Overview

The Youth and Community Development programme at Western Michigan University is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to transform communities through professional engagement with young people. This interdisciplinary course combines rigorous academic study with practical, community-based experiences to foster social change.

Students benefit from a flexible learning environment where all core modules are available online, while the majority of classes can also be attended in person at the Kalamazoo Main Campus. This approach ensures that learners can balance their academic pursuits with other commitments while gaining a comprehensive education.

Why Youth and Community Development at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University emphasises practical application through a mandatory semester-long internship tailored to each student's specific area of interest. These placements are vital for enhancing understanding of contemporary social issues and building a robust professional network before graduation.

Beyond formal placements, students can engage with various campus and community organisations, such as the Child Life Student organisation. These opportunities provide additional professional development and networking avenues that are essential for a successful career in human services.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary coursework that bridges the gap between theory and community practice. Modules may include:

Youth and Community Development
Family and Consumer Sciences
Child Development and Services
Public and Nonprofit Administration
Social Work
Human Service Roles

Careers with Youth and Community Development

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within public and private human service agencies. The programme provides the foundation required to work in settings such as community engagement programmes, refugee services, and out-of-school initiatives.

Common career paths for alumni include:

Youth Advocate
Childcare Centre Director
Adoption and Foster Care Specialist
Parent Educator
Juvenile Court Worker
Senior Activity Director
Home Visitor
Sexuality Educator

Graduates often find employment with organisations dedicated to child and youth engagement, summer camps, parks and recreation departments, and school-based services. The degree also supports roles in specialised environments like children’s hospitals, nature centres, and museums.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Diverse Children, Families, and Communities

Research in Family Science

Crises and Resiliency in Families

Intimate Relationships: Friends, Family, and Marriage

Family Policy

Effective Parenting

Teaching Family Life Education

Child Development

Adolescent Development

Personal Nutrition

Youth Development

Curriculum and Assessment in Youth Development

Youth Development Skills and Processes

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Early Childhood Education Community Development View 164 other Bachelors in Community Development in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: 3,768 International Summer Tuition: 4,711

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Youth and Community Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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