Youth development leadership (YDL)
Program overview
YDL offers all youth workers—whether they are volunteer or professional, teachers or summer camping staff, religious youth group leaders or juvenile probation officers, community program directors or street outreach workers, mentors or therapists—an opportunity to learn more about working with and on behalf of youth. It is a degree designed by University faculty and community youth work professionals.
- collaborative approach to learning;
- interdisciplinary curriculum;
- cohort of other youth work professionals, for supportive learning environment;
- diverse faculty dedicated to healthy youth development and committed to helping you develop a course of study that meets your professional and personal needs and interests.
What is the M.Ed. in youth development leadership?
Youth development leadership is a graduate degree offered by the College of Education and Human Development for people who work with youth in traditional and nontraditional settings. They’re people like you, committed to the healthy development of young people. Effectiveness depends upon keeping up with the challenges facing today’s youth, which requires continual learning and professional growth. This degree is an excellent career opportunity for anyone working with youth, regardless of his or her previous academic background.
The M.Ed. in youth development leadership emphasizes:
- a community-based model of positive youth development;
- experiential learning models;
- leadership and community building by encouraging consultation among faculty, professional youth workers, fellow students, and young people;
- diverse, flexible, and interdisciplinary faculty and curriculum that provide an informed understanding of practices, policies, and ethics of youth development work;
- positive professional development.
The YDL program
“People in the YDL program come from different experiences and backgrounds, not only in their personal lives, but also in the field of youth work. Everyone has different passions, but we’re all working toward a similar goal. There’s a very real sense of support and camaraderie that I haven’t felt anywhere else.”
—Jessica Pierson Russo, teacher, multicultural community educator
Cohort
[links to a description of cohorts on CEHD site, use "back" button to
return]
Students admitted to the program take the core courses together, one
course per semester over a two year period. This supportive community
environment establishes a network of professional connections, personal
support, and fun. Though you can apply for acceptance into the YDL
program at any time, you will be required to begin the series of core
courses with your cohort in the fall.
Faculty
adviser selection
Because you take the initiative in tailoring the program to fit your
professional needs, it is important to have an adviser to partner you in
your graduate work. You are assigned an adviser upon admission to the
college, but you may ask a different faculty person to be your adviser
once you are acquainted with the program and the professional focus of
each faculty member.
Core courses
The college’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction and
Department of Educational Policy and Administration offer the core
courses, which focus on healthy youth development in families,
schools, the workplace, and the community.
“...my involvement in the YDL program taught me to speak out on behalf of kids in ways that truly made a positive difference...”
—YDL graduate
The faculty advise, guide, and mentor you throughout the program, but it is your individual vision of youth leadership that provides the focus. Based on your own professional interests, you choose 10 credits of elective courses from departments across the University. In addition to choosing electives in your area of interest, you select from a variety of seminar options and complete a field experience of your own design. At the end of your time in the program, you compile a portfolio: a comprehensive, critical reflection of your work and experiences. For more detailed curriculum information, follow the links below.
- YDL philosophical statement
- Curriculum
- Application requirements and forms
- M.A. or M.Ed./professional studies? Master's degrees explained
Revised October 2009
