minor in various different programs, including:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Oregon State University’s curriculum requires 180 credit hours and is usually completed in four years.
Official WebsiteWashington State University - Global Campus
Washington State University’s global campus offers a course in human development that focuses on human relationships within various communities.
By attending their courses, students will learn how to conduct themselves, how to approach and talk to individuals regardless of their life paths or age.
Students who are looking to obtain this degree will get an opportunity to earn a certificate in either gerontology or early childhood education.
All students are required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.6 and complete a minimum of 21 credit hours at the WSU Global Campus.
Official WebsiteWest Virginia University At Parkersburg
West Virginia University at Parkersburg offers an excellent program in various aspects of child development.
The curriculum was carefully created to cover all the vital aspects of this area of expertise, but to also teach students about the importance and sensitivity of the subject.
Students will be able to become highly-productive community members who help in creating a safer environment for everyone.
The curriculum has funding from Head Start and includes all courses required by the West Virginian Department of Education.
Official WebsiteNorth Dakota State University
North Dakota State University offers a comprehensive course in the field of development and family science.
Students can choose to major in one of the following areas of expertise:
- Adult Development
- Aging
- Child Development
- Elementary Education
- Family Science
- Social Work
Courses are divided into the following categories:
- Core courses
- Child and adolescent development
- Major electives
- Additional courses
The online curriculum includes many courses, some of which include prenatal, infant, and toddler development.
Lucky individuals who graduate will be able to work in healthcare, education, or child protection.
Official WebsiteConcordia University - Saint Paul
This university offers a degree in Child Development.
Their online program sheds light on the importance of advocacy and leadership in this area of expertise.
Students will learn about various developmental stages children go through, specifically from birth to third grade.
This program is created to produce graduates with specialized career interests.
Official WebsiteEastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University offers an extensive course in child development.
Upon completion, students will be able to obtain a degree as a Bachelor of Science in Child Development.
The program is very interactive and it focuses on family studies and child development.
The curriculum offers the following educational aspects:
- Core courses
- Pre-child and family major courses
- Childhood development concentration
- Electives
Eastern Kentucky University aims to show students how the real-life works and to equip them with skills needed to excel in this area of expertise.
Official WebsiteColorado State University - Fort Collins
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is one of the leading online universities in the field of human development and family studies.
Students will be able to obtain a degree as a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family studies.
Their department hopes to teach students how to help individuals in all critical development stages.
Students will also get a chance to score an internship and get some practical experience as well.
Moreover, they will learn about all different changes people can experience during their life, including the environment, families, and other aspects.
Students can choose between the following:
- Family studies
- Early childhood professions
- Human development
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurial professions
- Pre-health professions
- Prevention and intervention sciences
The course requires 120 credit hours.
Official WebsiteArizona State University - ASU Online
Arizona State University is another stellar institution that has educated hundreds of bachelors in family and human development.
Their curriculum also focuses on various developmental stages that individuals experience during their lifetime.
The curriculum requires 120 credit hours and it covers issues in marriage, divorce, ethnicity, parenting, and many more.
Upon completion, students will be able to use their knowledge to help individuals better themselves and their environment from birth to a certain age.
Graduates will be able to work in the following fields:
- Counseling
- Research
- Social work
- Law
- Medicine
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development.
The school’s curriculum was designed to show and teach students about various developmental stages individuals go through.
One of the most important aspects of this course is the focus on practical work and correct application of child psychology and social sciences.
Online students will be able to partake in class discussions and other coursework.
Official WebsiteUnion Institute And University
Union Institute’s Bachelor of Science and Adolescent Development is an extensive course suited for individuals who’s like to help children and families to turn their lives around.
The school recognized the need for emotional support in this area of expertise, so their curriculum focuses on the social, cognitive, affective, and physical development of children.
Students will be able to choose between attending the classes full-time, part-time, or opt for an accelerated program.
Core course includes the art and science of assessing children and families.
The school allows up to 90 transfer credits and 120 credit hours in total are required to graduate.
