An education masters degree that combines practice, experiential learning, and leading-edge scholarship
Program details
The MEd program is 30 credits.
Our core curriculum has five 3-credit classes providing a foundation in youth development leadership:
- Ways of Knowing in Youth Development Leadership: Using Research and Evaluation to Support Community
- The Everyday Lives of Youth (YOST 5952)
- Experiential Learning: Theory & Practice (YOST 5954)
- Organizational Approaches to Youth Development (YOST 5956)
- Community: Context for Youth Development Leadership (YOST 5958)
Two 1-credit seminar classes, taught by both YDL faculty and your fellow students, further enrich and build a diverse understanding of our field, the youth we serve, and each other.
Work with your adviser to choose 9 credits of electives from across the University to broaden your scope of study or further develop a specialization.
Four credits of internship experience have you putting your studies into practice.
At the end of the program, each student presents a portfolio to demonstrate their studies and work in youth development leadership. More specifics of the program are in the MEd Student Handbook, which will be complete by mid-September.
How to apply
Spring, 2025
Priority deadline: December 1, 2024
Fall, 2025
Priority deadline: April 15, 2025
Questions about applying? You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with Director of Admissions, Larissa Lavrov.
Personal Statement
Describe why you are interested in the YDL M.Ed. program, your experiences working with youth, and your potential career aspirations. In your statement, please address what draws you to the field of youth work, and what insights and questions from your work with youth you are interested in exploring. Limit two pages.
Recommendation Letters
Submit at least two letters from individuals (e.g. administrators, colleagues, or instructors) familiar with your performance and your capacity for youth development leadership.
Unofficial Transcripts
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended or are currently attending, including the University of Minnesota.
Test Scores
The GRE is NOT required. If you are an international student and English is not your native language, submit TOEFL or IELTS scores which meet our minimum score requirements (79 for internet-based TOEFL, 6.5 for IELTS). Exceptions for these tests may be made for students who have completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits at another accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
Extenuating Circumstances (If Applicable)
If your undergraduate GPA is below a 2.80 overall, or if you have circumstances about which you wish to provide more information, you may attach a statement providing more context.
CV
Provide a CV or resume detailing your past work and/or volunteer experience, in addition to your education experience.
The MEd in Youth Development Leadership requires 30 credits to graduate.
For the most current cost per credit for undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota, we well as information about fees and cost of attendance, visit OneStop Services, Twin Cities.
Scholarships and Awards
Graduate students pursuing an MEd in Youth Development Leadership can find funding information on the University Of Minnesota Graduate School website.
Fellowship Opportunities
The University of Minnesota Graduate School offers a number of University-wide
Prospective and Incoming Students
Find funding for your academic journey or research endeavors without the work requirements of an assistantship or debt payments of a student loan. See incoming student fellowships.
Current Students
The Graduate School administers a number of University-wide fellowships and grants for currently enrolled students, based on academic merit.
In addition, the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards coordinates the application process for:
- Fulbright Awards
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
- Bridging Funds program
See current student fellowship opportunities.
Research and Teaching Assistantships
Graduate students can reduce the cost of earning a degree by holding a research or teaching assistantship. This means that the University employs you to teach and conduct research while you .
Visit the Graduate Assistant Employment Office website.
Financial Aid
The University of Minnesota offers financial aid packages to graduate students. See information about financial aid, including how to apply, on the OneStop Student Services website.
Quote from Leo Howard III, YDL MEd 2018
When I think about the YDL program, I can't help but reflect on the start of my journey. I didn't see myself as a graduate student and started to experience imposter syndrome. I ended up setting up a meeting with Cindy Pavlowski and shared my fears with her. She stopped me mid-sentence and said, ‘Leo, look at your lived experiences, look at all the people you relate to, look at the knowledge and expertise you have gained through just existing. If we only accepted students with a 4.0 GPA, we'd miss out on some of the best youth workers ever. You deserve to be here, and I see you going further if that's what you want.’
Our curriculum
The MEd in youth development leadership combines practice, experiential learning, and leading-edge scholarship in the fields of youth work, youth studies, and development. Hear from faculty and students on what this pioneering graduate program has to offer.
Armed with both academic and practical knowledge, our students and graduates demonstrate leadership through action. This program strengthens both those beginning their career as well as seasoned professionals looking for the next step in their careers.
Small class sizes with your cohort forge strong bonds that sustain through your studies and continue long past graduation. Take a look inside the classroom.
Curious about the ethos of the faculty in this program? The guiding principles of the School? Students and instructors invite you into what happens — both in the classroom, and beyond.
All students take four core courses in our program, and then have the freedom to customize their degree with credits from across the University.
Dive deep into a specialty, or gain a broad working knowledge of your field, all backed by the only high-level research institution in Minnesota.
This program is unlike any other on campus: with an emphasis on experiential learning, student participation, and conversation-driven, feet-on-the-ground experiences.
Examine your own learning process and learn how experience is used in education. Put your learning to work in the countless settings and scenarios offered by the vibrant backdrop of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Careers
Youth development leaders are in high demand and have plenty of growth and leadership opportunities! Below are common jobs as categorized by O*Net. We also suggest searching on the MN Council of Nonprofits Job Board and typing in “youth” for a broader picture of youth work opportunities.
Featured career: social and community service manager
When you earn a Masters of Education in Youth Development Leadership, you will have the skills and education needed to plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. You will be able to oversee programs or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Related job titles: Adoption Services Manager, Child Welfare Services Director, Children's Service Supervisor, Clinical Services Director, Community Services Director, Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor, Social Services Director, Transitional Care Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator
Our faculty
Our Youth Development faculty bring a wide-range of expertise and scholarship to the classroom. These lifelong scholars make significant contributions to both research and community organizations.
