What you will study
Coaching minors at the University of Central Missouri receive training in all of the
essential areas of the field. You’ll study the latest standards of coaching in school
sports programs, along with the responsibilities, philosophies and practical coaching
tactics that these positions demand.
As a UCM Coaching minor, you may take classes such as:
- Functional Anatomy: Study the structure of the human body, with a focus on the skeletal and muscular systems.
- Fundamental Techniques in Coaching: Learn about the standards, responsibilities, philosophy and issues in coaching.
- Care and Prevention of Injuries: Understand the best practices for helping athletes prevent and care for injuries that
occur during training and sporting events.
Excellence in Education
- Top 15: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in coaching
The best way to learn coaching techniques is through hands-on activities — that’s
why UCM Coaching minors complete in-depth studies on a sport of their choice with
the guidance of a faculty member:
- School sports: You’ll have many opportunities to observe seasoned professionals in action and try
your hand at coaching a team in an actual school setting.
- Sports analysis: Complete an individualized project to enhance your understanding of practical coaching
techniques and conduct an in-depth analysis of coaching philosophies in practice.
- Practicum: Coaching minors complete at least 100 hours of practical experience at an approved
location. You’ll conduct thorough observations of sport coaches during athletic practices
and events. You’ll also get the chance to work on your own coaching skills by leading
sports teams during training and official competitive events.
What can you do with a minor in Coaching from UCM?
The University of Central Missouri’s Coaching minor ensures that you’re ready for
a coaching position in a variety of sport settings, from interscholastic settings
to recreational and competitive athletic organizations.
Depending on your state or school district of employment, you might be able to secure
a coaching position without also holding a position as a teacher in the school. In
some states, you must be a teacher in order to become a school coach.
This minor adds excellent career skills to enhance a teaching credential or add extra
value to any number of degree programs. According to the California Association for
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 85% of superintendents would give
preference to hiring a teacher with a minor in coaching.
What’s after a minor in Coaching?
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about coaching salaries, job outlooks
and career possibilities for graduates with a minor in Coaching from UCM.
Financial assistance options for your Coaching minor
The University of Central Missouri provides its students with a wide range of financial
aid opportunities. At UCM, 94% of our undergraduates receive some form of aid.
Our advisors will help you choose from scholarships, loans, grants and work-study
programs to help you finance your education. We’ll make sure your UCM education is attainable by providing you with an affordable
path to graduation.
UCM offers many school-wide scholarships for incoming freshmen, out-of-state students,
transfer students and continuing students. Learn more about what scholarships you
may qualify for by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Dr. Brandy Lynch
Program coordinator, associate professor of Physical Education
Dr. Lynch has a wealth of coaching experience across multiple sports in a variety
of secondary settings. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and
holds a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Sport Pedagogy. Students
benefit from her vast knowledge of athletics, strength training and conditioning for
multiple sports.
Meet Dr. Kenneth Bias
Professor, Physical Education
Dr. Bias holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physical Education in addition to
an Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership from Northcentral University. Coaching minors will
benefit from his years of teaching experience in the public school system and his
research on pedagogy and sports education.
leftright
