Youth Development

The online Youth Development program is your path toward positively impacting your community’s next generation. Youth spend about 80% of their time outside school necessitating a need for high-quality programming. Effective positive youth programs provide learning settings that can support social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development and support the development of skills youth will need in adulthood.

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Summary

With over 70 million adolescents in the United States, there is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in every community. The online Youth Development program at Iowa State University encompasses an evidence-based approach to positive youth development. Unlike programs centered solely on risk behaviors, you will learn how to engage youth within their communities, schools, and organizations productively. Students in the program develop the skills necessary to recognize young people’s strengths and leverage best practices to enhance positive characteristics.

Positive youth development is an intentional, prosocial approach to youth. These programs build on youth’s strengths and promote positive outcomes to prepare them for a successful transition to adulthood. Fostering positive relationships with adults and engaging in well-designed programs provides the support needed to build on their strengths now and in the future. Take the next step toward making a difference in the lives of children – and your career.

Career paths

Youth development professionals with a master’s degree can work in various positions and settings, often with higher salary ranges.

Job titles

Child and youth advocate
Community health advocate
Social and community service manager
Recreation services specialist
Youth outreach specialist

Organizations

National organizations such as: Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy/Girl Scouts, YMCA
Sports and athletics
Extension and outreach services and programs like 4-H and Clover Kids
City/state youth programs
After-school and summer youth programs
Religious-based youth programs
Programs for military youth

Collaborative Advantage of IDEA

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 diverse perspectives and unique strengths brought by classmates and expert faculty at partner universities.

Learn more about the IDEA program at Iowa State.

Admission Requirements

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.

Credits

Total: 36 credits

The Course Planner provides a list of courses and shows when they are traditionally offered.

Non-degree credits
You may take up to nine graduate credit hours as a non-degree-seeking student before being formally admitted to the program. If you are interested in taking courses as a non-degree student, please start by applying as a non-degree student through the Admissions Office and contact gpideainfo@iastate.edu to schedule your courses once your application has been approved.

Tuition

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

Youth Development – Master’s