Online Bachelor's in Child Development Programs 2021

Northwestern State University of Louisiana's Global Campus offers a fully online bachelor's in child and family studies that trains students for careers in fields such as education, healthcare and wellness, and social services. The 120-credit child development degree explores topics such as child development, family development, and individual and family management.

Students choose one of two 24-credit concentrations: consumer services or child development and family relations. Enrollees must also choose a minor. The 27-credit social science minor offers a mostly online curriculum and the fastest route to degree completion.

All students receive on-the-job training during an internship at a school, organization, or agency. The school charges the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents receive a steep tuition discount. Admission requires a high school or GED diploma and SAT or ACT scores.

• Graduation rate: 40%
• School status (public/private): Public
• Tuition cost: $$$$
• Number of programs offered: More than 50
• City location: Natichitoches, Louisiana 
• Admission requirements: Minimum admission requirements include: 
  • 1. Complete Regents' Core Curriculum (19 units) 
  • 2. AND Earn Minimum 2.35 Cumulative High School GPA 
  • 3. AND 18 or Higher ACT English Subscore (450 SAT, 68 COMPASS Writing) OR 19 or Higher ACT Math Subscore (460 SAT, 40 COMPASS Algebra) OR ACCUPLACER 250+ in Writing and QRAS 
  • 4. AND High School Core GPA 2.00 or 20 ACT (940 SAT)
• Standardized test scores/requirements: High school or GRE diploma is required as well as SAT and ACT scores
• Contact: Jacqueline Horton, Child and Family Studies Program Coordinator, Email: hortonj@nsula.edu Phone: (318) 357-5516
• Website:

Fort Hays State University is a leader in distance education with more than 200 online programs. The 120-credit bachelor of general studies offers a child development concentration. All students complete general education courses in the liberal arts and sciences, many of which students can transfer from other accredited institutions.

The 21-credit concentration explores topics such as the young child, diverse learners, human growth and development, and educating exceptional students. Enrollees also learn how to use instructional media and technologies in a variety of classroom settings. Students can complete the program entirely online and transfer up to 90 credits. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

• Graduation rate: 71%
• School status (public/private): Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• Number of programs offered: More than 70
• City location: Hays, Kansas
• Admission requirements:  Qualified Admission Requirements for students who graduate high school in  2021 or after :

Kansas and Out-Of-State Freshmen Under 21 Years of Age

1. Have a cumulative 2.25 or higher GPA on a 4.00 scale, OR
2. Achieve an ACT composite of 21 or higher OR a minimum combined SAT ERW+M score of 1080.

And, if applicable, achieve a 2.0 GPA on all college credit taken in high school

ACT/SAT superscores will be used for admission and scholarship awarding. (Note that there are other requirements if you’re not an incoming freshman).

• Standardized test scores/requirements: ACT composite of 21 or higher OR a minimum combined SAT ERW+M score of 1080.
• Contact: Joleen Briggs, 785-628-5950, jmbriggs@fhsu.edu
• Website

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian State University offers online degree-completion options for students with significant college credit. The 120-credit bachelor's in child development - birth through kindergarten features a part-time format.

Students take 24 credits of professional education courses on topics like teaching and learning in the digital age. The 48-credit major examines topics such as infant/toddler curriculum and kindergarten curriculum. Participants also complete a 360-hour student-teaching practicum. Graduates qualify for teaching licensure in North Carolina.

Students can save money by transferring an associate degree or a significant block of credits. Admission requires at least 30 prior college credits with a minimum 2.25 GPA.

• Graduation rate: 58%
• School status (public/private): Public
• Tuition cost: $$$$
• Number of programs offered: More than 150 bachelors programs; over 70 graduate programs
• City location: Boone, North Carolina
• Admission requirements:  Admission requires at least 30 prior college credits with a minimum 2.25 GPA. 

Additional Courses Required for Entry

• Child Development: Birth-2 years, FCS 2101 (EDU 144)
• Child Development: 3-K years, FCS 2104 (EDU 145)
• Child Study & Guidance, FCS 2102 (EDU 146)
• Standardized test scores/requirements: N/A
• Contact: stateauthorization@appstate.edu, 828-262-7559, or send a message via the website.
• Website

The University of Washington manages one of the nation's top teacher training schools. The 180-credit bachelor's in early care and education offers a degree-completion option for students interested in a career in childcare, early childhood education, or social and mental health services. The degree blends theory, research, and practical training. The program features an asynchronous cohort model.

