Certificate in Coaching
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 and 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 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 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 diverse 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 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
Real-World Applications
The certificate 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 sports science, psychology, and management trends 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 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 participants 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 coaches face.
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
The Certificate in Coaching requires completing 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, including 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 using 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.
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 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 community center sports and recreation activities, designing programs promoting 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.
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 enhance career prospects and deepen industry knowledge, enabling students to develop a well-rounded foundation for success in the field.
Students can find coaching positions in secondary schools, community recreation programs, and private sports clubs.
Our alumni are employed nationwide in various educational institutions, recreational facilities, and sports organizations.
The Certificate in Coaching aims to develop emergency response skills, injury prevention techniques, coaching philosophies, officiating abilities, and sport-specific coaching strategies.
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 at FHSU offers specialized, in-demand degree programs that combine innovative, hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art facilities. Supported by a dedicated faculty and staff, students are encouraged to address community needs and make a meaningful impact beyond the campus.
The department is committed to preparing students for fulfilling and rewarding careers that align with their personal and professional goals. Emphasizing practical learning experiences, flexible academic options, and close mentorship from experienced faculty, the programs equip students to succeed in diverse, high-growth fields such as professional sports, healthcare, and more. By joining this community, students become part of a network of accomplished alumni and embark on a career path that fosters both personal satisfaction and professional achievement.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities. For more information about the following student organizations, please contact the Department of Health and Human Performance.
- 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 active involvement in campus, community, and professional activities, members develop valuable leadership skills and enhance their professional growth.
- HHP Majors Club: The HHP Majors Club offers students an excellent opportunity to stay engaged in departmental activities, connect with classmates, and take part in university events. The club fosters a strong sense of community within the Department of Health and Human Performance while encouraging involvement and collaboration among students.
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes provides students with the opportunity to integrate their faith with a passion for athletics. This organization sponsors the national annual event Fields of Faith, where FHSU students worship and serve alongside members of the Hays community. FCA welcomes all students interested in Christianity, regardless of their involvement in FHSU athletics.
- Pre-Professional Healthcare Club: The FHSU Pre-Physical Therapy Club fosters a sense of community among students pursuing careers in fields such as Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Physician Assistant, and Pre-Chiropractic. The club supports professional development by offering resources and activities designed to strengthen students’ applications for graduate healthcare programs and future careers. Membership is open to any FHSU student interested in entering a professional healthcare or related field.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
