We've all seen the movies.
From Dead Poets' Society to School of Rock, we all know that teachers can forever alter the course of a life . . . and if you're reading this, you're probably inspired to do just that!
It's not always as easy as it looks, however, and more is expected of teachers than ever before. In fact, whereas having a master's degree ten years ago was a major achievement, some states actually require their teachers to hold a master's degree in order to teach in the first place.
Increasingly, teachers are being required to seek out graduate-level training, and one of the best and most convenient ways to do so is through an online master's degree in child development or related field.
What kind of online master's in child development degree should you get?
Online graduate education in child development can take many forms. Part of this is due to the fact that graduate education in general is a specialized undertaking, and part of it is due to the fact that education in particular is a highly specialized field.
Some programs specialize in early childhood reading, for instance, while others specialize in youth development and advocacy. You will do well to consider your particular interests before starting your search.
Furthermore, some schools will offer a Master of Arts, others a Master of Science, and others still an undetermined Master's degree in the areas they happen to specialize in. Some schools have been at the online education process longer than others, and not all are created equal. For more information on online education, see our ranking of Most Affordable Online Masters Programs.
How much money do people make with an online master's in child development degree?
If you are considering a master's degree in education, you are in luck! A bachelor's degree in education is required for most teaching positions, and a master's degree will help considerably in your applications and really set you apart from the crowd.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for an educator is approximately $55,000. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $36,000, and the highest 10 percent earn nearly $90,000. What you earn will depend largely on your location and also whether you are teaching in a private or public system.
What can you do with an online master's in child development degree?
If you're earning a degree in education or child development, you're prepared to do one thing well: teach students! Within that general task, however, are a number of highly specific skills that often go unnoticed and underappreciated. On any given day, teachers
teach students how to study and communicate with others
teach lessons they have planned to an entire class of students or to smaller groups
grade students' assignments
communicate with parents about their child's progress
work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges
prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
What are the requirements for an online master's in child development degree?
Ordinarily, applicants to graduate programs in education will be required to hold a bachelor's degree in education or a related discipline.
Some programs will require teaching experience, and some will require prior certification in order to qualify for admission. Do your homework on what each particular school requires and what their particular areas of specialty are.
Once admitted to an online master's program in child development, you will be required to complete approximately 30 credit hours' worth of coursework, and some programs will require (or allow) you to complete a thesis or capstone project.
What are the best online master's in child development degrees?
We've compiled a list of the top online master's in child development degrees with you and your needs in mind. Here's how we did it.
First, we located the best programs in the country by taking an objective look at the best schools in the country as measured by reputation and return on investment. Then we looked at the bottom line—how much does it cost? We combined these factors to reach our College Choice Score, which determined where each school fits into the big scheme of things.
Our data for this ranking was drawn from a variety of public sources, such as U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics, PayScale.com, and the U.S. Census. The end result is a list of schools that not only represent the best education you can get and a good return on investment but also one that will fit your budget.
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
