5 Easiest Child Development Degrees for 2025

If you want to earn one of the easiest child development degree programs, consider the accredited institutions on this page.

The easiest child development degree programs have some of the best program features, the most affordable tuition costs, the easiest learning formats, and the best acceptance rates.

Easiest Child Development Degree Programs

See a list of some of the easiest child development degree programs below.

1. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University offers a Bachelor of Science in child development from birth through a kindergarten degree program that leads to state licensure with the possibility of reciprocity.

Child development programs that lead to state licensure make earning your state licensure easier by preparing you with the necessary education and skills.

App State also has a high acceptance rate of 83 percent according to US News and requires you to earn a grade of C or better in all courses to graduate.

2. Auburn University

Earn your Bachelor's degree in human development and family science in early child development at Auburn University. You can complete the early child development program completely online.

The early child development program includes an internship that consists of completing at least 450 hours of teaching experience that prepares you for certification.

Tuition is $5,352 to $6,268 per academic year depending on the state you live in at the time of enrollment. Financial aid options may help you reduce tuition costs.

3. Western Michigan University

The child development and services major at Western Michigan University involves a choice between a child programming and administration or a child life foundations track.

The two tracks prepare you to become a childcare center director or child life specialist based on your personal interests and career goals. You may also qualify for many other human service roles.

Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85 percent and tuition for the child development degree is about $604 per credit hour.

4. West Virginia University

West Virginia University offers a BS in child development and family studies that consists of completing 40 courses in an online asynchronous format.

Online asynchronous learning gives you the flexibility that many students need to earn their child development degree while maintaining other obligations.

The cost of tuition for the child development and family studies degree program is $451 per credit hour. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid to lower tuition costs.

5. University of Arizona, Global Campus

The Bachelor of Arts in child development degree program at the University of Arizona (UAGC) features six emphases to make your degree easier in terms of focusing on courses based on your interest.

Emphases include topics such as business economics, entrepreneurship, and health and wellness. There are 39 major credit course requirements.

UAGC has a high acceptance rate of 87 percent with no test scores required for enrollment. UAGC also makes the application process easy with a zero application fee.

How Much Does a Child Development Degree Cost?

A bachelor's degree in child development costs about $5,352 to $22,439 per academic year depending on the institution, degree program, and the state you live in.

The total cost of a child development degree program also depends on other mandatory and optional fees and any financial aid awards and tuition assistance you receive to reduce your total tuition cost.

Can I Earn My Child Development Degree Online?

You can earn a child development degree completely online unless you enroll in a program that involves internships that you must complete in person.

Many child development degree programs allow you to complete all general education and core coursework in an online format.

Online asynchronous and synchronous learning is available depending on the program you choose.

What is the Typical Course Load for a Child Development Degree?

A bachelor's in child development degree program involves 120 credit hours of required courses. Required courses may include the following:

• Child development
• Assessment and intervention
• Understanding behavior and family dynamics

Major course requirements involve 39 or more courses that prepare you for many career options. The course load typically includes internship and capstone requirements.

How to Get into a Child Development Program

Admission requirements are different for each accredited institution. Most colleges require you to have a high school diploma at a minimum, or its equivalent, and to complete several other basic requirements.

Submit college transcripts if you have previously completed college at a regionally accredited institution. Some institutions may require you to submit test scores from the standardized college admissions test.

In many cases, you can submit test scores from the American college test in place of the SAT.

Start Your Child Development Degree Today

Start one of the easiest child development degrees today by choosing a program based on the program features that support your personal interests career goals, and the cost of tuition.