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College of Applied Human Sciences: School of Counseling and Well-being

Youth and Family Sciences, BS

This major is designed for students who are interested in adolescents and families. Students complete coursework related to family issues, family interaction, human growth and development, human sexuality and youth and family concerns.

The Youth and Family Sciences major is best suited for students interested in working with older children, adolescents and/or families in youth development or family development programs in community agencies.

All students are required to complete field experiences at agencies focused on youth and families.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Looking for a career helping adolescents and families? This major prepares you for work in community agencies. Add a minor to customize your plan of study.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors or probation officers.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $77,030

Possible job titles include: Program Director, Program Manager, Social Services Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator.

Explore Career

Meet Your Community

The Youth and Family Sciences family will inspire and support you.

  • Professional portrait of Dr. Jonathon Beckmeyer.

    Jonathon Beckmeyer

    Professional highlights:

    • Outstanding Researcher, College of Education and Human Services, 2022

  • Kimberly Floyd

    Professional highlights:

    • Kim and Kasey Floyd Social Justice Award, 2023
    • WVU Faculty Digital Learning Award, 2021
    • American Council on Rural Special Education Eagle Award, 2020
    • Outstanding Teacher Award, College of Applied Human Sciences, 2010 and 2013
  • Portrait of Amy Kennedy Root.

    Amy Kennedy Root

    Professional highlights:

    • WVU Office of the Provost Most Valuable Player Award for Campus Health and Safety, 2020
    • Research interests: determinants of parenting, emotion socialization, impact of home visitation programs, children’s emotional development
  • Jessica Troilo

    Jessica Troilo

    Professional highlights:

    • Co-authored over 30 book chapters and journal articles and delivered over 60 presentations on family processes
    • Co-creator and trainer of a professional development program offered across West Virginia to support professionals impacted by addiction
    • Expert blogger, Psychology Today since 2017

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Youth and Family Sciences major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Youth and Family Sciences at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Youth and Family Sciences major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Youth and Family Sciences at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

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Apply

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.

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