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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tufts University | Medford, Massachusetts |
| 2 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California |
| 3 | Baylor University | Waco, Texas |
| 4 | University of South Florida | Tampa, Florida |
| 5 | University of Georgia | Athens, 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 Statisticsstates thatkindergarten and elementary school teachersearn an average income of around $54,550 annually, with six percent job growth expected by 2024.Preschool teachersearn an average income of $28,570, with seven percent job growth expected by 2024.Social workersearn an average income of approximately $45,900 with growth expected of around 12 percent by 2024.
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. The
University’sEliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Developmentoffers 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.
Those that choose to major in child development have a variety of jobs they can pursue upon graduation including:
- Health-related studies
- Education
- Public policy
- Child advocate in the legal system
- Careers in media and arts programs
Tufts 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
2
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, California
- Graduation Rate: 92%
The University of Southern California started itsUSC Rossier School of Educationin 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.
At USC Rossier School of Education, students are prepared for:
- Careers as teachers, educational leaders, and scholars
- Research and practical skills that help children with classroom learning
- Helping children get a good view of different environments in the world can open new horizons and opportunities for them
The 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 degreeprograms, andDoctoral degree programs.
School Overview
Tuition: $1,995 per unit
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7.7: 1
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.
Courses in child develop concentration degree plan include:
- Infant, Toddler, and Adolescent Development
- Care for Children and Families with Special Needs
- Children’s Literature and the Arts
- Best practices in early childhood settings.
Baylor 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.
- Cost of tuition: 2021/2022 school year costs $50,232 (does not include room and meals)
- Student to Faculty ratio: 13:1
- Graduation rate: 74%
School Overview
Tuition: 2021/2022 school year costs $50,232 (does not include room and meals)
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
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. TheUFC Early Childhood Educationprogram is known for providing students with excellent skills to further their educational career.
Upon graduation students will:
- Develop knowledge, responsiveness, and ability to help children in need
- Help promote quality learning in positive settings
- Assess, analyze, and develop plans for those with special educational needs
TheEarly Childhood Education programoffers 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
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’sEarly Childhood Educationprogram 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.
Key learnings include:
· Exploring, learning, and teaching skills
· Investigating critical and contemporary issues found in the educational environment today
· Issues that graduates may need to address in special needs and early education
· Exploring socio-cultural perspectives on individuality and diversity
The 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
6
University of Washington
- Seattle, Washington
- Graduation Rate: 84%
TheUniversity of Washington’s College of Educationoffers 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:
- Early Care and Education
- Early Childhood and Family Studies
- Education Communities and Organizations
- Learning Sciences and Human Development
- Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership
Students 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
7
The University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Graduation Rate: 85%
TheUniversity of Wisconsin’s Center for Education Researchis 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:
- Best practices in an educational environment
- Tools to engage students and provide support, strategic and efficient learning
- Skills in diversity, advocacy, and lobbying for early childhood education
- Studying children in all settings including where they live and learn
The University of Wisconsin’s Center for Educational Research offers several degree programs including undergraduate and graduate programs in addition to academic enrichment programs.
- Cost of tuition: Full-timemaster in child developmentprogram students should expect to pay around $24,647 for the 2020/2021 year
School Overview
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
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.
FAQs
Is child development major worth it? ›
This degree can open doors to advanced jobs in various organizations. One of the most attractive qualities of a degree in child development is that relevant careers in education and social work are available in all job markets.
What is the highest degree in early childhood education? ›...
Common graduate degrees in early childhood education include:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Education (MEd)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
As one of the highest paying jobs in early childhood education, special education teachers who work in the field of early childhood education have the potential to make nearly six figures per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Having a safe and loving home and spending time with family―playing, singing, reading, and talking―are very important. Proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep also can make a big difference.
Is child development in demand? ›According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), career opportunities in child development were expected to increase from 2021 to 2031 for all positions at average rate or slower.
Is a child development degree hard? ›Is Majoring in Child Development Difficult? A child development major is not particularly hard. However, it requires undergraduate students to do a lot of reading, memorization and analysis. As a career, child development can be challenging mainly for the fact that it involves kids.
Is early childhood education diploma worth it? ›It gives you an entry-level position and helps you build your skills and experience. However, if you're looking for more growth in Early Childhood Education and want to qualify for higher positions and better pay, a diploma course could be your best bet.
How much do preschool teachers make? ›Preschool teacher salaries can range from around $22,000 to $58,000 annually. As of May 2021, the national average annual pay estimate was $36,460 or $17.53 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preschool teachers earning the least earn roughly $23,000 yearly, while top earners earn about $58,000.
Are early childhood educators in high demand? ›The good news is that the demand for early childhood educators is expected to grow in the coming years. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18 percent increase in preschool teacher jobs over the next ten years, which is significantly more than elementary and high school teaching jobs.
What is the highest paid working with children jobs? ›It comes as no surprise that the jobs in healthcare and law are the highest paying when it comes to working with children. A pediatric nurse makes an average of $75,000 per year, a dental hygienist $77,000, a speech-language pathologist $80,000, and a pediatric physical therapist $91,000.
