Master of Applied Youth Development
Effective Fall 2024, a name change will be implemented for this program as the Master of Applied Youth Development, MAYD. This program is designed for active and progressive youth development professionals. Many youth serving professionals aspire to continue to pursue their careers while earning a graduate professional degree. MAYD students form cohorts of fellow professionals who study advanced topics in developmental processes, behavioral science, and management of youth-serving organizations.
Students discover science-based techniques for structuring experiences that build character and help youth thrive and flourish while also advancing their skills as managers of youth organizations. Our program is unique and allows for a flexible, engaging degree program.
Program Details
This program is a graduate professional degree program administered fully online or hybrid. The degree plan consists of at least 36 semester-credit hours of coursework. The coursework consists of 18 credit hours in the department and 18 credit hours of electives that reflect your interests in youth development practice and management of youth-serving organizations.
Students participate in a collaborative learning environment with youth development professionals and explore innovative solutions to challenges facing youth development today. By completing this program, students obtain a degree that signals their leadership and dedication to youth development.
- Degree: Master of Applied Youth Development
- Credit Hours: 36 total credit hours
Core Curriculum
While students are allowed the flexibility to select support courses to tailor their graduate program to match their academic interests and career aspirations, students are required to complete five core curriculum courses to gain content knowledge and skills. All students will be assessed on their performance in each of these five core courses:
ALEC 670: Foundations of Youth Development
Youth development theories and processes; social change and its impact on youth development; myriad of governmental, for-profit and not-for-profit programs; youth program and organization resources; organizations addressing youth development.
ALEC 671: Youth Development Skills
Practice and acquiring the practical skills to design; implement and evaluate program; practicalities and operationalization of hiring and managing paid and volunteer staff; youth programming; safety and risk management; and building community support.
ALEC 695: Frontiers of Research
This course is designed to introduce the basic concepts of social science research; understanding the social science research process; using appropriate methods to address research problems; enabling students to effectively evaluate, consume, and communicate research findings for graduate students in agricultural education, as well as in social and behavioral sciences. More importantly, the course will teach the students to design, implement and disseminate research.
ALEC 673: Grant Writing and Program Evaluation
Development of knowledge and skills to successfully write grant proposals and design program evaluation plans for youth development organizations, including clarifying organization mission and program needs, locating funding opportunities, following grant guidelines, and using different methods to evaluation programs.
ALEC 674: Administration of YD Organizations
Administration, and management of public and non-profit youth programs and agencies; foundations of management and organizational behavior in the context of youth organizations; organizational structure and culture; strategic planning and evaluation; human resource management and motivation; financial resource development; risk management, budgeting and fiscal management, and marketing and communication.
Students are also required to complete field experience:
ALEC 677: Youth Development Capstone Experience
Application of recreation and youth development knowledge to a specific project or program of a cooperating youth development organization.
Graduate Admissions
We will accept applications in the spring and summer and enrollment for cohorts only occurs each fall term. Applications are due June 1st. The application process for the Master of Applied Youth Development is unique. In addition to filling out an application to Texas A&M University, students must submit an application packet, complete with a resume (please use provided template), personal statement, three letters of recommendation and a writing sample. The GRE is optional.
What Do I Need to Apply?
- Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
- Official transcripts and records, sent to the Office of Admissions
- Note: GRE Scores are optional*
- Statement of purpose outlining intent and professional career goals*
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted electronically with your application*
- Writing sample to demonstrate writing proficiency*
- One writing sample will be evaluated – A three-page document (one page summary; one page sentence outline; reference list) of a selected workshop topic which must include an overview of the topic, a description of the audience, and an explanation of why you selected the topic.
- Prior to and while in the process of applying, applicants are highly encouraged to meet with and have conversations with faculty in their desired research and interest area.
Personal Statement
In 750 words or less, address the following topics:
- Your personal and professional goals for your intended career,
- What (including the people, places, or events) inspired you to pursue a career in public service,
- How obtaining the MAYD from the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications will help you achieve your goals.
- Include your youth development experience and what value you bring to the program.
Letters of Recommendation
Three recommendations with evaluations are required and must be received by the application deadline. We prefer letters be from a higher education academic reference, particularly from a course instructor who can attest to an applicant’s capability to pursue graduate school. However, we can accept professional references as needed, particularly for those who graduated several years prior to applying. Professional references can speak to the applicant’s leadership; character; public service, military, or work experience, but should provide specific anecdotes as to why the applicant is qualified for the MAYD program. Applications with fewer than three recommendations will NOT be reviewed for admission.
Writing Samples
Applicants must submit one writing sample. A three-page document (one page summary; one page sentence outline; reference list) of a selected workshop topic which must include an overview of the topic, a description of the audience, and an explanation of why you selected the topic.
Applicants must submit writing samples. Applications are considered incomplete if missing the require degree-level writing sample noted above.
GRE (Optional)
The Master of Applied Youth Development does NOT require applicants to submit GRE scores, but many still do for reasons stated below. We use the cumulative GPA (out of 4.0) as listed on the transcript issuing the degree (bachelor, master, Ph.D.). Applicants weighing the decision to submit scores should consider their testing ability, time to study, and whether scores will help or hinder their application.
- Optional for those with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better.
- Strongly encouraged for those with a cumulative GPA below 3.2 OR if grades/experience do not reflect current abilities.
- Encouraged for those who feel scores can complement a strong file or offset concerns such as a low GPA or lack of experience in the field.
To be valid, scores must be within five years of the date the GradCAS application is submitted.
International Students
Official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. Official scores must be sent by ETS directly to Texas A&M University using the school code: 6003. Exams must be taken within the last two years. Visit the Graduate and Professional School website for a list of requirements, exemptions and other useful information regarding the TOEFL/IELTS Exams. English proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the criteria below:
- a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of at least 146 (must be taken in last five years) or;
- a minimum TOEFL score of: 80 internet-based testing; 550 for paper-based testing (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum TOEFL Essentials score of at least 8.5 (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum PTE Academic score of 53 (from a test date within two years)
Admissions Decisions
Applicants will receive an admissions decision either in a letter from the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions and/or from the department.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
By submitting an application, all students are considered for scholarships and fellowships. To be considered for additional funding opportunities outside of the department, students are encouraged to submit a scholarship application, along with their graduate school application. This ensures students are reviewed for all the types of financial aid that you are eligible for. Remember: each student’s financial aid eligibility may vary. The types of financial aid you are offered is based on the data provided on your financial aid and/or scholarship application. If a student is an international or out-of-state resident and receives a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000, they may qualify for a non-resident tuition waiver. Students interested in assistantships should visit guidelines for applying for a departmental assistantship.
Contact Us
Gary Wingenbach
Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Programs
