Sport Coaching
Department of Kinesiology and Health Education
Designed For
Current and aspiring sport coaches, teachers who coach, student-athletes and professionals in youth, club or school-based programs seeking flexible, career‑advancing training. It’s also ideal for early- to mid‑career coaches looking to strengthen their credentials without stepping away from their teams.
Career Objective
The certificate equips coaches with the essential knowledge to elevate athlete development, enhance safety and well‑being, and lead programs with confidence. Graduates gain a competitive edge for coaching and sport-administration roles at youth, high school, collegiate and club levels.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Application Opens:
August
Deadline to Apply:
May 1
Length of Program:
12 months
Program Location: Online
GRE Required? No
Advance Your Coaching
The Sport Coaching certificate program provides research-driven training that goes beyond traditional, experience-only coaching pathways. Through online courses in psychology, coaching theory, human performance and injury management, students gain the broad, transferable skills needed across all sports and settings.
Designed in five six‑week intensive blocks, the program fits the demanding schedules of sport and recreation professionals, allowing students to learn, apply and advance without disrupting their coaching responsibilities. All coursework is delivered online and class sizes are kept small to maximize faculty and peer interaction and support.
Students can complete the certificate in one year and may apply all courses toward the M.Ed. in Kinesiology if admitted.
Program Director
Brian Farr
Graduate Program Administrator
Phillip Salazar
Program Overview
Application Requirements
The certificate is open to both non-degree-seeking and degree-seeking graduate students.
For Non-Degree-Seeking Applicants (Not Currently Enrolled in a UT Austin Graduate Program)
Applicants who are not currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at UT Austin will be required to meet the non-degree seeking student admission standards of the Graduate School listed below:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution.
- A grade point average of at least 3.00 in upper-division coursework and in any graduate work already completed.
- A statement of purpose and current resume.
- International students whose native language is not English must also submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), unless otherwise exempt.
Additional notes for non-degree-seeking students:
- Transfer credits are not accepted.
- Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.
For Current UT Austin Graduate Students (Degree-Seeking)
Students already enrolled in a UT Austin graduate program will need to submit a program-specific application through the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education and retain existing degree-seeking status while completing the certificate.
Course Sequence
All courses will be delivered over a six-week period.
Recommended Course Sequence
Fall
- KIN 395-50 WB Sport Psychology
- KIN 395-86 WB Sport Coaching History, Theory, and Ethics
Spring
- KIN 395-88 WB Strategies and Techniques in Sport Coaching
- KIN 395-87 WB Sport Injury Management
Summer
- KIN 395-15 WB Conditioning for Competitive Athletes
Tuition
| Semester | Classes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | 2 | $4,050 |
| Spring | 2 | $4,050 |
| Summer | 1 | $2,025 |
| Total Program Cost: $10,125 |
Faculty
Our faculty are more than instructors. They are accomplished practitioners who have spent their careers leading athletes and teams at every level of sport. From youth and club programs to high school, collegiate, university, professional and international teams, they bring firsthand experience into the classroom. Their unique blend of practical practice and academic expertise ensures students learn from professionals who have lived the challenges and rewards of coaching at every level.
Teaches courses on sport history and strength and conditioning. Research focuses on physical culture history.
Serves as Director of the Athletic Training Education Program and specializes in sports medicine, training athletes, athletic injuries, strength and conditioning, and sports rehabilitation.
Specializes in behavior, sports performance, and decision making in golf; teaches golf and courses need to be certified in physical education.
Experienced certified strength and conditioning specialist who develops curriculum for fitness professionals and conducts physiological assessment and exercise program design for those with chronic diseases.
Serves as Clinical Education Coordinator of the Athletic Training Program with responsibilities revolving around preparing learners for professional practice through the integration of content knowledge into clinical education experiences.
Studies the culture of youth sports through elementary and secondary physical education curricula, and teacher education.
Teaches and develops undergraduate medical fitness and rehabilitation curricula and works with the health fitness instructor specialization.
The History and Philosophy of the Body, Sport, and Physical Culture from Ancient Greece to the Present
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose the Sport Coaching Certificate instead of a master’s degree?
The Sport Coaching Certificate is a great option for coaches and sport professionals who want to expand their expertise without the time and financial commitment of a full master’s degree. In less time and at a lower cost, you’ll gain graduate-level knowledge that can help you enhance your coaching practice, strengthen your leadership skills, and make a greater impact on athletes and teams.
Can this certificate count toward a master’s degree later?
Yes. The Sport Coaching Certificate is stackable, meaning certificate coursework can be applied toward the Kinesiology master’s degree. You can earn a valuable credential now and, if your goals change, continue building toward an advanced degree in the future.
Do I have to complete an internship?
No. An internship is not part of the program.
Can I use my veteran’s benefits?
You can use GI Bill tuition benefits toward your tuition. However, students in the online program are not eligible for the Hazelwood exemption. For more details, or to discuss your particular situation, contact the Dean of Students office.
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Non-degree seeking students who are admitted to the University for the purpose of earning a stackable graduate certificate will not be eligible to receive federal financial aid.
What are the classes like?
Courses are typically a combination of video or podcast lectures, readings, discussions, quizzes and projects. The courses may vary from professor to professor, but all courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning students will have the flexibility to work through course modules on their own schedules.
Typically, courses are structured so that one module is covered per week. All coursework for the module must be completed within the assigned week.
Is the program completely online?
Yes. You can complete the program without visiting our beautiful city or campus. At the same time, if you do find yourself in Austin, our faculty would be delighted to meet with you in person.
Will I have access to the library? Campus recreation? UT football tickets?
You have access to all of the same resources as students who are in residence, including the library, campus recreation and other on-campus amenities. You are also eligible to purchase the Big Ticket, which is the student pass for athletic events.