Official WebsiteSan Diego Christian College
As a Christian educational institution, this college focuses on providing students with the techniques to perform their work in the most ethical and professional manner.
Upon completion, students will be able to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development diploma.
The curriculum was carefully planned out to teach students about the importance of interpersonal communication, about productivity, and the amazing impact they can have on a child’s development during the early stages of life.
To graduate, students will have to complete the following courses:
- Mental and cognitive development from birth to adolescence
- Lifespan development
- Personality development
The course requires 123 credit hours in five-week terms.
Official WebsiteCalifornia State University - East Bay
The program at the California State University – East Bay offers three different specializations including the following:
- Early childhood
- Women’s development
- Adult development and gerontology
This is another online program that aims to teach students about various human development theories and family relations, among others.
By attending this program, students will be able to obtain a bachelor of arts diploma in human development.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Wisconsin - Stout
The University of Wisconsin – Stout gives an opportunity for students to gain in-depth knowledge about human development and family studies.
Students will be able to specialize in gerontology and get a minor in human development and family studies.
Their main goal is to show students how to positively impact and change someone’s life and their overall well-being.
The program will shed some light on the most crucial aspects of child development in relation to family dynamics.
Students will gain extensive training in the following areas:
- Alcohol and drug counseling
- Health counseling
- Marriage and family therapy
- School counseling
- Social work
- Mental health counseling
- Health and wellness
- Family science
- Student personnel
The program requires at least a 2.5 GPA and 120 credit hours.
Official WebsiteUtah State University
Utah State University offers a Bachelors of Science in Family Life Studies degree exclusively online.
By attending this course, students will be able to hone new skills needed to excel in their desired field of work.
The program doesn’t only focus on caring for others.
Moreover, the program teaches students how to love themselves first in order to be able to share their care and compassion with others.
Upon graduation, individuals will be able to pursue careers in the following areas of expertise:
- Drug treatment centers
- Head start programs
- Parent education programs
- Residential care centers
- Social service agencies
- Foster care
Vanderbilt University - Peabody College
Vanderbilt University-Peabody College offers two majors:
- Child development
- Child Studies
These majors are a perfect fit for individuals who are passionate about helping others and pursuing a career in this demanding field.
Students will be trained to do research, research design, and gather data.
What makes this university stand out is the fact that students can opt for a five-year program in child development and nursing.
That means that the child development undergraduate degree is complimented with a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Texas - The Permian Basin
The University of Texas – Permian Basin has an outstanding program that will show students the correct approach in the field of child development.
By attending their online course, students will be able to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Child and Family Studies.
The curriculum includes the following core courses:
- Child/Adolescent psychology
- Language development in your children
- Family dysfunction and substance abuse
- Motor development
- Social satisfaction
- Exceptional child
Students are also encouraged to take a minor in either criminal justice, communications, history, or management.
The program requires 120 credit hours.
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What can students do after earning a degree in Child Development?
These courses are specifically designed for individuals who are passionate about improving other people’s lives and creating a safe environment for everyone.
Luckily, there are many career paths one could take upon graduation, including:
Working in public or private educational institutions
- Social work
- Child life specialist
- Education paraprofessional
- Early childhood education consultant/education regulator
Q. Will a strong personality have a negative effect on working as an advocate or children’s welfare?
Everyone is different and there is no recipe for success. The most important thing is that you’re passionate about working with children.
If you think your personality will be rough, you can always opt to work as a child development researcher, child policy analyst, or a software designer.
Q. What are the required courses for a major in Child Development?
The required courses may vary, depending on the school you choose.
According to the basic education standards, students will usually take regular GE courses and other core courses offered at the respective educational institution.
The smartest thing to do is to call the desired institution and inquire more about the requirements.
Final Thoughts
All of the schools listed above are prestigious educational institutions eager to accept new students.
Working in the child development field is a very challenging, yet extremely rewarding career that will definitely change your outlook on life.
Thankfully, all of the schools offer flexible schedules and courses, meaning that virtually anyone who’s passionate enough can get an opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and become a stellar industry expert.