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Youth Development – Master’s

Youth Development

Shape your future by taking the next step in your career and empowering the next generation in your community. We’ll show you how to create environments that foster social, emotional, cognitive, and academic growth. Step into a career where your leadership can make a lasting difference—because their future starts with you.

At a Glance

36

Total Credits

$622*

Cost Per Credit
*Tuition and fee rates subject to change

2 years+

Time to Complete

Transform your life and the lives of youth

Get to your next career milestone. With over 73 million adolescents across the United States, now is the time to take strides in your career of making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Iowa State University’s online youth development program offers a forward-thinking, evidence-based approach that goes beyond addressing risk behaviors. You’ll learn to engage youth effectively within their communities, schools, and organizations, focusing on their strengths and leveraging best practices to foster positive outcomes.

Build lasting change that benefits both the youth that you work with and your own career. Take the next step in shaping a brighter future—both for the young people you inspire and for your professional growth.

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency

For specific program requirements and application process, visit the Graduate College website.

Online Program Application

Currently, the College of Health and Human Sciences is offering up to $1,800* in scholarship funding for students who enroll in the 2025-2026 academic year. Following admission to the program, students are eligible for a $600 scholarship. As students progress through the program, they may apply for scholarships at the midpoint (12-18 credit) and final (24-30) credits.

*Restrictions may apply to ISU employees

Meghan Gillette, PhD
Faculty Adviser
1335 Palmer
515-294-7050
meghang@iastate.edu

Gilda Figueroa
Campus Coordinator
2624 Howe Hall
515-294-7471
idea@iastate.edu

Collaborative Advantage of IDEA

IDEA, An Online Higher Education Alliance

Achieve your personal and professional goals through convenient, flexible, high-quality coursework you can complete anytime, anywhere. As a student in Iowa State University’s Youth Development Master’s program, you will learn from expert faculty who bring real-life experience to the coursework and are committed to helping you transition your learning beyond the online classroom into your career.

The Youth Development Master’s program is part of a consortium of universities connected through IDEA. While Iowa State University is your home university where you will apply, register for courses and receive your diploma, you’ll benefit from the broad perspectives and unique strengths brought by classmates and expert faculty at partner universities.

Learn more about the IDEA program at Iowa State.

As a member of IDEA, all students pay universal tuition. For more information, visit the IDEA website.

Kyle Kempt

The professors and in my online program were incredible. Not only were they very encouraging, but they also helped me set up a schedule to graduate on time and continue working full time.

Kyle Kempt, ’22 youth development

A flexible online experience, designed intentionally for you.

With Iowa State’s online programs, your career never has to wait. Gain the same high-quality education and industry-focused knowledge as on campus programs, guided by expert professors preparing  you for your next.

Woman walking on a sidewalk next to a glass paned building

Take the next step

Anything is possible at Iowa State University with innovative academic programs, hands-on research opportunities, and globally recognized scholars to support you every step of the way.