Youth Development
Certificate
Students in this program will:
- Understand, integrate, and be able to apply conceptual approaches to youth development
- Understand normative pathways to development
- Understand youth and family cultural issues/contexts and their micro- and macro-influences on positive youth outcomes
- Understand and apply basic research and evaluation skills to youth development programming through an applied project that serves as a capstone experience under the direction of the candidate's home institution
- Develop skills in problem-solving with "stakeholders" including funding sources, boards, other agencies, families and other professionals
- Demonstrate understanding of the development and impact of local, regional, state, federal, and global policies on youth and be able to advocate through policy development for optimal youth outcomes
- Be able to develop and apply resources (e.g., agency budgeting, grant writing and processing, fundraising) for successful implementation and management of youth-serving organizations
- Understand the history of the youth development area and advocate for the continued professionalization of the field
Careers
Non-Profit Youth Organizations
Faith-Based Groups
Community Recreation Leaders
Juvenile Corrections Professionals
Elementary, Middle or High School Educators
Extension Educators
Application to this program
Required materials:
1. Graduate Studies Application
2. Unofficial Transcripts
3. Resume
4. Statement of Professional Goals
In your Statement of Professional Goals, address the following:
-What personal and/or professional experiences have led you to want to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Youth Development?
-What are your professional goals and how will this degree help you achieve those?
-This is an on-line program. Please describe your academic strengths and weaknesses related to successfully managing on-line coursework. If you do not have prior academic experience in on-line courses, please indicate so.
5. Three Letters of Reference
Ensure that at least one reference letter is academic (e.g., instructor, advisor) and any non-academic letters are professional (e.g., relevant employer)
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements:
Youth Development Specialist Certificate
- CYAF 872 Youth Development (3 credits)
- 2 additional courses (6 credits)
Youth Program Management & Administration Certificate
- CYAF 877 Design & Evaluation of Youth Programs (3 credits)
- CYAF 879 Youth Development Personnel & Program Managment (3 credits)
- 1 additional course (3 credits)
If you wish to receive a certificate while pursuing a Master's Degree, please contact your advisor.