Coaching Certification

The coaching certification program consists of a minimum of 18 credits to prepare students for coaching responsibilities and is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for athletic coaching preparation for the public schools of Wisconsin. Youth-sport coaches are encouraged to acquire similar training. 

Students desiring certification may normally complete requirements within two academic years, but it is wise to begin coaching certification coursework early. Completion of the coaching certification program is noted on your transcript if it is completed at the same time as a degree program.

Some coaching certification courses are appropriate for interdisciplinary study and many students select individual courses without completing the entire program. Persons already teaching and/or coaching may take courses to expand their personal and professional background.

Since many of the following courses are dual-listed at the undergraduate and graduate levels, some students may opt to use select courses to satisfy degree requirements in various graduate programs. Students should consult with their graduate program advisor for approval.

UW-Green Bay's coaching certification program is consistent with the recommendations of the National Council of State High School Coaches, the National Association of Girls and Women in Sport, and the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
First Aid/CPR Requirement		0-3
HUM BIOL 116	First Aid and Emergency Care Procedures (or faculty approved external certification)
Required Courses:		18
HUM BIOL 102	Introduction to Human Biology
or BIOLOGY 201	Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Processes
HUM BIOL 210	Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
EDUC 616	Principles of Coaching
EDUC 617	Philosophy of Athletics and Coaching
EDUC 618	Organization and Administration of Athletics
EDUC 619	Field Experience in Coaching
Total Credits		18-21

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• 3.0 grade point average. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission

How to Apply as a Graduate Special Student (non-degree seeking):

• UW System Application for Graduate Special Status: apply.wisconsin.edu
• Official transcript showing proof of a bachelor's degree sent to UWGB Admissions at uwgb@uwgb.edu directly from the institution that issued the degree. Note: students who completed their bachelors at UWGB do not have to submit official transcripts. 
• International students will also need to provide the following documentation:
  • A test of English proficiency (Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS)
  • Course-by-course transcript evaluation from a professional evaluation service currently recognized by NACES. UWGB recommends one of the following evaluation services:
    • Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
    • World Education Services (WES)

How to Apply as a Current, UWGB Degree Seeking Graduate Student:

• Graduate Certificate Declare Form

Progress to Completion

1. Candidate applies to the Coaching Certificate program by submitting the appropriate materials.
2. Candidate is admitted to the Coaching Certificate program by the UWGB Program Chair.
3. Student fulfills the program course requirements.
4. Students completing a graduate degree program at UWGB will have the certificate posted to their transcripts upon conferral of their graduate degree. 
5. Students who are not completing a graduate degree may request certificate verification from the Office of Graduate Studies at gradstu@uwgb.edu.