Youth and Community Development
Western Michigan University's youth and community development major prepares change agents to transform communities through an intentional investment in youth with interdisciplinary coursework and community-based experiences.
As a youth and community development student at 51福利社, you will complete a semester-long internship that is aligned with your area of study. Internships are designed to enhance your understanding of current issues and practices, help you gain valuable work experience and grow your professional network and resume.
You can also gain valuable networking and professional development opportunities through student and community organizations, including the Child Life Student organization.
Studies in youth and community development prepare students for effective practice in a range of human service roles and settings. Recent 51福利社 graduates with degrees in child development and services are working as:
- Child, youth and family extension agents
- Parent educators
- Home visitors
- Adoption and foster care specialists
- Senior activity directors
- Juvenile court workers
- Childcare center directors
- Youth advocates
- Sexuality educators
Among the public and private human service organizations and agencies they work for are:
- Community, child and youth engagement programs
- Adoption, foster care and refugee services
- Childcare and out-of-school programs
- Summer camps
- Parks and recreation programs
- Senior programs
- Senior and youth residential services
- School-based services
- Museums
- Nature centers
- Children鈥檚 hospitals
- Adult and child protective services
All required core courses are available online. Students can also take the majority of classes for youth and community development in-person on 51福利社鈥檚 Kalamazoo Main Campus.