Child and Youth Development – Online Microcredential

Help children and teens meet their full potential

Today's youth face many challenges and opportunities influenced by technological advancements, cultural shifts and global interconnectedness. By understanding and supporting their diverse needs and experiences, you can help foster resilience, inclusivity, and positive outcomes for the next generation.

When you earn a microcredential in child and youth development online from Oregon State University, you'll gain a broad understanding of human development from infancy to adolescence — including the physical, psychological and sociocultural factors that influence a person’s development.

Coursework

Required courses (11 credits)

• HDFS 311 – Infant and Child Development (4)
• HDFS 313 – Adolescent Development (4)
• HDFS 431 Family, School, and Community Collaboration (3)

Skills

The in-demand skills you’ll develop as a student in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

• Developmentally appropriate practices
• Collaborative strategies in child and youth development
• Critical thinking for understanding youth

Start working toward a degree in human development and family sciences

Once you complete a microcredential in child and youth development, you can apply the 11 credits you earn directly toward Oregon State’s online bachelor’s degree in human development and family sciences.

If you plan to apply these credits toward a full degree, we encourage you to first contact the program to learn about the degree requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.