Academic Director: Sarah Zeller-Berkman, PhD
CUNY School of Professional Studies
101 West 31st Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Email Contact: Sarah Zeller-Berkman, Sarah.Zeller-Berkman@cuny.edu
The Program
The MA in Youth Studies degree, the first stand-along program of its kind in New York, equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to design, run, research, and work in youth settings. The program provides a sound theoretical grounding and highly applicable skills to its students by integrating crucial areas of study, such as adolescent psychology; delinquency research and gang theory; legal construction of adolescence; social work; cross-cultural studies; representation of youth in pop culture; and health and sexuality issues. Additionally, the program applies a participatory approach through which students are taught to incorporate young people in shaping the programs, institutions, and policies that impact their lives.
As a student in this program, you will:
- Examine how age, gender, gender identity, sexuality, race, class, immigration status, (dis)ability, and region impact youth development
- Analyze current youth policies, opportunities, and best practices related to the field
- Apply principles and practices in program management, facilitation, and evaluation
- Engage multiple stakeholders and partners in order to ensure the positive development of youth, staff, and communities
Admissions Criteria
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide two letters of recommendation. An individual interview may be necessary.
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