Certificate in Coaching

Certificate

Hours: 15 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Coaching from Fort Hays State University provides educators and aspiring coaches with essential knowledge and practical skills for success in the coaching profession. This focused academic credential integrates foundational theory with applied coursework, preparing individuals to coach effectively across various competitive levels.

Designed for those seeking coaching roles in public or private secondary schools, as well as in recreational programs, the certificate helps individuals develop the competencies necessary for professional growth. Upon completion, students earn college credit that meets the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Rule 10 coaching requirements, enhancing their qualifications for school-based coaching positions.

The curriculum covers a broad range of coaching-related topics, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to navigate the demands and responsibilities of an evolving field.

Why pursue a Certificate in Coaching at Fort Hays State University?

Pursuing the Certificate in Coaching at FHSU demonstrates a dedication to practical, experience-based learning. This certificate emphasizes real-world application by incorporating the latest developments in coaching methods and techniques, helping participants stay current within the profession.

The curriculum offers a diverse range of courses, allowing students to focus on specific sports and tailor their learning to support their unique career goals. This flexibility enhances the certificate's relevance for those seeking to build or advance a career in athletic coaching across various settings.

Who is this program for?

The certificate is designed for those who are passionate about sports and driven to lead, mentor, and inspire athletes. It provides foundational knowledge and essential skills necessary for success in the coaching field, preparing participants to make a positive impact both on and off the field.

Aspiring coaches seeking certification
Current teachers wanting to expand their credentials
Individuals passionate about youth sports
Recreation program leaders
Sports enthusiasts looking to transition into coaching

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Coaching is structured to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the coaching profession. The comprehensive curriculum covers key topics such as emergency response, injury prevention, coaching philosophies, and sport-specific strategies, preparing individuals for a variety of coaching roles.

Learning outcomes are designed to ensure a strong understanding of both the theoretical foundations of coaching and the hands-on experience necessary to apply that knowledge in real-world settings.

Develop Emergency Response Skills

Students will develop proficiency in emergency response procedures, including the use of CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), to help ensure the safety and well-being of athletes during practices and competitions.

Master Injury Prevention and Care

Students will learn to prevent, identify, and manage common sports injuries, enabling them to provide essential care and support to athletes while minimizing recovery time and reducing the risk of further injury.

Understand Coaching Philosophy

The certificate provides a strong foundation in a variety of coaching philosophies and methods, preparing participants to develop and refine their own effective coaching style.

Enhance Officiating Abilities

Participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to officiate sporting events effectively, with a clear understanding of rules, strategies, and sport-specific techniques across a range of athletic activities.

Real-World Applications

The Certificate in Coaching prepares students for the practical demands of the coaching profession through a combination of classroom instruction and applied learning experiences. Courses such as Responding to Emergencies and Care and Prevention of Exercise and Sports Injuries provide future coaches with critical skills to promote athlete safety and well-being.

Emphasizing real-time application, the certificate enables students to practice emergency response and injury prevention techniques in authentic sports settings. In addition to coursework, individuals gain valuable hands-on experience through service-learning projects, field trips, and internships. These experiential learning opportunities reinforce theoretical knowledge and prepare educators to meet the challenges of a dynamic and fast-paced coaching environment.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum integrates current research and emerging trends in sports science, psychology, and management to provide a well-rounded coaching education. Courses such as Introduction to Coaching with ASEP Certification expose students to best practices and innovative strategies, helping them stay proficient with modern coaching techniques and technologies.

FHSU emphasizes continuous learning and adaptability, equipping educators with the skills needed to remain effective in the rapidly evolving field of sports coaching. This forward-thinking approach prepares students to anticipate industry changes and adapt their coaching methods to meet shifting demands.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Coaching is grounded in experiential learning, offering participants meaningful, hands-on opportunities to develop practical skills. Through activities such as officiating intramural sports, students gain direct experience in organizing and managing athletic events. Courses like Techniques of Officiating serve as applied learning environments, allowing them to practice and refine officiating skills in real-time settings.

Beyond officiating, the certificate includes service-learning projects, field experiences, and internships that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. These experiences also provide opportunities to interact with professionals in the field and gain valuable insight into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges faced by coaches.

