Youth development

Master of arts

Today’s teens transform into tomorrow’s adults. Yet, in between are many challenges. In school, academic pressure increases — both in the classroom and in thinking about one’s future. Peer relationships grow more complex and often become the foundation of one’s support system and identity. And as a teen forges their own sense of self, family and community dynamics change significantly.

Throughout this sometimes tumultuous and confusing journey, guidance from adults becomes a lifeline. In the past, schools and social services may have steered at-risk youth toward support programs or implemented corrective measures. In the present, research shows that advocacy, an empathetic ear, evidence-informed policy and programs cultivating leadership skills, resilience and self-esteem empower all teens as they prepare for adulthood. 

The University of Missouri’s (Mizzou) online master of arts in youth development program positions you to better understand adolescents and develop targeted programming and policy. In this flexible course of study offered through Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA), you explore the principles and applications of positive youth development to help teens discover personal strength, build meaningful connections and think about their place in the world.

If you're not ready for a full master's program, two Mizzou certificate programs introduce you to applied youth development theories: youth development specialist (graduate certificate) and youth development program management and evaluation (graduate certificate).

About the online master’s in youth development program

A more recent concept, positive youth development consists of three goals — helping teens form their identities, develop a future-focused mindset and enrich their communities. Supportive adults direct these outcomes either by managing youth-related programs like 4-H or Boys and Girls Clubs or creating policies that influence these efforts.

At the core of these measures, teens begin to realize who they are — including their positive attributes and their unique roles within their family, school and community. This personal connection gives way to more nurturing peer dynamics, bolsters academic performance, increases college attendance and reduces rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy and violent behaviors. 

If you strive to establish more impactful youth programs, design policies that encourage adolescents to fulfill their potential and better engage those you serve, Mizzou’s online master’s in youth development program suits mid-career professionals along both tracks. You’ll delve into the importance of research and explore theories that help foster teens’ emotional, social and behavioral development. At the same time, you’ll examine outside factors — including school, peers, family and environment — that could potentially hinder their progress.

With this knowledge, prepare to:

• Help youth grow into leaders by understanding their strengths and building supportive connections with both peers and adults
• Design, develop, manage, evaluate and fund youth programs, including in and after school
• Advocate for racially and economically diverse youth populations, whether through policy, new programs or as you directly work with clients and their families
• Promote inclusive environments where all youth, regardless of background, feel like they belong
• Propose or analyze federal and state policies influencing youth development and programs

Great Plains IDEA

Great Plains IDEA is a consortium of 19 universities offering fully online graduate programs and courses in agriculture disciplines. Students apply to and are admitted by one university, enroll in all of their courses through that university and graduate from that university. However, the online courses are taught by faculty in the discipline from several universities.

Learn more about Great Plains IDEA.