What is the highest paying job that deals with children? ›
- Principal.
- Speech-language pathologist.
- Pediatric nurse practitioner.
- Pediatrician.
- Psychologist.
- Behavioral specialist.
- Pediatric dentist.
- Psychiatrist.
- Cashier. National average hourly wage: $13.38 per hour. ...
- Grocery stocker. National average hourly wage: $14.91 per hour. ...
- Lifeguard. National average hourly wage: $14.25 per hour. ...
- Pet sitter. National average hourly wage: $14.29 per hour. ...
- Sales associate. ...
- Server. ...
- Actor. ...
- Delivery service driver.
- Gross Motor: This involves learning to use all of the “big” muscles in our body. ...
- Fine Motor: Fine motor activities teach hand-eye coordination. ...
- Language: ...
- Cognitive: ...
- Social/Emotional: ...
- Self-Help/Adaptive: ...
- Spiritual & Moral:
- gross motor skills, for example crawling, jumping or running.
- fine motor skills, such as writing and drawing.
- speech and language.
- cognitive and intellectual, such as counting or identifying shapes.
- social and emotional skills, such as playing with other children.
- Infant Development.
- Toddler Development.
- Preschooler Development.
- Middle Childhood Development.
- Adolescent Development.
- Adult Development.
Parent Tip
Recent brain research indicates that birth to age three are the most important years in a child's development.
As a child development student, you'll learn both typical and atypical development so as to meet the needs of all types of children and family situations. Therefore, you'll be able to encourage children who are developing comfortably, aid those who are struggling, and help find the best environment for each child.
Is it worth it getting a masters in child development? ›Earning a master's degree in child development can be worth it for students who want to make a difference in the lives of children. While earning a master's degree can be a big investment, graduates who are passionate about impacting the youth in their communities may feel that this investment is more than worthwhile.
How long do you study early childhood development? ›Duration and Format. Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education is offered as an e-learning qualification. The minimum period for completion is 12 months and the maximum period is 24 months.
How long is a Development Studies degree? ›Programme Description
Bachelor of Development Studies is a three-year qualification with Total Credits of 360. The qualification equips students with skills and understanding of different theories, practice and activities which are useful to facilitate holistic and integrated focused development.
Can I get a job with a diploma in early childhood education? ›
You can become a teaching assistant at an elementary school
Early childhood educators don't just work at daycares and preschools. With an early childhood education diploma, you can get hired at an elementary school as a teaching assistant.
It is possible for qualified teachers to become ECD teachers if they complete further ECD specific skills training/qualifications.It is also possible for ECD teachers to become public school teachers, if they complete further related skills training/qualifications.
Why a diploma is better then a GED? ›A high school diploma is universally accepted at colleges and universities. Students who have a diploma and have demonstrated good grades will often be eligible for financial aid that individuals with a GED cannot get. In most instances, a diploma will be viewed as superior.
What state pays daycare teachers the most? ›| Rank | State | Average Preschool Teacher Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $43,575 |
| 2 | California | $40,866 |
| 3 | New York | $40,587 |
| 4 | New Mexico | $38,878 |
How much does a Preschool Teacher make in California? The average Preschool Teacher salary in California is $41,030 as of January 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $37,100 and $46,710.
Is it hard to be a preschool teacher? ›The hardest part of being a preschool teacher is often working with the children, even though being able to help kids learn is why you're interested in starting this career. While it is absolutely rewarding, and kids can be funny, smart, and sweet, they have their bad days just like anyone else.
What type of teachers are most in demand? ›Which teaching subject is most in demand? While specific needs vary by institution, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are subjects that are always in high demand.
What kind of teacher is in high demand? ›According California's reported statewide academic disciplines or subject matter areas most in need are: English/Drama/Humanities, History/Social Science, Math/Computer Education, Science, and Special Education.
What is the highest paid educator? ›...
Highest-paying jobs in education
- School superintendent. ...
- K-12 principal. ...
- Dean of students. ...
- College professor. ...
- Instructional coordinator.
...
What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up?
- Professional athlete.
- Doctor.
- Musician.
- Police officer.
- Business owner.
- Superhero.
- Teacher.
- Movie star.
Who is the highest paid worker in the world? ›
The annual salary of a data scientist can go as high as $150,000. For this reason, it is the most paid job in the world and will continue to pay high in the near future as well. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median salary for a data scientist is 100,560.
What jobs pay very little? ›- Cooks. ...
- Fast-Food and Counter Workers. ...
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers. ...
- Dishwashers. ...
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers. ...
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers. ...
- Pressers of Textiles, Garments, and Related Materials. ...
- Food-Preparation Workers.
Easy, good, paying jobs include pet care, dog walking, home sitting, technical writing, patient care, delivery driving, massage therapy, and political science jobs. Most of these jobs only need the skill set and perhaps a post-secondary qualification.
What are three of the top careers of only children? ›- Information technology.
- Engineering.
- Nursing.
- Law enforcement.
- Anesthesiologist: $208,000.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: $208,000.
