Are Online Child Development Degrees Legit?

Many universities are moving toward e-learning, offering degrees in a completely online format. Students interested in child development may be wondering if earning their degree online will provide them with a legitimate and respected degree. The short answer is, yes! Online degrees are respected and legitimate and can help graduates find employment in the field of child development.

There are some things to keep in mind when searching for an online degree in child development, such as:

• Accreditation
• Reputation of the university
• Graduation rates of the program

Researching these aspects of a program can help you find a legitimate and reputable degree to earn online.

Do Employers Respect Online Child Development Degrees?

Yes, employers respect online child development degrees as long as they meet certain criteria, such as being accredited. Earning a child development degree online is a great way to earn important qualifications for:

• Child care
• Social work
• Early childhood education

What To Look For in an Online Child Development Degree Program

When looking for an online child development degree, it is important to research the accreditation and reputation of the university. You should also consider the duration of the program and whether the workload will be manageable with other life commitments.

Accreditation

Choosing an accredited degree program is one of the most important factors when searching for an online child development degree. Accreditation ensures that the quality of education meets the standards set out by the accrediting body. Non-accredited university degrees are often not respected by employers and may not be accepted as a qualification.

Reputation

Another important factor to consider is the reputation of a university or degree program. This can be evaluated by looking at program-specific accreditation, whether the program has been awarded any special designations, and looking at the faculty pages.

Another way to evaluate the reputation of a child development degree program is to see if there are any local connections to:

• Schools
• Agencies
• Research facilities
• Other development programs

If a program is involved with other organizations in the field, most likely they will have a positive reputation.

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

Universities fall into two categories: for-profit or nonprofit. Nonprofit universities are typically state universities that do not make a profit off of student tuition fees. Nonprofit degrees are sometimes funded by government funding.

A for-profit university is typically funded by a non-government body, such as private investors. These universities rely on tuition fees to fund their programs.

Both nonprofit and for-profit universities can offer accredited and legitimate online degrees, so there is not a right or wrong option between the two.

Graduation Rates

When deciding on a university, looking at the graduation rates can help you decide whether the program is the right choice for you. Universities with lower graduation rates may have a less thorough application process and a lower level of investment from students.

A program with a higher graduation rate typically means that students are supported through their educational journey to ensure they reach graduation. This also leads to students who are more invested in their program and committed to fostering a positive learning environment.

Differences Between Online Child Development Degrees and Traditional Child Development Degrees

Online child development degrees will often cover the same material as a traditional degree. One of the main differences may be that online child development degrees do not require an in-person internship or practical experience. However, it is still possible to find an in-person internship or work experience in your area of residence as a supplement to your education.

Benefits of Earning Your Child Development Degree at an Online School

Online degrees offer many benefits. Studying online offers a much more flexible schedule than an in-person degree program. Students can benefit from accelerated learning formats that help them to earn their degree faster and spend less money on tuition.

Many online degrees do not differentiate how the degree was earned on official transcripts or diplomas, so online students will have the same degree as in-person students.

Featured Online Child Development Degree Programs

Here are some great choices for online child development degrees.

1. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Graduates will be qualified to work in:

• Childcare
• Special education
• Social work

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers:

• Online BA in child development

2. West Virginia University

Students interested in an online degree in child development should consider West Virginia University (WVU). The curriculum meets all standards set out by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

• Online BS in child development and family studies

3. San Diego State University Global Campus

San Diego State University (SDSU) Global Campus is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Faculty have real-world experience in the field of child development and support students to make practical applications of their coursework. Online courses follow the same curriculum as in-person courses.

• Online BS in child development

4. Oklahoma State University

Earning an online degree in early child care and development from Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a great choice for busy or working adults. Students can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis and work at a flexible pace to accommodate their schedule.

OSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The curriculum for the early child care and development program was created by developmental experts across seven universities.

• Online BS in early child care and development

5. Point University

Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). They offer an online bachelor's degree in child development that prepares graduates to work with children from birth to eight years old. Online courses are taught in an asynchronous format and can be completed from anywhere in the world.

• Online BS in child development