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The coaching minor provides theoretical and practical knowledge and experiences in preparation for coaching youth, adolescents, and/or adults in sport and physical activity contexts. Principles of coaching, the care and prevention of injury, the psychosocial aspects of sport participation, fitness and health-related training principles, and sport specific coaching methods provide a foundation for coaching career or other related opportunities.

School of Teaching and Learning

What You'll Learn

Upon completion of the program, students will:

1. 1. Develop skills in the prevention/care of athletic injuries.
2. 2. Be able to articulate a coaching philosophy and apply the discipline’s code of ethics.
3. 3. Be able to analyze problems in the coaching field and develop solutions for those problems.
4. 4. Be able to use multiple modalities to communicate effectively
5. 5. Be able to synthesize information to develop understanding of the importance of sport in society.
6. 6. Be able to design and implement effective, safe, and successful practice and competitive experiences for athletes.
7. 7. Plan and implement a full coaching plan for a team or individual sport over the duration of a full sport season.

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Degree Options

Minor in Coaching Minor

School

College of Education and Allied Professions

Location

Main campus, Online

Length

Total Credit Hours: 18

More About Our Minor in Coaching

The coaching minor provides theoretical and practical knowledge and experiences in preparation for coaching youth, adolescents, and/or adults in sport and physical activity contexts. Principles of coaching, the care and prevention of injury, the psychosocial aspects of sport participation, fitness and health-related training principles, and sport specific coaching methods provide a foundation for coaching career or other related opportunities.

A Blend of Theory and Practice

Gain the essential knowledge and hands-on experience needed to coach youth, adolescents, or adults in a variety of sports and physical activity settings.

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A Blend of Theory and Practice

Foundations of Coaching

Explore core topics such as coaching principles, athlete injury care and prevention, sports psychology, and health-related fitness principles—forming a solid base for a coaching career.

Applied Learning

Classroom theory is paired with practical, real-world experiences to help you develop effective coaching philosophies, ethical standards, and best practices in athletic environments.

Career Preparation

Open the door to opportunities in sports coaching, athletic administration, and other related fields with comprehensive preparation for real-world challenges and responsibilities.

What You Will Achieve

Students completing the coaching minor will acquire vital skills and proficiencies for success as a coach in sport and athletic environments.

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What You Will Achieve

Injury Prevention and Care

Develop the skills to prevent and manage common athletic injuries, ensuring athlete safety in training and competition.

Coaching Philosophy and Ethics

Learn to articulate your unique coaching philosophy, apply ethical principles, and solve coaching-related problems using critical thinking strategies.

Communication and Leadership

Gain the ability to communicate effectively across various modalities, synthesize information about sport’s role in society, and design and lead safe, successful athletic programs.

Minor Curriculum: Courses and Credit Hours

The coaching minor requires a total of 18 credit hours, structured for both comprehensive knowledge and specialized skill in coaching methods.

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Minor Curriculum: Courses and Credit Hours

Required Core Courses (14 Hours)
Complete courses in theory and practice of strength & conditioning, care and prevention of injuries, principles of athletic coaching, psychological aspects of physical activity, and performance testing & prescription.

Coaching Strategies and Techniques (4 Hours)
Choose two sport-specific coaching courses or a practicum in areas such as baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, or a supervised coaching experience.

Plan and Implementation
You will finish the program able to design and implement effective practices and full-season training plans for teams or individual sports.

Total Credit Hours: 18

Theoretical Foundation: 14 Hours
Take the following required courses:
PE 315 Theory & Practice of Strength & Conditioning for Coaches (2)
HPE 240 – Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (3)
PE 267 – Principles of Athletic Coaching (3)
HPE 375 – Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity (3)
HPE 320 Performance Testing & Prescription (3)

Coaching Strategies and Techniques: 4 Hours
Select two courses:
PE 300 – Coaching Baseball (2)
PE 301 – Coaching Basketball (2)
PE 302 – Coaching Football (2)
PE 303 – Coaching Golf (2)
PE 304 – Coaching Soccer (2)
PE 306 – Coaching Softball (2)
PE 307 – Coaching Tennis (2)
PE 308 – Coaching Track and Field (2)
PE 309 – Coaching Volleyball (2)
PE 483 – Coaching Practicum (2)

More About Our More About Our Minor in Coaching

The deadline for the Fall 2025 term is August 1st.

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Get In Touch

Dr. Amy Stringer

Health & Physical Education Program Coordinator

School of Teaching & Learning

astringer@wcu.edu

828.227.3720

Contact Information

100 Reid Building
Cullowhee, NC 28723

828.227.7108