Enrollees work with an advisor to create an individualized degree plan. Upper-division courses cover topics like the early childhood curriculum, engaging interactions and environments, and child observation and assessment. Students complete a service-learning component at their place of work or at a relevant organization in their community.

All students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. The school offers a generous transfer policy and scholarships for transfer students. Admission requires at least 70 prior college credits with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.

• Graduation rate: 81%
• School status (public/private): Public
• Tuition cost: $$$$$
• Number of programs offered: More than 370
• City location: Seattle, Washington
• Admission requirements: Minimum admission requirements include: This program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and those residing in the United States who do not require an F-1 student visa.

To be considered for admission, you must have met the following requirements:

• Completed the College Academic Distribution Requirements (UW admission requirements that can be satisfied by high school and/or college coursework)
• Completed a minimum of 45 transferable quarter credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities (1 semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits)
• Earned a cumulative transfer GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Personal statement
• Standardized test scores/requirements: N/A
• Contact: Connect with an adviser by email at eceinfo@uw.edu or by filling out an interest form.
• Website:

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers a 120-credit bachelor's in child and family studies. The degree enrolls students interested in working with children and families in educational and other contexts.

The 37-credit major covers topics such as child/adolescent psychology, social stratification, the exceptional child, and the education of young children. The program offers a learning and development track that leads to certification, but students must complete many of these required courses on campus. All students choose an 18-credit minor.

Students culminate the child development degree with a research study. Learners can save money by transferring credits. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA on transfer credits.

• Graduation rate: 26%
• School status (public/private): Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• Number of programs offered: 35 undergraduate; 18 graduate programs
• City location: Odessa, Texas
• Admission requirements: In addition to graduating with the recommended academic programs, applicants can also be automatically admitted to UT Permian Basin by meeting the required entrance exam and class rank criteria listed here:

Entrance Exam for Automatic Admission

If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still be admitted to UT Permian Basin. Every freshman class includes students who are admitted after a professional, individual review of their documents and application.

• Standardized test scores/requirements (is the GRE required and what is the average score for admission): SAT and ACT tests are optional, but can be used for scholarships.
• Contact: Program Advisor: Ruth Ann McQuitty, Lecturer, (432) 552-2134 mcquitty_r@utpb.edu
• Website

A leader in distance education, Eastern Kentucky University offers 40 online programs. The bachelor's in child and family studies requires 120-125 credits and prepares students for child development jobs such as preschool teacher and early childhood educator. The curriculum's core explores topics such as nutrition in the lifecycle and family stress and resilience.

The child development concentration explores topics like early childhood literacy, program planning for infants and toddlers, and observation and assessment in early childhood education. Students can supplement required coursework with a certificate in areas such as early childhood director. A practicum gives learners supervised field experience in early childhood education.

EKU's eight-week terms accelerate degree completion. All students pay a flat tuition rate regardless of residency. Activity-duty military personnel receive steep tuition discounts. Students can transfer up to 90 credits. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores and college transcripts.

• Graduation rate: 30%
• School status (public/private): Public
• Tuition cost: $$$$
• Number of programs offered: More than 100 degree programs
• City location: Richmond, Kentucky
• Admission requirements: First-Time Freshman
  • Standard Admission: High School Cumulative GPA (unweighted): 2.50 or higher
  • Success First Admission: High School Cumulative GPA (unweighted): 2.00-2.49
  • *All students must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
• Standardized test scores/requirements (is the GRE required and what is the average score for admission): Test scores are not required for admissions purposes, but students are encouraged to submit test scores for proper course placement in English and mathematics courses.
• Contact: Phone: 859-622-8764, Email:  Stephanie.Black@eku.edu
• Website

The University of Alaska Fairbanks administers programs on seven campuses across the state. The bachelor's in child development and family studies enrolls early childhood educators seeking to advance their careers. The 120-credit degree, which offers fully online and hybrid delivery options, meets standards put forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The major covers topics such as child development; child guidance; culture, learning, and the young child; and adolescence through the lifespan. The program offers four concentrations: administration, curriculum, family support, and infant and toddler. In addition to coursework, students complete field experiences.

Participants culminate the degree with a portfolio. UAF awards Pioneer scholarships to help transfer students pay for tuition. Admission requires all college transcripts.

