Positive Youth Development Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Positive Youth Development (PYD) is designed to provide students with a background in PYD frameworks and how these can be used to create intentional learning experiences in non-formal educational situations. This 12 credit-hour certificate includes 9 hours of required courses and 3 hours in an elective selected by the student. Completion of this program provides basic competency in the science of PYD at the graduate level along with documentation of their abilities. The certificate is accessible to participants from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds and is available fully online. The certificate will provide students with the knowledge base they need to demonstrate an understanding and commitment to PYD principles and their intentional inclusion in non-formal learning experiences.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must satisfy the minimum Graduate School requirements for admission to a Graduate Certificate (which are identical to those for enrollment as post-baccalaureate graduate student) and apply separately for the GC.
• Students enrolled in (or applying to) a graduate degree program or post-baccalaureate graduate students may apply for the GC.
• Applicants for admission to the Graduate Certificate must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies with input from the faculty of record, who shall notify the Graduate School in writing of the student’s admission.

As an aid to the admission decision, applicants must provide a two-page personal statement on why the individual desires a Graduate Certificate in Positive Youth Development and a one-page biography which includes the student’s educational and work experience. These items are to be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies. Following the Graduate School guidelines for GC’s, the GRE is not required for admission to the PYD Graduate Certificate program.