What You’ll Learn:

Emergency response and CPR
Injury prevention and management
Coaching philosophy and methods
Sports officiating techniques
Specific sport coaching strategies

How You’ll Learn:

Through lectures and demonstrations
Hands-on labs and field trips
Research projects and professional conferences
Internships with sports teams
Guest speakers and expert panels

Courses

The Certificate in Coaching requires the completion of 15 credit hours, covering core topics such as emergency response, injury prevention, coaching methodologies, and officiating. In addition to the required coursework, students choose two elective courses from a selection of sport-specific coaching options, which may include basketball, football, track and field, wrestling, baseball, softball, or volleyball. This structure allows them to tailor their learning to align with their specific coaching interests and career goals.

HHP 220: Responding to Emergencies

This course provides instruction and hands-on experience in standard first aid, adult, children, and infant CPR, and the use of AEDs.

HHP 290: Introduction to Coaching

This course introduces the philosophy and methods of coaching, covering topics such as sport science, sport psychology, and sport management. Completing the course may lead to certification by the American Coaching Effectiveness Program (ACEP).

HHP 380: Techniques of Officiating

This course familiarizes students with the qualifications, philosophies, principles, and techniques of sports officiating. The intramural program provides a practical laboratory experience for applying these concepts.

Discover the full Certificate in Coaching course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete this certificate are well-prepared to pursue a variety of rewarding careers within the sports and fitness industry. The certificate equips students with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to excel in diverse professional roles. Through a comprehensive curriculum, they develop the competencies needed to make a meaningful impact on athletes and the broader community.

Secondary School Coach

Secondary school coaches can lead athletic programs at public and private secondary schools, where they develop training plans, manage teams, and guide student-athletes toward success both on and off the field.

Recreation Program Coordinator

Recreation program coordinators organize and oversee sports and recreation activities at community centers, designing programs that promote fitness, teamwork, and community engagement.

Athletic Director

Athletic directors manage sports programs at educational institutions, overseeing budgeting, staffing, and ensuring compliance with athletic regulations.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers assist clients in safely achieving their fitness goals through personalized training programs.

Youth Sports Coach

Youth sports coaches can lead teams at the community level, emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and fostering a lifelong passion for the game among young athletes.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a variety of academic options related to the Certificate in Coaching, providing students with opportunities to expand their expertise in health, fitness, and sports management. These complementary offerings are designed to enhance career prospects and deepen industry knowledge, enabling students to develop a well-rounded foundation for success in the field.

FAQ

What are the job prospects with a Certificate in Coaching?

Students can find coaching positions in secondary schools, community recreation programs, and private sports clubs.

Where are your students who completed the Certificate in Coaching working?

Our alumni are employed in various educational institutions, recreational facilities, and sports organizations nationwide.

What are the certificate's learning outcomes?

The Certificate in Coaching aims to develop emergency response skills, injury prevention techniques, coaching philosophies, officiating abilities, and sport-specific coaching strategies.

What hands-on activities are offered?

Students officiate intramural sports, internships, field trips, and service-learning projects, providing practical coaching experience.

Information about the Department of Health and Human Performance

The Department of Health and Human Performance provides specialized, in-demand degrees that combine innovative, hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art facilities. You will be supported by a dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to helping you address the needs of the community and make a meaningful impact beyond the campus.

We strive to prepare you for a fulfilling and rewarding career that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Our programs emphasize practical learning experiences, offer flexible academic options, and foster close-knit mentorship from our experienced faculty. With opportunities in diverse, high-growth fields such as professional sports, healthcare, and more, you will be equipped to pursue your career aspirations. Join our network of accomplished alumni and embark on a path that leads to both personal satisfaction and professional success.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

Phi Epsilon Kappa - Delta Theta Chapter: The Delta Theta chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa, a national honor society, recognizes FHSU students pursuing careers in physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine, and sports management. Through Phi Epsilon Kappa, you will gain leadership skills by engaging in campus, community, and professional activities. To get involved, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
HHP Majors Club: The HHP Majors Club is ideal for students wanting to stay involved with departmental activities, meet classmates, and participate in university events. This club fosters a sense of community within the department. For more information, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes offers students the chance to combine their faith with their passion for athletics. This organization sponsors the national annual event, Fields of Faith, which allows FHSU students to worship and serve alongside the Hays community. All students interested in Christianity are welcome to join, regardless of their participation in FHSU athletics. To get involved, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
Pre-Professional Healthcare Club: The FHSU Pre-Physical Therapy Club is dedicated to providing meaningful experiences for students preparing for physical therapy school. This club brings together students interested in professional development to strengthen their applications for physical therapy programs and beyond. Membership is available to any FHSU student interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or related fields. For more information, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.

Coaching

Certificate

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