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College of Education

Athletic Leadership Minor

Coaches coaching in Athletic Leadership

The athletic leadership undergraduate minor was approved in 2004. The program philosophy is to encourage coaches to provide quality, positive experiences for student-athletes. Many students who enroll in the athletic leadership undergraduate program indicate an interest in coaching and athletic administration in education at various levels.

Athletic leadership students bring to the classroom a wealth of life experiences in athletics. Athletic program and coaching philosophies are shared and discussed. Students learn various styles of coaching and reflect on the coaching they witnessed as athletes. Students determine personal philosophies based on their beliefs and principles, and develop these philosophies through discussion and interaction.

  • About The Program

    The faculty encourage students to express personal opinions in order to develop a broader understanding of the diversity that exists among philosophies and the reason for these differences. While no singular style of coaching is able to meet the needs of all athletes and not all students agree upon philosophies, the students unanimously support the right of every athlete to be treated with respect by other athletes and by the coaching staff. The students attest to the fact that the athletic coach holds a leadership position of powerful influence in the lives of athletes.

    Character-driven programs are at the very core of the athletic leadership program instruction. By completing specific requirements and exam scores, students have the opportunity to achieve certification credentials from professional organizations such as the National Federation of High Schools and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Students may acquire certification by passing examinations in sport coaching and sport first aid that are obtained by completing nationally recognized coaching education program courses that support the National Standards for Sport Coaches (NASPE, 2006) as part of the athletic leadership classes. This provides a valuable tool for potential employers.

  • Program Requirements

    Core courses (17 credit hours):

    • AL 3490 (3)
    • AL 3500 (3)
    • AL 3530 (3)
    • AL 3610 (3)
    • AL 3620 (3)
    • AL 3760 (1)

    Elective course (choose one from the list below):

    • AL 3710
    • AL 3720
    • AL 3730
    • AL 3740
    • AL 3750
    • AL 3770

    Internship

    • AL 4000 (student must be concurrently enrolled in any other Clemson University course)

    Students must acquire coaching certification through a nationally recognized coaching education program.

    Students must hold current, valid certification in CPR and AED. Proof of certification is required for students while enrolled in AL4000. 

    Athletic Leadership Minor Internship Requirements
  • Find Out More

    For more information about the athletic leadership undergraduate minor, please contact Deborah Cadorette. Clemson also offers an athletic leadership concentration in the Masters of Human Resource Development program and a Master of Science degree in athletic leadership.