CUNY SPS Launches BA in Youth Studies Degree Program

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is pleased to announce the launch of the Bachelor of Arts in Youth Studies degree program beginning in Fall 2022.

Following the ethos of collaboration that defines the field, the BA in Youth Studies degree program was developed in partnership with CUNY SPS MA in Youth Studies alumni and faculty and local non-profits and city agencies. This innovative and participatory approach by differently positioned people in the field ensures that students gain a unique perspective on both day-to-day youth-work practices as well as the larger vision for the future of the field.

“The importance of youth-workers in communities around the country is gaining the recognition it deserves. The push for greater professionalization of those working with youth across a variety of settings has prompted a need for academic credentials that feel relevant and forward-thinking,” said Sarah Zeller-Berkman, PhD, director of the CUNY SPS youth studies programs. “This unique and innovative bachelor’s, which has been collaboratively developed by youth work scholars and practitioners, will equip graduates with both the theoretical grounding and skills needed to work in the field or to continue their studies on a graduate level.”

The BA in Youth Studies degree program, the newest of its kind to be offered at the City University of New York, was designed to offer adult allies the skills, knowledge, competencies, and commitments to collaborate with young people. With a focus in critical youth studies and social justice, the program’s coursework will provide students with the conceptual framework and concrete skill development needed to partner with youth to create a more equitable future.

"Our rapidly changing society and its direct and broader impact on youth of color in particular needs well-trained, experienced advocates who not just serve as guides but as qualified mentors and supportive networks across the city/state," said Regina Bernard-Carreno, PhD, associate director of the CUNY SPS youth studies programs.

For graduates, this degree can serve as a basis for running or working at a range of youth-focused non-profit organizations or government agencies. This degree may also be applied toward graduate education in youth studies and other related fields like education, social work, and psychology.

Starting with its launch in Fall 2022, the BA in Youth Studies will be offered in a flexible hybrid learning format, allowing students to attend through a mix of online course content combined with online and remote asynchronous and synchronous class meetings.

Like other programs at CUNY SPS, the BA in Youth Studies also stands out for its affordability. All students will pay the low in-state tuition rate for CUNY regardless of where they reside.

To help cover the costs of the degree, a variety of scholarships are available through the Administration for Children Services, The Department of Youth and Community Development, Educational Incentive Programs (EIP), among others.

Registration to the BA in Youth Studies program is now open for the Fall 2022 Semester. For more information or to start the application process, please visit the program information page or contact spsyouthstudies@sps.cuny.edu.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York’s leader in online education since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor’s and master’s degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University’s only undergraduate all-transfer college. With 24 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor’s degree, progress from an associate’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, and noted for its soaring growth and enrollment, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School’s renowned and affordable online programs—which offer in-state tuition to all students regardless of where they live—ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

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