Bachelor's in child development
Understanding how children develop can help you teach them age-appropriate skills and concepts. Find out how a bachelor's in child development can prepare you for a career in education.
Explore online child development programs
Bachelor's in child development at a glance
Completion time
You'll typically need 120-128 credits to graduate, which can take up to four years to complete on a full-time schedule.
Career options
Bachelor's in child development graduates are prepared to pursue multiple education roles in and outside the classroom.
Earning potential
Several of the roles you can pursue with a bachelor's in child development earn more than the BLS-reported average annual salary for all occupations.
What jobs can I get with an online bachelor's in child development?
Preschool teacher
Preschool teachers work in early childhood centers or preschool classrooms. Their primary responsibility is teaching pre-kindergarten students basic academic and social skills, like recognizing letters and taking turns. While private preschools may hire teachers with an associate degree, public preschool teachers usually need a bachelor's degree.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $37,130
- BLS projected job growth (2023-33): +4%
Kindergarten teacher
Kindergarten teachers help students transition from preschool to elementary school. In addition to teaching basic math, language, and reading skills, kindergarten teachers also work with students on social and emotional skills, like regulating emotions and following classroom rules.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $62,690
- BLS projected job growth (2023-33): -1%
Elementary school teacher
An elementary school teacher educates students in first through fifth or sixth grade, depending on a school's grade structure. They usually teach all primary subjects, like language and math, to their students. Daily responsibilities for elementary school teachers include grading assignments, supervising students throughout the day, and providing individualized instruction to meet the needs of each student.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $63,680
- BLS projected job growth (2023-33): -1%
Special education teacher
Special education teachers may have their own classrooms or assist teachers in other classrooms to support students with unique needs. They can assist students at any grade level and may continue working with eligible students until they turn 21. Special education teachers help develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They also work closely with families to discuss student needs.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $65,910
- BLS projected job growth (2023-33): 0%
Preschool and childcare center director
Preschool and childcare center directors manage a childcare center's policies, staff, budget, and overall operations. They are typically in charge of choosing toys and curriculums, planning field trips, providing professional development opportunities for staff, and aligning the center's policies with state regulations.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $54,290
- BLS projected job growth (2023-33): -2%
Why earn an online bachelor's in child development?
Learn hands-on
Gain experience working with children in your community to study their development firsthand.
Transition to teaching
Use your degree as a springboard to becoming a certified teacher for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school.
Specialize in an area of interest
Concentrate your studies on curriculum development, special needs, or another child development topic that aligns with your career goals.
What can you learn in an online child development bachelor's program?
In a bachelor's in child development program, you'll explore how a child develops cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. Some programs touch on development through age 18, while others focus on development from birth to age five. You'll also learn how relationships and societal, environmental, and academic influences shape child development.
Many schools offer concentrations for this degree, including:
- Children with special needs
- Curriculum development
- Early childhood administration
- Infant and toddler development
- Language development
The typical child development bachelor's degree requires 120-128 credits. Program costs range widely and depend on your location, residency status (in-state or out-of-state), and enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Check with your program for specific information.
Admissions requirements for a B.A. in child development
To apply for a bachelor's degree in child development, you'll generally need a minimum GPA of 2.5, proven by your high school transcript. ACT and SAT scores are usually not required unless you have a lower-than-required GPA. When you submit your application, you may need to pay an application fee — usually between $50 and $70.
Discover common child development courses
In a bachelor's in child development program, you'll take a mix of general education, core, and elective courses. Core classes explore child growth and development and introduce teaching skills like classroom management and working with students with diverse needs. Electives cover related topics, like social psychology or language conditions.
Other potential courses include:
- Classroom organization: Learn strategies to proactively manage classroom behaviors and create an environment that encourages focus and learning.
- Educational psychology: Understand how children learn in and adapt to educational environments and retain the information they're taught.
- Family relationships: Explore how family dynamics, gender roles, and family relationships affect students in modern society.
- Individualized teaching: Prepare to teach learners with varied learning styles and needs through personalized instruction methods, adaptive learning tools, and IEPs.
- Language and literacy: Discover how children learn language from birth to adolescence and apply what they learn to conversations, relationships, and academics. This course also explores strategies to encourage emergent reading and writing skills.
Get started on edX
Take the next step on your career path. Explore these edX child development programs and courses.