Youth Studies Programs

Youth Studies students posing for commencement and as groups

The Youth Studies programs at CUNY School of Professional Studies equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to design, run, research, and work in youth settings. Our degrees attract people who work in various settings (after-schools, community centers, college and career, child welfare, advocacy, arts/sports/religious youth development) with youth ages 12-24. Build connections to professors and colleagues while earning credits from the comfort of your own home.


 

BA in Youth Studies

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120 Credits | Online Synchronous/Asynchronous

Students meet 6-7 times in a synchronous class (live virtual meeting) from 6:15-9:15 pm EST. All other weeks, coursework is to be completed independently.

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.

Program Highlights:

  • Transfer up to 105 credits
  • Opportunities to receive Credit for Prior Learning (SACC, FDC, CDA and more)
  • BA to MA Track-earn up to 9 credits
  • Most courses have zero textbook cost

Educational/Career Prospects:

  • Run or work in programs for youth, communities, and families in after-schools, community centers, hospitals, credible messenger networks, juvenile justice, schools, child welfare, arts and sports-based youth development, advocacy/activism, college access, and success and workforce development.
  • Great preparation for a Masters in Youth Studies, Social Work, Education and more.

Application Deadlines

  • Spring 2025 Priority Deadline: November 4, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Regular Deadline: December 2, 2024

Adv Cert in Youth Studies

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12 Credits | Online Synchronous

Students meet in a synchronous class (live virtual meeting) from 6:15 — 9:15 pm EST.

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.

Program Highlights:

  • All 12 credits transfer to the MA in Youth Studies
  • Most courses have zero textbook cost
  • Scholarships (DYCD Scholars)

Educational/Career Prospects:

  • Potential salary bump at participating agencies
  • Upskilling for those who already have master's degree
  • A stackable credential for those interested but not yet ready to commit to an MA in Youth Studies.
  • A way to demonstrate master's level capacity for those looking to do an MA in a related field

Application Deadlines

  • Spring 2025 Priority Deadline: November 7, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Regular Deadline: December 5, 2024

MA in Youth Studies

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30 Credits | Online Synchronous

Students will meet in a synchronous class (live virtual meeting) from 6:15 — 9:15 pm

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.

Program Highlights:

  • Students can participate in socially engaged research labs
  • Most courses have zero textbook cost
  • Scholarships available (DYCD Scholars, Youth Studies Scholarship)
  • Potential to earn up to 15 credits/5 courses to be applied towards eligible Doctoral Programs
  • Approved Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) Sponsor

Educational/Career Prospects:

  • Leadership positions at youth-serving organizations and/or city agencies (middle/upper management).
  • Capacity building
  • Teaching in higher education
  • Consultancy
  • Research/Evaluation
  • Entrepreneurial Youth Development
  • Development/grant writing
  • PhD programs in related fields (Youth Studies, Psychology, Education, etc)

Application Deadlines

  • Spring 2025 Priority Deadline: November 7, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Regular Deadline: December 5, 2024

Alumni Profiles


Mike Hidalgo
Mike Hidalgo

MA in Youth Studies

Rachel Johnson
Rachel Johnson

MA in Youth Studies

Headshot
Carolina Moquete

Youth Studies

YS in the news

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The unit reflects upon recent program highlights as part of its observance of Workforce Development Month.

CUNY SPS Student Holding Laptop Smiles with School Sign Behind Her

Several CUNY SPS students describe why they chose the School and the ways that their education is changing their lives.