What is adolescent and youth development?
Studying adolescent and youth development will give you the skills to promote the health and well-being of children and adolescents through research, teaching and service. The interdisciplinary curriculum lets you explore youth culture and programs, as well as developmental perspectives on adolescence and early adulthood. You can combine the minor with a major in areas such as education, recreation management and policy, sociology or social work,preparing you for a variety of in-demand careers.
Why study adolescent and youth development at UNH?
As a major public research university, UNH emphasizes hands-on experience and research. You’ll have multiple opportunities to put theory into practice as well as work with faculty who are conducting research in public and private settings throughout New Hampshire and beyond.
Potential careers
- Child and family support specialist
- Director of community child recreation or after school program
- Family intervention case manager
- Human rights advocate
- Outdoor youth educator
- Parent educator
- Physical education instructor
- Public school teacher
- Social worker
- Youth development program director
From the CHHS Blog
Curriculum & Requirements
The departments of Recreation Management and Policy and Human Development and Family Studies offer an interdisciplinary minor designed to give students an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills regarding adolescence and youth development. The two required courses offer a foundation in theory, research, and practice, and students choose three additional courses in order to better prepare students to work with this age group.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| RMP 668 | Youth Culture and Programs | 4 |
| or RMP 768 | Theories and Philosophies of Youth Development | |
| HDFS 624 | Adolescent Development | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select three courses from the below (approved by a minor advisor): | 12 | |
| EDUC 556 | Peer to Peer Mentoring for Students with Disabilities | 2 |
| HDFS 444A | Youth Facing Adversity | 4 |
| or HDFS 630W | Youth Facing Adversity | |
| HPE 702 | Health Content and Youth Risk Behavior | 4 |
| SW 704 | Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges | 4 |
| HDFS 707 | Practicum | 1-6 |
| HDFS 776 | Children, Adolescents and the Law | 4 |
| RMP 563 | Recreation Management and Policy Practicum | 2 |
| RMP 560 | Recreational Sport Management | 4 |
| SOC 525 | Juvenile Crime and Delinquency | 4 |
| SML 565 | Principles of Coaching | 4 |
| SW 705 | Child and Adolescent Risks and Resiliency: Program, Policy and Practice | 4 |
| Other adolescent or youth-based courses as approved by minor coordinator. | ||
