1. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
Students looking to pursue careers teaching in preschool or kindergarten, directing daycares, or working as a child life specialist can apply for the Bachelor of Science in Child Development program at Appalachian State. Completing the program requires a minimum of six hours per semester, year-round, and one semester of full-time student teaching. While most of the coursework is delivered online, some courses require hours present in a public school setting. Completing the child development program prepares candidates for licensure in North Carolina, out of state students should inquire with their state’s licensing bureau to ensure compliance.
- Tuition: $163 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
2.Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Designed for daycare and early childhood providers, the Bachelor of General Studies in Child Development program at Fort Hays State University delivers a richly diverse curriculum. The Child Development concentration allows students to delve deeply into the various aspects of child development. Courses include The Young Child, which examines children’s physical and cognitive development from birth to school age. A Diverse Learners course examines how cultural issues impact children’s development, and The Effective Classroom gives insights into setting up and implementing strategies for the classroom with information applicable to all grade levels. This program is ideal for candidates that already have some experience working with children and are looking to advance their careers.
- Tuition: $227 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
3.Central Methodist University, Fayette, MO
Children today are growing up in rapidly changing environments. The Bachelor of Science in Child Development degree program at CMU understands that this program’s curriculum and coursework must stay in lockstep with those changes. The program, designed for those hoping to pursue a career outside of public school certification, is ideal for anyone pursuing work or ownership of a daycare, directorship of nonprofit childcare initiatives, and Head Start Programs. Additionally, this curriculum’s knowledge and skills are highly sought after in social work, home care, counseling, and teaching and provide a solid foundation for pursuing advanced degrees.
- Tuition: $260
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
4.Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR
A Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development from Southern Oregon University opens doors to many career opportunities in preschool education, administration, advocacy, early childhood intervention, and a foundation for further academic pursuits. Ideally, applicants for this program should be working with children in some capacity and have already completed two years of college classes. Lower level classes required for completion of this degree are not currently available online; however, the college works closely with community colleges to ensure that their AA and AAS courses satisfy the prerequisite and general education requirements of SOU.
- Tuition: $261 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
5.Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS
Alcorn State University offers aBachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studiesfor students interested in pursuing careers in human and social service, family life education, and cooperative extension. Accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), the program offers extensive hands-on experiential learning and research opportunities.
- Tuition: $304 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
6.University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
The University of Massachusetts’ Bachelor of Arts in Children’s Learning and Development online program, designed for those interested in careers with agencies to improve children’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth, allows candidates to customize their degree to reflect their career objectives. Applicants with pertinent life and work experience may benefit from a liberal earned credit policy. Also, Montessori teachers earn credit for their previous training, and employees of Mass General Brigham employees are rewarded a 10% tuition reduction.
- Tuition: $390
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
7.Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY
Active duty military can pursue a Bachelor’s in Child and Family Studies – Child Development at Eastern Kentucky University for a fraction of the regular tuition cost. The accelerated 8-week term set up of this program provides candidates with more flexible scheduling and quicker degree completion. As part of the curriculum, candidates must participate in 2 practicum experiences allowing for greater exposure and broader choice in future career and academic pursuits.
- Tuition: $409 per credit ($250 for active-duty military)
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
8.Point University, West Point, GA
The Bachelor of Science in Child Development degree from Point University prepares candidates to work with children from birth until age eight in preschools, camps, daycare, churches, nonprofits, and agencies that serve children and families. Completing the coursework and two practical experiences qualifies graduates to apply for an Early Teacher Certificate from the Association of Christian Schools International and meet the minimum requirements for lead teaching in a Georgia Pre-K class.
- Tuition: $410 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
9.Concordia University, St. Paul, MN
Concordia University’s Bachelor of Arts in Child Development prepares candidates for leadership and advocacy in early education environments. Upon completing the program, graduates will have the skills and knowledge necessary for understanding best practices in early ed, defining appropriate procedures, creating inclusive learning environments, and promoting families’ role as the primary models in children’s lives.
- Tuition: $420 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
10.Hope International University, Fullerton, CA
The Bachelor of Science in Human Development degree with a concentration in family studies from Hope International University provides students with a broader knowledge base than a traditional child development degree. This foundation in family education expands upon early childhood development with tools for enhancing parenting, communication within the family, risk assessment, and resiliency factors. This program graduates find fulfilling careers in Child Protective and Welfare Services, Domestic Violence Advocacy, and Early Childhood Education.
- Tuition:450 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
11.University of Arizona Global Campus, San Diego, CA
The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development online program allows candidates to expedite their academic objectives through 5-week courses. Taking one course at a time, students find that they can focus on the coursework without distracting from their current career objectives. The curriculum, designed to hone in on the biological, psychological, sociological, and emotional factors impacting children from birth to adolescence, prepares graduates for rewarding careers in education, family and social services, and with programs for exceptional and special needs.
- Tuition: $510 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
12.Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, OH
With a Bachelor’s in Child and Adolescent Development from Union Institute and University, graduates may own or direct childcare programs and pursue teaching in preschool or home. Through this program, students learn the importance of diversity and multiculturalism in curricula, psychological development evaluation techniques from infancy to adolescence, understand the importance of proper assessment methods, and will demonstrate an understanding of health and safety protocols required by the state.
- Tuition: $545 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
12.California Baptist University, Riverside, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies graduates from California Baptist University pursue careers in early childhood education, special education, or on behalf of children’s interests in a variety of nonprofit and government agencies. The program ensures that graduates are familiar with assessing appropriate learning environments for children ages 0 to 8, suitable early intervention practices, and relevant child and family advocacy.
- Tuition: $613 per credit
- Credits: 91
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 years
14.University of the Potomac, Washington, DC
The core curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development at the University of the Potomac includes courses in Curriculum Planning and Design for Early Learners, Best Practices in School-age and Youth Care, Early Childhood Intervention, Behavior Management for Special Needs, and Exceptional Children. These core classes give students a well-rounded and multifaceted introduction to children of all levels of aptitude. In a required supervised field experience, candidates learn to put this knowledge into action.
- Tuition: $720 per credit
- Credits: 120
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
15.Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
Central Michigan University has made attaining a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Learning more straightforward and more reasonable for those already working in the field. Meeting the guidelines set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), this program is appropriate for anyone interested in Head Start programs, childcare and daycare, and preschools. Entrants to the program currently working in early childhood education may qualify for tuition assistance from the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children through T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®.
- Tuition: $426 per credit
- Credits: 124
- Estimated Completion Time: 4 Years
Our Ranking Methodology
Each of the online childhood development bachelor’s programs received set points between one and 15 according to where they fell in a comparison of tuition and credit requirements.
School representatives should reach out to clarify any of the above information or to request a program review.
