Master of Arts program in Child and Youth Study in Canada at MSVU Canada

Program Overview for Master of Arts program in Child and Youth Study in Canada:

Our Master of Arts in Child and Youth Studies program will help you understand the issues affecting children and youth in our region, Canada, and worldwide. In this thesis-based course, you will conduct focused and relevant original research in the fields of early intervention, child and youth development, social justice, race, and ethnic relations, child and youth health and well-being, and games. 

Professional Skills for the Study of Children and Youth 

This program will help you become a leader, researcher, or educator in the field. Our master's program builds on the knowledge and skills you develop through undergraduate education and practical experience. In course work and thesis research, you will delve into the theories that support the practice of professionals working in childhood and adolescence. 

Please note: Graduates of the MA (CYS) program will not automatically qualify for the Nova Scotia Childcare Worker Classification. 

In the MA (Child and Youth Research) program, you will investigate issues affecting children and youth and their caregivers, educators, and many other professionals who work with them. Each student works with a faculty member to develop original thesis topics, research, and write a thesis. Recent student research has focused on children’s equine therapy experience, cultural sensitivity, and early intervention, including people with disabilities in religious communities. 

Flexible Learning Environment 

Whether you are working, studying full time, or balancing your family's needs, career, and education, we are ready to help you succeed. At Mount, we are committed to providing our students with flexible and easy-to-use learning options. Most of our courses are offered in the evening. We welcome full-time and part-time students.

Your career 

The Master of Childhood and Youth Studies will help you become a leader in your field, conduct a day of research affecting the way children work and young people, and teach the field New Professionals. Graduates of our master's program work in baby centers, youth care, community services, special needs coordination, preschool outreach, early intervention, and academics and lecturers in colleges and universities.

The eligibility for Master of Arts program in Child and Youth Study in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

Students will normally have completed a four-year undergraduate degree with a minimum of a B average (GPA of 3.0), preferably in a social science area (e.g., early childhood; child and youth study; psychology; education; social work; family studies; sociology).

Credit for the following undergraduate courses is required of applicants:

•      statistics
•      research methods
•     human developmental psychology in areas of childhood and/or adolescence.

Where there are deficiencies, students may be required to complete additional coursework with a minimum B grade for admission into the program.

Applicants are required to have experience in an area related to the child and youth field, such as child and youth care worker, early interventionist, early childhood educator/administrator, educational assistant, child, and youth coordinator, pre-primary educator or preprimary lead, child advocacy worker, child protection worker, youth outreach, child and youth counselor, international child development. Those without relevant experience admitted to the MA(CYS) will be required to complete GCYS 6609 in their first year; this course is not counted toward the 5.0 units required for graduation.

Applicants must submit a “Statement of Intent” essay of approximately 1500 words. This statement should outline the applicant’s knowledge about the Child and Youth Study graduate degree program and how it will help them achieve their academic and/or professional goals; their experience in child and youth study fields, and how it will be of use in their study for the MA degree; and a description of their thesis research focus of interest.

Applicants must complete the Graduate Studies Application Package available online at msvu.ca/applyonline or from the Admissions Office by February 15 for fall admission to be considered for University scholarships; however, admissions are received after this date be considered by the Department’s Graduate Committee for fall/winter admission.

These are the test eligibilities for the Master of Arts program in Child and Youth Study to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Master of Arts program in Child and Youth Study in Canada.

Both domestic and international students in thesis-based and course-based programs are eligible to receive some of our many internal scholarships.To be eligible to receive most internal scholarships, graduate students must be enrolled full-time, though some are offered to both full-time and part-time students.

• Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Graduate Scholarships
• Harvella Endowed Scholarship
• Graduate Women’s Studies Scholarship
• Graduate Entrance Scholarships
• Graduate Students Research Assistantships
• Academic Employment
• Teaching Assistantships