How to choose a bachelor's in child development
If you are passionate about ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of children, pursuing a bachelor's degree in child development may be a good fit for you. But how do you choose the right institution and program for you?
Learn about what factors to consider when choosing a bachelor's in child development program so you can find the one that best aligns with your academic and career goals.
Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in child development
Here are five important considerations to think about when trying to narrow down the options for where you pursue your bachelor's in child development degree.
Accreditation status
Getting your degree through an accredited institution and program ensures that you will be prepared with the professional knowledge, skills, and best practices needed to work with children at every stage of development.
Institutions or bachelor's degree programs for child development should be accredited by recognized regional or programmatic accrediting agencies, such as:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)
You can verify accreditation by searching directories published by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
Institutional accreditation is particularly important, as federal grants and loans are only provided to students enrolled in institutionally accredited colleges or universities.
Specialization areas
You'll want to choose a bachelor's degree program with the concentrations and courses that can adequately prepare you for your desired career path in child development.
Some common program concentrations include:
- Toddler/infant, preschool, or child and adolescent
- Early childhood education
- Child or school psychology
- Special needs or developmental disorders
- Family counseling
Moreover, programs may have different curriculum approaches, such as:
- Theoretical: focuses on developmental theories and child psychology
- Research: emphasizes research methods, child observations, and assessment tools
- Service learning: prioritizes practice, often requiring students to work on-site with children
Some programs may also provide opportunities to work in different environments, such as:
- Local schools
- Community organizations
- Juvenile corrections
- Healthcare facilities
- Family services
Financial options
The price of obtaining a bachelor's degree varies by institution, so review tuition prices to ensure they align with your current financial situation and future plans.
Consider doing the following in your research:
- Comparing total program costs (not just tuition)
- Exploring government student aid programs by submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Applying for private and publicly funded scholarships
- Accounting for cost-of-living and other expenses in a specific location
- Assessing local employment opportunities if you chose to work while attending school
- Calculating any potential return on investment or future income opportunities
Admissions requirements
Before you set your sights on a particular school or program, make sure that it's a realistic choice for you by considering admissions requirements and the selectiveness of their child development program.
You may be required to meet specific criteria in terms of:
- ACT/SAT scores
- High school transcripts with a minimum grade point average (GPA)
- Letters of recommendation
- Application essay or personal statement of interest
- State or federal criminal background check
- Registration with the state child abuse registry
- Previous experience caring for children
Staff qualifications
The expertise and experience of faculty members within the program directly impact the quality of your education.
Ideally, the faculty in a child development program should:
- Hold advanced degrees in child development, psychology, or related fields
- Have professional backgrounds with diverse work experiences
- Publish their work in academic or professional publications
- Follow contemporary child development approaches
- Stay abreast of current research, laws, employment trends, and career paths
Explore bachelor's degrees in child development
Are you ready to begin your journey into the complex world of child development? Then check out edX's courses and programs in child development and get started today.