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Coaching Specialization
Participation in athletics is afforded prominence in the educational and developmental process. The nature of the experience gained from participation in an athletic program is strongly influenced by the qualifications and experiences that will enable them to coach effectively and safely in school, community-youth, and adult sports programs. The specialization is not a major. The Department of Kinesiology administers the Specialization. Enrollment in the specialization is available to all undergraduates, and participation by students from other disciplines is welcomed. The educational objectives of the specialization in coaching are to acquire:
- Knowledge and understanding of the growth and development of athlete.
- Knowledge and understanding of the medical, legal, psychological, social, biological, physical, theoretical, and technical aspects in coaching.
With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, courses are used to satisfy the requirements for the Specialization. A certificate of completion will appear on the student’s transcript. Students wishing to take advantage of the Specialization in Coaching should discuss their intentions with their major academic adviser.
If students are unable to complete the Specialization or do not have time to add it before graduating, there is an online Graduate Coaching Specialization Certificate option based in the Kinesiology Department’s Youth Sports Institute: http://www.educ.msu.edu/ysi/online.htm
No later than the semester BEFORE graduation, students must meet with a Kinesiology Adviser to complete a form to ensure the Specialization appears on their transcripts. Students need to call 353-9680 for walk in times in the Student Affairs Office, 134 Erickson Hall. Email for questions: hartwel6@msu.eduRequirements
To have the specialization appear on the transcript a student must complete:
| Course Number | Title | Credits | |
| KIN | 125 | First Aid and Personal Safety | 3 |
| KIN | 260 * | Physical Growth and Motor Behavior | 3 |
| KIN | 340 ** | Psychological Bases of Physical Activity | 3 |
| KIN | 400 | Principles of Coaching | 4 |
| KIN | 401 | Principles of Coaching | 4 |
| KIN | 300A-L *** | Coaching or KIN 490 Independent Study | 2 |
| KIN | 494 **** | Fieldwork | 2 |
| TOTAL | 21 | ||
* KIN 360 Physical Growth and Motor Behavior replaces KIN 260.
** or KIN 345 Sport and Exercise Psychology replaces KIN 340.
*** Not all course options are available. Check by semester on the MSU Schedule of Courses website. Also, this course will be offered as another Independent Study, KIN 494 (2) if the available coaching courses in KIN 300A-L are not in the coaching interest of the student.
**** KIN instructor permission and independent study form completion is required prior to enrollment. Furthermore, all other courses must be completed before KIN 494 can be approved.
NOTE: Students who are not Kinesiology or Athletic Training majors will need Kinesiology restriction overrides for KIN 360 and 345. They are not required to take the prerequisite courses: KIN 216 for KIN 360, or KIN 173 for KIN 345. However, for KIN 360 students are expected to have an understanding of human anatomy to be successful in this course.
