Course Overview!

The Bachelor of Arts in Community, Youth, and Education Studies (CYES) at Clark University is a four-year program designed to equip students with a strong foundation in youth development, urban studies, and education. The program emphasizes social justice and preparing students to become effective agents of change within their communities. Students will examine systemic inequalities within educational systems and community programs and develop practical skills to address these issues. The program blends theoretical coursework with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, requiring students to engage in community-based action research and develop a digital portfolio showcasing their work. Students learn to analyze social, cultural, and political inequities, conduct action research, and collaborate effectively to achieve positive change. The program also includes opportunities for internships, study abroad, participation in student organizations, and presentations at ClarkFEST. The curriculum is designed to create not only career-ready graduates, but also agents of future transformation.

Course Structure

The CYES major requires eleven courses, drawing from departments of education, history, international development, community, environment, and sociology. The curriculum is structured around three gateways: program entrance, advancement to candidacy, and a final praxis project and portfolio defense. There is one foundation course, three theory courses, one action research methods course, three electives and three praxis courses supporting the project and portfolio. The curriculum emphasizes critical interrogation of the social world, reflexive examination of social location, and active engagement in social change. Students build a portfolio of their work, which serves as a digital resume. The program also incorporates a senior thesis and portfolio within the praxis courses, culminating in a final assessment of pass/fail or pass with honors.