• Graduation rate: 41.7%
• School status (public/private): Public
• Tuition cost: $$$$$
• Number of programs offered: 190 different degree and certificate programs in more than 120 disciplines
• City location: Fairbanks, Alaska
• Admission requirements: Have a high school diploma, and pass the 16-credit high school core curriculum with at least a 2.5, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and submit ACT or SAT test scores 
• Standardized test scores/requirements: ACT or SAT test scores are waived if applying for the academic years 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 or summer 2025.
• Contact: Via the website contact form
• Website

Part of a nine-campus system affiliated with the Lutheran Church, Concordia University-Saint Paul offers a suite of degree-completion options for nontraditional learners. The fully online, degree-completion bachelor's in child development program explores topics such as infants and toddlers, growth and development of children, dual language learners, and language development and emergent literacy.

One course focuses exclusively on a framework for ethical decision-making in individuals' personal and professional lives. Students gain hands-on experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education facility. All participants develop a portfolio that highlights their accomplishments.

Seven-week courses accelerate degree completion. CSP offers a competitive flat tuition rate regardless of residency. Active-duty military personnel receive a tuition discount. Admission requires transferable credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

• Graduation rate: 41%
• School status (public/private): Private
• Tuition cost: $$$$$
• Number of programs offered: Over 100
• City location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Admission requirements: Official transcripts from the regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 based on a 4.0 system.
  • If you have attended a MNSCU college or university we also ask that you provide an official accompanying DARS or MnTC goal area worksheet.  Concordia accepts completed goal areas.
  • If you have less than 20 college credits completed, you will need to submit an essay and your official high school transcript as well as any college level courses you have taken.
• Standardized test scores/requirements: N/A
• Contact: Fill out the contact form on the website
• Website

Nestled in California's Central Valley, Fresno Pacific University administers 100 areas of study on five campuses. The degree-completion bachelor's in early childhood development features a fully online format. The program uses a cohort model with weekly class meetings. The curriculum aligns with standards established by California's department of education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Students complete 39 credits in an average of 18 months. They must transfer a significant number of credits to cover general education and other requirements. The major covers topics such as biblical perspectives for educators; child, family, and community; children's play and learning theory; and advanced child growth and development. Admission requires at least 60 credits with a minimum 2.4 GPA.

• Graduation rate: 72%
• School status (public/private): Private
• Tuition cost: $$$$$
• Number of programs offered: 30 degree programs
• City location: Fresno, California
• Admission requirements: 
  • 2 years post-secondary experience
  • 60 transferable baccalaureate-level units
  • Minimum 2.4 GPA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: Official high school transcripts, GED or AA/AS degree
• Contact: Carol Gossett, Ed.D., Early Childhood Development Program Director, csgosset@fresno.edu, 559-453-7101
• Website

Eastern Washington University was the nation's first college to offer a major in children's studies. The bachelor's in children's studies offers a fully online curriculum that incorporates coursework from different disciplines, including psychology and education. The degree focuses on the developmental, social, and learning needs of children from birth to age 18. The program offers concentrations in child life and health, child services, and community programming for children.

Core courses explore topics such as infant and toddler development, children and the family, trauma-informed care with children and families, and growth and development through childhood and adolescents. A unique course focuses on the use of mindfulness and other practices to foster calm, balance, and awareness in young children.

Students complete 78-84 credits in their specialization. They culminate the degree with a senior capstone during which they design and implement a community-based project in collaboration with local organizations. A scholarship helps students pay for tuition. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores.

• Graduation rate: 27%
• School status (public/private): Public
• Tuition cost: $$$$$
• Number of programs offered: 87 programs
• City location: Cheney, Washington
• Admission requirements: EWU is test optional, which means you don’t have to submit test scores if you’d prefer not to. You have several options and only need to submit one:
  • A recommendation letter from a current teacher or counselor
  • Evidence of rigorous high school coursework such as AP, IB, CLEP, or Cambridge courses
  • Evidence of college success as an EWU Running Start student
  • Evidence of college success as a Running Start Student
  • Evidence of college success as a College in the High School student as demonstrated by GPAs of 2.5 for college-level English or 2.5 for college-level math
  • Official SAT or ACT scores submitted directly from the testing agency or recorded on an official high school transcript
  • Unofficial SAT or ACT scores
• Standardized test scores/requirements: Test is optional and you can choose other options for your application (see above). 
• Contact: Email: childrenstudies@ewu.edu, Phone: 509.359.4549
• Website