Coaching Minor

The Coaching Minor is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that will enable them to coach effectively and safely in school, community-youth, and adult sports programs. Enrollment in the minor is available to all undergraduates.

The educational objectives of the coaching minor are for students to acquire:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the growth and development of athletes,
  • Knowledge and understanding of the medical, legal, psychological, social, biological, physical, theoretical, and technical aspects of coaching, and
  • A practical coaching experience.

Students wishing to add the Coaching Minor should discuss their intentions with their major academic advisor. Completion of the minor will appear on the student’s transcript.

If students are unable to complete the minor or do not have time to add it before graduating, the Department of Kinesiology’s Youth Sports Institute offers an online Sport Coaching and Leadership Graduate Certificate, as well as a Master of Science degree in Sport Coaching/Leadership.

TO ADD THE MINOR and ensure it appears on the transcript, students must complete the Addition of Coaching Minor form no later than the semester BEFORE graduation. Required course work does not have to be completed prior to adding the minor to the academic record.

Once completed forms are approved, the minor will be posted to the student record. Students can check StuInfo to verify addition of the minor code. An advising appointment is not necessary. For questions, email Justin Wolfe, Undergraduate Kinesiology Advisor.

1. All of the following – 23 credits

Course NumberTitleCredits
KIN 210Principles of Exercise Physiology3
KIN 220Principles of Sports Medicine3
KIN 216 or ANTR 350Applied Human Anatomy or Human Gross Anatomy3
*KIN 345Sport & Exercise Psychology 3
*KIN 360Physical Growth & Motor Development3
KIN 400Principles of Coaching I                                     4
KIN 401Principles of Coaching II  4
*Non KIN majors will need an override for KIN 345 and KIN 360 – please contact Justin Wolfe at wolfejus@msu.edu for override

2. One of the following courses – 2 credits

Course NumberTitleCreduts
KIN 300ACoaching Baseball2
KIN 300CCoaching Soccer2
KIN 300DCoaching Basketball2
KIN 300ECoaching Football2
KIN 402Coaching for Strength & Conditioning2
KIN 490Independent Study – Content must focus on coaching2
KIN 494Fieldwork – Experience must focus on coaching2

3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certification

These two certifications must be earned through a reputable source for CPR and First Aid training. Certification must be current at the time of graduation.

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR MINOR COMPLETION:                                              25