College of Health Science and Human Service : YMCA Professional Studies Concentration

Students enrolled in the Recreation and Studies program (See program description) may also receive a concentration in YMCA Professional Studies (YPSP). The following is a list of the requirements for the YMCA Professional Studies Program (YPSP).  These expectations are mandated by the YMCA of the USA and agreed to by the University of Toledo Division of Recreation and Leisure Studies. 

Academic and Extracurricular Requirements

The YPSP program at UT is considered a specialized course of study within Recreation and Leisure Studies major. The concentration consists of 23 credits and an 8 credit internship within the Recreation and Leisure Studies major that will require interdisciplinary and applied learning in a YMCA and community contexts. In addition to the YPSP program requirements, students must meet all the requirements of the University of Toledo and the Recreation and Leisure Studies program.

As part of the recreation major and YPSP concentration students will also take courses in Recreation and Business. Several courses which require special projects and/or service learning will give students a chance to tailor their coursework to the YMCA. YMCA professionals may serve as guest speakers and be trained as field supervisors for internships.

During the course of study for the YPSP program, every student will be expected to: 

• Attend an orientation session concerning YMCA careers and study through the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department
• Complete the on-line YMCA Orientation tool
• Complete special course projects and an internship at a YMCA
• Attend at least one professional development workshop to be organized annually  by the YMCA, major advisors, and CSU Career Services 
• Attend at least one YMCA conference
• Regularly review complimentary copies of YMCA Discovery/Perspective magazine
• Complete a final portfolio of YMCA studies

The current Recreation and Leisure Studies Internship requires 480 hours for 8cr hrs. credit.  The above equivalencies combine existing course work within the Recreation and Leisure Studies program and the newly created YMCA Professional Studies Program concentration. Upon completion of the major and program,  students will receive a Bachelors of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a Concentration in YMCA Professional Studies.

Note: After completion of the college/university undergraduate YMCA Professional Studies Program, students must also have a letter of recommendation from a YMCA Executive Director and complete at least one year of full-time work at a YMCA following graduation.

For additional information contact:

Bruce W. Groves, Ed. D. YMCA Professional Studies Liaison
University of Toledo
2801 West Bancroft  M. S. 119
Toledo OH 43606-3328
Phone: (419) 530-4353
bruce.groves2@utoledo.edu