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GVSU football head coach Scott Wooster reacts after a touchdown against Central State at Lubbers Stadium on September 5.

Sport Coaching

Undergraduate Certificate

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 11 Credits

Sport coaching is the process of training and guiding athletes to improve their performance, skills, and overall development in a specific sport.

Overview

Grand Valley's Sport Coaching certificate provides prospective coaches with theoretical knowledge and practical experiences aligned with the National Standards for Sport Coaches. This face-to-face program is designed for degree-seeking students, offering hands-on experience through fieldwork and student-oriented courses.

The coursework covers athlete-centered coaching philosophy, sports medicine, motor learning, and coaching theory. These topics equip students with the principles of athletic training and contemporary issues in coaching, preparing them for effective coaching roles.

This certificate offers personal attention from faculty, hands-on field experiences, and the ability to complete the certificate in a year or less. It also enhances your resume with recognized credentials, providing a competitive edge in the coaching profession.

Admission Information

For new students, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements. Upon acceptance and for current students:

  • Declare your certificate via myBanner (Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate certificate from the drop down list, and click Submit)
  • Speak with the appropriate certificate coordinator to ensure criteria are being met (you will be able to track your progress toward the certificate in myPath as well!)
  • Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the certificate via myBanner.
  • Once the completion of your certificate has been verified, the certificate will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. 

Department of Movement Science

gvsu.edu/physicaleducation
4400A KHS
(616) 331-3515

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

 

Career Opportunities

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

Top skills
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Learning Strategies
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 20,433.43 10%
$ 28,410.77 25%
$ 43,656.32 50%
$ 63,842.02 75%
$104,144.10 90%

Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees, and competition judges.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 18,747.64 10%
$ 27,876.48 25%
$ 33,050.74 50%
$ 44,173.83 75%
$ 90,787.50 90%

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

Top skills
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Learning Strategies
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 25,292.72 10%
$ 32,551.10 25%
$ 45,653.79 50%
$ 63,756.35 75%
$102,406.22 90%

Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees, and competition judges.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 20,805.59 10%
$ 28,856.76 25%
$ 39,972.21 50%
$ 62,286.51 75%
$120,706.94 90%
4,963
Students Participated in Experiential Learning
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com

Why a Certificate?

  • You can create stackable credentials that enhance your degree and bolster your resume.
  • Certificates can be completed in one year or less.

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

National Standards for Sport Coaches

The Certificate in Sport Coaching provides prospective coaches with theoretical knowledge and practical experiences in accordance with the National Standards for Sport Coaching.

Learn More

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Page last modified May 20, 2025