IDEA's online master's degree in youth development provides exceptional preparation for a rewarding career working with youth representing every race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Through the dynamic 36-credit hour curriculum, you gain the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective youth programming and be an advocate for youth issues and pro-youth policies.
Review the course planner to find out when each course is offered and plan out a prospective course sequence.
Master's Degree Coursework and Degree Requirements
The master's degree core coursework covers 27 total credit hours, leaving an additional nine hours to be filled with a combination of elective courses and/or practicum/independent study/research experiences. Blocks 2-4 are not sequential, students may take courses in these blocks in any order they choose.
As a youth development master's degree student, the core coursework will build a firm foundation in leading theories, policies, and methodologies related to youth programming. The curriculum also serves to build your confidence in youth-related work, ensuring you can effectively navigate influential systems and engage the systems to promote positive youth development.
Review the course planner to find out when each course is offered and plan out a prospective course sequence.
Block 1 - Foundational Skills in Positive Youth Development
Foundations of Youth Development must be completed in the first semester and is offered every semester so you can start the program anytime. All other Block 1 courses are required and must be completed within the first two semesters of enrollment.
Block 2 - Relational Dynamics and Positive Youth Development
These topics build out your knowledge of modern-day challenges that youth in your community face.
Adolescents and Their Families and Youth-Adult Relationships are required courses.
*Denotes an elective course.
Block 3 - Contexts of Youth Practice and Policy
These topics provide tools for promoting positive youth development in both policy and practice.
Youth Policy and Positive Youth Development in Community Settings are required courses.
*Denotes an elective course.
Block 4 - Youth Program Management, Evaluation, and Administration
These topics equip leaders with the resources they need to run youth programs in their local communities.
Design and Evaluation of Youth Programs and Youth Development Personnel and Program Management are required courses.
*Denotes an elective course.
Practicum/Independent Study/Research
Your home university may also require a hands-on culminating learning experience to complete the master's degree. This can include creative components, directed studies, practica, research projects, comprehensive exams, and/or theses, but not all universities require such experiences for degree completion. Your home university academic advisor will guide you through this process if these experiences are required for satisfactory completion of the degree.
Become a Changemaker with a Youth Development Master's Degree
IDEA's online youth development master's degree prepared you for a fulfilling career as a changemaker, working directly with the youth in your community. The engaging curriculum provides the skills you need to interact effectively and positively with youth to promote supportive relationships, long-term youth engagement, and youth leadership opportunities.
Interested in learning more? Review the youth development master's degree overview, or get started by applying now!
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Cost per Credit Hour
2024-2025: $610
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Average Time to Complete:
Master's degree: 23 months
Graduate certificates: 16 months - Master's Degree - Youth Development: 36 Hours
- Graduate Certificate - Youth Development Specialist: 12 Hours
- Graduate Certificate - Youth Program Management & Evaluation: 12 Hours