Coaching Minor

Athletic training faculty member wearing blue polo shirt in gym

Develop Your Skills with the Coaching Minor for Diverse Sporting Environments

The Coaching minor equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for success in various sporting environments. Topics covered include coaching principles, the science of physical activity, injury prevention and treatment, sport psychology, tactical game theory, and organizational administration, providing students with a solid foundation. Students in also take the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) coaching certification exam, further enhancing their credentials.

Designed to align with key domains identified by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), now part of SHAPE America, the minor emphasizes philosophy and ethics, safety, physical conditioning, growth and development, teaching and communication, sports skills and tactics, organization, and evaluation. Following , the program reflects current best practices in the field. By completion, students will be well-prepared for careers in coaching across a range of settings and activities.

To Declare a Coaching Minor

Program Highlights

  • Required courses - 18 credits
  • Acquire essential coaching principles for various sports
  • Learn about sport and exercise psychology, injury prevention, and athletic administration
  • Get ready for diverse coaching opportunities in multiple settings

Course Requirements

Program Description

Open to all majors, the Coaching Minor, offered by the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance, prepares students with the foundational knowledge and applied skills needed to become confident, ethical, and athlete-centered sport coaches in a variety of environments-from youth leagues to high school athletics and beyond.

Grounded in the National Standards for Sport Coaches (SHAPE America), the Coaching Minor emphasizes the development of the whole athlete through best practices in physical, psychological, and social growth. Students learn to:

  • Develop and enact an athlete-centered coaching philosophy that focuses on growth, inclusion, and long-term development-not just winning.
  • Use long-term athlete development models to enhance physical literacy and promote lifelong physical activity.
  • Set goals and build a unified program vision through strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making.
  • Understand and uphold rules, regulations, and ethical practices that govern sport programs while aligning with community and athlete needs.
  • Manage resources responsibly, including scheduling, budgeting, facilities, and compliance.
  • Build relationships with athletes, families, and stakeholders, using effective communication and collaboration strategies.
  • Create emotionally and physically safe sport environments, following best practices in risk management and athlete welfare.
  • Foster inclusive, positive team cultures that support all athletes and promote equitable participation.
  • Plan, conduct, and assess practices and competition, using current coaching science and sport-specific knowledge.
  • Commit to continuous professional growth through reflection, mentorship, evaluation, and care for self and others.

Whether you're majoring in physical education, psychology, sport management, or any other discipline, the Coaching Minor offers flexible, high-impact preparation for future coaches who lead with vision, values, and a lifelong commitment to athlete development.

The Coaching Minor is open to all majors.

The minor consists of 18 credits, as defined below.

Required Courses (12 credits)
Electives (6 credits)
  • Choose one:
  • Choose one:
  •  * Prerequisite for those in Sports Medicine and Human Performance: MOVP 0202 - Introduction to Motor Learning or MOVP 0203 - Motor Development and Behavior.

What Can You Do with a Coaching Minor?

A Coaching minor opens up various career opportunities in sports and fitness. Graduates may pursue careers such as:

  • Athletic Director