Youth and Community Studies

A young woman discusses a painting in the Blanton Museum with several youths.

Program Benefits

Small Class Sizes

Experiential Learning

Study Abroad Options

Professional Concentration Options

Multiple Career Paths

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, as well as all-level physical education teacher certification.

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

 

How to Apply

  • Courses in This Major

    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 and social justice.

    • ALD 320 Cognition, Human Learning, & Motivation
    • ALD 321 Play in Early Childhood Development
    • EDC 350G Adolescent Development
    • ALD 322 Individual Differences
    • ALD 327 Sociocultural Influences on Learning
    • ALD 329 Acquisition of Language & Literacies
    • ALD 331 Restorative Practices
    • HED 329K Child & Adolescent Health
  • Professional Concentrations

    You will choose courses that fit with one of the following concentrations:

    • Early Childhood – Coursework deals primarily with child and adolescent development and family relationships.
    • 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.
    • Coaching – Coursework covers fundamentals of coaching, theory, and practice as well as physiological and psychological aspects of sport.
    • 7th – 12th Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher Certification - In addition to the YCS coursework, you will need to complete the UT Urban Teachers Program Professional Development Sequence. Urban Teachers is a teacher preparation program that includes coursework, fieldwork and observations and student teaching leading to 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.

    Check the 2020-2022 degree plan for a list of courses eligible for each concentration.

  • Certificates, Minors, and Specializations

    Certificates and Minors

    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:

    Specializations

    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!

    Learn more

  • Faculty
    Photo of Jennifer Adair

    Jennifer K. Adair

    Professor Curriculum & Instruction

    ALD 321 Play in Early Childhood Development

    Photo of Keffrelyn Brown

    Keffrelyn Brown

    Professor Curriculum & Instruction

    ALD 327 Sociocultural Influences on Learning 

    Photo of Aileen Bumphus

    Aileen Bumphus

    Assistant Professor of Practice Educational Leadership and Policy

    ELP 354K Special Topics in Higher Education, ELP-CI Concentration

    Photo of Denise Davila

    Denise Davila

    Assistant Professor Curriculum & Instruction

    ALD 333 Children’s Literature

    Photo of Noah De Lissovoy

    Noah De Lissovoy

    Professor Curriculum & Instruction

    ALD 327 Sociocultural Influences on Learning

    Photo of Toni Falbo

    Toni Falbo

    Professor Educational Psychology

    EDP 350G Adolescent Development

    Photo of Stella Flores

    Stella Flores

    Associate Professor Educational Leadership and Policy

    ELP 354K Special Topics in Higher Education,  ELP-CI Concentration

    Photo of Michael Anthony Goodman

    Michael Anthony Goodman

    Assistant Professor of Practice Educational Leadership and Policy

    ELP 354K Special Topics in Higher Education, ELP-CI Concentration

    Lorna hermosura

    Lorna Hermosura

    Assistant Professor of Practice Curriculum & Instruction

    ALD 331 Restorative Practices, ELP-CI Concentration

    Photo of Arcelia Hernandez

    Arcelia Hernandez

    Assistant Professor of Practice Curriculum & Instruction

    ALD 331 Restorative Practices, ELP-CI Concentration

    Photo of Lara Latimer

    Lara Latimer

    Assistant Professor of Instruction Kinesiology and Health Education

    HED 329K Child & Adolescent Health

    Photo of Nora Luna

    Nora Luna

    Assistant Professor of Practice Curriculum & Instruction

    ALD 329 Acquisition of Languages & Literacies

    Photo of Katherine Muenks

    Katherine Muenks

    Assistant Professor Educational Psychology

    ALD 320 Cognition, Human Learning, & Motivation

    Photo of James Patton

    James Patton, Ed.D.

    Adjunct Associate Professor Special Education

    ALD 322 Individual Differences

    Photo of Katy Tackett

    Kathryn Tackett

    Associate Professor of Practice Special Education

    ALD 322 Individual Differences

    Photo of Luis Urrieta

    Luis Urrieta, Jr.

    Professor, Program Coordinator Curriculum & Instruction

    ALD 327 Sociocultural Influences on Learning

    Photo of Veronica Yan

    Veronica Yan

    Assistant Professor Educational Psychology

    ALD 320 Cognition, Human Learning, & Motivation

  • Additional Resources

Program Coordinator

Photo of Arcelia Hernandez

Arcelia Hernandez

Assistant Professor of Practice, Curriculum and Instruction