Youth Development CertificateCertificate
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:
Graduate Studies ApplicationUnofficial Transcripts
Resume
Statement of Professional Goals
Three Letters of Reference
Other Application Materials
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements:
- CYAF 861 Foundations of Youth Development Seminar (required course)
Select Four Courses:
Youth Development Specialist
Youth Development Management & Evaluation
If you mish to receive a certificate while pursuing a Master's Degree, please contact your advisor.