The prerequisites for a Master's Degree in Child Development include earning a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, Education or a related field. Prospective students also need to research different colleges and universities that offer graduate programs in child development. These students should then fill out applications to each of these schools and provide letters of recommendation from their professors or employers. These prerequisites are required of almost all accredited Master's Degree in Child Development programs, but prospective students should research the specific program they are interested in and determine the exact prerequisites.
Purdue University offers a Master's Degree in Child Development program. The classes it offers as a part of its curriculum are typical of other child development programs. Students in this program will take courses about research strategies, education and curriculum development. Students in Master's Degree in Child Development programs will be able to choose their area of concentration so that their education adheres to their specific career goals.
There are different options of Master's Degrees in Child Development. First, students can choose from large universities that offer many different programs, small colleges that focus mainly on child development or even online colleges that offer this program. Most graduate schools offer part-time course options for people who already have careers or families and cannot devote all of their time to earning a master's degree. Each type of graduate schools, whether online or campus universities, offers unique benefits so students should determine which program best fits their needs.
After earning a Master's Degree in Child Development, graduates will have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to begin a career as a school administrator, teacher, research associate or a counselor for youth or families. Although a career as a teacher or counselor can sometimes be achieved without a master's degree, the degree is extremely important for those who wish to get involved with research or administration.