PhD Online Child Development

Why an Online Degree?

Earning a degree online versus attending classes gives working adults the flexibility to continue their education without disrupting their time either at work or at home. Accredited online programs give students the same high quality education they would get in a traditional in-class program.

The Type of Education Involved

Child development programs normally cover the following topics:

• Social and Physiological Development
• Parent-to-Child (and vice versa) Relationships
• Youth Development (Learning, Skills, etc.)

Each topic tends to focus on the cognitive, psychological, behavioral, and social changes of children.

Available PhD Programs in Child Development

Erikson Institute

• Ph.D. in Child Development

Accreditation: Erikson Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) based in Chicago.

Tuition: $770 per semester credit hour

Schools fees:

• One-time application fee for Ph.D. programs: $50
• One-time matriculation fee for Ph.D. programs: $150
• Annual student fees covering library, technology, and activity costs: $400

Total Program Completion Credits: 42 credit hours beyond the master’s degree

Note: Students take courses at both Erikson and Loyola, beginning with a seven-course child development core at Erikson.

Capella University

Available programs of study:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision

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• Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Studies

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

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• PSY6020 - Topics in Child and Adolescent Development

• PSY7220 - Child Psychology

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Accreditation: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Tuition per quarter:

• Coursework: $4,485
• Comps/Dissertation: $3,945

Total Program Credits: 120 Credits

Note: Up to 48 quarter credits may be transferred into this program.

Walden University

• Ph.D. in Psychology

Specialization: School Psychology

• It emphasizes psychology and education in child development.

Accreditation: Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

Application fee: $50 for each program

Tuition 2009–2010: $445 per quarter credit hour

Technology Fee: $35 per quarter

Completion Requirements:

• 174 total quarter credit hours, course-based
  • Core courses (126 cr.)
  • Dissertation (30 cr.)
  • Field experience (18 cr.)

Additional Program of Study

MUST University

• PhD Degree in Early Education (PhD-Early Education)

Accreditation: MUST University is accredited by International Accreditation Organization (IAO) to award associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate level degrees.

Job Outlook

Job Details

A career in child development involves work which may include preschool children, toddlers, and infants. The role of someone working in child development is to overlook the upbringing (and growth) of the child. These professionals will help children overcome any developmental or learning disabilities they may encounter.

Note: Individuals suitable for the job are patient, creative, flexible, and have the ability to nurture.

Job Outlook and Salary

A child development degree can lead to work in many different settings, so it’s difficult to predict the job outlook and the salary of a PhD graduate in this field.

For those who will work in position similar to child psychology, BLS says the amount of income earned depends on the psychology specialization; salaries can range from $152,000 for a child psychologist to $59,000 for an educational psychologist.

References and Useful Websites

• Erikson Institute: https://www.erikson.edu/default.aspx

• Loyola University Chicago: https://www.luc.edu/gradschool/index.html

• Capella University: https://www.capella.edu/default.aspx

• Walden University: https://www.waldenu.edu/

• MUST University: https://www.mustuniversity.com/index.asp

• Child Development Degrees: https://www.worldwidelearn.com/education/child-development/

• Occupational Outlook: https://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm

Related Articles

• Online Child Development Associate
• Becoming a School Psychologist
• Online Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education