Child Development Degree Programs

Education options for launching a career as a child development professional FIND PROGRAMS

Working with young children can be both challenging and magical. They’re full of curiosity, and depend on caring adults to help them develop. People interested in taking on that job may consider postsecondary education in the field of child development. While there can be some overlap with early childhood education, which emphasizes teaching, child development degrees offer a more holistic approach to children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Find out more about educational and career options in this field. Meet the Expert

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Enrolling in a child development degree program is a great option for prospective students interested in working with young children in a variety of settings. However, finding the best program that will provide students with the area-specific information needed to excel in the field can be tough. To help students find the best school for them, we have ranked schools all over the country based on our criteria including class size, cost of enrollment and availability of student resources. Check out the best schools with child development programs below.

Postsecondary education programs in child development are offered on every degree level. An undergraduate degree can work for those seeking entry-level positions in child care, preschool education, community services, or social work. A master’s degree is typically required for administrative and supervisory positions, as well as many teaching positions. Those planning career in postsecondary education or research should plan on earning a doctoral degree.

Some schools make little or no distinction in their degree offerings between career paths in child development and early childhood education. For a detailed look at early childhood education degrees and careers, refer to our page on early childhood education degree programs:

LEARN ABOUT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREES

Type of Schools: Community colleges, vocational or technical schools, online schools

Time to Complete: Two years, full-time

Career Opportunities: Day Care/Child Care Provider; Preschool Teacher; Teaching Assistant

Associate degrees in child development graduates for entry-level employment in a several working environments. These degrees focus on basic physical, psychological and developmental elements in child growth and development. A high school diploma or GED is required for admission; many programs have additional requirements such as a criminal background check or first aid/CPR certification. Graduation requirements may include completing an internship and undergoing a period of direct observation.

Coursework for associate degree students typically consists of a combination of general education classes, core subject classes and, in some cases, a few subject-related electives. Here are some common courses students can expect:

Administration of Programs for Children

Covers the basics of management procedures regarding early care and education programs. Topics include program types, program policies, staffing, fiscal issues, and government regulation.

Child Growth and Development

Focuses on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive elements that influence the growth and development of children through adolescence.

Child Guidance

Overview of guidance strategies for promoting positive social behaviors with groups of children. Topics include guidance principles, cultural influences and family participation.

Wellness of Young Children

Explores factors that affect children’s overall well-being, including nutrition, behavior, physical fitness, and safety.

Type of Schools: Four-year colleges and universities, online schools

Time to Complete: Four years, full-time

Career Opportunities: Preschool/Daycare Teacher or Provider; Elementary School Teacher; Head Start Teacher; Child and Family Social Worker; Guidance Counselor

The BA or BS degrees in child development prepare graduates interested in working with children from infancy through pre-adolescence. Curricula are designed to provide students with a strong background in the social and behavioral sciences, particularly regarding family and cultural influences. Students also receive education and training to apply their skills in the fields of teaching, research and social work.

For a bachelor’s in child development, major-related coursework focuses on psychological processes related to human development (cognition, personality development, etc.), major time periods in child development, research methodologies, and other key areas. Examples of specific courses include:

Fieldwork in Child Development

Students undergo field experiences in settings selected to correlate with their experience and interests. They also participate in on-campus classes for discussions in areas such as professional development and ethical considerations when working with children and families. Introduction to

Child Development

An overview of the various theories of child development from birth to age 8. Areas of study include the stages of child development and what they entail, as well as creating strategies that contribute to positive growth.

Methods of Observation and Assessment in Child Development

Focuses on methods of observing children in educational and social settings, and assessing child development issues. Areas of study include choosing methods appropriate to the situation, using standardized measures, and interpreting and analyzing data.

Research in Human Development

Review of selected research topics related to human development. Designed to familiarize students with how quantitative research is designed and executed, and to develop skills in understanding, reporting and interpreting findings.

Type of Schools: Four-year colleges and universities

Time to Complete: One to three years

Career Opportunities: Child Protective Services Manager; Mental Health Counselor; Research Assistant; School Administrator; Special Education Teacher/Program Director

Master’s degree programs in child development commonly focus on educating students in key areas of theory and research, which can be applied to careers in a number of specializations and also used as a foundation for continuation into doctoral studies. Specializations vary by program, but options may include administration, infancy, or children with special needs. Some degrees require students to present a thesis.

