Coaching Minor

15 hours plus pre-requisites

Available for education or other majors at Maryville University.

The general goal of the Minor in Coaching at Maryville University is to provide a foundation for working with school and/or youth teams. This is accomplished by providing a planned and integrated series of coaching and related courses capped with an internship experience. The intended student population includes: students declaring a Coaching Minor; students interested in acquiring skills to work with youth sports teams, students in teaching licensure programs planning to coach school sports; and students seeking to develop a foundation for future coaching opportunities.

Program Features

The minor in coaching includes two coaching-specific courses (EDUC 250 and 355), a biology course in exercise physiology (with pre-requisites of a 2-semester sequence of anatomy and physiology), and a sport psychology course (with pre-requisite of general psychology). The minor concludes with a coaching practicum that requires 90 hours of active participation in coaching under the guidance and supervision of an approved coach. Students may focus on one sport or a combination of sports, and on high school, university, or youth sports.

Course Requirements

I. Pre-Requisites (may be taken as part of General Education requirements)

  • PSYC 101 General Psychology (3)
  • BIOL 101/101L Anatomy & Physiology I or BIOL 117/117L General Biology I (4)
  • BIOL 102/102L Anatomy & Physiology II or BIOL 118/118L General Biology II (4)

II. Minor in Coaching

  • EDUC 250 Intro to Prevention and Care of Injuries (3) (recommend some A&P beforehand)
  • BIOL 220 Exercise Physiology (3) (pre-requisite A&P I&II)
  • PSYC 460 Sport Psychology (3) (pre-requisite Gen Psych)
  • EDUC 355 Theory and Practice in Coaching (3)
  • EDUC 359 Coaching Practicum (3) (pre-requisite EDUC 250 & 355)

Program Goals and Competencies

Upon completion of the Coaching Minor, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss and appropriately apply their knowledge of athletic injury prevention.
  2. Receive the American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Cards (or the equivalent).
  3. Understand the psychological foundations of sports and assist athletes in establishing and achieving realistic personal goals.
  4. Analyze acute physiological responses to exercise and the adaptations that occur with organized exercise training.
  5. Articulate their own philosophy of coaching.
  6. Discuss the role of coaching in society.
  7. Identify basic elements of effective communication when interacting with a diverse community of athletes, coaches, parents, and others.
  8. Discuss and apply relevant principles and procedures for effective organization and management.
  9. Articulate basic legal liability and risk management issues in coaching.

Degree Offerings and Requirements

Coaching Minor


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