Youth Development BA

A better future starts with our youth.

High school students working together to construct a stick-based structure

Become a youth leadership professional with this unique educational program.

This multidisciplinary program combines courses in education, social work, and nonprofit studies to prepare students to work with ages 3-21 populations in a variety of settings.

In-Demand Careers

  • Childcare worker
  • Social service manager
  • Case manager
  • Youth minister
  • Camp director
  • Outreach worker

Why Youth Development? | Why Our Program?

  • Our program is unique within Rhode Island: housed within our nationally recognized School of Education and encompassing coursework from multiple disciplines.
  • Students graduate prepared to work with youth in after-school programs, recreation centers, community arts centers, youth residential housing, justice and probation sites, youth ministry, and governmental agencies.
  • Program includes a student-chosen minor or self-designed concentration composed of five-plus courses, in addition to a 180-hour internship.
  • Topics covered in the include: Social justice; educational psychology; human development; social work; nonprofit studies; children and youth with disabilities; pedagogy.

The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Advantage

Students in this program graduate with both a BA in Youth Development and a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Nonprofit Studies. 

Our Youth Development Faculty

Hear from a Student

Marleni Suazo

Marleni Suazo

"Our youth need role models; they need somebody who will see their potential and empower them."

Impacting Local Youth

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ entrance

Take the Next Step!

Feinstein School of Education and Human Development

The Feinstein School administers and coordinates all professional education programs at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ. We offer a range of programs, including early childhood, pre-K-12, counseling, school psychology, youth development and health and wellness.