Child and Youth Studies (PhD)

Program Overview

Brock University's Child and Youth Studies PhD program fosters a transdisciplinary approach to studying children and youth. Students gain a theoretical foundation and research skills through coursework and a research-based thesis. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, social services, and child and youth advocacy. The program emphasizes the exploration of children and youth from a multifaceted perspective, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
• The Child and Youth Studies (PhD) program at Brock University fosters a distinctive transdisciplinary approach to the study of children and youth.
It encourages students to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to delve into the exploration of this subject area comprehensively. The program is part of a growing international movement promoting transdisciplinary Child and Youth Studies perspectives.
• By enrolling in this program, students will gain a solid theoretical foundation for the study of children and youth, combined with the ability to apply social science research methods through the development of a research-based thesis.
• Objectives:
• The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively study children and youth in a multifaceted and transdisciplinary manner.
• Structure:
• The program includes coursework and the completion of a research-based thesis.
• Coursework covers the theoretical and methodological foundations of Child and Youth Studies, as well as specialized topics in the field.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities:
• Graduates of the Child and Youth Studies (PhD) program at Brock University are well-prepared for a diverse range of career paths related to children and youth, including:
• Disciplinary academic positions in fields such as sociology and psychology
• Multidisciplinary academic positions at colleges and universities in various fields, including education, child and youth studies, youth care, humanities, theories of culture, histories of thought, and women's and gender studies
• Research positions requiring expertise in aspects of young people's lives and experiences
• Careers in social service agencies supporting children and youth
• Child and youth care work
• Positions in government agencies
• Child and youth advocacy, including children's rights