Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies

Format: Online Synchronous Request Info
Application Deadlines
  • Fall 2026 Extended Priority Deadline: April 23, 2026
  • Fall 2026 Regular Deadline: May 21, 2026

Please note there is no application fee for graduate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

Youth Studies is an emerging multidisciplinary field that spans the humanities, social sciences, the arts and sciences. Integrating theory, research, public policy, and youth work practice, Youth Studies provides an opportunity to deepen students’ understanding of the relationship of youth and society.

The Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies is a stackable credential which includes 12 credits toward the MA in Youth Studies. The certificate can be utilized for those who already have a masters degree but found themselves working with young people and want to upskill while being part of an active learning community. It can also be used by those who have not yet decided if they want to commit to a masters degree program.

Through online synchronous coursework, the Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies program provides the flexibility that people need with strong connections to professors and colleagues.

Mode of Learning

The Youth Studies program is excited to introduce a new online asynchronous pathway, providing students with the opportunity to attain their degree entirely online, starting with incoming students in the Fall 2024 semester. Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining our online synchronous option, catering to students who prefer real-time virtual classroom interactions with their professors and peers.

Educational/Career Prospects

  • Potential salary bump at participating agencies
  • Upskilling and a community of committed professionals
  • A stackable credential for those interested in an MA in Youth Studies.
  • A way to demonstrate master’s level capacity for those looking to do an MA in a related field

Scholarship Opportunities

Admissions Criteria

Candidates for admission to advanced certificate programs must possess a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. Applicants are also required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation may be submitted before or after submitting an application. An individual interview may be necessary if an applicant meets most but not all requirements.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall 2026 Extended Priority Deadline: April 23, 2026
  • Fall 2026 Regular Deadline: May 21, 2026
Apply Now

Student/Alumni Profiles

Amanda Ebokosia

Amanda Ebokosia

MA/Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies

"My cohort has held a two-year WhatsApp group. It's like having your own cheer squad or support group in your pocket. I've now met colleagues who I consider to be real friends."
Carolina Moquete

Carolina Moquete

Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies

"It definitely empowered me to have a certain level of confidence in the work I was doing with young people that I didn’t necessarily have in my first year in the role."
Headshot

Chanira Rojas

MA/Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies

"We are a tight-knit group with a passion for providing youth with the tools they need to become empowered individuals that will change their lives and the lives of others."
Headshot

Carolina Moquete

Youth Studies

"The most gratifying aspect of my job is having the opportunity to plant seeds of what’s not only possible but realistic for my students to achieve. I get to help students impact their future in a positive way every single day."

Recent news about Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies

From Training to Education: College Credit for Youth Workers

April 15, 2026

Youth Today

CUNY SPS Youth Studies alum Jen Curry writes about the importance of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) in higher education programs, particularly for people working with youth. Since youth workers considering college often contend with financial obstacles, CPL offers students cost and time-saving options that can fast-track their degrees. In this Op-ed piece for "Youth Today," Curry speaks about her own experience at CUNY SPS, where she was able to maximize the benefits of CPL.

From Training to Education: College Credit for Youth Workers

April 15, 2026

Youth Today

CUNY SPS Youth Studies alum Jen Curry writes about the importance of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) in higher education programs, particularly for people working with youth. Since youth workers considering college often contend with financial obstacles, CPL offers students cost and time-saving options that can fast-track their degrees. In this Op-ed piece for "Youth Today," Curry speaks about her own experience at CUNY SPS, where she was able to maximize the benefits of CPL.
CUNY SPS keynote speakers: Michele de Goeas-Malone (left) and Dr. Zeller-Berkman (right)

8th Annual Student Leadership Conference Applies Theory to Affect Change

March 25, 2026

CUNY SPS's 8th Annual Student Leadership Conference united adult learners around the theme "Change Agents: From Classroom to Community," featuring several graduate students who led workshops on using theory to achieve social justice.
CUNY SPS Dean Braverman Speaking at Full-Time Faculty Research Celebration

First-Ever Faculty Research Event Honors Innovative Scholarship at CUNY SPS

March 12, 2026

The Inaugural Full-Time Faculty Research & Projects Celebration, which featured nine dynamic faculty presentations, showcased the ways that the School's faculty inquiry advances knowledge, informs innovative pedagogy, and strengthens CUNY SPS’ mission.
CUNY SPS Youth Studies film series "Angola Can You Hear Us"

Youth Studies Film Series Focuses on Art Influencing Social Reform

February 25, 2026

The CUNY SPS Youth Studies programs sponsored their seventh annual Community & Youth Organizing Conference film series that centered on the theme of “Reimagining Justice Through Art,” and featured three events over several weeks in January.