The athletic coaching minor is recommended for students who are interested in coaching in an athletic program sponsored by the Michigan High School Athletic Association or some other state athletic association.

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
  1. In order to graduate with this minor a student must:
    • Obtain a 2.5 overall GPA and a 2.75 GPA in the minor.
    • Have current CPR and First Aid Certification.
    • Maintain established standards of professional practice articulated in the CMU Athletic Coaching Internship Manual and reflected in the first four standards constituting Domain 1 - Philosophy and Ethics, in the National Standards for Sport Coaches.
  2. At least 12 credit hours of coursework within the minor must be taken at CMU.

Program Requirements

Required Courses (24 hours)

​Practical information and issues relevant to professional practice for all athletic coaches. Includes eligibility for Coaching Advancement Program (C.A.P.) certification. This course may be offered in an online format. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Principles of physical training and nutrition as they apply to the short and long term conditioning of athletes at various levels of competition and sports. This course may be offered in an online format. Prerequisite: PES 125. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​A study of the skills necessary for athletes to be successful, and the techniques, drills and strategies coaches need to facilitate skilled performance. This course may be offered in an online format. Prerequisite: PES 125. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

​A coach’s role from the perspective of policy and practice in managing injuries and emergencies common to the athletic and sport culture. This course may be offered in an online format. Pre/Co-requisite: PES 125. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​A study of the interaction between psychological variables and performance in sports and physical activity. Coaching applications are emphasized. This course may be offered in an online format. Pre/Co- requisite: PES 255. Prerequisite: PES 125. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

Principles of effective instruction as they apply to assisting athletes in becoming proficient performers. This course may be offered in online format. Pre/Co-requisite: PES 255. 

Credits 3(3-0) 

Contact Hours (3-0) 

Course Syllabus

​Specific strategies and tactics that prepare individuals or teams for maximizing their performance in athletic competition. This course may be offered in an online format. Prerequisites: PES 255. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

Prepares coaches to plan in- and out-of-season activities, and provides them with the tools they need to evaluate program strengths and weaknesses. This course may be offered in an online format. Pre/Co- requisite: PES 410. 

Credits 2(2-0) 

Contact Hours (2-0) 

Course Syllabus

A practical experience in coaching athletes in a competitive setting at any level of competition under the supervision of a superior. This course may be offered in an online format. Prerequisite: PES 445. 

Credits 3(Spec) 

Contact Hours (Spec) 

Course Syllabus

Total:  24  semester hours

​