- Obstetrician and Gynecologist: $208,000.
- Surgeon: $208,000.
- Orthodontist: $208,000.
- Physician: $208,000.
- Psychiatrist: $208,000.
Seven areas of learning and development replace the previous six areas, grouped into two categories – prime areas and specific areas. The prime areas are important because they lay the foundations for children's success in all other areas of learning and of life: Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
What are the 7 domains? ›Seven Domains of IT Infrastructure Seven domains can be found in a typical IT infrastructure. They are as follows: User Domain, Workstation Domain, LAN Domain, LAN-to-WAN Domain, Remote Access Domain, WAN Domain, and System/Application Domain.
What are the 9 developmental stages? ›- prenatal development.
- infancy and toddlerhood.
- early childhood.
- middle childhood.
- adolescence.
- early adulthood.
- middle adulthood.
- late adulthood.
All domains of child development—physical development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, and linguistic development (including bilingual or multilingual development), as well as approaches to learning—are important; each domain both supports and is supported by the others.
What are the 6 types of development? ›Our new Thrive philosophy is born from six stages of human development: social-emotional, intellectual, moral, psychological, physical, and spiritual.
What are the 4 main types of growth and development? ›
Human development is a lifelong process of physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional growth and change.
What are the 8 stages of child development? ›| Stage | Psychosocial Crisis | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Trust vs. Mistrust | 0 – 1½ |
| 2. | Autonomy vs. Shame | 1½ – 3 |
| 3. | Initiative vs. Guilt | 3 – 5 |
| 4. | Industry vs. Inferiority | 5 – 12 |
Middle Childhood (Ages 6-12) A child's developmental path in their middle childhood years (between 6 and 12 years of age) contributes substantially to the adolescent, and adult they will become. Middle childhood is a stage where children move into expanding roles and environments.
Is development studies a useful degree? ›There are a range of career opportunities for Development Studies graduates, specifically in international organisations such as the United Nations or the World Health Organisation; government departments that have responsibility for development (from the Department of Social Development to the Treasury, from national ...
Is child development a good major for pediatricians? ›Child Development or Child Psychology Major
They can be instrumental in preparing you for a medical career wherein you will treat children. You will have opportunities to learn about the basic stages of child and adolescent development, as well as the history of the field.
A development studies degree is marketable to the industries of humanitarian aid, human rights, charity campaigning, economic development and public policy groups working with refugees and migrants. If you want to work in these industries, then yes, a development studies degree is marketable.
Is childcare a good career choice? ›There are so many perks to working in childcare, such as teaching the future leaders of tomorrow, supporting children's social and intellectual development, as well as working within an environment that is supportive and shares the same passion as you!
What job can I get with a Development Studies degree? ›- Development Planners.
- Development Consultants.
- Development Projects/Programmes Officers/Managers.
- Development Planning Officers/Managers.
- Socio-economic and Marketing Researchers.
- Social and Environmental Impact Analysts.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists.
- Data Capturer. ...
- Senior Consultant | Public Affairs | Strategic Communications. ...
- Training & Development Administrator. ...
- Learning & Development Coordinator. ...
- Business Studies & Design Studies Educator FET Phase - SPARK Randburg High -2023. ...
- Virtual Banker Private Assist-32.
How Much Does a Pediatrician Make? Pediatricians made a median salary of $170,480 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $208,000 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $129,410.
Is child development a psychology major? ›
Example Courses
Students earning a bachelor's degree in child psychology complete coursework in general psychology and within their concentration area. They study human development for children and adolescents, educational psychology, and abnormal child psychology.
- Harvard University.
- University of Cincinnati.
- Johns Hopkins University.
- University of California--San Francisco.
- University of Washington.
- University of Colorado.
- Baylor College of Medicine.
- Duke University.
- Human Rights.
- Humanitarian Action.
- Poverty Reduction.
- Conflict Resolution.
- Global Security.
- Public Policy.
- Economic Development.
- International Diplomacy.
Increasingly, researchers in Development Studies use mathematical models to simulate complex social and economic systems.
Why do people choose to study Development Studies? ›Obtaining a degree in this interesting and evolving field will prepare you for a career in a government agency, aid organisation, non-profit or refugee agency. By pursuing a career in Development Studies, you could find yourself making a real difference in the world as you work to better communities around you.
What is the best degree to run a daycare? ›An associate degree in early childhood education or an equivalent. A CDA credential (child development associate) and at least two years of experience caring for children. A high school diploma and at least three years' experience caring for children.
What childcare job makes the most money? ›- Early Childhood Director. Salary range: $40,500-$66,000 per year. ...
- Child Life Specialist. Salary range: $40,500-$54,000 per year. ...
- Nursery School Teacher. Salary range: $33,000-$54,000 per year. ...
- Early Childhood Specialist. ...
- Nursery Manager. ...
- Child Development Specialist. ...
- Day Care Director. ...
- Nursery Technician.
Daycare worker salary ranges between $18,000 - $37,000, with the average total compensation falling around $27,490 per year in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cited the median daycare teacher salary in 2021 to be $30,210/year.