Clemson’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management offers an online degree that may appeal to many Extension professionals seeking additional educational opportunities. The Masters of Science in Youth Development Leadership prepares students to address issues facing youth in the context of family and community with an emphasis on positive youth development through a dynamic learning environment. Like 4-H, the M.S. in Youth Development leadership advocates for the best practice, programs, and youth engagement.
The Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership degree program requires 36 semester hours of coursework. The program has an online synchronous meeting time/class that meets for 1.5 hours per week. The program is a 6-semester program that equips students in:
· Principles and Best Practices in Youth Development
· Child and Adolescent Development
· Youth Development and the Family
· Creative and Ethical Leadership Skills
· Youth and Development and Nature
· Youth and Technology
· Recruiting staff and volunteers in youth-serving organizations
· Fundamentals of grant-writing
A Certificate in Youth Development Leadership is also available. This Certificate is designed to equip professionals with competencies that augment their bachelor’s degree in a related field. A Certificate in Youth Development Leadership requires 15 credit hours of YDP 8000 Theoretical Foundations of Youth Development and 4 additional courses selected collaboratively with an advisor based on the professional goals of the student.
A complete application should
include:
· Baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
· Resume
· Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work
· Personal statement describing your interests and professional goals for seeking this degree
· Two letters of reference
· The Graduate Record Examination, GRE (www.gre.org) is not required, but it may strengthen an application
· Application available online at www.grad.clemson.edu
Please remember that all educational degree pursuits need to be approved by your District Extension Director and Program Team Director. Please communicate with them about your intents. You must also have at least one year in your current position before pursuing an additional degree.
