Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology - Youth Studies Concentration

This program offers students a sound understanding of human groups, institutions, and societies. With training in Youth Studies, students will appreciate the creative and autonomous aspects of young peoples peer cultures, as well as recognize the ways that gender, race/ethnicity and social class influence youth development. They will develop skills to implement and evaluate preventative and positive youth development programs. The key features distinguishing this program: a capstone course that includes a service learning component in a local school or agency; professional development, resources, and contacts through on-campus organizations such as the sociology club; and award-winning faculty members who contribute to the discipline as researchers, consultants and national leaders. In this program, students will earn Sociology major with a concentration in Youth Studies. The department also offers a minor in Youth Studies. Their concentration will include core Sociology courses and a capstone experience that prepares them to work effectively in community and school programs designed to improve the experiences of youth. Other Youth Studies courses include: Sociology of the Family, Sociology of Adolescence, Sociology of Childhood, Sociology of Education, Youth Deviance and Institutions, and Youth Welfare. Graduates of the Youth Studies program at CMU will find career opportunities in a variety of areas. Some of these may require additional education: foster care worker and advocate; juvenile probation and detention center case worker; non-profit youth program worker and director; preschool or daycare center manager; public school support personnel; recreational program director; school or clinical social worker; substance abuse counselor; youth counselor; and youth services director.