Best Online Master's in Child Development Degrees

Typically, students who earn a master's degree in any field gain advanced knowledge of the field to help prepare them for more leadership-based positions with extra responsibilities. This qualification for additional positions generally leads to an increase in job prospects. Earning an advanced degree also tends to lead to an increase in salary, despite salary differences across positions. In general, PayScale.com stated that the median annual salary for those with an MS in Child Development was $48,799, as of December 2020. Pursuing an online master's degree program in the field may provide students with the flexibility they need to work around their personal schedule.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Child Development?

The time to degree completion for a master's program in child development varies greatly by program. For example, there are some online MEd programs in the field that can be completed in as little as 1 year, and some MS programs in the field that can be completed in as few as 14 months. However, many of these programs are designed to take a little longer to finish. Some programs may be designed to be completed in 24 to 30 months full-time and 36 to 42 months part-time. This may give students the flexibility to choose a program that works best for their schedules and/or preferences.

Students interested in growing in their knowledge of child development can take advantage of free online child development courses, but those who pursue an online master's in the field will receive additional in-depth training. These programs may include some core online early child education courses and those in human development, as well as some concentration and/or elective courses. Depending on the program, students may take between 30 and 39 credits of coursework. Some programs may also require a final culminating experience of some kind to help students apply what they have learned and prepare for real-world applications. Below, we discuss possible courses in greater detail.

Child Development Foundational Courses

Students may take between 12 and 19 credits of core courses in the field of child development. The focus of these core courses may vary by program. For instance, MEd programs may have core courses that focus more on teaching principles for young children, while programs in psychology may focus on theories and research methods for the field. Courses may also align with a student's chosen track, such as a practitioner track or research track. Some programs may require a final capstone or seminar course. These courses may include a final integrative project or other hands-on learning experience. Although these programs vary greatly in their core course requirements, students may take courses such as:

• Human development
• Research methods
• Cognitive development
• Language development
• Educational psychology
• Educational planning

Child Development Specialist and Elective Courses

Many online master's programs in child development conclude with 15 to 18 hours of concentration courses and/or elective courses. Concentration and elective courses may focus more specifically on early childhood to give students an in-depth study of the field. These courses may give students the chance to explore different areas of interest within child development and prepare students for their future career. These courses also vary greatly between programs, but students may take courses in areas such as:

• Legal issues/ethics
• Developmental curriculum
• Lifespan development
• Teaching/working with adults
• Child psychology
• Infant/toddler development

Licensure and Certification in Child Development

Licensure and certification requirements vary greatly based on a students' desired career. Some professionals in the field of child development pursue the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. This credential is commonly required for positions such as a preschool or childcare center director. The CDA credential is offered by the Council for Professional Recognition and requires professionals to complete coursework, be observed working with children, and gain experience in the field. The credential is good for 3 years and then must be renewed. Preschool teachers or directors may need additional certifications for safety, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Several other positions related to childcare or education also require a license of some kind. For instance, kindergarten or elementary school teachers in public schools typically need to have a state teaching license or certification, which usually requires students to meet qualification standards and pass an exam. Students interested in the field of psychology and using the title 'psychologist'must earn a state license.

Admissions requirements differ amongst online child development master's programs, so students need to carefully examine standards set for their desired program. In general, applicants to these programs must have at least a bachelor's degree and commonly need to meet a minimum GPA requirement. Some programs may require additional credentials, such as certification as a Child Life Specialist. Due to the nature of the field and strong possibility of interacting with children, some programs may require that applicants pass a background check and have fingerprints on file. Several of these online master's programs do not require the GRE for entrance or have any prior prerequisite coursework. However, students may need to submit items with their application, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a photo ID.

There are a few different factors that students interested in earning a master's in child development should consider to help them choose the right program for them. Students may begin by considering their career goals and deciding which type of degree is right for them. For instance, those interested more in psychology may earn an MS in Psychology with a concentration in child development, while educators may consider earning an MEd in the field. Students should also look at the format of the program to see what best aligns with their personal needs. Full- and part-time programs are available and these formats generally lead to significant differences in the time to degree completion. Students also need to be sure to earn a degree from an accredited institution. Most schools with child development programs have regional accreditation from groups such as the Higher Learning Accreditation, but some MEd programs may have additional accreditation from education-related groups, such as the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE). Finally, students should consider any unique features of interest, such as mentorship programs or integrative projects.

