The Coaching and Performance Science program blends cutting-edge sport movement science, performance training and professional development to prepare you for a career in coaching, sport, or tactical performance. You’ll build a strong foundation in theory and apply what you learn through hands-on coaching experiences in real-world settings.
CPS students develop three core areas of knowledge through a variety of learning experiences: interpersonal, professional, and intrapersonal. You’ll build the skills to lead, connect, and communicate with the people you coach. You’ll gain the technical expertise to design effective training programs and improve performance. And you’ll learn to reflect on your own coaching approach so you can keep growing and lead with confidence.
Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:
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ACE 256:
Foundations of Coaching
Designed to teach students the foundations and principles of athletic coaching.
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ACE 410:
Training Theories for Coaches
Application of sport training theories to building, designing and assessing athlete training plans, seasonal team development and long term athlete development from physical literacy to peak performance at all participation levels.
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ACE 430:
Coaching Education Administration
An administrative focus of leadership, finance, fundraising, planning, facility development, personnel supervision, public relations, rules and regulations, purchase and care of equipment and the conducting of athletic events.
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ACE 457:
Introduction to Sport Technology and Sport Science
Develop and implement appropriate monitoring and training evaluation plans in sport training. Learn how to evaluate technology-based tools to allow coaches to optimizing the training process and training adjustment decisions.
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ACE 469:
Basic Strength and Conditioning for Coaches
Present basic exercise performance methodologies to assist in coaching athletics. Types of training include speed drills, agility drills, conditioning workouts, flexibility exercises, balance-improvement drills and proper training environment safety techniques.
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ACE 487:
Sport Specific Strength/Conditioning
Present optimal training for athletics of different sports in trained and untrained states. Specific protocols in resistance training and conditioning, correcting specific running and speed mechanics and agility movements.
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:
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Coaching and Leadership
Want to lead a team or run your own sport program? This emphasis helps you build a strong foundation in sport-specific skills, coaching science, and the leadership qualities needed to guide athletes and teams. You’ll sharpen your communication, management, and decision-making skills while applying what you learn in real coaching settings.
Sample courses: Athletic Coaching Administration, Principles of Leadership
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Strength and Conditioning
of training, learn how to design programs, and coach others in and out of the weight room. You’ll also build skills in testing and evaluation through hands-on experience in our instructional performance lab. By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.
WVU’s Coaching and Performance Science program is one of the first in the country to be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) so you can have confidence that your degree meets the highest professional standards in the field.
Sample courses: Sport Specific Strength and Conditioning, Strength and Conditioning Coaching Techniques
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
