Celebrating graduation at NC State University.

YFCS Graduate Programs

Creating Leaders Who Support Youth and Families

I still contact my YFCS professors when I need professional guidance.

YFCS Grad Shonette Lewis

Shonette Lewis, Master’s in Family Life and Youth Development, 2011

Demand is high for qualified professionals to teach, administer and create educational programs and support systems for children, youth and families in North Carolina and beyond. Our graduate programs prepare and strengthen current and future professionals to work with youth and families in community-based settings.

You can earn a master’s degree in Youth, Family and Community Sciences, or one of three graduate certificates:

  • Family Life Education and Coaching
  • Leadership and Volunteer Management
  • Youth Development and Leadership

Female Distance Ed Student sitting on steps.

Earn Your Degree on Your Time

Not local? Not a problem. Our graduate degree programs and graduate certificates are 100% online. And students can apply year-round.

All of our classes have an online course room where you turn in assignments, find readings and watch videos. We also have a web conferencing technology called Blackboard Collaborate that allows students to long on in real time to have discussions and attend course lectures with the instructors.

Our Programs

Master of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences (M.R.)

This non-thesis program requires 30 graduate credit hours culminating in a capstone experience in the student’s final semester. This option is ideal for students who desire a master’s degree as their final degree.

Learn More and Apply

Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate is for students and professionals seeking new or expanded learning in a specific concentration area of Family Life and Youth Development. Coursework is transferable into our master’s degree programs.

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Master of Science in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences (M.S.)

This distance-based thesis degree requires 36 graduate credit hours culminating in a final oral examination and thesis. This option is ideal for students interested in pursuing a doctoral program, or research and program evaluation.

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Add a CFLE Certification to Your Degree

In 2014, the National Council on Family Relations approved the YFCS graduate program as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) program. With careful course selection, you can achieve certification as a Certified Family Life Educator. (CFLE).

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Guidance for Graduate Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about YFCS graduate programs? Find answers to all your common questions -- from courses to costs to deadlines.

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Plans of Work

It’s easy to stay on track in your graduate program. Review the M.S. and M.R. Plans of Work for more information.

View the YFCS Graduate Handbook

Contact

After reviewing the FAQ, if you still have questions, contact Dr. Kimberly Allen, director of graduate programs.

Contact the Director

Careers

A degree or certificate in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences prepares you for a purposeful and meaningful career.

Pursue Your Passion

How to Apply

We are on rolling admissions. View the application requirements for a YFCS degree program or graduate certificate.

Join Us

Courses

View the YFCS online courses available for our programs. Unless noted, all courses are 3 credit hours.

Chart Your Path