Undergraduate coaching classes focus on the basics of coaching that aid coaches in developing athletes' potential to the fullest. Courses explain coaching techniques and examine the psychology behind motivation. Basic sports physiology and business-management classes round out an undergraduate curriculum, teaching students the physics of movement and how to successfully manage a program. Sample course titles include introduction to sports management, principles of health and physical education, psychology of sport, kinesiology, methods of coaching and applied nutrition.
Graduate courses for coaches expand on previous knowledge. Students take higher administration courses, statistics and research classes, more psychology and legal-issues studies. Master's, Ph.D. and Ed.D. candidates are all likely to be required to complete a research project or dissertation that examines in-depth an issue within sports and physical education. Sample course titles include tests and measurements, group psychology, theory and practice of psychological coaching, educational research methodology, legal aspects of gender equality in intercollegiate athletics and sport compliance.
Many coaches begin their careers working as teachers at a high school. All U.S. states require K-12 teachers to obtain a license, which requires specialized teaching courses. More methods courses and health/nutrition classes make up much of this requirement. Teachers also learn to work with special populations and legal issues in the classroom. Course titles include curriculum and methods for physical education, foundations of health education, and introduction to physical education. Teachers must also practice teaching under a licensed teacher's supervision.
The specific course requirements depend upon the degree students aim for. College students take basic-education courses, such as composition, laboratory science, arts and humanities, social science and math for all degrees. Beyond these basics, courses typically focus on the student's major. Not many institutions offer a specific "coaching" degree. Bachelor's-degree candidates may have to major in education and choose a physical-education or health specialization. Students seeking advanced degrees may need to choose a psychology, health or education major and specialize in sports or coaching.