Best Online Human Development Degrees

This flexible and easily accessible online program comes with five possible emphases, including Social Change and Elementary Education. Your coursework will be geared toward the specialization you choose, while still using a common core curriculum. Many of the classes are eligible to be replaced by experience credits, which are based on your volunteer or work experience.

APU offers an online program that allows you to transfer up to 77% of your credits from other institutions and put them toward this degree. The major examines human interaction and emphasizes the degree to which people are affected by their environment. Many of the classes can lead to certifications, like those for a family life educator or child life specialist.

The University of Alabama provides a BS in Human Development and Family Studies that focuses on the growth and development of children from birth to age eight. As such, it’s a perfect choice for future child educators and family therapists. It also allows you to apply your prior work experience toward the degree.

The University of Utah’s online program focuses on how social, political, economic, and physical environments can affect the development of both families and individuals. The online program makes for a phenomenal student experience. It allows you to complete the program either entirely online or in a hybrid format.

Hope International provides a bachelor’s degree with five different concentrations, including Family Studies, Addiction Studies, and Counseling. Each specialization carries certification options and can lead to dedicated careers. All classes are taught by faculty with extensive experience in the field. 

This online program emphasizes both psychology and human development, making it a perfect degree for future psychologists. It can be completed in less than two years, depending on the prerequisites you already have under your belt. A special six-week counseling theory class ends the major and may require a little in-person work on your part.

Oregon State University’s flexible program has a curriculum that explores how individuals develop in relation to their families and environment. Free online tutoring and career guidance make this online university a great choice for most. Hybrid options are available for students in the Portland area.

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus’ bachelor’s in human development and family studies has a particular emphasis on how family dynamics are changing and the increasing need for childcare and care for older adults. An additional focus in life span human services is available for those interested in further tailoring their degree. All students must complete an internship at a human service organization in their community.

Washington State University’s human development program emphasizes a holistic look at the human being from birth to death, making it a versatile degree option. It also incorporates several internship opportunities to let you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios. A practical culminating experience is required for graduation.

This bachelor’s program focuses on human development and family relations, making it perfect for future family counselors and social workers. Experiential education is emphasized in an attempt to graduate students who are immediately able to work. Students will be required to find in-person work experiences at local social work centers or through international programs offered through the university.

BYU provides a bachelor’s degree in marriage and family studies. The degree comes with several certificates to allow you to find employment more easily after graduation. The degree can be customized based on the certificates you decide to take, and each online program is relatively the same length of time, regardless of focus.

Concordia University-Saint Paul offers an online BA in Family Science, making it a perfect choice for students who are especially interested in family behaviors and dynamics. It can help students learn how to facilitate positive communication and connections for family therapy situations. The curriculum culminates in a practical experience, so students are ready for the real world after graduating.

San Diego Christian College provides a Christian focused framework that integrates biblical truth with psychological knowledge. It promotes academic progression along with spiritual growth and is ideal for future faith-based social workers and counselors. If desired, online classes can be bolstered by evening classes in a hybrid format.

Colorado State’s Fort Collins campus provides an online program in human development and family studies. This is a highly customizable program that combines coursework and field experience to teach you about individual and family development throughout a human life span. Five degree concentration choices are available, and students can specialize in one or two of these concentrations. 

CSU East Bay’s program follows a cohort structure in which all students take online classes together and follow the same class schedule, so everyone completes the program at the same time. Three concentrations are available depending on your interest. A senior capstone requirement is needed for graduation, regardless of focus.

This online program emphasizes family studies alongside human development, so it’s a perfect choice for those wanting to work with families across the entire human life span. An internship experience is required for graduation, and one class is set aside to prepare you for this capstone. The program is interdisciplinary and trains students to work with families from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Geneva’s online program focuses on child and family services: an ideal match for those who want to benefit children and family populations at large. The curriculum focuses on current social systems and how they might change to benefit the welfare of families. It can be completed in as few as 16 months, depending on your prerequisite completions.

University of Wisconsin-Stout’s online program studies human development in relation to family structures and interactions. It’s a multidisciplinary curriculum taught by award-winning instructors, with plenty of applied learning opportunities. It also leads directly to the school’s graduate program if you want to continue your education afterward.

Eastern Kentucky University offers a child and family studies program that combines psychology, sociology, and early childhood development in its curriculum. Several certificates are available. The program is based on the latest research practices and findings, so each class is based on modern material.

This online program emphasizes both human development and family science. It includes an internship series that all students must complete, ensuring that every graduate is ready for employment after program completion. Several financial aid options and scholarships are available.