Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience
Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science program in ...
Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Childrens Studies
Brantford
INTAKE: Jan, May & Sept
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children's Studies program at Wilfrid Laurier University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and experiences of youth and children in today's society. The program integrates theories and concepts from various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, education, and social work to explore topics such as child development, youth culture, family dynamics, education systems, and social policies affecting young people. Through a combination of classroom learning, field placements, and experiential opportunities, students develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to work with and advocate for children and youth in diverse settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children's Studies program is interdisciplinary, offering a wide range of courses that examine the social, cultural, and developmental aspects of childhood and adolescence. Core courses cover topics such as child and adolescent development, family dynamics, education systems, youth subcultures, and social policy related to children and youth. Students also have the opportunity to choose elective courses in specialized areas such as child welfare, youth justice, mental health, or global youth issues, tailoring their studies to their interests and career goals. Field placements or practicum experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gaining practical skills and professional insights into working with children, youth, and families.
Research Focus: Wilfrid Laurier University's Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children's Studies program emphasizes research as a means of understanding the needs, experiences, and challenges of children and youth and informing evidence-based practices and policies. Faculty members and students engage in research projects that explore a wide range of topics such as child development, youth identity, family relationships, education outcomes, and youth engagement. Research-focused courses provide students with opportunities to develop research skills, critically analyze existing literature, design research studies, collect and analyze data, and present findings through written reports or presentations. Through research experiences, students enhance their critical thinking skills, research literacy, and understanding of the complex issues affecting children and youth in contemporary society.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children's Studies program at Wilfrid Laurier University fosters industry engagement through partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and youth-serving agencies. Students have opportunities to complete field placements, internships, or volunteer experiences in settings such as schools, childcare centers, community centers, youth shelters, or advocacy organizations. Industry engagement activities may include shadowing professionals, assisting with program development or implementation, conducting needs assessments, or participating in research projects. These experiences provide students with practical skills, professional networks, and firsthand exposure to working with children, youth, and families, enhancing their employability and career readiness upon graduation.
Global Perspective: Wilfrid Laurier University promotes a global perspective in its Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children's Studies program, recognizing the interconnectedness of youth experiences and issues across cultural, geographical, and socioeconomic contexts. Students explore global youth issues such as child labor, education access, youth activism, and cultural diversity, learning how these issues intersect with local realities and shaping their understanding of working with diverse youth populations. The program may offer courses, workshops, or study abroad opportunities that examine international perspectives on youth development, global youth movements, or cross-cultural approaches to youth work. By embracing a global perspective, students develop cultural competence, empathy, and a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting the well-being and rights of children and youth worldwide.
Location
Brantford
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 32251
Application fee: CAD$ 80 + Applying through OUAC 105F Portal charges CAD$ 156 + International Charges CAD$ 10
Academic Requirements: International undergraduate applicants are typically required to have a minimum academic average of 70% or its equivalent in their secondary school studies.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: An overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 83 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE: A minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English.
- DET: A minimum score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test.
Wilfrid Laurier University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
International Student Entrance Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University offers several entrance scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. The value of these scholarships varies, with some covering a significant portion of tuition fees.
President's Gold Scholarship of Distinction: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional incoming international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. Recipients of this scholarship receive a renewable award that covers a significant portion of their tuition fees.
International Student Scholarship: The International Student Scholarship is awarded to international undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are entering their first year of study at Wilfrid Laurier University. The scholarship amount varies based on the student's academic achievements.
In-Course Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University also offers in-course scholarships for international students who have completed at least one year of study at the university. These scholarships are based on academic performance and may be awarded to students who have achieved a certain GPA or have excelled in specific areas of study.
Faculty-specific Scholarships: Some faculties and departments within Wilfrid Laurier University may offer scholarships and awards specific to their respective fields of study. These scholarships may be available to international students based on academic performance, leadership, or other criteria determined by the faculty or department.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: In addition to the university-specific scholarships, international students at Wilfrid Laurier University can also explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. The university has partnerships with various organizations and agencies that offer scholarships to international students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
It is important to note that scholarship eligibility and application processes may vary, and some scholarships may have specific requirements or deadlines.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children's Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University equips students with a diverse skill set and knowledge base that opens up numerous rewarding career opportunities in various fields related to children, youth, and family services.
Youth Worker: Graduates can pursue careers as youth workers, providing support, guidance, and resources to young people in various settings such as community centers, schools, youth shelters, or non-profit organizations. Youth workers may develop and facilitate programs and activities to promote positive youth development, address social issues, and build life skills among young people.
Child and Youth Advocate: Graduates can work as child and youth advocates, advocating for the rights and well-being of children and youth in various contexts such as legal proceedings, child welfare systems, or policy development. Child and youth advocates may provide support and representation to children and families involved in the child welfare system, advocate for policy changes to improve services and protections for young people, and raise awareness about issues affecting children and youth in society.
Family Support Worker: Graduates can pursue careers as family support workers, providing assistance and resources to families facing challenges such as poverty, housing instability, substance abuse, or mental health issues. Family support workers may provide counseling, case management, and referrals to community resources to help families navigate crises, strengthen family relationships, and access needed support services.
Early Childhood Educator: Graduates can work as early childhood educators, providing care and education to young children in settings such as daycare centers, preschools, or early intervention programs. Early childhood educators plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities, promote social and cognitive skills development, and support children's overall growth and well-being during their formative years.
School Counselor: Graduates can pursue careers as school counselors, providing academic, social, and emotional support to students in elementary, middle, or high schools. School counselors may provide individual or group counseling, conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and community resources to address students' needs and promote academic success and well-being.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Graduates can work as community outreach coordinators, developing and implementing programs and services to meet the needs of children, youth, and families in the community. Community outreach coordinators may collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders to identify needs, plan initiatives, and engage with diverse populations to address social issues and promote community well-being.
Program Coordinator: Graduates can pursue careers as program coordinators, overseeing programs and services for children, youth, and families in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or educational institutions. Program coordinators may be responsible for program planning, budgeting, staffing, and evaluation, ensuring that programs meet the needs of their target populations and align with organizational goals and objectives.
Research Assistant: Graduates can work as research assistants, supporting research projects and initiatives related to children, youth, and family studies in academic institutions, research centers, or non-profit organizations. Research assistants may assist with literature reviews, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and grant writing activities, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and evidence-based practices in the field.
