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Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) - Youth Services
Youth Services Concentration
Is a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) right for me?
UCM’s BAS degree is designed for students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) at the community college level. If you do not have an AAS degree but are interested in youth services, consider exploring UCM’s related programs.
Are you passionate about helping children and adolescents thrive? If you hold an AAS in juvenile services, early childhood education, behavioral health, human services or a related field, the University of Central Missouri’s BAS in Youth Services is designed for you.
Delivered entirely through flexible online learning, this program allows you to transfer your technical credits so you can graduate faster. You’ll explore youth behavior, juvenile justice policies and the organizations that support children and families.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) - Youth Services, BAS at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Applied Science (AAS Required) | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Online
Admission Requirements: Completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree
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Dr. Scott Chenault Erica Spurgeon |
What you’ll learn in the Youth Services program
UCM’s BAS in Youth Services prepares you to understand the individual, social and systemic factors that affect children and adolescents. Our comprehensive online curriculum combines flexible asynchronous coursework with perspectives from criminal justice, criminology and psychological science.
Through our specialized courses, you will study:
- Youth Behavior and Decision-Making: Examine the psychological and social factors that influence youth behavior and involvement in service systems.
- Juvenile Justice Systems: Learn how juvenile justice agencies, policies and professionals respond to the needs of young people.
- Youth Policy and Advocacy: Evaluate past and current juvenile justice policies and consider solutions to challenges affecting youth and families.
- Psychology and the Law: Explore how psychological principles intersect with legal systems, policies and professional practices.
Youth Services (BS14): 15 Semester Hours
Select 6 Hours from the Following:
Unique learning opportunities in Youth Services
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Study youth services through the combined perspectives of criminal justice, criminology and psychological science.
- Internships and Independent Study: Pursue individualized learning opportunities that connect your coursework with professional settings and current issues.
- Juvenile Justice Association: Tour youth facilities, connect with professionals and develop career-relevant skills through interactive workshops.
- Psychology Club: Learn about internships, careers and areas of psychological science through speakers, presentations and student activities.
Fast facts about Youth Services, BAS
- 100% Online Flexibility: Balance your education with work and other responsibilities through asynchronous online coursework.
- Nationally Recognized Transfer Support: Named to the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, UCM makes it easy to apply your AAS technical credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
- Service-Oriented Curriculum: Prepare to work with children, adolescents and families in community, educational and justice-related settings.
- Career-Focused Education: Develop knowledge relevant to casework, client care, juvenile justice and youth support.
Talk to an Admissions Representative
Financial aid and scholarships for Youth Services, BAS
As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid counselor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education. The University of Central Missouri offers general university awards, grants, loans and work-study opportunities.
You can also use the UCM Scholarship Finder to search for additional awards for which you may qualify. UCM staff can help you explore financial aid options and potential employer tuition reimbursement programs
The next steps to earning a BAS in Youth Services are yours:
① Request information about UCM’s Youth Services, BAS.
Career opportunities and outcomes for Youth Services, BAS
A BAS degree in Youth Services from UCM prepares you to support children, adolescents and families in a variety of professional settings. Whether you already work with young people or want to enter a service-oriented profession, this degree can help you understand youth behavior and develop practical skills for working with individuals, families and organizations.
Graduates may pursue opportunities with juvenile justice agencies, child welfare organizations, treatment programs, residential facilities, schools and community service providers.
Possible bachelor’s degree jobs and career paths include:
- Child protective services caseworker
- Juvenile officer, in-home specialist or detention specialist
- Residential care specialist
- Alternative education assistant
- Court-appointed special advocate
- Parent education, family services or adoption support roles
Some positions may require additional education, certification, licensure or employer-specific training.
Apply to the Youth Services, BAS Program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Related Options
Frequently Asked Questions
You will study youth behavior, juvenile justice systems, public policy and the relationship between psychology and the law. The curriculum will help you understand the personal and systemic factors that influence young people’s experiences.
The program is delivered entirely online through asynchronous coursework, allowing you to complete your work when it fits your schedule. You will examine professional issues and situations through readings, discussions, case studies and applied assignments.
