Youth and Children’s Studies (BA)

This four-year Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children's Studies is delivered in person on Wilfrid Laurier University's Brantford campus, with September, January, and May intakes. The program examines childhood and adolescent development, well-being, and the social issues affecting young people, combining theoretical frameworks with practical experience. Community Service-Learning placements integrate hands-on community work with coursework, and students can pursue research through the Child and Adolescent Research and Education lab or publish undergraduate work in the Bridges journal. Core courses include an introduction to studying youth and children, foundations for community engagement, and introductory psychology, with upper-year options covering children's rights, adoption, youth and sexuality, and Indigenous children and families. A direct pathway via a Teaching Minor to the Bachelor of Education program is available, along with combined-major options in Women and Gender Studies, Communication Studies, or Human Rights. Graduates pursue roles such as autism therapist, child and youth worker, children's advocate, guidance counsellor, non-profit program manager, psychologist, teacher, and youth parole officer.