Two students walking from the CEHD.

Athletic Coaching (Minor)

Open to all undergraduate students, the Athletic Coaching minor provides a strong foundation in coaching principles, leadership and sports psychology. Learn from faculty experts and become a student in the fastest-growing department on campus.
Type: Minor
Format: In-Person
Credit Hours: 21

The Art of Coaching

The Athletic Coaching minor offers students comprehensive training in the art and science of coaching. With courses focused on motivation, leadership and athlete development, students gain a deeper understanding of the social and psychological dimensions of sport. Customize your minor by selecting courses on coaching for specific sports.

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2025-Spring 2026 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Minor in Athletic Coaching

Unit: College of Education and Human Development
Department: Health and Sport Sciences (HSS)
Academic Plan Code(s): ATCOMINOR

The required courses in this minor can be completed 100% online.

The Coaching Minor at the University of Louisville equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach, organize, and lead athletes in various settings. Through a combination of theoretical perspectives, current trends, and best practices, students will develop a strong foundation in coaching. Core courses cover social and psychological dimensions of physical activity, motivation in sport, coaching fundamentals, and hand-on internship opportunities. With flexible elective options, the minor is ideal for students looking to enhance their expertise in athletic coaching.

The minor is open to any undergraduate student at the university. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 to be admitted to the minor.

Program Requirements

Core Courses
HSS 293Social and Psychological Dimensions of Physical Activity - SB3
HSS 301Motivation in Sport and Athletics3
HSS 304Introduction to Athletic Coaching3
HSS 401Internship in Coaching2
Fundamentals of Coaching - select one course from the following:2
HSS 253
Fundamentals of Baseball Coaching
HSS 255
Fundamentals of Football Coaching
HSS 256
Fundamentals of Basketball Coaching
HSS 257
Fundamentals of Soccer Coaching
HSS 258
Fundamentals of Softball Coaching
HSS 261
Fundamentals of Coaching Volleyball
Electives - select 8 hours from the following: 18
HSS 251
Officiating
HSS 318
Diverse Populations in Physical Activity and Health
HSS 319
Adapted Physical Education
HSS 326
Movement Skills and Concepts in Physical Education
HSS 327
Invasion and Net Games
HSS 328
Target and Fielding Games
HSS 388
Foundations of Strength and Conditioning
HSS 389
Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries I
SPAD 284
Sport Leadership and Ethics
SPAD 561
Special Topics in Sport Administration (Administration of Youth Sport) 2
SPAD 360
Administration of Intramural Activities
SPAD 484
Strategic Management in Sport
SPAD 391
Sociology of Sport
SPAD 437
Data and Analytics in Sport
Minimum Total Hours21

At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.

Exit Requirements:  2.25 G.P.A. is required in Coaching Minor Core Courses. A grade of “C” or better (C- will not count) is required for all minor core courses, and a passing grade is required in HSS 401. Students are required to complete 21 hours of Coaching Minor Courses outlined above.

1

Two (2) hours can be selected from another Fundamental Coaching course selected by the student.

2

Occasionally offered as a SPAD 561 Special Topics course.