Youth and Community Studies (YCS) prepares you to work with people of all ages in a variety of settings that do not require teacher certification. If you are interested in teaching, there are options to prepare for Texas certification in middle school and high school English language arts or social studies.
When you major in YCS, you will prepare for a variety of careers:
- 7th – 12th-grade teacher certification in English language arts
- 7th – 12th-grade teacher certification in social studies
- Youth sports programs
- parks and recreation departments
- Child development centers or after-school programs
- Assisted living communities
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations related to criminal justice and advocacy programs
Program Overview
As a Youth and Community Studies major, you will take 24 hours of courses that focus on individual differences, cultural and linguistic diversity, human learning in multilingual and multicultural context, social concerns, children’s cognitive, social and emotional developmental theories, motivational value of play, effective physical education, health education, educational leadership and social justice.
- ALD 320 Cognition, Human Learning, & Motivation
- ALD 321 Play in Early Childhood Development
- ALD 322 Individual Differences
- ALD 327 Sociocultural Influences on Learning
- ALD 329 Acquisition of Language & Literacies
- ALD 331 Restorative Practices
- EDC 350G Adolescent Development
- ELP 354K Special Topics in Higher Education
- HED 329K Child & Adolescent Health
Professional Concentrations
- Early Childhood – Coursework deals primarily with child and adolescent development and family relationships.
- Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS)– Courses cover topics on issues in K-12 and higher education, including the environments of schools, public policy, community organizations and families. With an emphasis on equity and social justice, students will be prepared for assessing and working for the improvement of these arenas with a focus on leadership and the analytical skill sets needed in educational settings.
- Coaching – Coursework covers fundamentals of coaching, theory, and practice as well as physiological and psychological aspects of sport.
- Special Populations – Coursework comes from such areas as communication science disorders, kinesiology, and social work, and provides an overview of communication disorders, increasing cultural awareness, and developing systems for individuals with disabilities.
- Urban Teachers – Prepares you to obtain secondary teacher certification in English Language Arts or social studies.
- Youth and Social Services–Required courses cover topics in substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment. Elective topics range from the psychosocial aspects of aging to juvenile delinquency and criminal justice.
English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher Certification (7th – 12th Grade)
In addition to the YCS coursework, you will need to complete the UT Urban Teachers Program Professional Development Sequence. This is a teacher preparation program that includes coursework, fieldwork and observations, and student teaching.
Certificates, Minors and Specializations
In addition to the YCS major, you can complete a minor or certificate program that complements your studies.
These are the most common certificates and minors:
- Bridging Disciplines Programs Certificates
- Business Minor
- Communication Studies Minor
- Kinesiology and Health Education Minor
- Educational Psychology Minor
If you are interested in furthering your education in kinesiology and health, you are encouraged to choose a specialization. The Department of Kinesiology and Health Education offers seven specializations. For details, please visit our KHE Specializations page.
Internships
All Youth and Communities Studies are encouraged to explore their professional interests and network with professionals in their fields of interest by obtaining an internship. It’s never too early to start gaining valuable experience that will jumpstart your career!
Faculty
![]() Jennifer K. AdairProfessor ALD 321 Play in Early Childhood Development | ![]() Keffrelyn BrownProfessor ALD 327 Sociocultural Influences on Learning |
![]() Aileen BumphusAssistant Professor of Practice ELP 354K Special Topics in Higher Education, ELP-CI Concentration |
![]() Denise DavilaAssistant Professor ALD 333 Children’s Literature |
![]() Noah De LissovoyProfessor ALD 327 Sociocultural Influences on Learning |
![]() Toni FalboProfessor EDP 350G Adolescent Development |
![]() Stella FloresAssociate Professor ELP 354K Special Topics in Higher Education, ELP-CI Concentration |
![]() Michael Anthony GoodmanAssistant Professor of Practice ELP 354K Special Topics in Higher Education, ELP-CI Concentration |
![]() Lorna HermosuraAssistant Professor of Practice ALD 331 Restorative Practices, ELP-CI Concentration |
![]() Arcelia HernandezAssistant Professor of Practice ALD 331 Restorative Practices, ELP-CI Concentration |
![]() Lara LatimerAssistant Professor of Instruction HED 329K Child & Adolescent Health |
![]() Nora LunaAssistant Professor of Practice ALD 329 Acquisition of Languages & Literacies |
![]() Katherine MuenksAssistant Professor ALD 320 Cognition, Human Learning, & Motivation |
![]() James Patton, Ed.D.Adjunct Associate Professor ALD 322 Individual Differences |
![]() Kathryn TackettAssociate Professor of Practice ALD 322 Individual Differences |
![]() Luis Urrieta, Jr.Professor, Program Coordinator ALD 327 Sociocultural Influences on Learning |
![]() Veronica YanAssistant Professor ALD 320 Cognition, Human Learning, & Motivation |
Program Benefits
Small Class Sizes
Experiential Learning
Study Abroad Options
Professional Concentration Options
Multiple Career Paths