There are several child development career options available for graduates who love working with young children. Some graduates could become a child development specialist, while others may become a child development teacher. As discussed, many child development graduates gravitate towards a position in education, but positions are also available in areas such as psychology. In general, those with a background in child development are likely to work in positions that aim to assist children in their development to help prepare them to be a successful adult. Some specific job titles for graduates include:

• Preschool teacher
• Youth advocate
• Childcare center director
• Children's television producer
• Parent educator

Job Outlook for a Master's in Child Development

With families across the country continuing to have children, there will always be a need for educators and other professionals who desire to work with young kids. Earning a master's degree in child development could help secure one's future by providing the versatility to move into multiple advanced and leadership-based positions within the field. Although job outlooks for specific positions vary, overall job outlook should be positive. For example, the job outlook for preschool and childcare center directors was 1% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is slower than the national average, but is still positive growth with an additional 700 jobs added over the decade. The BLS also reported that kindergarten and elementary school teachers had a job outlook of 4% over the same time period, which is as fast as the national average.

How to Become a Preschool and Childcare Center Director

Educational requirements for preschool and childcare center directors vary by state and employer. It is common for these positions to require at least a bachelor's degree, but some positions could only require some postsecondary coursework. Many states require child care centers to be licensed, which usually requires workers to complete training, pass a background check, and/or have additional certifications, such as CPR. Some employers require these directors to hold the CDA credential.

As of 2019, the BLS stated that preschool and childcare center directors made a median annual salary of $48,210. These directors must oversee the staff at their centers and ensure that children are safe. They commonly oversee the center's budget, create curriculum plans, supervise activities, communicate with parents and staff, and develop policies for the center. They also help train staff and provide professional development opportunities for them. These job duties require these professionals to have great communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

How to Become a Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree, but some states require them to earn a master's degree after teachers have found a teaching position. Those working in public schools have to have a state teaching license or certification, which generally requires a bachelor's degree, student teaching experience, and passing an exam and background check. Professional development is typically required to maintain one's teaching license or certification. Most states provide alternative routes to becoming a teacher for those who did not earn a bachelor's degree in education.

The BLS reported that kindergarten and elementary school teachers made a median annual salary of $59,420, as of 2019. Kindergarten teachers usually work with 5 to 6 year old children, while elementary school teachers work with children through the 5th or 6th grade. These educators are responsible for planning curriculum to teach young children basic concepts in areas such as math, reading, social studies, and more. They set rules for their classroom, assign and grade assignments, prepare students for standardized tests, oversee educational activities, communicate with parents, and assist students as needed. These teachers must be patient, resourceful, and energetic as they work to teach young children.

There are many professional organizations that are dedicated to the field of child development. Some of these organizations are more focused on the education side of the field, while others are more focused on the psychological side of the field. Some of these organizations are more based in research of the field, while others aim to provide support and resources for professionals working with children. Child development professionals may join these organizations to stay updated on current trends and information in the field, as well as to connect with other professionals. A couple child development groups that are available include:

• National Association for the Education of Young Children- The NAEYC works to assist families and the profession as the group engages in global initiatives and public policy advocacy. The organization provides an annual conference, trainings, webinars, membership, leadership opportunities, and a wide range of resources concerning young children, including books and blogs.
• Society for Research in Child Development- The SRCD also offers membership and works for the advancement of developmental science. The group provides access to journals, briefs, news, and other resources concerning research being conducted in the field. The organization also helps with professional advancement through a mentorship program, fellowships, and awards and grants.

Although master's programs in child development typically do not require applicants to major in any particular area, it may be common for students to have a background in fields that may interact with people, and/or specifically children. For instance, it may be more common for those interested in child development to already hold a degree in areas such as education, psychology, or other social sciences. This generally gives these students a foundation for how the human mind works and/or how students learn and grow.

Students who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree after earning their master's in child development have several programs they can choose from. Most of these programs award a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and are more commonly available on-campus. On-campus students may pursue a PhD in areas such as infant and early childhood development or child development/early childhood education. There is also at least one online PhD available in developmental psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development that does require a few in-person residencies.

Paying for school can always be a challenge if you are on a budget, but there are many ways that students can cut the total cost of their program. Students should always begin with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even as a graduate student, to check their qualification for federal and state loans and grants. While loans have to be repaid, grants and scholarships do not.

Scholarships are widely available from schools, professional organizations, and other outside organizations to help students pay for school. These awards are commonly given in particular areas of interest, including child development, and vary by amount. A couple of scholarships that are available specifically for graduate students in the field of child development include:

• Jeanne Gilley Graduate Scholarship- This $600 scholarship is awarded by the Louisiana Early Childhood Association (LAECA). It is open to full- or part-time graduate students in child development or early childhood education programs.
• Ann-Marie Ogletree Child Development Scholarship- This $1,000 award is available from the Cleveland Foundation for residents of the Greater Cleveland area wishing to pursue a degree in early childhood education, counseling, or a related field. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and meet a minimum GPA requirement.