Bachelor's in Child Development

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Why Study Child Development? 

Our leading-edge curriculum prepares you to make lasting change in the world by shaping the lives of generations to come. The bachelor’s program focuses on building the skills you’ll need to achieve various careers: Childcare or Preschool Director; Family, School or General Social Worker; Social or Human Services Assistant; and Youth Counselor or Worker. 

What You'll Learn 

With a focus on the important developmental milestones for children, our industry-leading curriculum reflects the professional standards of the National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC) as well as the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This degree is designed to provide much of the coursework required for Early Childhood and Elementary Certification in the state of Missouri.

Program Details

A Bachelor’s degree prepares you for a rising career and for future graduate study by emphasizing clear communication, critical thinking, and a leading-edge understanding of your chosen field. View the core requirements and electives needed to earn a Bachelor's in Child Development from Columbia College.

  • Infant, child and adolescent development 
  • Family and community partnerships 
  • Observation and assessments 
  • Children’s health and safety 
  • Language acquisition & emergent literacy 
  • Educating young children 
  • Integrated curriculum for children

Pair your degree with a related minor or explore your other interests without taking on a full course load.

Careers & Outcomes 

With a B.S. in Child Development you can create a career working with children, including potentially obtaining a birth through third grade teaching license. This program focuses on developing the skills necessary for various occupations including (but not limited to): 

  • Childcare or Preschool Director 
  • Family, School or General Social Worker 
  • Social or Human Services Assistant 
  • Youth counselor or Worker

Where You Can Take Classes

At Columbia College, our flexible options make it easy to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue your education wherever life takes you. Many of our degrees are offered 100% online. If you prefer a traditional classroom experience, you can attend selected classes at our nationwide locations or at our main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at all locations will engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree.

Online Programs

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Classes Available In Seat

Day Campus - Columbia, MO

because a future built by you is a future built for you.

Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them— that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.