About Bachelor Of Child And Youth Care in MacEwan University

Many children, youth and their families experience trauma, often through abuse, neglect, or a significant loss. They may also have stressors such as mental health, addiction, education, poverty, communication or family conflict. Child and youth care practitioners work relationally with individuals and families to help them gain new insights, supports and strategies to navigate the complexities of their lives and an ever-changing world.

The Child and Youth Care program provides you with the theoretical knowledge, and critical thinking and practical skills necessary to work effectively with children, youth and families in a wide range of practice settings. Specialized child and youth care courses and courses in disciplines such as the humanities and social sciences prepare you to become a well-rounded child and youth care professional.

Already Have a Child and Youth Care Diploma?

MacEwan University may be able to transfer portions of a diploma from another post-secondary institution, helping you complete your degree faster than you think!

Degree or Diploma – Your Choice

Students entering the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program can choose to complete the four-year degree or a two-year diploma.

Study Options

Students apply to the four-year Bachelor of Child and Youth Care degree but can choose to exit with a diploma after successful completion of the first two years. All four years of the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care are offered through full time study on campus.

Required child and youth care courses in the first two years focus on topics that include human development, professional helping, diversity, mental health, family, creative interventions, and mental health. The final two years of the program further explores these foundational concepts and advanced classes in areas such as law, child and youth care practice, abuse and neglect, community, and research methods ensure students can think and reflect critically and engage with intention in their work. Students also complete three field practicums within the community that provide opportunities to blend classroom and genuine practice learning. Elective courses in other disciplines such as the humanities and social sciences broaden the student's awareness and understanding of human behavior and interdisciplinary perspectives.   

Learning Outcomes

Bachelor of Child and Youth Care Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

• Apply relational-centred, strength-based practice, drawing on the resources and capacities of children, youth, families, communities, and other team members.
• Show effective leadership, as a Child and Youth Care professional, in academic, community and practice settings.
• Demonstrate commitment to ethical practice based on respect for equality, diversity, and social justice.
• Advocate for, and encourage self-advocacy by all children, youth and families.
• Engage in ongoing learning and the dissemination of knowledge that continually advances the field of Child and Youth Care.
• Integrate theoretical frameworks that uphold effective and transformative methods of practice.
• Use innovative and creative methods of practice based on evidence-based research.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times, across all settings.
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal health and well-being.

Careers

Well-educated child and youth care professionals are in high demand, which is why 95% of MacEwan graduates find related employment within six months. Upon degree completion, graduates are well-suited for both advanced front-line child and youth care practitioners and/or supervisory positions. Students who choose the diploma exit option are fully prepared to move immediately into entry-level, front-line positions in the field.

Career opportunities for child and youth care program graduates include:

• child/youth care worker/counsellor
• family support worker
• out-of-school care worker
• case manager – child and family services
• mental health worker
• family-school liaison worker

Child and youth care program graduates find employment in a variety of settings such as:

• treatment centres
• group care
• youth centres
• mental health centres
• family support programs
• community-based programs
• foster care
• schools
• government
• hospitals
• shelters

Academic qualification equivalents

• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent in high school courses

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :       overall band score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each band.
• TOEFL    :       86 and a minimum score of 21 in each section.
• PTE         :       overall score of 59 and a minimum score of 56 in each band.

MacEwan University Highlights

MacEwan University The Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

Before deciding to study in one of the Canadian universities, one must estimate the average cost of living in Canada. Tabulated below are the expenses one needs to incur on a monthly basis to study at MacEwan University. The tuition fees for international students are based on credits. Other fees include the service fees and course specific fees which can be checked online.

Cost of transportation is covered in tuition fee as the institute provides UPass.

MacEwan University English Proficiency Test Scores