Working with and on behalf of youth demands continual learning and professional growth. To create space for what’s possible and keep up with the challenges facing today’s youth, leaders must have a grounding in current research as well as hands-on work and learning.
I chose the YDL program for the flexibility it offered. YDL is really about reshaping how to approach and think about youth work, and giving us the skills we need to affect change on behalf of and with young people in our communities.
Andréa Carroll-Franck
MEd in Youth Development Leadership and
Certificate in Nonprofit Management 2013
Examine your own learning process and learn how experience is used in education. Put your learning to work in the countless settings and scenarios offered by the vibrant backdrop of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Armed with both academic and practical knowledge, our students and graduates demonstrate leadership through action. This program strengthens both those beginning their career as well as seasoned professionals looking for the next step in their careers.
All students take four core courses in our program, and then have the freedom to customize their degree with credits from across the University. Dive deep into a specialty, or gain a broad working knowledge of your field, all backed by the only high-level research institution in Minnesota.
Small class sizes with your cohort forge strong bonds that sustain through your studies and continue long past graduation.
The MEd program is 30 credits. Our core curriculum has five 3-credit classes providing a foundation in youth development leadership:
Two 1-credit seminar classes, taught by both YDL faculty and your fellow students, further enrich and build a diverse understanding of our field, the youth we serve, and each other.
Work with your adviser to choose 9 credits of electives from across the University to broaden your scope of study or further develop a specialization. 4 credits of customizable field experience have you putting your studies into practice. At the end of the program, each student presents a portfolio to demonstrate their studies and work in youth development leadership. More specifics of the program are in the MEd Student Handbook, which will be complete by mid-September.
Spring 2023 Application Deadline
December 1, 2022 - Priority deadline
Fall 2023 Application Deadlines
June 1, 2023 - Priority deadline
Upon request, an extension can be made under special circumstances. Please email: rossvr@umn.edu.
An overview of application materials, what we're looking for in our applicants, and how to use Apply Yourself, the University of Minnesota's online application system.
Prospective YDL Student Information Sessions!
Join a general Youth Development Leadership MEd. information session. You can learn more about the program, how to apply, and talk with faculty, current students, and alumni of the program.
Date/Time:
January 23rd: 4-5pm
February 8th: 5:30-6:30 pm
February 22nd: 8:30-9:30 am
March 17th: 11:30-12:30pm
May 16th: 12-1pm
June 7th: 9-10am
Online Access:
You will be sent a Zoom Link from the prior to the session.
To Register:
YDL Web session for prospective students registration form.
If you have any questions, please email Ross VeLure Roholt, YDL Director,rossvr@umn.edu.
Ross VeLure Roholt, PhD, MSW
Associate Professor, Youth Studies
Director of Youth Development Leadership Program
105 Peters Hall
rossvr@umn.edu (Preferred method of contact)
612-624-8785