Online Child Development Degree :: Accredited Universities

Be an advocate for kids. With increasing focus on the factors that impact the development of children, the study of child development continues to be an area of focus for many organizations. With your Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from Ashford University, you will study the stages of development from infancy through adolescence and the ways that family, culture, peers, and schools influence the growth of children.

The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development demonstrates your competence and ability in working with children. You will discover how family structure and culture influence communication in a child's environment. And you will learn to apply your knowledge as an advocate for children and their families.

Entry Requirements

Students seeking admission to an online undergraduate program must meet the following admission requirements prior to the start of the first course at Ashford University:

Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school according to approved Foreign Evaluation services. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants who have successfully completed at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution, as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies, may be admitted.

Be 22 years of age or older, or be exempt from this requirement by meeting one of the following criteria:

- Earned a minimum of 30 transferable credits* as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies;

- Earned an Associate’s degree or higher from a regionally or approved nationally accredited institution; or

- Seeking readmission to Ashford University after withdrawal from a degree program; or

- Current degree-seeking student at Ashford University requesting to change majors.

Have the ability to study English indicated by one of the following:

- Achieved a recognized high school diploma or equivalent in which the primary language of instruction was English

- Received a GED that was taken in English

- A minimum of 30 credits have been earned from regionally or approved nationally accredited colleges/universities in the United States or equivalent in which the primary language of instruction was English; or

- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination taken within the past two (2) years. A minimum score of 500 paper-based or 61 Internet-based is required. Copies of official scores must be submitted prior to provisional enrollment, and official scores must be submitted for full admission.

Submission of official transcripts from all postsecondary education attempted.

TOEFL scores submission.

Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.0.**

Other Fees

Books and supplies : $4,000

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The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Child Development program consists of 42 credit hours and is offered fully online. The Child Development Degree Online is designed for busy adult students who are interested in obtaining their degree and require the flexibility of attending class on their schedule.

Students will learn developmentally appropriate practices and focus on advocacy and leadership in the field of early education. Program courses address the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for initial professional preparation. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

- Articulate the theories in the field of early education that support best practices.
- Define developmentally appropriate practices.
- Articulate the role of families as the primary teachers, caregivers and models in the lives of young children.
- Create inclusive and effective learning environments for young children.
- Develop a framework for making ethical decisions as an early childhood professional.
- With this early childhood development degree, students will be able to explain major developmental theories of ECE.

To be considered for admission, program candidates need to be employed or regularly volunteering in the area of education with either children or families.

Entry Requirements

A student must submit the following items before the admissions office can process the application:

- Online application

- Official transcript(s), showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all colleges attended. A high school transcript is required if applicant has less than 20 college credits.

- Satisfactory score on the TOEFL (for international students); minimum scores: 523 on paper or 193 on computer

- Statement of goals: Write a brief statement (1-2 pages, double-spaced) covering your employment history and long-term academic and professional goals

Other Fees

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The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development program at John Hancock University seeks to ensure the quality of care and education for young children and their families by providing state of the art preparation in best practices to caregivers and educators. The program is designed to provide a high quality, innovative program of study for students who seek to gain new knowledge and skills, as well as those who wish to improve and expand their competencies. It is geared toward students who have had some or limited experience working with young children, as well as practising teachers and administrators, such as those employed in child care centers, family child care, independent schools, and community agencies. The bachelors program is also a great stepping stone for students who already possess an associate’s degree in early childhood education or child development.

The B.A. in Child Development will provide graduates with appropriate skills to assume leadership positions working with young children as lead teachers, center directors, after school care directors and teachers, and as teachers of infants and toddlers.

At the conclusion of this degree students should be able to:

- Promote child development and learning in different contexts

- Build family and community relationships

- Observe, document and assess relevant education and training programs

- Teach and facilitate learning

- Contribute to the continuing professionalization of the field and discipline.

Entry Requirements

Completion of a high school diploma or its equivalent.

One of the following criteria:

- Good academic standing and completion of at least 12 semester credits from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting association that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Good academic standing: students who have been academically dismissed from other colleges or universities are ineligible to pursue courses at John Hancock University unless they meet one of the following conditions:

- Earned 12 semester hours from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting association that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Have not attended any college or university for one year since being academically dismissed.