At the master’s level, students focus on specialized areas of study and prepare for professional and leadership roles. Samples of courses offered are: Administration of Early Childhood Programs

Examines the administration, supervision and assessment of programs, including how to structure and implement curricula that are child-focused and foster the inclusion children with special needs. Advanced Developmental Neuroscience

Examines the psychobiological factors that contribute to the development of human behavior. Topics covered include the neurobiological bases of developmental disorders, and how biological processes and environmental factors relate to behavior. Externship in Child Development

Students undertake supervised fieldwork in either public or private settings to gain additional experience and build upon skills acquired in a graduate program. Social and Historical Perspectives on Early Care and Education

An overview of social and historical circumstances that have contributed to how young children are educated and cared for. Explores policy, approaches to developing curricula, and financing issues.

Type of Schools: Four-year colleges and universities

Time to Complete: Four to five years

Career Opportunities: College Professor; School Principal or Administrator; Senior Research Analyst; Assessment Coordinator (School District or State Department of Education)

Doctoral degree programs in child development target students interested in pursuing careers in theory, research, policy, or practice in any number of areas, including consultation, school administration and academia. Programs combine research, coursework, internships and mentorships to develop competencies. Many schools offer programs leading to a PhD in human development, with a concentration in child development.

Traditional coursework for PhD programs is limited, with students instead focusing on research and supervised fieldwork. Below is a sample of courses typically offered in child development doctoral programs:

Family Systems Theory and Functioning

Survey of theories and developmental models that explore how families function, the role of parents, and how these impact the development of infants and young children.

Seminar in Applied Child Development

Introduction and overview of current issues, established and emerging theories, and major research areas in child development.

Seminar on Social and Cultural Contexts

A look at how social and cultural issues create a context for children and how they influence child development. Students discuss factors such as race, ethnicity and gender, as well as social institutions such as schools and families.

Qualitative Research and Practice

Examines both the underlying theories and applied methodologies for performing qualitative research, including designing studies, collecting data, and analyzing results. Activities may include conducting focus groups and doing interviews.

Even in tough economic times, jobs for those who want to work with children continue to experience growth. Careers in child development are found in numerous settings, from small, private schools to government agencies to universities. The table below shows some of these choices available, along with the education necessary. Some options may require additional specialized training, professional certification, or government licensing.

Sources: California State University, Chico – “What Can I Do With This Degree?”
California State University, Fullerton – “Career Ideas for Child & Adolescent Development Majors”

Browse Career Profiles

Childcare Workers

Childcare workers care for and supervise children when parents or other family members are unavailable. They help to prepare preschoolers for entering kindergarten, and watch school-age children before or after school. Childcare workers are employed by public and private childcare centers, or may provide services in either their home or the child’s home.

Job Growth (2014-2024)

5%

Median Annual Salary (May 2015)

$20,320

School Counselors

School counselors work at elementary, middle and high schools to help students with academic, emotional or social issues. They evaluate student abilities and interests as well as identify and work to correct problems impacting school performance.

Job Growth (2014-2024)

8%*

Median Annual Salary (May 2015)

$53,660*

* Figures are for school and career counselors combined. Social & Community Service Managers

Social and community service managers administer social service and community programs, particularly for government agencies or nonprofit organizations. They may work with a broad spectrum of the population or specifically with one group, such as young children.

Job Growth (2014-2024)

10%

Median Annual Salary (May 2015)

$63,530

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2015)

It is a degree completion program, so students come in with a couple of years under their belt. Over 75 percent of them are currently teaching or volunteering in a preschool or childcare center. The online degree works on a cohort model, so students progress together over seven quarters. The courses are basically the same as the on-campus program. Any differences are in response to the different student populations, since they are older than traditional college students and have different experiences, and the challenges with online learning.

Our students are engaged in what we call “service learning” every quarter for at least one course. They have three to five hours a week of service learning, as well as assignments related to their service learning experience. So they might have to do a lesson with a small group of children, or do a case study observing a student. Our online students can videotape themselves teaching to do their service learning assignments.

A lot of our students are double majors because they end up going into public health or social work, or speech and hearing sciences. Our Teaching and Learning Students are interested in teaching in lower elementary school – preschool, kindergarten, first grade – and that means going on to a graduate program.