Best Online Master’s in Child Development

Completing a master’s in child development online program can open the door to various careers in education, healthcare, and social and community services. Potential careers include positions working directly with children, crafting educational policy, and handling administrative work related to young students.

These programs explore child growth and development starting at birth through adolescence. Topics include early childhood education, cognitive and behavioral development, and research methods in child development.

Consider a master’s degree in child development if you plan to pursue a leadership role in the field or transition from another career. This degree can also expand career opportunities and salary potential for people working in preK-12 schools.

Explore details on a typical online master’s in child development program with this helpful guide, including popular courses, specializations, and graduation requirements. We also cover career outlook data and salary potential for graduates.

Master’s in child development programs focus on ways to improve policies and practices that support outcomes for children. Graduates with this degree may qualify for roles in education, social and community services, and healthcare.

A typical online master’s in child development degree takes about two years to complete and requires 30-32 credits. Along with classroom learning with core, elective, and concentration courses, many programs also require a hands-on practicum or internship in the last semester.

Schools usually offer master’s degrees in child development as master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) programs. You may encounter child development-focused master’s degrees in psychology or education, as well.

Specific classes vary by program, but a typical master’s in child development requires courses exploring research, assessment, growth and development, and intervention strategies. Explore some popular child development classes at the master’s level below.

This class provides a foundational understanding of development from childhood through adolescence. Coursework explores physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development through the lens of human development theories. You’ll also learn about intervention strategies that promote healthy development for children and adolescents.

Students engage with qualitative and quantitative methods for research. Assignments cover ways to analyze real-world studies and apply various research methods in your projects.

Course materials in this class cover assessment and observation techniques for young children from birth to middle childhood. Other topics include early interventions and child outcomes.

This class explores evidence-based strategies for effective interventions in early childhood. Coursework tackles potential problems in childhood, along with ways to prevent and address them.

This course allows you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program by tackling a current issue or problem in the field of child development. In some cases, you might work with a local organization on a project.

Schools with master’s in child development online programs usually offer either MA or MS tracks. MA programs focus more on liberal arts classes and entering the workforce right after graduation, while MS programs prepare students to continue their advanced education and may include more science and math courses.

Some programs feature concentrations, which allow you to focus on an area of interest. We describe two popular specializations below.

This specialization focuses on the mental health and psychological development of infants and young children. Enrollees can pursue this concentration to prepare for careers as developmental psychologists. Required courses may include early childhood intervention and infant observation seminars.

A child life specialization can help you learn strategies for assisting children with difficult situations, including childhood illness. Classes explore therapeutic play, childhood death and bereavement, and therapeutic relationships.

Graduation requirements for master’s in child development online programs vary by school. However, many programs require a capstone project to graduate. This course usually requires students to synthesize the knowledge and skills they acquired throughout the program and implement them to address real-world problems in child development.

Students can sometimes complete supervised internships or practicums to fulfill capstone requirements. Gaining hands-on professional experience before graduating can potentially help you land your first job after earning your degree.

A master’s in child development can prepare you for various roles working with young children. Salaries range from about $49,000 for preschool and childcare center directors to more than $85,000 for developmental psychologists.

Below, we cover potential careers to consider with a master’s in child development. Some positions may require additional licensure or certification.

Choosing the right online master’s in child development program requires you to consider several key factors. Below, we’ve outlined some considerations as you research available programs.

Attending graduate school can be expensive, but the available career opportunities after graduation can provide a strong return on your investment. Below, we explain some potential funding sources to consider.

Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving financial aid.

The value of an online master’s in child development depends on your personal and professional goals. Consider the estimated cost of attendance for your program and your potential salary after graduation to calculate your projected return on investment.

Certification requirements depend on the type of job you plan to pursue after graduation. If you aim to become a teacher or child care worker, you may need certification and/or licensure, depending on the state and employer.

Earning a master’s in child development online can provide more flexibility and convenience than an on-campus program. An online program can make it easier to earn your degree if you plan to work full-time while pursuing education. Choosing an online program also extends your program reach to schools that were otherwise unavailable due to their location.

Requirements vary by state, but a public school teacher at the kindergarten or elementary level typically needs a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license. However, some states require educators to pursue master’s degrees after working as teachers. Even if it’s not required, a master’s degree may help you earn a better salary as an educator.

You can help your teaching career by joining professional organizations like the National Education Association, Childhood Education International, and the Association of American Educators. Other groups to consider are the National Head Start Association and ZERO to THREE.