Sport Coaching and Athletics Leadership

Sport Studies Fundamentals

This major prepares you to work in:

  • professional, collegiate and high school sports
  • university-based recreational sport leadership
  • community-based parks and recreation
  • a multitude of opportunities in the sport and leisure industry
  • public and private sport leagues 

    Professional Preparation

    • Majors will sit for the NFHS Coach Level I National Credential and Ohio Department of Education Pupil Activity Coaching Permit
    • Affords students the opportunity to pursue a variety of employment opportunities in the sport coaching and recreation industry.
    • The Sport Coaching and Athletics Leadership major also prepares students for graduate studies in sport management, sport behavior, sport science and coaching. 

    Our Faculty

    • are innovative, interactive and experienced in the field of sport and recreation
    • are active in national organizations and local community agencies
    • encourage students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers
    • have experience in all levels of sports: public, private, novice, amateur and professional 

    Akron Advantage

    Hands-on Practice and Application

    The School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, located in InfoCision Stadium, offers a variety of resources for its students, including:

    • UA’s location is uniquely situated to provide easy access to Division I athletics and many levels of sport organizations
    • state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to better assist in knowledge based learning
    • opportunities to aid faculty in a variety of applications and experiences 

    Real World Experience

    • Required practicum experience for each student
    • Service learning built into coursework
    • Collaboration with professionals in the sport and recreation industry
    • Field experience embedded in the curriculum 

      Sample Curriculum

      • Sport Coaching and Athletics Leadership — BS 
        Coach Education — Minor 

      For More Information: 
      School of Exercise and Nutrition Science 
      Contact:  Melissa D. Dreisbach, MSED 

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        For More Information:

        School of Exercise and Nutrition Science

        Contact: Dr. Matthew Juravich

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        Career Opportunities

        Sport/recreation, a top industry in the country, has an abundance of career opportunities for qualified/skilled practitioners. Our graduates are employed as:

        •  athletic directors (high school/collegiate)
        • youth, high school and college sport coaches
        • aquatics managers
        • recreation facility directors
        • event management directors
        • adventure recreation directors
        • parks and recreation administrators
        • facility operations manager
        • sport agents
        • recreation specialist
        • youth sport programmers
        • sport equipment managers 


        Degrees, Credentials and Preparation

        A bachelor’s degree paves the way to a variety of career opportunities in the sport and recreation industry that involve leadership, scouting, coaching and programming. Students may sit for the Level I NFHS Coaching Credential.

        Career Services 

        Career Services provides career coaching and programming, and develops valuable relationships with employers and campus partners to provide our students with many opportunities for experiential learning and career development.