Parkersburg, W.Va. (Dec. 16, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has once again been recognized as one of the top-ranked institutions in the U.S. for its Child Development program, receiving five honors.

The program was ranked No. 5 for its online Associate of Applied Science in Child Development degree program and was awarded for having the best alumni network and the best advisors. The bachelor’s degree program also ranked No. 6 for having the best Child Development emphasis. Furthermore, the Child Development program ranked No. 11 in the top 63 Online Early Childhood Education degree programs, and it also received the most affordable award.

More than 2,900 colleges and universities were evaluated by Intelligent.com, a student-focused publication that helps students make informed decisions about higher education programs offered by top institutions across the county.

“Mrs. Calvert, the Child Development coordinator, has taken the program to new heights, and I’m very proud of the program and her efforts. Having the most affordable program in the nation and the top-of-the-line quality is something very special, in my opinion,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg dean of Education. “The Child Development online program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a quality program. It is always great to have that confirmed by outside sources such as this report.” 

Each program is evaluated based on online resources, reputation, course flexibility, strength, and cost.

WVU Parkersburg offers a highly flexible and accommodating online program for those interested in pursuing a degree in Child Development. Through a career ladder approach, students can move seamlessly from a one-year certificate to a two-year associate degree, then on to a four-year bachelor’s degree without losing any credits along the way. All students admitted to the program receive in-state tuition rates regardless of geographical location.  

If a student is a W.Va. resident, they may be eligible for WV Invests while pursuing a certificate or associate degree in Child Development. WV Invests will cover the remaining tuition and fee costs after all other federal and state grant awards are used.

Not to mention, the Associate of Applied Science in Child Development program accepts transfer credits from the WV Infant and Toddler (WVIT), EDGE Credit, Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) and Child Development Associate (CDA). WVU Parkersburg also offers a 2 + 2 option for their Child Development program. Anyone who has earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development at a different accredited institution may start earning credits for their bachelor’s degree without backtracking to meet the requirements for WVU Parkersburg’s associate degree.

To view the complete rankings, visit https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-child-development-degree-programs/.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Child Development program, visit wvup.edu/education or contact Christi Calvert at 304-424-8000 ext. 430 or christi.calvert@wvup.edu.