What can I do with a youth studies degree?
Students graduating with a degree in youth studies develop many transferable skills and can use their education in a variety of fields!
Below is a list of potential employers and career opportunities for youth studies. This is not an exhaustive listing. The world of work is always evolving and over time job titles and work settings can change. The lists below are provided to give you initial insights into some of the opportunities available for students with a CEHD major and to jump start your research on careers.
Potential employers
- adoption agencies
- child welfare/family services
- child protective services
- colleges/universities
- community based organizations (i.e. YMCA/YWCA)
- community centers
- correctional facilities
- day care centers
- educational corporations
- extended school programs
- government agencies
- hospitals
- juvenile justice system
- mental health agencies
- physical health organizations
- public schools (teaching certificate required for teaching positions)
- recreation centers/departments
- religious organizations
- rehabilitation organizations
- social service agencies
- youth agencies and associations
- youth development organizations
- youth facilities
- youth marketing-products
- youth sport programs
- youth services
Career opportunities in youth studies*
- advocacy worker
- after school activities director
- assistant program coordinator
- boys/girls club director
- case manager
- community program coordinator
- community organizer
- community relations
- community service director
- consultant
- director of nonprofit
- educational assistant
- educational coordinator
- environmental educator
- event coordinator
- fundraiser
- grant writer
- home detention youth case worker
- juvenile corrections worker
- mental health social worker
- multicultural liaison
- outreach coordinator
- program director/administrator
- professional speaker
- public policy analyst
- researcher
- residential counselor
- summer camp director
- tutor
- welfare counselor
- volunteer coordinator
- youth advocate
- youth advisor
- youth coach
- youth counselor
- youth program coordinator
- youth program director
- youth protective services worker
*Youth studies provides a strong foundation for advanced study in social work, education, and public policy.
Youth studies career Web sites
- Social Assistance Industry Careers
- Childcare and Education Career Guide
- Youth Today: The newspaper on youth work
For assistance clarifying your career direction, or for assistance regarding internships, job searches, and résumé writing, visit the ETC Services center in Appleby Hall 127 or call 612-625-3339 to schedule an individual appointment with a career counselor.
March 2008