Coaching Science Minor

The Coaching Science minor is for students who intend to coach community, team, or individual sports as a career or as a volunteer. The minor is also recommended for those who want to gain knowledge for their personal benefit or work in a rehabilitative health career, such as physical or occupational therapy.

Coach and a soccer team

Benefits

A minor in Coaching Science complements any SPU major, with the addition of an understanding of human body mechanics, exercise physiology, and effective coaching techniques for both team and individual sports.

In the Coaching Science minor, you will develop a foundation of essential coaching skills in a variety of sports areas, and knowledge in related topics, such as athletic training, sport management, and sport science. You will also apply this knowledge and coaching skill set during an Exercise Science practicum.

Course and degree requirements

Courses in this minor include “Exercise Physiology,” “Biomechanics,” “Responding to Emergencies,” and “Teaching Team and Individual Sports,” as well as a 2-credit practicum. The practicum involves practical coaching experience at various levels. You will take at least 46 credits to earn a minor in Coaching Science, including 15 upper-division credits.

Prior to being accepted to this minor, you must have a minimum 2.5 GPA in at least 9 credits taken at SPU and applicable to this minor. Review all the requirements for a minor in Coaching Science.

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Jarrett Mentink

Why I Teach at SPU

Jarrett Mentink, Assistant Professor of Health and Human Performance

“I am compelled to teach and truly blessed to be a part of Seattle Pacific University. The SPU experience is enriching! It provides me the invigorating opportunity, on a daily basis, to engage a community of motivated, intelligent faculty, staff, and students who are passionate about the Lord’s teachings!”

JinJin Yuan

JinJin Yuan’s Story

“After graduation from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. To satisfy my parents, I enrolled in a community college in pursuit of a Business major. The classes seemed monotonous to me, and my grades suffered as a result. It was difficult to imagine myself sitting at a desk working a 9-to-5 job wearing a suit and tie.”