Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in learning and using scientific knowledge and best practices related to coaching and developing athletes and leading sports programs at the intercollegiate, interscholastic, and community sports levels. It facilitates interdisciplinary knowledge in various issues related to coaching across the lifespan. The certificate is available only online.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching students must:

1. have completed a bachelor’s degree.
2. complete the Intent to Enroll form if you are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at Michigan State University.

Students who are not enrolled at Michigan State University must:

1. submit a university application and application fee.
2. provide transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.
3. submit an academic statement of 750 words that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the certificate and the goals that the certificate will help them attain.
4. submit a current resume of no more than two pages.
5. a test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.

Upon acceptance, students must submit evidence of current CPR, first-aid, and blood borne pathogen training and maintain such certification throughout their enrollment in the program.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of high probability of success. Factors that are significant in determining admission are:

1. A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of  all undergraduate and graduate course work.
2. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the graduate certificate.
3. Evidence of a philosophical understanding of developmentally appropriate sport experiences.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching

Students must complete 10 credits from the following courses:

1.	The following course (1 credit):
	KIN	852	Ethics in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration						1
2.	At least one of the following courses (3 to 6 credits):
	KIN	829	Safety and Injury Control						3
	KIN	856	Physical Bases of Coaching Athletes						3
	KIN	865	Stages of Athlete Development						3
	KIN	868	Skill Development in Athletes						3
3.	At least one of the following courses (3 to 6 credits:
	KIN	846	Sociocultural Issues for Sport Practitioners						3
	KIN	849	Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leadership						3
	KIN	855	Psychosocial Bases of Coaching Athletes						3
	KIN	857	Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport						3