Youth Development Leadership, MS

Program Description

The Master of Science degree program in Youth Development Leadership equips students with the competencies, knowledge and skills to help young people develop into healthy, competent, coping and contributing citizens. This program prepares students to address issues facing youth in the context of family and community with an emphasis on positive outcomes through a dynamic learning environment.

The MS in Youth Development Leadership program is an interdisciplinary degree primarily involving departments and units in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, but also including academic areas from other colleges and units at the University. This program is designed to meet the needs of students who are also working professionals. All courses are offered in an accelerated format and are delivered through a variety of asynchronous and synchronous distance education technologies.

This program has a strong relationship with youth-related agencies/organizations and engages them in learning and experiential opportunities for students. The Youth Development Leadership program is designed to empower students to focus on strengths and assets within the context of family and community that will promote positive youth development; identify and examine physical, emotional, environmental and social issues related to being a young person in today’s society; prepare professional educators and leaders at all program and management levels for careers in schools, agencies, institutions and community groups that serve youth; train new and current professionals to be well prepared with increased knowledge and enhanced skills in the youth development area; prepare leaders who will have an immediate impact on youth development in South Carolina and around the nation; link formal and non-formal prevention and intervention youth programs to enhance the learning experience for students; and enhance youth serving agencies and organizations by supplying professionals who are competent in child and adolescent growth and development.