High school coach in basketball practice
  • Program Type
    Major
  • Degrees Offered
    B.A., B.S.
  • School
    Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Master the skills you need in athletics to serve and engage people from every walk of life — athletes, fellow coaches, administration, and members of the community.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll explore the most current psychological and motivational strategies in coaching. Students also engage in classroom and experiential learning in areas including, injury prevention and safety, physical conditioning activities, human growth and development, teaching and coaching methods, and organization and administration of athletic programs.
 

Stand Out

Set yourself apart from the competition as the demand for coaching professionals with a bachelor’s degree rises.

Master the Skills You Need to Succeed

Demonstrate a broad range of applied subject knowledge and best practices, including coaching methods, motivational techniques, character building, and physical conditioning.

Expand Your Career Options

When you graduate, you’ll be equipped to pursue a career in coaching, athletic administration, sports programming, or administration of youth, school, or community-based sports programs.

Become an Educator

For those interested in teaching, you can combine your major with the physical education degree in preparation for getting your teaching license. 

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for coaches will increase by 12% from 2019 to 2029, more than double the average for all occupations. Increased participation in sports programs may boost demand for these positions even higher.

Career Paths

  • Athletic Director
  • College Coach
  • High School Coach
  • Youth Sports Administrator 
  • Community Center Director 
  • Sports Activity Supervisor 

Featured Faculty

Wade Kooiman, EdD

Director of Physical Education, Coaching, and Sport Studies Programs, Director of MEd in Physical Education & Athletic Administration, Director of Education Program Assessment

I am an Assistant Professor of Physical Education at the University of Mary. I serve the University as Program Director of the Physical Education Teacher Prep Program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and was previously the Director of the Emerging Leaders Academy.

Take Your Next Step in Coaching & Sports Studies