PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Admissions Requirement Course Descriptions Course Schedule FAQ Financial Aid Forms and Catalog Graduate School How to Apply Office of Distance Education Program Requirements Testimonials Tuition Costs

The Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership degree program is designed to equip 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 Health, Education, and Human Development 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. Minimum technology requirements for this program include access to e-mail and the Internet with the ability to read CD-ROMs and DVDs.

The first cohort of 16 students entered the program in January 2006. They came to Clemson for a 3 day orientation from all over the country and became 'fast friends', learning about taking courses on line. Each Cohort begins the first course, Foundations of Youth
Development, during the on-campus orientation. The course is taught by the College Dean, Dr. Larry Allen. During orientation, students also explore the online resources available on Clemson University's campus.

Students take one course at a time for 6 weeks, allowing working professionals to focus on one course at a time. The duration of the program is the same as most traditional masters
programs, 2 years.

The Youth Development Leadership graduate 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
Enhance youth serving agencies and organizations by supplying professionals who are competent in child and adolescent growth and development.
[back to top]

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Youth Development requires 36 semester hours of coursework as follows: EX ST 801, HEHD 800, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 892, SOC 805.

[back to top]

Admission Requirements

A complete application packet should include:

Proof of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade-point ratio of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination, GRE (www.gre.org)
A letter of intent, and two letters of reference
Experience in the field of youth development is preferred
[back to top]

Testimonials

CW, Recreation Therapist, Clemson, South Carolina:

"I have a passion for working with young people and I wanted to find a program that could broaden my horizons in working with youth. However, having a full-time job and a young family made a traditional masters program a difficult goal to obtain. When I found out abut the online Youth Development Program at Clemson, I felt like I had found my answer. The program has exceeded my expectations. It has challenged me to look at youth and youth development at a new level. I look forward to employing the knowledge that I have gained in the rewarding field of youth development."

JBL, CU Masters Candidate, McDonough, GA:

"I have been extremely favored of God to be exposed to the level of instruction and material in the Clemson Youth Development Leadership degree program. I am continually amazed at the depth of knowledge and skills of the program director and associated staff and faculty. I would encourage anyone looking for a "real" experience in youth development training, with a hands-on approach where you learn by involvement, to consider this program before looking anywhere else."

[back to top]