Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Youth Development

(120 semetser hours) Requirements are subject to change.

As young people navigate through childhood and adolescence and into adulthood, they develop physically, intellectually, psychologically, emotionally and socially.  Personal and social assets can build resilience and competencies to prevent problems and promote positive youth development.  Understanding the supports, opportunities, programs, and services available for youth, and how youth engage in them, is crucial for effectively working with youth.  chieving favorable outcomes in youths’ attitudes, skills, knowledge, and behaviors is the goal of many youth-serving professionals.

The youth development major is anchored in the College’s unique humanics philosophy which focuses on developing the whole student in spirit, mind, and body.  Students majoring in youth development follow an interdisciplinary program that prepares them to serve youth in a variety of community and institutional settings. The curriculum is centered around four disciplines: applied sociology, health, psychology, and recreation. The courses taken by students pursuing this major provide students with an understanding of issues related to youth, while students apply knowledge and skills outside the classroom through community service and internship experiences.

Are you interested in a law school degree? Pre-law advising is available to any student interested in pursuing a law school degree. Contact Professor Dan Russell, pre-law advisor, at (413) 748-3240. Click here to learn more.

5-year Combined Masters in Social Work, B.S. / M.S.W. Program - Qualified students at Springfield College who are majoring in Youth Development may be eligible for the 5-year combined B.S./M.S.W. dual degree program.  Students, in consultation with their undergraduate advisor, will structure their coursework early in their undergraduate career so that a required 17 semester hours of Social Work foundation coursework may be taken in the senior year.  Click here to learn more.

For more information about the Youth Development major, contact Dr. Ann Gillard of the Social Science Department at (413) 748-3493 or the Admissions Office at (413) 748-1257.

Download a Youth Development Program Checksheet