Family, youth, and community

Family education and youth development leadership, two long-standing educational traditions at the University of Minnesota, have joined to create family, youth, and community (FYC). FYC is a newly formed field of study in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction where students will find familiar programs as well as discover new opportunities for shaping innovative degree programs. Family educators, researchers, youth workers, teachers, organizational heads, administrators, and community leaders will find multiple avenues in FYC for pursuing their interests in graduate-level study and research.

There are only two contexts in which young people, communities, and families exist in isolation from one another—politics and academia. FYC bridges those artificial divides. — Ph.D. student

In FYC we prepare educators who:

• ground themselves in research as a basis for reflecting critically about their field of study.
• conduct research to advance teaching and learning in youth programs, school settings, and community contexts.
• develop a personal ethos of family, youth, and community teaching and learning.
• strive to make changes in their professional practice that advance the well-being and development of families, young people, and communities.
• establish educational environments that enable their students and others to think critically and reflectively.

Degree program information

Family, youth, and community

• Ph.D.: for experienced professionals who want to develop advanced research, knowledge, and leadership skills in their chosen field
• M.A.: a research-based masters degree for individuals who want to develop research and teaching skills, and advanced knowledge in their chosen field

Family

Parent and family education licensure program — available for those who wish to teach in and lead parent education programs in a variety of school and community settings. In Minnesota, the parent education licensure is required for those teaching in early childhood and family education (ECFE) programs. Though not required for licensure, students may choose to combine this program with an M.Ed. in family education, or an M.A. or Ph.D. degree program in FYC.

NOTE: Because parent education certificate requirements are incorporated into the parent and family education licensure program, students who successfully complete the licensure program will automatically receive a parent education certificate. The parent education certificate provides the recipient with a credential verifying expertise as a qualified parent educator in settings that do not require licensure in Minnesota, and in other states and countries.

NOTE: The program links below will take you to Student Services.

M.Ed./initial licensure in family education (family and consumer sciences) — a graduate-level program that prepares professionals to teach family and consumer sciences (FACS) in grades 5-12. Following a cohort model, students can complete their degree and teaching licensure in 12-15 months. A program highlight is the opportunity students are given to participate in year-long school-based teaching activities. Scholarships of $2,000 are awarded to all students accepted into the program. Students from culturally diverse backgrounds are eligible for scholarships up to $10,000.

M.Ed./professional studies in family education — available to those who are already licensed teachers or to those in educational roles who wish to enhance their professional skills and understandings. Many individuals choose to combine an M.Ed. degree program with parent education licensure.

Certificate in parent education— an online post-baccalaureate program designed for those who wish to teach in and lead parent education programs in a variety of school and community settings that do not require a Minnesota teaching license.

Youth

Youth development leadership (YDL) — an M.Ed. program that prepares practicing youth development professionals for leadership roles in their organizations and communities, for leadership in policy formulation and advocacy, and for teaching roles in higher education. The youth development leadership program utilizes a cohort model that builds collegial relationships across many areas of youth development work in the community.

Community

Certificate in community and learning — available to individuals who embrace the value of non-formal teaching and learning that often occurs beyond the walls of schools and traditional educational settings. This program will be of interest to those professionals who work with children, youth, and/or adult learners, in settings such as community agencies, non-profit organizations, service-learning programs, community development programs, and faith-based settings.

Updated August 2008