The graduate certificate in Youth Development is a unique online certificate program that uses an approach that examines people, places, supports, opportunities and services young people need to be happy, healthy and successful, both in theory and practice.
Description
Taught through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance for the Human Sciences (Great Plains IDEA), this certificate program is the only alliance of public universities to offer it completely online.
Students may complete the certificate in one of two focus areas: Youth Development Specialist or Youth Program Management and Evaluation.
This certificate is aimed at professionals working with youth, including:
- 4-H and Boys and Girls Clubs
- Non-profit youth organizations
- Faith-based groups
- Community recreation leaders
- Juvenile corrections professionals
- Elementary, middle and high school educators
- Extension educators
Program-Related Information
Graduate Chair
Rochelle Dalla
402-472-2957
rdalla1@unl.edu
Program Website
https://cehs.unl.edu/cyaf/home/
Applying for Admission
Standard requirements for all graduate programs
- Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.
If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.
After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.
- If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.
- If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
- Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.
Additional requirements specific to this program
- Resume
- Personal Statement: Statement of professional goals.
- Three letters of recommendation. Ensure that at least one reference letter is academic (e.g., instructor, advisor) and any non-academic letters are professional (e.g., relevant employer).
Certificate programs are not considered degree programs, additionally, coursework for this program is delivered primarily online, so international students should be aware that admission to this program is ineligible for immigration forms for an F-1 student visa.
Requirements
Choose a focus: Youth Development Specialist or Youth Program Management and Evaluation.
Complete 12 credit hours as described below. Some courses listed require admission to a Child, Youth and Family Studies graduate degree program or permission.
Youth Development Specialist:
Course List
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|
| (6 credits) | 6 |
| CYAF 861 | YD: Foundations of Youth Development | 3 |
| CYAF 872 | YD: Youth Development | 3 |
| (6 credits) | 6 |
| CYAF 866 | YD: Youth Mental Health | 3 |
| CYAF 875 | YD: Youth in Cultural Contexts | 3 |
| CYAF 878 | YD: Youth Policy | 3 |
Youth Program Management and Evaluation:
Course List
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|
| (9 credits) | 9 |
| CYAF 861 | YD: Foundations of Youth Development | 3 |
| CYAF 869 | FAM/YD: Administration and Program Management | 3 |
| CYAF 873 | FAM/YD: Program Design, Evaluation and Implementation | 3 |
| (3 credits) | 3 |
| CYAF 842 | YD: Grants & Administration | 3 |
| CYAF 863 | YD: Youth Professionals as Consumers of Research | 3 |
| CYAF 866 | YD: Youth Mental Health | 3 |
| CYAF 878 | YD: Youth Policy | 3 |