Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies

Format: Online Synchronous
Application Deadlines
  • Spring 2026 Priority Deadline: November 6, 2025
  • Spring 2026 Regular Deadline: December 4, 2025

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

  • Spring 2026 Priority Deadline: November 6, 2025
  • Spring 2026 Regular Deadline: December 4, 2025
Apply Now

Student/Alumni Profiles

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

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."

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."

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

Opinion: We Need the Arts Now More Than Ever

August 20, 2025

City & State New York

CUNY SPS Youth Studies Adjunct Professor Jen Siaca Curry, founder and CEO of Change Impact, wrote an OpEd piece for City & State NY entitled "Opinion: We Need the Arts Now More Than Ever," which stresses the need for funding in the arts. Professor Curry emphasizes the urgency in this time of federal budgetary cuts to cultural programs while making the case that investments in the arts improve the overall well-being of communities at large.

How to Keep Students Engaged

July 31, 2025

CUNY SPS Blog on Medium

As part of the CUNY SPS blog series spotlighting the CUNY SPS Youth Studies faculty, instructor and youth nonprofit administrator Eris Johnson-Smith was interviewed by Youth Studies Associate Professor Dr. Whitney Hollins. In the interview, Johnson-Smith discusses the pedagogical approaches that guide his teaching. Most importantly, Johnson-Smith reflects upon the importance of building connections and having fun.
Photo of Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt

New Scholarship Will Support Youth Studies Students to Realize their Educational Dreams

April 03, 2025

Named after Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, a pioneer in the field of youth development, the scholarship will offer financial support to eligible BA and MA Youth Studies students.

A Powerful Gathering of Change-Makers

March 20, 2025

CUNY SPS Blog on Medium

The CUNY SPS Youth Studies Program co-hosted the State of the Sector of Youth Development Conference on March 6, 2025 at St. Francis College. This CUNY SPS blog post, written by CUNY SPS Youth Studies student Courtney Jae Renee, details Renee's thoughts and takeaways on the conference.

Makers of Their Own Experience: A Longtime Youth Studies Educator Reflects Back on the Field

February 27, 2025

CUNY SPS Blog on Medium

In this post from the award-winning CUNY SPS blog, a video interview is showcased with Youth Studies Associate Professor Dr. Whitney Hollins, who talks with her colleague Dr. Elizabeth Bishop. During their conversation, they discuss the importance of conducting youth-focused research and what’s next on the agenda for the CUNY SPS Youth Studies programs.