Program Information

(15 credits)

The minor in YMCA Professional Studies is an interdisciplinary theoretical and skill-based program that prepares students for careers in the YMCA and other community-based organizations. Students who complete the required 15 credits in this program as a complement to their major will be positioned to enter the YMCA Movement as a career professional. 

Focused on strengthening communities through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility, the YMCA is committed to creating positive social change. As one of the country’s largest non-profit organizations, there are 2700 Ys across the United States. Beyond that, the global Y Movement presents a vast array of opportunities for leadership and service with Y presence in 120 countries around the world. Universally, the Y responds to the unique needs of communities by addressing disparities in education and youth work, health and wellness, and social services, by delivering on their mission to offer programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Based on the breadth and depth of the YMCA Movement, there are a wide range of career pathways within the organization, including but not limited to, advocacy/public policy, arts/humanities, community development, early childhood education, physical education, health and wellness (i.e. community integrated health, nutrition, chronic disease prevention, fitness, health promotion, etc.), social services, non-profit business management (i.e. human resources, finance/accounting, marketing/communications, management/leadership, technology, and fundraising/development), sport and recreation management, outdoor education/camping, and youth development.

To view a minor program sequence to assist with course planning, click here.

Contact Information

Core requirements: (9 credits)

• SOCI 133 - The YMCA Past, Present, and Future Credits: 3
• SOCI 341 - Group Work Credits: 3
• SOCI 433 - YMCA Management Credits: 3

Required Selectives (6 credits)

Choose two courses (6 credits) from the following:

• AEXS 101 - Introduction to Applied Exercise Science Credits: 3
• AEXS 401 - Management of Health/Fitness Programs Credits: 3
• BUSM 215 - Principles of Management Credits: 3
• BUSM 221 - Principles of Marketing Credits: 3
• BUSM 305 - Managerial Supervision Credits: 3
• BUSM 317 - Fund Development for Non Profits Credits: 3
• BUSM 347 - Marketing Research Credits: 3
• BUSM 350 - Marketing for Non-Profit Organizations Credits: 3
• BUSM 372 - Services Business Managing and Marketing Credits: 3
• BUSM 377 - Social Media Marketing Credits: 3
• BUSM 379 - Human Resource Management Credits: 3
• SMRT 360 - Supervisor Management for Recreation Services Credits: 3
• SMRT 365 - Venue and Personnel Management Credits: 3
• EDUC 237 - Foundations of Multicultural Education Credits: 3
• EDUC 250 - Childhood and Adolescent Development in Educational Settings Credits: 3
• PUBH 130 - Introduction to Public Health Credits: 3
• HSCI 260 - Human Disease and Chronic Illness Credits: 3
• PUBH 410 - Health and Health Care Disparities Credits: 3
• HSCI 411 - Cultural Competency for Health Professionals Credits: 3
• PUBH 470 - Global Health Credits: 3
• MOST 105 - Lifespan Motor Development Credits: 3
• MOST 224 - Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition Credits: 3
• MOST 230 - Land Based Outdoor Skills and Teaching Methods Credits: 3
• NUSC 261 - Introduction to Nutrition Credits: 3
• PHED 102 - Instructional Strategies in Physical Education Credits: 3
• PHED 231 - Challenge Course Facilitator Credits: 3
• PHED 308 - Adapted Physical Education Programming Credits: 3
• PHED 330 - Coaching Youth Sports Credits: 3
• PSYC 250 - Childhood and Adolescent Development Credits: 3
• PSYC 330 - Human Relations in Organizations Credits: 3
• PSYC 340 - Child Development Credits: 3
• PSYC 406 - Psychology of Diversity Credits: 3
• RHDS 230 - Psychology of Disability and Illness Credits: 3
• SMRT 116 - Event Management and Promotions Credits: 3
• SMRT 120 - Recreation Program Planning in Modern Society Credits: 3
• SMRT 278 - Customer Hospitality Credits: 3
• SMRT 280 - Community Recreation Credits: 3
• SMRT 340 - Managing Client Services and Sales Credits: 3
• SMRT 350 - Marketing and Public Relations for Sport and Recreation Management Credits: 3
• SOCI 210 - Social Problems Credits: 3
• SOCI 220 - Families in Society Credits: 3
• SOCI 240 - Global Social Issues Credits: 3
• SOCI 250 - Youth in Society Credits: 3
• SOCI 322 - Racial and Ethnic Relations Credits: 3