Youth Development BA

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A better future starts with our youth.

High school students working together to construct a stick-based structure

Become a youth leadership professional with this unique educational program.

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This multidisciplinary program combines courses in education, social work, and nonprofit studies to prepare students to work with ages 3-21 populations in a variety of settings.

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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: housed within our nationally recognized School of Education and encompassing coursework from multiple disciplines.
  • 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.
  • 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 Youth Development BA curriculum include: Social justice; educational psychology; human development; social work; nonprofit studies; children and youth with disabilities; pedagogy.

The RIC Advantage

Students in this program graduate with both a BA in Youth Development and a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Nonprofit Studies. 

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Our Youth Development Faculty

Hear from a Student

Marleni Suazo

Marleni Suazo

"Our youth need role models; they need somebody who will see their potential and empower them."

– Youth Development Major

Impacting Local Youth

Rhode Island College entrance

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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.

Dr. Lesley M. Bogad

Professor