7 Best Child Development Degree Programs in 2025

January 13, 2025 | Admin

Child Development Degree

Working with children can be a rewarding career, but also a challenging one. Children have a natural curiosity and look to adults to help them quench their thirst for knowledge. Those considering a job working with children need to consider a post-secondary degree in child development. 

While a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development focuses on early education that includes teaching, communication, and social sciences. Students must focus on kids from birth to grade three, many choose to focus on a more specific age or topic for their studies. Because the choices are so wide and varied, many students find this an attractive and valuable degree. 

Top 5 Child Development Degree Programs

Rank School Location
1Tufts UniversityMedford, Massachusetts
2University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, California
3Baylor UniversityWaco, Texas
4University of South FloridaTampa, Florida
5University of GeorgiaAthens, Georgia

Those with a bachelor’s degree in child development have a variety of career choices to choose from, including

  • Child/Childhood Life Specialist
  • Special Education Paraprofessional
  • Parent Educator
  • Early Childhood Education Consultant
  • Early Childhood Education Regulator
  • Pre-School and Childcare Director
  • Nanny
  • Teachers Aid
  • Sports Coach
  • Social Worker

Career Growth and Earning Potential

There are many different career options when you have a child development degree, so salaries also vary widely. 

As in any other field, salaries vary based on the career chosen. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn an average income of around $54,550 annually, with six percent job growth expected by 2025. Preschool teachers earn an average income of $28,570, with seven percent job growth expected by 2025. Social workers earn an average income of approximately $45,900 with growth expected of around 12 percent by 2025.

There will always be a need for teachers and educators that are passionate about teaching our children, so a career in childhood education guarantees a job in the field.

Many schools offer child development degrees, but some are more highly regarded. If students want to pursue graduate degrees, they often want to stay with the same college or university that they attended for their undergraduate degree.

As we reviewed the following schools, we have tried to notate which schools offer graduate and Ph.D. 

The Best 7 Schools for a Child Development Degree

1

Tufts University

  • Medford, Massachusetts
  • Graduation Rate: 92%

Tufts University is known as a leading private research university and center for higher education. It is a moderately sized university and is located on the border of Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts. ThernrnUniversity’s Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development offers a strong foundation of course work designed to help graduates realize their goal of supporting children and their development as they grow into teens and adulthood.rnrnThose that choose to major in child development have a variety of jobs they can pursue upon graduation including:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eHealth-related studiesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eEducationu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ePublic policyu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eChild advocate in the legal systemu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eCareers in media and arts programsu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernTufts University was founded in 1852 by Christians universalists who longed for a domain of higher learning in a secular environment. They offer Minor and Major in Childhood education.

School Overview

Tuition: 2019/2020 undergraduate tuition and fees – $ 58,578 USD
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
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2

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, California
  • Graduation Rate: 92%

The University of Southern California started its USC Rossier School of Education in 1918. They typically have a student body of around 2,500 enrolled graduate students, which lends itself to a widely diverse student body. The schools’ mission is to prepare students for leadership roles in their chosen careers. Rossier as part of the University of Southern California is considered to be one of the top private universities in the United States.rnrnAt USC Rossier School of Education, students are prepared for:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eCareers as teachers, educational leaders, and scholarsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eResearch and practical skills that help children with classroom learningu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eHelping children get a good view of different environments in the world can open new horizons and opportunities for themu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernThe school offers a variety of different degrees in childhood education depending on what degree you finally want to earn. They have undergraduate degrees, Master’s degree programs, and Doctoral degree programs.

School Overview

Tuition: $1,995 per unit
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7.7: 1
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3

Baylor University

  • Waco, Texas
  • Graduation Rate: 74%

Baylor University is home to the Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development. The school is located in Waco, Texas, and prides itself on its extremely strong education it provides to those looking for a degree in child development. Students pursuing a degree in child development experience a unique curriculum that prepares them for working with kids, families, and others in a variety of different settings.rnrnCourses in child develop concentration degree plan include:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eInfant, Toddler, and Adolescent Developmentu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eCare for Children and Families with Special Needsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eChildren’s Literature and the Artsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eBest practices in early childhood settings.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernBaylor University’s Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development offers 127 undergraduate degree programs; 78 master’s programs and 46 doctoral programs. They state that 83% of graduates find a job within 90 days of graduation.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eCost of tuition: 2021/2022 school year costs $50,232 (does not include room and meals)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eStudent to Faculty ratio: 13:1u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eGraduation rate: 74%u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

School Overview

Tuition: 2021/2022 school year costs $50,232 (does not include room and meals)
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
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4

