Studying child development equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand how children grow, learn, and interact with their surroundings. The program covers key areas such as developmental psychology, early learning, family dynamics, and strategies for supporting children at different stages. It prepares students to design programs, guide interventions, and foster healthy development, making it relevant for careers in childcare, family services, community programs, and roles that support children and families.
Completing this program on campus can be challenging for those balancing work or other commitments. Online options provide a flexible alternative, delivering the same quality curriculum without requiring relocation or strict schedules. Students can study from anywhere, pace their learning to fit their lives, and gain practical experience in their local communities.
With many online programs available, it can be difficult to know which ones combine quality, flexibility, and affordability. Below, we’ve researched and compiled the top online child development programs to help you find the right fit.
Best Online Child Development Degree Programs
1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Southeastern’s MEICD is fully online, 30 credit hours, and you can finish in as little as a year. The program focuses on child development from birth to eight years, covering typical and atypical growth, assessment and intervention strategies, behavior supports, and working with families.
Tuition totals around US $12,000, making it one of the most affordable online options. The courses are designed for flexibility and small group interaction, so you get personal attention even online. Graduates leave prepared to work as early‑intervention specialists, child welfare agents, preschool and daycare administrators, or support staff in clinics, schools, or nonprofit agencies.
2. Missouri State University
Missouri State’s online master’s blends early childhood education, child development, and family studies into a flexible graduate program. You can pace your study slowly (one course at a time) or finish in three semesters.
The curriculum covers child growth, family dynamics, early childhood program planning, and community‑based child and family services. The school allows students to customise about a third of their courses depending on career goals, which is helpful if you have a particular focus, us as family support or preschool leadership.
This online program works for people balancing work and education, and leads to roles in childcare, schools, social services, and community‑based family programs.
3. University of Missouri
This program from the University of Missouri is fully online, 30 credit hours, aimed at professionals working with young children (birth to around eight years). It teaches research‑informed curriculum design, instruction methods, language and literacy development, and supports for children with diverse needs.
Students learn how to build inclusive, engaging early childhood classrooms and early learning environments. While it does not lead to a teaching license itself, it strengthens your capacity as a preschool, daycare, or early‑learning program educator, coordinator, or curriculum planner. The flexible online format lets you study while working.
4. University of Missouri (Mizzou)
A second route at MU focuses on special education for early childhood. The fully online 30‑credit M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education trains you to support young learners with disabilities or special needs from infancy through elementary years.
Coursework covers evidence‑based interventions, behavior management, diagnostic assessments, family and community involvement, and inclusive instructional planning. Graduates can work as early‑intervention specialists, special‑education teachers, preschool/school support staff, or program coordinators.
The program combines academic grounding with practical intervention strategies, suitable for educators, caregivers, or those shifting into special‑needs services.
5. Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri’s online M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education offers a 30‑credit program designed to help early childhood educators refine their skills in program design, assessment, and holistic child support. The curriculum emphasizes creating learning experiences that support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and helps students learn to evaluate and plan high‑quality early childhood programs.
While the degree doesn’t guarantee state-level certification, it prepares graduates for roles in early learning centers, preschools, daycare administration, or program coordination. The teacher‑as‑researcher approach also helps those interested in combining teaching and research or planning to continue further studies.
6. Kansas State University — Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Kansas State offers an online master’s in early childhood education aimed at professionals eager to support children’s early learning and development. The program runs 30 credit hours and trains you in foundational theories of child growth, early‑childhood educational policy, classroom or childcare program design, and early learning leadership.
It prepares graduates for roles in preschool teaching, early childhood center leadership, or policy work related to childcare and early education systems. The online format offers flexibility for working adults. Tuition is listed per credit hour at the university’s online course rate.
7. University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri offers an online master’s in Early Childhood Education that includes a special education option. This pathway equips you with knowledge and skills to support inclusive education for young children, including those with diverse learning needs.
The program blends foundational early childhood education principles with specialized training in special education strategies, giving graduates the capacity to work in inclusive classrooms or specialized care settings. For students in regions with inclusive education needs, this program helps build versatility and credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What will I learn in an online child development program?
You’ll study how children grow mentally, socially, and emotionally from birth through adolescence. Topics often include developmental psychology, early childhood education, family dynamics, behavior management, and program planning. Some programs also include research methods and child assessment techniques.
2. Can I complete the degree entirely online?
Yes. Most programs are 100% online, with flexible schedules and short-term courses designed for working students. Some may require local placements or internships to gain practical experience.
3. Are there specializations within the program?
Many programs let you focus on areas like early childhood education, adolescent development, family studies, or child and adolescent psychology. This allows you to tailor your studies to your career goals.
4. How long does it take to finish the degree?
Most online bachelor’s degrees take 3–4 years if studying full-time. Part-time options are available for working adults, which may extend completion time.
5. What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates can work in childcare centers, preschools, family support services, community programs, or nonprofit organizations. Some may also pursue graduate studies in child development, psychology, education, or social work.