YMCA Senior Director Supplemental Major

Completion of YMCA Senior Director Supplemental Major provides the student with an opportunity to earn the YMCA Senior Director Certification from the YMCA of the USA and a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration at the at the George Williams College of Aurora University. Students complete the Recreation Administration Major and selected courses in communications, psychology and recommended electives in business to meet YMCA Senior Director competencies.
These two credentials can provide strong preparation for a career in the YMCA and other social service non-profit organizations. It also gives the student an opportunity to study at one of the original YMCA Senior Director training sites in the United States.

Students must be recommended by a YMCA Senior Director to be admitted to the program. They may also qualify for financial aid and scholarships.

Required Courses:

Major Courses
Professional Core Courses (47 semester hours)

• REC1750 Practicum in Outdoor Living Skills (3)
• REC1760 Leisure & Society (3)
• REC2000 Introduction to Inclusive Leisure Services (3)
• REC2220 Recreation Leadership (3)
• REC2750 Professional Leadership Practicum (1) (YMCA Placement)
• REC3330 Recreation Programming & Supervision (3)
• REC3750 Professional Program Practicum (1)
• REC3990 Issues and Ethics in Recreation Administration (3) (Writing Intensive)
• REC4080 Leisure & Aging (3)
• REC4340 Political & Policy Implications for Recreation Administration (3)
• REC4350 Administration in Recreation & Leisure Services (3)
• REC4370 Facilities Management (3)
• REC4750 Assessment & Evaluation in Leisure Services (3)
• REC4790 Recreation Administration Internship (12) (YMCA Placement)

Support Core Courses (13 semester hours)

• IDS1600 Culture Diversity and Expression (4)
  or a course with a multi-cultural focus with approval from advisor
• PSY3250 Lifespan Development (4)
• REC2080 First Aid/CPR/AED (2) or a current Red Cross Certification card
• MTH2320 General Statistics (3)

YMCA Senior Director Certification Additional Requirements:

• REC4830 Principles and Practices of the YMCA (3)

In addition to the Recreation Administration professional core requirements listed above, students select one course from each competency listed below:

• Organizational Behavior/Human Resources
  COM3000 Organizational Communication (3)
• Communication/Outreach
  COM3510 Corporate and Professional Communications (3)
• Human Development/Learning
  PSY3250 Lifespan Development (4)

Students are also advised to take selected business courses with permission of their advisor. They must also complete George Williams College of Aurora University general education requirements. Students will complete a minimum of 120 semester hours for this degree program.