University of South Florida

  • Tampa, Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 69%

The University of South Florida (USF) is a premier research university located in Tampa. The university was founded in 1956 and has been dedicated to providing high-quality education to ensure student success. By some standards, USF is considered a “young” school as it is around 60 years old, but in that period of time, it has had a high impact on global research. The UFC Early Childhood Education program is known for providing students with excellent skills to further their educational career.rnrnUpon graduation students will:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eDevelop knowledge, responsiveness, and ability to help children in needu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eHelp promote quality learning in positive settingsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eAssess, analyze, and develop plans for those with special educational needsu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernThe Early Childhood Education program offers a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master in Education Concentration Ph.D. Degree, Concentration. USF has 37,350 undergraduate students and 11,358 graduate students. They offer over 150 master’s, Ph.D., and specialist level programs.

School Overview

Tuition: $23,446 for undergraduate students; 26,698 for graduate students
Student to Faculty Ratio: 23:1
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5

University of Georgia

  • Athens, Georgia
  • Graduation Rate: 84%

The University of Georgia is one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. being founded in 1785. It is based in Athens, Georgia, and consists of about 470 buildings on campus. University’s Early Childhood Education program is highly regarded, and the bachelor’s program provides certification to teach children from pre-kindergarten through grade five. The program gives students a hands-on learning environment and coursework that leads to teaching success. Students will learn to create challenging educational environments that lead to positive relationships with both students, parents, and other faculty.rnrnKey learnings include:rnrn· Exploring, learning, and teaching skillsrnrn· Investigating critical and contemporary issues found in the educational environment todayrnrn· Issues that graduates may need to address in special needs and early educationrnrn· Exploring socio-cultural perspectives on individuality and diversityrnrnThe college has a wide range of degrees for those that want a degree in education. They include Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Science, Master of Science in Athletic Training, Educational Specialist, Ph.D. in Philosophy, Ph.D. in Education, and others.

School Overview

Tuition: Based on a 9-month academic year in 2020/2021 – $27,658
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
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6

University of Washington

  • Seattle, Washington
  • Graduation Rate: 84%

The u003ca href=u0022https://education.uw.edu/my-coe/current-students/career-development/undergraduate/early-childhoodu0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eUniversity of Washington’s College of Educationu003c/au003e offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and is considered to be one of the top schools of education in the United States. The school was formed in 1913 and opened in December 1914 as a four-year program. Since its’ start, the school’s mission was to develop a high-level educational program that creates “sustainable and culturally thriving democracies” through collaborative work. The College of Education offers programs that prepare students for a wide range of educational options that include:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eEarly Care and Educationu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eEarly Childhood and Family Studiesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eEducation Communities and Organizationsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLearning Sciences and Human Developmentu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eEducation Policy, Organization, and Leadershipu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernStudents attending the University of Washington’s College of Education have a wide variety of choices when it comes to pursuing degrees. Some of the degrees they offer in Education include: Bachelor of Arts, master’s in teaching, Master of Education, Educational Specialist, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Philosophy.

School Overview

Tuition: For the 2020/2021 school year is $19,684 for Washington State residents
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
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7

The University of Wisconsin – Madison

  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

Theu003ca href=u0022https://www.wcer.wisc.edu/u0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003e University of Wisconsin’s Center for Education Researchu003c/au003e is located in Madison, Wisconsin, and was founded in 1964. It is a branch of the university’s School of Education is a renowned research center at the University of Wisconsin. Throughout its history, the school has looked to improve education for all Americans through various learning environments, learning educational processes and social policy, and other tools to help guide students to the best education possible. Students from this well-respected research university will learn a variety of skills, including:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eBest practices in an educational environmentu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eTools to engage students and provide support, strategic and efficient learningu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eSkills in diversity, advocacy, and lobbying for early childhood educationu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eStudying children in all settings including where they live and learnu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernThe University of Wisconsin’s Center for Educational Research offers several degree programs including undergraduate and graduate programs in addition to academic enrichment programs.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eCost of tuition:u003c/strongu003e Full-time u003ca href=u0022https://www.bestvalueschools.org/masters-in-child-development/u0022u003emaster in child developmentu003c/au003e program students should expect to pay around $24,647 for the 2020/2021 yearu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

School Overview

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Visit School Website

Methodology for Rating Schools Offering Child Development Degrees

When looking at the schools that offer highly respected Child Education Degrees, we looked at a lot of different statistics. We reviewed each school’s education program, studied many factors like the history of the program, the graduation rates, the ratio of faculty to the student, and the cost for the program. All of these factors are of importance when rating schools based on their expertise in the educational arena.

Also considered is the school’s programs when it comes to graduate studies in child development.

If there is a school omitted from this list or if any information is incorrect, please contact us so any omissions or corrections can be made.

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