About Athletic Coaching

The City College of San Francisco Athletic Coaching Certificate of Achievement program will provide the skill and knowledge needed to prepare students for entry-level positions within the sport industry as coaches. Foundation in evidence-based coaching theories and effective practices will be emphasized. Students will gain knowledge to properly utilize periodization, basic exercise physiology and biomechanical principles to plan and implement a sport season.   The program examines developmental patterns of growth and provides knowledge and skills for students to conduct practices and competitions that enhance the physical, social and emotional growth of diverse athletes, with integration of legal, organizational and administrative efficiency in implementing sports programs. Athletic coaching certificate of achievement completion can lead to employment as assistant and/or head coaches for sports teams at the middle and high school, recreational, and youth club levels. Students will have the options on their choice of sports offered at CCSF, including intercollegiate athletics courses. Additionally, the CCSF Athletic Coaching Certificate Program will provide an opportunity for students to prepare for the online certification through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

Those who work in the field of athletic coaching enjoy a dynamic career and play an important role in society. Athletic coaches not only help young people achieve their personal and team athletic goals, but also provide a vital supporting role in their education and personal growth. Students who earn a certificate of achievement in coaching are prepared for an entry-level position as a youth or high school coach. Students who earn an AA-T degree in Kinesiology at CCSF are highly qualified to transfer and have a strong competitive advantage in the admissions process at an accredited four-year program. The program offers basic core courses, which prepare students for a career as an effective youth or secondary school coach.

The coursework sets the stage for the Kinesiology A.A. Degree for transfer (to a four-year college or university), which students could earn by completing additional science and GE courses.

Bay Area youth sports teams, middle and high schools look to our program grads for internship & job opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply concepts and techniques of coaching to formulate a full season plan of practice in their respective sport.
  • Determine sports-related safety concerns when preparing athletes or teams for competitions.
  • Evaluate and apply the physical and psychological health foundations needed for sports performance.
  • Create team organization that promotes character development and sportsmanship.

Explore Potential Careers

The Athletic Coaching program will prepare you for work in a variety of occupations and career paths, including:

  • Sport Coach*
  • Sport Scout
  • Fitness & Wellness Coach
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Personal Trainer
  • Fitness Instructor
  • Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

*Entry-level Bay Area Coaches earn on average $35K per year. More experienced coaches can make considerably more!

Earning a certificate of achievement in Athletic Coaching can improve your job prospects and earning potential.

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College of San Francisco will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at various college and universities.

The certificate coursework sets the stage for the Kinesiology A.A. Degree for Transfer, which students could receive by completing additional science courses and GE courses. The Kinesiology for Transfer(AA-T in Kinesiology) is designed to prepare students for transfer into four year colleges to complete a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology or similar major.

Students pursuing careers in athletic coaching typically enroll in four-year bachelor's degree programs with one of the following majors:

  • Kinesiology (including courses in Leading Group Fitness Activities,  Psycho/Social Aspects of Physical Activity and Managing Kinesiology Programs)
  • Exercise Physiology (including courses in Exercise Testing and Prescription, Sports, Epidemiology and Nutrition and Physical Fitness)
  • Education Exercise Science(including courses in Applied Biomechanics, Statistics in Human Movement Science and Cardiopulmonary Aspects of Health-Related Exercise Programs)
  • Physical Education or Coaching 
  • Nutrition 
  • Biology or Human Physiology
  • Sports Medicine

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.