Best Online Master’s in Child Development Programs 2024
Interested in the best online master’s in child development programs? Well, Texas Woman’s University takes the top spot — keep reading to find out the rest.
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We rank colleges using publicly available data to find you the best programs based on admission rate, graduation rate, price, and financial aid. Three online master’s in child development programs met our standards, ensuring you’ll have the best experience possible earning your degree.
According to a 2024 National Association for the Education of Young Children survey, over half of childcare centers are short-staffed. With a master’s in child development, you open the door to administrative and counseling roles within the childcare world. If you’re ready to help fill the shortage and work in child development, learn more about the top master’s programs.
Why Texas Woman’s University Ranks No. 1 This Year
Texas Woman’s University comes in first for its dedication to helping you earn your master’s in child development degree in 12 to 18 months for a lower cost. According to TWU, full-time enrollment will cost you less than $15,000. TWU also boasts the lowest net price of all our picks at $11,726. On top of that, we found that TWU awarded 93% of students financial aid.
TWU’s master’s in child development opens the doors for careers like child care administration and child and family advocacy. You can also pursue your education further through a Ph.D. in child development.
At TWU, you can access services like student health, development, mental health resources, free legal service consultations, and a career connections center.
Top Online Master’s in Child Development Programs of 2024
How We Rank Schools
Texas Woman's University
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $5,184
Out-of-State | $12,546
Credits to Graduate: 31
In TWU's MS in child development program, you refine your research, written communication, and critical-thinking skills. The curriculum features classes in theories of child development, adolescent development, and statistics for family sciences. You can customize your education by choosing a thesis or professional track.
You may apply for the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Graduate school admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. You must also submit a resume and letter of intent.
78%
$ 5,112
73%
$12,456
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 15,877
- Institution Type
- Public
Missouri State University-Springfield
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $379
Out-of-State | $379
Credits to Graduate: 35-44
In Missouri State's MS in child life studies program, you may pick the 35-credit advanced track if you've completed specific undergraduate prerequisites. If not, you can enroll in the 44-credit standard track. Required classes in both options include child life theory and practice, advanced family studies, and working with culturally and linguistically diverse children.
Application requirements include a resume and two recommendation letters. Advanced track applicants' undergraduate transcripts must reflect a minimum 3.0 GPA. Online learners living in or around Springfield, Missouri, may qualify for an in-person graduate assistantship.
54%
$ 5,994
76%
$11,970
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,535
- Institution Type
- Public
University of La Verne
- La Verne, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $800
Out-of-State | $800
Credits to Graduate: 33
Consider La Verne's MS in child and adolescent program if you want to work as a preschool teacher, youth advocate, or parent educator. You can complete the curriculum in as little as 18 months, and core classes include academic writing, educational psychology, and methods of research. Concentrations in early childhood and adolescent education let you customize your education.
La Verne uses rolling admissions for the spring, summer, and fall terms. Requirements include one recommendation letter and a personal statement. Institutional and departmental scholarships may cover up to 25% of tuition.
27%
$14,340
77%
$14,340
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,171
- Institution Type
- Private
More Master’s in Child Development Programs
Our other top spots are Missouri State University and the University of La Verne. These two are easier to get into and even beat TWU’s graduation rates by a few points. However, they’ll cost you significantly more than TWU.
MSU’s online program has a net price of $16,625. At MSU, students can hone their writing skills through the appropriately named Bear CLAW, or Center for Learning and Writing, enjoy academic advising, learn about the Microsoft Office 365 suite, and get career advice.
La Verne’s MS in child and adolescent development costs $21,605. La Verne provides services for all types of learners. Its services include a Veteran Students Success Program, counseling, career development, and international and multicultural services.
Is a Child Development Degree Worth It?
This depends on your program cost, career field, and overall satisfaction in a career. Online degrees are typically cheaper than in-person programs since you don’t have to pay for transportation, housing, dining, and other campus fees like recreation and on-campus services.
Childcare workers made a median of $30,370 in 2023, while preschool teachers made a median of $37,130, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most childcare development careers require at least a high school diploma or associate degree, but a master’s degree could set you apart and yield a higher salary.
If you don’t want to work directly with children, you can pursue a research career or become a leader at a childcare nonprofit or a university research childcare center.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Child Development Program
Some programs may require in-person clinical work to complete your degree. If your program does, ensure you live near the university or can complete your requirements at a local center or school.
Some degree programs also have different styles of instruction:
- Synchronous: This style typically requires live lectures, test times, and assignments. If you pursue a synchronous program, make sure your class fits your schedule.
- Asynchronous: These programs typically have little or no live components. Instead, all lectures and test materials are recorded and available for you to do at any time of the day. Some asynchronous programs still have weekly or daily deadlines you need to follow. Others allow you to speed through your classes or take your time at your own pace.
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