Youth Advocacy & Educational Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies (YAES) is designed for those wishing to work in the broader field of education, though not looking to obtain teacher certification.
This program will provide you with an understanding of the field of education and the complex local, regional and global challenges it faces from interdisciplinary and inter-professional perspectives.
Upon completion of this degree, you will be prepared to begin your career in educational policy and youth advocacy by serving in the following environments: government supported initiatives; faith-based organizations; a variety of nonprofit agencies; and for various foundations that advocate for the well-being of children and youth.
Earn your master’s degree in five years with the Accelerated Master’s program, giving you an advantage in the classroom.
The BS in YAES will equip you with the skills to begin a career in education-related initiatives, organizations, agencies or foundations that support the well-being of children and their families. Student experiences include both educational theory and practice in the form of internships with area partners. You will take a range of coursework including:
- Diversity in American Education
- Issues in Education Across Global & Societal Contexts
- Child and Adolescent Development
As a YAES major, you will choose two areas of specialization, taking electives in subjects such as criminal justice, sociology, business, or many other options.
In addition to traditional coursework, you will also gain extensive experience in organizations, nonprofits and agencies that serve diverse clients through internship work:
- Gain real-world experience with internships. During this time, you will intern with a local nonprofit, organization or agency, including partners like The Dallas Cowboys, Equine Connection Counseling, Catholic Charities, TCU Cares, TCU College Advising Corps, Global Ventures International and many others.
Internship Application
For more information, email coe@tcu.edu.
Internship/agency options:
- College Advising Corps (TCU placement or High School Placement)
- TCU College of Education
- TCU: Indicate other department/college
- Educational Policy or Youth Advocacy (agencies vary)
- Gladney Adoption Center
- Fort Worth Sister Cities
- Tarrant County Juvenile Justice Center: Educational Services
- Lena Pope Home
- Alliance for Children
- Global Ventures (GVI) of Northwood Church
- Arise Africa
- McKinney Church of Fort Worth (located on Hulen)
- Catholic Charities
- Fort Worth ISD: International Newcomer Academy
- Fort Worth ISD: Grant Compliance and Monitoring
- Other placement: Please indicate preferences in terms of activities you would like
to be engaged in and/or agencies you would like to gain experience with.
Step 1: Apply to TCU
The TCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions oversees the application process required for the university. A student must be accepted to TCU before applying to the College of Education (COE).
Step 2: Apply to the YAES Program
Students must apply to the program and meet admission requirements by the end of the semester.
Students looking to enroll in the the Youth Advocacy Educational Studies program will need to Apply to the YAES Program
Requirements for students who declare a major in education that does not lead to teacher certification (such as YAES) is found on the Admissions page.
Please note that all applicants must be enrolled at TCU at the time of program application.
Application Deadlines
- March 1 for fall admission (starting in August)
- October 1 for spring admission (starting in January)