MA program
Program description
The Master of Arts program is designed for those interested in child and youth studies and practice. This academic program draws from a variety of disciplines and approaches including but not limited to child and youth care, social pedagogy, education, psychology, health, criminology, Indigenous studies, anthropology, women’s studies, political theory and sociology.
Working within both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms, faculty members draw from a range of conceptual perspectives including but not limited to developmental, humanist, pragmatist, feminist, poststructural, and postcolonial theories.
Students in the MA program develop theoretically informed, practice-based understandings of issues related to children and youth in relation to their social, cultural, and political contexts.
Although many incoming students have an undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Care, the program also welcomes students with allied degrees combined with relevant child and youth care practice experience.
Students are admitted on an annual basis for September entry for either full- or part-time studies. Learn about admission requirements.
Customize your program
Our graduate students work with faculty members from an array of disciplinary backgrounds. You'll have opportunities to take different pathways in your degree depending on your topic area and research methodology. Through coursework, supervised practica and thesis research or culminating project, you can tailor your program in order to gain expertise in specific areas.
Flexible program delivery
- Customize your program by choosing electives and a practicum that will advance your own research and practice interests.
- Take electives at other institutions through the Western Deans Agreement.
- Stay in your home community for your practicum and thesis work.
Careers
Our MA graduates work in a variety of settings, including mental health services, child welfare, early years programs, post-secondary institutions, private practice and provincial, national and international governmental and non-governmental agencies.
Based on the completion of specific courses, our graduates are eligible to apply to the BC Clinical Counsellors Association for registration.
ECDVU
SCYC is committed to community and country capacity building and offers cohort-based, one-year programs in collaboration with countries in Sub-Saharan Africa through the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU).
ECDVU represents an innovative approach to addressing the leadership requirements of countries seeking to enhance their social and economic development through addressing the human development needs of their youngest citizens and the families and communities that nurture them. These graduate programs are accessible to students sponsored by these partner communities.
While "virtually" housed at the School of Child and Youth Care, the ECDVU draws on the international child and youth care community to provide resources and support. At the core of the program is a respect for the unique cultural values and strengths of the communities served.
Learn more about ECDVU and its history.
Fees
You'll find detailed fee information on the Graduate Admissions and Records site. They also have information on annual living costs including shelter, books and more.
Western Deans Agreement
The Western Deans' Agreement (WDA) allows graduate students to take courses for credit through other member universities.
Note: The university at which you are enrolled in a degree program is your home institution. The university at which you wish to take a course is the host institution.
News & events
- New Book
- Child and Youth Care, Critical Perspectives on Pedagogy, Practice and Policy by Alan Pence and Jennifer White is now available through UBC Press.