Program Description

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.

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

I. Minor Requirements (15 credits)