Master’s in Child Development Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Master’s in Child Development online programs focus on different areas such as prevention, intervention, early childhood development, family processes, development across the lifespan, and so on. This program will help students apply theory to practice and help them solve real-world problems. Students can pursue this degree in either offline or online mode. Those opting for an offline mode will have to complete more credits, whereas students who choose the online mode will have fewer credits for their coursework. An online child development degree typically requires between 30 to 48 credits. Through this program, students can further pursue their Ph.D. in areas related to children, development, and families.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Child Development Online Programs

The master’s in child development online combines practical fieldwork and primary theoretical perspectives that prepare the student to support the developmental needs of children and their families. This program places its emphasis on various topics in child development, such as risk and resilience, intervention, early childhood development, parent-child intergenerational relationships, prevention, development across the lifespan, socio-emotional and behavior support in educational settings, enhancing school readiness, atypical development, and influences of language and culture. There are courses students will have to take while studying child development. Some of the core courses are:

Some of the other common courses across various curriculums are:

• Analytical Methods
• Cognition and language development
• Seminar in Social Development and Resiliency
• Graduate Fieldwork
• Advances developmental science

Students will have to choose an elective in consultation with their graduate advisor.  Individuals can choose their electives aligning with their interests and future professional goals. In the final year of their master’s, they must complete a research or a capstone project, depending on the coursework requirement. At the end of the program, students gain some essential skills that prepare them for their careers in child development.

Upon graduating from this program, some of the skills the students will gain are the ability to:

• Critique and evaluate research and theories of families and human development.
• Apply research and theory to intervention, promotion, education, and application of equity frameworks and social justice to the understanding of family and child development.
• Use the knowledge of developmental theory to describe human development across the lifespan.
• Put theory into practice by gaining field experience and strategies to work with children.
• Promote awareness of the various needs of families and children to state, local, and national stakeholders.

Master’s in Child Development Degree Types

There are two types of master’s in child development online degrees. One is the Master of Science in Child Development or MS in Child Development, and the other is the Master of Arts in Child Development or MA in Child Development.

Discover more on MA vs. MS degree types.

Specializations in Master’s in Child Development Programs

Students who wish to broaden their knowledge and go deeper into a specific area within child development can choose a specialization. Specializing can enhance their industry expertise and better impact their career prospects. Here are some of the master’s in child development online specializations:

• Applied Child and Adolescent Development
  This specialization equips students with the knowledge of developmental science to address the needs of adolescents and children in the community, health care settings, and advocacy. Graduates can work in different positions, such as counselors, college professors, social workers, etc.
• Child Life
  This specialization emphasizes specialized skills for professionals working with children in medical settings. Students learn to provide psychosocial support, minimize stress, and enhance coping mechanisms for pediatric patients, ensuring their well-being throughout healthcare experiences.
• Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
  This specialization teaches students to draw on development theory and support the socio-emotional development of preschoolers, infants, and toddlers. Infant and Childhood mental health professionals can work in fields such as psychology, social work, early-care education, family and marriage counseling, etc.
• Developmental Psychology
  This specialization explores an in-depth study of human growth and behavior across the lifespan. Students explore psychological theories and research methodologies to comprehend and apply insights into children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development in diverse contexts.
• Intervention Strategies
  This specialization equips students with advanced skills to design and implement effective interventions. Students study evidence-based strategies, addressing diverse challenges in child development and fostering positive outcomes in educational, clinical, and community settings.

Timeline for graduation from Master’s in Child Development Online Programs

The length of the master’s in child development online program depends on the program’s structure and selection. This program is offered both full-time and part-time.

Full-Time: Students who have recently finished their bachelor’s degrees and want to study before entering the workforce usually choose a full-time program. Full-time programs require students to allocate most of their time for classes and a specific number of credit hours. Individuals pursuing the program full-time must complete it in two years. A full-time master’s program can have anywhere between 30 to 48 credits.

Part-time: This master’s delivery program mode is flexible and best suited for students who have full-time jobs. They can study at their own pace and complete their master’s anywhere between 3 to 5 years.

