Program Overview

Bachelor's in Child Development

Program Overview

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 Requirements

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.

Areas of Study

• 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 to succeed in a variety of occupations.

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

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• D.C.
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virgin Islands
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Classes Available In Seat

• Day Campus - Columbia, MO

School of Public Service

We transform learners into leaders in nursing, criminal justice, social work, human services and education. Your commitment meets our dedication, equipping you to make a meaningful difference in your community.

Meet Your Faculty

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.