University of Kentucky®
Graduate Certificate in
Positive Youth Development
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 12
CREDENTIALS Certificate
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Graduate Certificates
- Positive Youth Development
About this Program
Be part of the solution with successful strategies to help youth transition into adulthood. This online program will teach you to apply research to youth programming, assess and address public concerns in youth development, and employ theory-based models.
This online graduate certificate is delivered by University of Kentucky experts from the Department of 4-H Youth Development in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Designed For
This program is suited for educators, social workers, and youth counselors who aim to foster resilience, strengths, and positive outcomes among young people. It also benefits professionals interested in research or policy development related to youth development programs and interventions.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Graduate Certificate in Positive Youth Development program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
Students in the PYD program will learn to apply research to youth programming, assess and address public concerns in youth development, and employ theory-based models in both traditional and non-traditional educational settings.
Focus areas:
- be intentional and pro-social
- engage youth within their communities, schools, peer groups, and families
- foster positive relationships
- nurture leadership strengths
Should students want to pursue a graduate degree, in addition to the PYD certificate, this program is designed to compliment the University's online Science Translation and Outreach master of science program - providing 12 of the 30 required hours.
Course Examples
- PYD 600 Contemporary Issues in Youth and Agriculture
- PYD 610 Engaging the Learner: Exploring Brain-Based Learning
- PYD 620 Foundations of Positive Youth Development
- One (1) elective course
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- Personal statement
- Please include a personal statement with your application. This should include information about your experience with positive youth development as well as summarizing your interested in obtaining this Graduate Certificate.
- Three letters of recommendation (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Do I need to have a master's degree to enroll in this graduate certificate?
The only degree needed to enroll in a graduate certificate program is a bachelor's degree.
Can I take this graduate certificate by itself?
Yes, graduate certificates can be taken by themselves. Our graduate certificate programs are designed to allow students to gain very specific skills and knowledge in a shorter amount of time than our degree programs in similar areas. Certificate programs can be useful to your career by itself, or when coupled with a degree-bearing program. This choice is completely up to the student.
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
Is financial aid available if this is the only program I enroll in?
Federal financial aid is not available to students who only enroll in a certificate program.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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