The Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences (RPTS) offers a certificate in Youth Development. This certificate is embedded in the Bachelor of Science degree in RPTS.

This certificate focuses on programs and services that contribute to the development of young people’s personal, physical, social and educational abilities in and out-of-school contexts. Youth workers are program developers, leaders and managers who need to be able to work with youth, families, organizations and communities. Coursework in this option focuses on positive youth development, program planning and evaluation, methods for working with young people, and societal factors that both contribute to and inhibit the development of young people. Students with an option in this field look forward to careers with non-profit, public and for-profit agencies that supply youth development opportunities for young people. Settings include after-school programs, community programs, camps, outdoor adventure and church-related recreation programs.

Course List

Code	Title	Semester Credit Hours
RPTS 370	Youth Development Organizations and Services	3
RPTS 371	Understanding and Developing Effective Skills for Youth Development	3
RPTS 472	Grant Writing and Program Evaluation for Youth Development Organizations	3
RPTS 478	Youth Development Practice	3
RPTS elective 1		3
Total Semester Credit Hours		15

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Select from RPTS 200-499, RENR 345, RWFM 375, RWFM 400.

Students must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA in courses within the certificate.