Youth and Community Development, BS

Every program and pathway in the College of Education is committed to preparing our graduates to work toward achieving our college’s core values and shared vision. We believe all our programs must prepare our graduates to make a living and a life in the world as it could be, not simply perpetuating what currently exists. The Youth and Community Development major is a rigorous academic preparation with a semester-long capstone internship for people seeking a profession in youth work and human services, especially those who view themselves as wanting to work in an education context, but not in a traditional P-12 classroom. The Youth and Community Development major provides a pathway that recognizes the COE vision and mission extends beyond the classroom walls. Students choose one of five concentration areas: arts administration, entrepreneurship and innovation, organizational leadership and communication, sport coaching, museum studies, and sociology with an emphasis in social work.

Youth and Community Development Student Learning Outcomes

In addition to the COE College-level outcomes, students will:

• apply knowledge of youth development competencies in an inclusive and equitable way that engages children, families, and communities. 

• demonstrate professionalism, including advocacy for the rights of all children, youth and families as outlined in part by the the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

• promote respect for cultural and human diversity, including engaging in developmental practice that honors the history and culture of families and other community stakeholders.

• cultivate relationships and communication with and among youth and their families while demonstrating an understanding of applied human development.