Youth Development Specialist

Take the next step in youth development

Take the next step in your career with an online youth development specialist graduate certificate. This program is designed for educators, service providers, and youth practitioners and offers the flexibility to tailor your learning to fit your career goals. You’ll gain practical skills and research-based insights to support youth better emotionally, socially, and cognitively as they transition into adulthood. You can also use course credit from this program toward an online master’s in youth development from Iowa State.

There is a growing demand for advanced degrees and certifications in youth development. Whether you’re looking to boost your credentials or enhance your qualifications, this certificate equips you with the tools to thrive in a variety of youth-serving environments. Now’s your chance to stand out and create lasting change. Get to what’s next with Iowa State.

The graduate certificate in youth development will benefit:

Elementary, middle, and high school educators
Extension educators
Military youth specialists
Any service providers or practitioners working directly with youth

Diverse career opportunities

4-H
Non-profits
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Faith-based groups
Community recreation
Juvenile justice facilities
Extension services
Military youth programs
Middle and high school programs

This youth development program prepares you for a career in helping today’s youth transition into adulthood. It uses a strengths-based curriculum to provide human and family service workers with research and professional skills that support youth to make them socially, emotionally, and cognitively competent adults.

You know where you’re headed next. Join the program designed to take you there.

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 Specialist Graduate Certificate 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 Specialist Graduate Certificate 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 program webpage.

Credits

Total: 12

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

Non-degree credits
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 idea@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 Specialist – Graduate Certificate