Youth Development BA
A better future starts with our youth.
Become a youth leadership professional.
Our multidisciplinary, youth development program combines courses in education, social work and nonprofit studies to prepare you to work with populations ranging in age from three to 21 in a variety of settings.
In-Demand Careers
- Childcare Worker
- Social Service Manager
- Case Manager
- Youth Minister
- Camp Director
- Outreach Worker
Why Youth Development? | Why Our Program?
- Our Bachelor of Arts program is unique within Rhode Island and encompasses coursework from multiple disciplines.
- Our students graduate prepared to work with youth in after-school programs, recreation centers, community arts centers, youth residential housing, justice and probation sites, youth ministry and governmental agencies.
- Our program includes a student-chosen minor or self-designed concentration composed of five-plus courses, in addition to a 180-hour internship.
- Topics covered in the BA in youth development curriculum include: social justice, educational psychology, human development, social work, nonprofit studies, children and youth with disabilities and pedagogy.
Our students graduate with both a BA in youth development and a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in nonprofit studies.
Our Youth Development Faculty
Dr. Lesley M. Bogad
- Professor
Dr. Victoria Restler
- Associate Professor
Hear From a Student
Marleni Suazo
“Our youth need role models; they need somebody who will see their potential and empower them.”
– Youth Development Major
Impacting Local Youth
Silas Murray is intent on empowering youth the way he was empowered — through sports
Take the Next Step!
Feinstein School of Education and Human Development
The Feinstein School administers and coordinates all professional education programs at Rhode Island College. We offer a range of programs, including early childhood, pre-K-12, counseling, school psychology, youth development and health and wellness.
- phone401-456-8110
- placeHorace Mann Hall 241