Exercise and Sports Coaching (Minor)
Make your sports passion a career.
The Exercise and Sports Coaching minor at MBU equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to become effective and confident athletic coaches. Through coursework aligned with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, students gain expertise
in areas like training design, motivation, injury prevention, and team management. Whether you’re looking to coach youth sports, competitive athletes, or individuals, this program provides a strong foundation in coaching principles, leadership, and athlete development.
- FormatOn Campus
- Degree(s)Minor
Next steps
Why minor in Exercise and Sports Coaching at Mary Baldwin?
Coaching is more than just calling plays—it’s about leadership, mentorship, and fostering athletic growth. As sports and fitness continue to expand as career fields, the demand for knowledgeable, well-trained athletic coaches is increasing. Whether you aspire to work with youth teams, high school athletes, or adult recreational programs, MBU’s Exercise and Sports Coaching minor will prepare you with the essential skills to lead, motivate, and develop athletes at any level.
In the Exercise and Sports Coaching minor, you’ll build expertise in:
- Coaching philosophy and leadership development
- Sports psychology and motivation techniques
- Training and conditioning principles
- Injury prevention and athlete safety
- Ethics and legal responsibilities in coaching
MBU offers hands-on learning opportunities that set you apart. A required internship with an experienced coach or coaching organization ensures you gain real-world experience before graduating. Plus, our curriculum aligns with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Standards, preparing students for coaching certification—now a requirement for high school coaches in Virginia.
Next steps
Minor Requirements
Sample Courses
This course presents the foundational knowledge essential for coaching any sport. The course will present an overview of the exercise sciences related to coaching and teaching motor skills. The course will assist students in developing a coaching philosophy as well as providing principles, guidelines and tools that are essential to the coaching profession. Successful completion of the course will lead to the coaching certification required in many states for high school scholastic coaches.
This course introduces students to psychological theories and practices that can be used in sport settings. Emphasis is placed on examining current research and applied methods to address issues including the psychological well-being of athletes and athletic performance enhancement through psychological skills training.
Our Faculty
Our school’s faculty is made up of skilled professionals with extensive real-world experience in their practice areas. They are committed to seeing you succeed, offering one-on-one mentorship and real-world experience.