- Successful appeal to the Chair of Academic Programs. At the Chair of Academic Program’s discretion the previous requirements may be waived. Undergraduate students who have their appeal approved will be placed on academic probation and must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher upon the completion of their fourth course at John Hancock University. Students will be restricted to two courses per trimester and must meet every other week with their academic advisor. Students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.0 after their fourth course will be academically dismissed from the University.

An active military or honorably discharged veteran.

Applicants who have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent but have not successfully completed 12 hours of college level work and do not meet the military service criteria can complete the necessary credit hours as a student at large. Upon successfully earning 12 credit hours, these students can apply for regular degree-seeking status.

Other Fees

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The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development program at John Hancock University seeks to ensure the quality of care and education for young children and their families by providing state of the art preparation in best practices to caregivers and educators. The program is designed to provide a high quality, innovative program of study for students who seek to gain new knowledge and skills, as well as those who wish to improve and expand their competencies. It is geared toward students who have had some or limited experience working with young children, as well as practising teachers and administrators, such as those employed in child care centers, family child care, independent schools, and community agencies. The bachelors program is also a great stepping stone for students who already possess an associate’s degree in early childhood education or child development.

The B.A. in Child Development will provide graduates with appropriate skills to assume leadership positions working with young children as lead teachers, center directors, after school care directors and teachers, and as teachers of infants and toddlers.

At the conclusion of this degree students should be able to:

- Promote child development and learning in different contexts

- Build family and community relationships

- Observe, document and assess relevant education and training programs

- Teach and facilitate learning

- Contribute to the continuing professionalization of the field and discipline.

The program outcomes are established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This program is NOT designed to lead to any kind of certification or licensure.

Entry Requirements

1. Completion of a high school diploma or its equivalent.

2. One of the following criteria:

- Good academic standing and completion of at least 12 semester credits from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting association that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Good academic standing: students who have been academically dismissed from other colleges or universities are ineligible to pursue courses at John Hancock University unless they meet one of the following conditions:

- Earned 12 semester hours from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting association that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Have not attended any college or university for one year since being academically dismissed.

- Successful appeal to the Chair of Academic Programs. At the Chair of Academic Program’s discretion the previous requirements may be waived. Undergraduate students who have their appeal approved will be placed on academic probation and must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher upon the completion of their fourth course at John Hancock University. Students will be restricted to two courses per trimester and must meet every other week with their academic advisor. Students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.0 after their fourth course will be academically dismissed from the University.

- An active military or honorably discharged veteran.

- Applicants who have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent but have not successfully completed 12 hours of college level work and do not meet the military service criteria can complete the necessary credit hours as a student at large. Upon successfully earning 12 credit hours, these students can apply for regular degree-seeking status.

International applicants may be required to take a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit the results to John Hancock University prior to enrollment.
TOEFL scores vary based on the method in which the test is taken. The required scores for admission to John Hancock University are as follows:

Print: 550
Computer: 213
Internet: 79

Other Fees

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The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations. Students seeking a major in Family and Consumer Sciences must complete 59 semester hours within the 120 semester hour Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum, which include Family and Consumer Sciences 1070, 1120, 4010; three hours from Family and Consumer Sciences 3030 or 4160, 4500 (12 hours) and the completion of a Family and Consumer Sciences concentration area.

The Child Development and Family Relations concentration (138E) requires 38 semester hours: Family and Consumer Sciences 1090, 2000, 2040, 2090, 2500, 3000, 3020, 4080, 4160, and 4170; Nutrition 1050; Health Education 1010; and 4 semester hours of Family and Consumer Sciences electives. (Note: A Family and Consumer Sciences elective is any course in Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hospitality Management & Tourism.)

Entry Requirements

1. Earn Minimum 2.35 Cumulative High School GPA

2. 18 or Higher ACT English Subscore (450 SAT) AND 19 or Higher ACT Math Subscore (460 SAT)

3. High School Core GPA 2.00 or 20 ACT (940 SAT)

International applicants
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International first time freshman must have completed a recognized secondary program comparable to U.S. high school graduation, and have academic records comparable to those required to meet the freshman admission standards.

International students for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate English proficiency.

- Submit Official TOEFL scores (www.toefl.org) (Minimum TOEFL score of 500 paper, 173 computer, or 61 internet-based.

Other Fees

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