B.S. in Coaching and Sport Pedagogy
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Coaching and Sport Pedagogy focuses on the study of coaching principles, teaching methodologies, and athlete development across various sport and physical activity settings. The program integrates coursework in motor learning, exercise science, pedagogy, management, and sport psychology to prepare students for instructional and coaching roles.
The curriculum is designed to address skill acquisition, sport performance, and educational practices in school and community environments. Students engage in both theoretical and practical experiences, including evidence-based instruction, hands-on experience, coaching applications, and professional certifications - empowering graduates to impact future generations through sport and activity.
Coaching and Sport Pedagogy Program Benefits
- Curriculum aligned with national standards for sport coaches and physical education teacher education
- Integration of sport science and pedagogy principles
- Evidence-based instruction
- Hands-on field experiences in coaching and teaching settings
- Opportunities for internships with schools and athletic programs
- Preparation for teacher certification in physical education (optional track)
- Small class sizes with faculty mentorship
- Access to modern fitness and performance labs
Courses
Offered Concentrations
Coaching
Physical Education Teacher Certification
Learning Outcomes
- Create vision, goals, and policies for a sport, physical education, or recreation program.
- Identify and apply standards-based and research-informed principles essential for fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders in sport and physical activity.
- Plan and implement effective pedagogical strategies to improve physical literacy in sport and physical activity settings.
- Utilize feedback and assessment techniques to improve the performance of physical activity participants.
- Value and engage in self-reflection, continuous self-improvement, and continuing professional development.
Coaching and Sport Pedagogy Career Outcomes
- Youth Sport Team Coach – Teaches fundamental skills, rules, and sportsmanship while fostering player development, safety, teamwork, and enjoyment of the game.
- Sport Skills Coach – Specializes in developing athletes’ technical abilities and performance through targeted instruction, drills, and individualized feedback.
- Scholastic Sport Coach – Teaches academic subjects at a middle/high school while also coaching school sport teams, supporting students’ educational, athletic, and personal development.
- College Sport Coach – Recruits and trains student-athletes, plans practices and competition, and supports athletes’ academic progress and personal development while pursuing competitive success.
- Professional Sport Coach – Leads elite athletes by designing training plans, managing game strategy, and motivating players to achieve peak performance and competitive success.
- Adapted or Unified Sport Coach – Design and lead sport programs for athletes with disabilities in community centers, rehabilitation settings, or sport organizations.
- EC-6 Physical Education Teacher – Plans and delivers age-appropriate physical education instruction for early childhood through sixth grade, promoting motor skills, fitness, teamwork, and lifelong healthy habits.
- Secondary Physical Education Teacher – Designs and teaches fitness, sport, and wellness curriculum for middle and high school students, emphasizing skill development, health education, and lifelong physical activity.
- Adapted Physical Education (APE) Teacher – Plans and delivers age-appropriate physical education instruction as described above for EC-12 students with disabilities
- Official, umpire, or referee – Enforces the rules of a sport during competition by making impartial decisions, managing game flow, and ensuring fair and safe play.
- Replay Official – Reviews video footage during games to evaluate disputed calls and assist on-field officials in making accurate, rule-based decisions.
- Clock Keeper/Score Keeper – Manages official game time and records scores, fouls, and statistics to ensure accurate and orderly competition.
- Rules Analyst – Interprets and explains sport rules and officiating decisions, often using video review, to provide clarity and context for officials, broadcasters, and fans.
- Health and Wellness Educator – Designs and delivers programs that promote physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and healthy lifestyle behaviors to improve overall well-being.
- Outdoor Adventure Instructor – Leads and teaches outdoor activities – such as climbing, paddling, or backpacking – while prioritizing safety, skill development, and environmental responsibility.
- Adapted or Unified Sport, Fitness, or Recreation Instructor – Designs and delivers physical activity programs for individuals with disabilities in community centers, municipal recreation departments, rehabilitation settings, nonprofits, or sport organizations.
Certification and Licensure Preparation
- Texas Teacher Certification (Physical Education EC–12)
- First Aid/CPR/AED certification
- UIL coaching compliance requirements
- National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) certifications
Coaching and Sport Pedagogy Admissions Requirements
Meet Tarleton State University undergraduate admission requirements Submit high school transcript or equivalent Minimum GPA as required by university standards • Completion of Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements Additional requirements for teacher certification track (background check, application)
Credit for Prior Learning
If interested, see the BAAS Kinesiology
Frequently Asked Questions
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The coaching track focuses on athlete development and team leadership in youth, scholastic, collegiate, professional, and recreational settings, while the teaching track prepares students for physical education teacher certification.
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Yes, students who meet the requirements of the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) concentration, including the Teacher Education Program (TEP), are eligible for teacher certification in Physical Education EC–12 upon graduation. [BT3.1][CM3.2][VD3.3][BT3.4] Students in the Coaching concentration complete courses that prepare them to meet teacher certification requirements, but they will need to complete alternative certification programs to become certified teachers.
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Students in the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) concentration complete field experiences in public schools throughout their junior and senior year, culminating with a semester of clinical teaching. These experiences play a critical role in the development from preservice teacher to professional educator, providing hands-on application in real-world settings while meeting the State Board for Educator Certification requirements. Students in the Coaching concentration have the opportunity to complete practicum and internship experiences within the degree.
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Coursework will incorporate a wide variety of sports. Students may gain additional in-depth experience in a specific sport depending on internship and practicum placements.
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Yes, the program includes practical coaching, teaching labs, and real-world field experiences.