The Coaching Education minor provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and applied experiences to become competent sport coaches who have the tools to create a safe, fair, and positive sport environment and promote holistic athlete development. 

The minor program includes 6 courses and a 3-credit capstone coaching experience. Students interested in pursuing a career in coaching, working with coaches, or volunteering as a coach in their local communities are encouraged to complete the minor.  The minor is open to all undergraduate students at JMU. 

Within the coaching education minor program, we uphold the values associated with the College of Health and Behavioral Studies and specifically we seek to be:

  • Engaged in Continuous Improvement: We prioritize using instructional methods that help students grow and develop as coaches over time.
  • Collaborative & Interactive: We work together diligently to improve our coaching practice based on evidence-informed practice and creative experience-informed adaptation.
  • Contemplative: We promote intentional and thoughtful implementation of coaching practices informed by reflective practice.
  • A Caring Community: We create an accepting and respectful environment where people can be their authentic selves and feel safe to take risks to grow.

USCCE LogoAccreditation

The Coaching Education minor is accredited by the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) as a Level 3 coaching education program and is aligned with the National Standards for Sport Coaches.  NCACE accreditation ensures that our program is establishing itself as a leader in the United States in the preparation of coaches and ensures the program prepares coaches to provide quality sport experiences for their athletes.

Questions About the Minor?

Lori Gano-Overway, PhD, CMPC
Program Director and Adviser of the Coaching Minor
Department of Kinesiology
James Madison University
Godwin Hall Office 326
Email: ganoovla@jmu.edu

Coaching Minor in the News

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