Developmental & Youth Studies
New Degree Launching Autumn 2025
Bachelor of Arts
Major Description
The Developmental & Youth Studies major explores early childhood into adolescence and emerging adulthood, and focuses on the diversity and richness of development in family, peer, school, and community contexts. Students will develop knowledge of human growth and development processes, examine critical perspectives on development theories, and explore diverse cultural perspectives on development and identity formation. Through reflection and community-engaged work, students will also learn leadership skills to sustain partnerships with families and communities. Developmental & Youth Studies majors go on to become change agents who work against inequity and advocate for social change.
The Developmental & Youth Studies major does not result in a Washington state teacher certification. If you are interested in teaching, you can learn more about our teacher certification programs:
- Educational Studies: Elementary Education Option
- Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate
Why major in Developmental & Youth Studies?
Students who major in Developmental & Youth Studies are interested in:
- Understanding human growth and development processes and theories from infancy through early adulthood.
- Exploring the diverse formal and informal contexts in which humans develop and form identities, including family, school, community, culture, and digital media.
- Critically examining systems of marginalization that impact children and youth.
- Partnering with communities to develop leadership skills and practices that work against injustice in educational and community contexts.