From contemporary issues such as appearance and life skills to administration and program development, the Youth Development certificate program prepares students for professional work with adolescents in a number of different areas.
Youth Development
Great Plains IDEA Campus CoordinatorLisa King
135 Mabel Lee Hall
Lincoln NE 68588-0236
Phone: 402-472-7787
Fax: 402-472-9170
On the Web
Child, Youth and Family Studies
Great Plains IDEA
Description
What it is
A unique online certificate program that focuses solely on Youth Development and 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. Taught through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance for the Human Sciences (Great Plains IDEA), this 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 Certificate or Youth Program Management and Evaluation Certificate.
Who it's for
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
Delivery
All courses are completed online through Great Plains IDEA, a consortium of 11 universities. Students admitted to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Youth Development Specialist or Youth Program Management and Evaluation certificate program will take courses delivered via distance technologies by Nebraska and the other participating institutions.How to apply
If you are already admitted to a degree program, please see your advisor to set up a plan of study for the certificate program.
Otherwise, you will first need to be admitted as a non-degree student.
Required by Office of Graduate Studies- Application for Graduate Admission as a non-degree student
- $45 non-refundable application processing fee
- One set of official transcripts showing conferral of a bachelor's or higher degree
Submit the following materials to:
Department of Graduate Support Services
College of Education and Human Sciences
135 Mabel Lee Hall
University of Nebraska
Lincoln NE 68588-0236
College of Education and Human Sciences
135 Mabel Lee Hall
University of Nebraska
Lincoln NE 68588-0236
- Statement of Professional Goals
- Intent form
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
Students are encouraged to seek admission to begin in the Fall semester. Although applications will be considered on a continuing basis, January submissions will have priority consideration on the basis of available slots. Preferred deadlines:
Fall: June 1 Spring: October 1 Summer: January 15
Courses
Sample Timeline
Youth Development Specialist | ||
|
Fall Semester Start Fall - CYAF 861, CYAF 864 Spring - CYAF 875 Summer - CYAF 872, CYAF 879 |
Spring Semester Start Spring - CYAF 861, CYAF 875 Summer - CYAF 872, CYAF 879 Fall - CYAF 868 |
Summer Semester Start Summer - CYAF 861, CYAF 879 Fall - CYAF 864, CYAF 878 Spring - CYAF 875 |
Youth Program Management and Evaluation | ||
|
Fall Semester Start Fall - CYAF 861, CYAF 863 Spring - CYAF 869, CYAF 873 Summer - CYAF 879 |
Spring Semester Start Spring - CYAF 861, CYAF 869 Summer - CYAF 879 Fall - CYAF 863, CYAF 878 |
Summer Semester Start Summer - CYAF 861, CYAF 879 Fall - CYAF 863, CYAF 878 Spring - CYAF 873, CYAF 869 |
Each certificate requires 12 hours and a one-hour foundations course for a total of 13 credit hours.
Unless stated otherwise, all courses require admission to the Child, Youth and Family Studies graduate program or permission.
Courses required for both certificate programs
CYAF 861 - Foundations of Youth Development (1 cr)
Distance delivered by Montana State University or Kansas State University
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Fundamentals of youth development and the youth development profession. Exploration of ethical, professional, and historical elements of youth development as it has evolved toward professionalization.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Courses that may be applied to either certificate
CYAF 878 - Youth Policy (3 cr)
Distance delivered by Michigan State University
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Examination of various federal and state policies designed specifically for youth. Evaluation of existing state and national policies as to whether they contribute to, or act as barriers to, desired developmental outcomes.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
CYAF 879 - Contemporary Youth Issues: Life Skills (2 cr)
Distance delivered by Montana State University
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Issues faced by youth today and associated risk and resiliency factors; life skills for youth; and helping skills necessary for youth professionals.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
CYAF 879A - Contemporary Youth Issues: Violence (1 cr)
Distance delivered by Kansas State University
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Causes and consequences of youth violence. Approaches to theory and research on developmental of violent behavior in youth. Assessment of prevention and intervention programs.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
CYAF 879B - Contemporary Youth Issues: Youth and Appearance (1 cr)
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Distance delivered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Analysis of interrelationships between clothing and culture; influences on clothing and modes of adornment within U.S. adolescent subgroups. Function of Clothing and Adornment in interpersonal communication, interaction, and self-identity development.Distance delivered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Courses required for the Youth Development Specialist certificate
CYAF 864 - Community Youth Development (3 cr)
Distance delivered by Michigan State University
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
National emphasis of strength-based or asset approach to community youth development, encompassing individual development and adolescent relationships with environments. Emphasis on research, theory, and practice applied in communities. Existing models, theoretical and applied literature, and current community efforts will be examined.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
CYAF 868 - Adolescents and Their Families (3 cr)
Distance delivered by Montana State University
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Adolescent development as related to and intertwined with family development. Reciprocal influences between adolescents and their families are examined. Working with youth via the family system will be highlighted.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
CYAF 872 - Youth Development (3 cr)
Prerequisite: 12 hours child, youth and family studies or social sciences
Distance delivered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Scientific literature concerning the interrelationship of the physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of the adolescent and young adulthood years. Understanding of individuals and their continuous adjustment within the family life cycle as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood.Distance delivered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
CYAF 875 - Youth in Cultural Contexts (3 cr)
Distance delivered by Michigan State University
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Cultural context factors that affect youth from a holistic perspective within and outside the family unit. Provides an understanding of the cultural heritage of differing family types.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Courses required for the Youth Program Management and Evaluation certificate
CYAF 873 - Program Design, Evaluation, and Implementation (3 cr)
May also be offered by Colorado State University via distance delivery
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Overview of program development process and outcome evaluation of community children and family programs. Theoretical, methodological, and programmatic issues in conduction programs and scholarship.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
CYAF 863 - Youth Professionals as Consumers of Research (3 cr)
May also be offered by Montana State University via distance delivery
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Research report evaluation skills for youth development professionals. Fundamental quantitative and qualitative research principles guiding disciplined inquiry. Application of research results and theories to practice.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
CYAF 869 - Administration and Program Management (3 cr)
Distance delivered by Colorado State University or Kansas State University
Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
Introduction to the development, administration, and management of youth-serving organizations.Prerequisite: Admission to Child, Youth and Family Studies or permission