Accelerated programs allow students to complete their master’s in less than two years. Students can earn their degrees faster by choosing credit transfers and fast-track programs. There are integrated programs that combine bachelor’s and master’s degrees. A significant advantage of accelerated degrees is that they allow students to finish their master’s at a lower cost. Typically, students who opt for an accelerated master’s program graduate with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years instead of the usual six years. Here are some universities that offer accelerated online master’s in child development programs:

• University of La Verne ¹ – Bachelor’s + master’s degree in child development (4+1 years)
• The University of Sothern Mississippi ² – Child and Family Sciences combined program of bachelor’s + master’s degree (4+1 years)

Master’s in Child Development Online Programs Admission Requirements

To get admitted into a master’s program, students must meet specific admission requirements. While some are standard requirements like test scores and a bachelor’s degree, each program has specific requirements. Here are some of the requirements for the master’s in child development online program:

• A bachelor’s degree in child development or any related academic field from a fully accredited college or university
• Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation (varies by school)
• Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
• Graduate Résumé
• GRE Scores (Varies by Institution)
• Completion of the department application form and all supplementary documents

In some universities, students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in child development or any related field must complete a prerequisite program before they are admitted into the master’s program in child development.

Students applying for a graduate program usually take the Graduate Record Examination or GRE. Although a mandatory exam is required for the admission process in most universities, some universities and programs waive its requirements. Here are some master’s in child development no GRE programs:

• Cal State La³
• San Diego State University ⁴
• Sarah Lawrence College⁵

Accreditation for Master’s in Child Development Online Programs

To maintain educational quality standards, higher education institutions undergo an accreditation evaluation process. Accreditation also shows that universities or colleges in the United States meet certain basic educational standards. Several universities offer master’s in child development online accredited programs that may be programmatically or regionally accredited. Where programmatic accreditation is unavailable, regional accreditation from one of the following accrediting bodies will suffice:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Find out how and why accreditation is essential to higher education from the Accreditation Guide.

Most free master’s in child development degree online courses are usually not accredited, nor can they be used in the job market. Moreover, they do not lead to a master’s degree. At best, students can gain additional knowledge on the subject by taking a free course. Here are a few master’s in child development online courses that can help students:

Apart from a child development online master’s enabling students to pursue further and higher education such as a Ph.D., there are various jobs for graduates in the public and private sectors. Some of the career settings in which they can work are:

• Public Welfare and Family Service Agencies
• Community Programs
• Hospitals and Hospice Centers
• Family Planning Clinics
• Preschools, Day Care Centers, Schools
• Rehabilitation Organizations
• Health and Wellness Agencies

Here are some of the typical job titles in the child development domain:

• Parent and Community Educator
• Child Life Specialist
• Consultant
• Community College Instructor
• Pre-school Teacher
• Childcare Worker
• Childcare Director

The list below highlights some of the careers that graduates of a master’s in child development can pursue, along with annual median salary and job growth as reported by BLS:

One of the ways to broaden one’s career prospects and income potential is by getting certifications in their field of work. A certification related to child development will indicate that the candidate possesses the necessary competence and in-depth knowledge of the subject. Although, in most instances, a child development online master’s is sufficient to work in different areas in this field, some careers may require certifications. When such is the case, students can consider certifications like:

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CLLS) ¹⁵
  The Certified Child Life Specialist (CLLS), issued by the Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC), is an exclusive Child Life Certification that helps candidates practice as a professional Child Life Specialist.
• Certified Child Care Worker (CCCW)¹⁶
  Individuals who want to be certified as Child Care Workers must take the CCW Exam to showcase the necessary skills required to work in childcare settings.
• Child Development Associate (CDA)¹⁷
  The Child Development Associate Credential, CDA, is highly regarded in early childhood education. Through this certification, individuals can strengthen and demonstrate their early education knowledge, practices, and understanding.

Child Care providers or those interested in opening a Child Care Center¹⁸ in the United States require a local or state government license. They must fulfill all the stipulated requirements and follow the laws and regulations laid down in their state.

Even after pursuing a graduate program, staying updated with all the latest information in child development is crucial. One can connect with mentors and peers to get more knowledge and learn about the latest advances happening in the field. Here are some resources for students pursuing a master’s in child development online or working professionals:

1. Child Development Resources for Parents and Providers
   This resource provides knowledge in different areas of child development, such as developmental delay, developmental milestones, early screening, early literacy, language, math, and science, including children with special needs, health and safety, teaching materials, etc. These resources are helpful for parents, teachers, and childcare providers to navigate through different stages of child development.
2. Council for Professional Recognition
   The Council for Professional Recognition promotes early childhood education professionals, including those who work in infant-toddler care, preschools, family childcare, and home-visit programs. This organization’s policies and procedures focus on assessing and certifying childcare experts and organizations.
3. Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
   The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on children’s safety in various areas of life, such as parenting tips, early brain development, security and children, developmental milestones, etc.
4. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
   The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides childcare providers with resources, webinars, and training. It focuses more on children’s safety and healthcare from an environmental perspective.
5. National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
   The National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) promotes early childhood education innovation and excellence. The association’s website has information on how to help and understand children and family resources. NAEYC also offers webinars, in-person and accredited training, and an annual conference for professional development.