Stony Brook University's online Advanced Graduate Certificate in Coaching program
prepares students to become certified athletic coaches in New York State.
The curriculum consists of three graduate-level New York State Education Department
(NYSED) approved coaching courses plus three additional advanced courses that examine
a broad range of concepts and issues that impact the coach in today's educational
climate.
Subject areas include:
Learning theories
Social and psychological issues
Principles of organization and administration
Kinesthetic theories
Injury care
Exercise and nutrition
New York State Certification
Students who seek coaching certification must take at minimum the three NYSED approved
courses that are noted below with an asterisk. Additional requirements for certification
are found on theNYSED website.
Stony Brook University is the #1 public university in New York and one of the top
30 public universities in the country, according to US News and World Report.
12-18 Months
Time to completion for students taking 2-3 courses per term. Courses are offered in
10-week terms. See the schedule below.
100% Online
Asynchronous course format provides both the flexibility and interactivity that working
professionals demand.
NYSED-Approved
Our courses fulfull the educational requirements for New York State certification.
Courses and Schedules
The 18-credit certificate consists of 5 required courses and one elective.
Required Courses
All 5 courses are required for the certificate. Courses with an asterisk are required
for NYSED certification.
CEP 507 Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education*
This overview takes a look at the administrative responsibilities in education, with
particular reference to the role of the administrator in athletics. Topics include:
personnel responsibilities, governance, finance, supervision, evaluation, and scheduling.
Former course title: Administrative Responsibilities in Athletics - may not be repeated
for credit. Note: This course is one of three approved courses to meet the NYS Coaching
Certification requirement.
CEP 513 Health Sciences Applied to Coaching: Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries*
This course is an in-depth analysis of the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
As a result of the increasing awareness of the specialized nature of athletic injuries,
considerable emphasis is now being placed on the importance of this developing area
of sports medicine. May not be repeated for credit.Note: This course is one of three
approved courses to meet the NYS Coaching Certification requirement.
CEP 514 The Study of Human Movement for Coaches
Applied anatomy and kinesiology will be discussed in reference to three major topics:
anatomic and physiologic fundamentals of human motion, fundamentals of biomechanics,
and principles and applications of motor skills. The major topics to be covered in
reference to exercise physiology are the following: physiology of energy sources,
neuro-muscular concepts, cardiorespiratory considerations, physical training applications,
environmental aspects, and nutrition and body composition. May not be repeated for
credit.
CEP 520 Theory and Techniques of Coaching-Sport Specific Practicum*
This practicum is designed for those students who would like to coach a particular
sport at the high school level, but who have had limited coaching experience. This
course requires 72 hours of practical experience in the coaching field to be completed
concurrently with the seminar. All students are required to make arrangements for
his/her own coaching practicum with approval of instructor. Students will be evaluated
in the administration and presentation of a specific coaching program. May not be
repeated for credit. Note: This course is one of three courses approved to meet NYS
Coaching Certification requirements, with specific sport(s) designation. Prerequisite:
CEP 507 and matriculation in the AGC in Coaching.
LSF 504 Effective Professional Action and Leadership
Provides a professional roadmap for individuals who wish to navigate an enriched personal
and professional path. This course focuses on helping learners to understand themselves
as professionals and to take action for further and future development. Attention
will be given to individual and group dynamics, leadership, self-monitoring, time
management, and other important concepts for professional success.
CEP 502 Principles of Coaching
LSF 504 Effective Professional Action and Leadership may be substituted for CEP 502.
Elective Courses
Choose one of the following.**
CEP 517 Psychology of Sport and Performance
Athletes, coaches and performing artists all understand the importance of psychological
factors in consistently performing at their best. By integrating lecture, readings,
group exercises, and applied projects this course presents students with both an opportunity
to gain an in-depth understanding of the field and the ability to apply the most advanced
techniques in building Mental Toughness and creating a Zone of Performance Excellence.
Topics include Goal Setting, Pre-Competitive Anxiety Management, Creating the Ideal
Performance Zone, Experiencing Flow, Imagery Training, Mental Rehearsal, Hypnosis,
Focus Planning, Attention Control, Mental Training for Individuals and Teams, Building
Team Cohesion, Psychological Aspects of Injury, and Career Termination Issues.
CEP 518 Exercise and Nutrition
This course integrates the concepts of nutrition, bioenergetics, and energy expenditure
into a wellness paradigm for optimal health. Emphasis will be placed on the topics
of macro and micro nutrients and their effects during exercise and training; nutrient
bioenergetics; thermoregulation; ergogenic aids; body composition; energy balance
and weight control; and optimal nutrition for exercise, training and health. Recommended:
A course in anatomy and physiology or CEP 513.
**Or a course in a related area approved by the program director.
Schedules
Students should refer to this schedule when planning their certificate program. This
program does not offer courses in the Summer or Fall terms.
FALL COURSES
CEP 507 Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education*
CEP 513 Health Sciences Applied to Coaching: Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries*
CEP 514 The Study of Human Movement for Coaches
CEP 520 Theory and Techniques of Coaching-Sport Specific Practicum*
LSF 504 Effective Professional Action and Leadership
SPRING COURSES
CEP 502 Principles of Coaching (Spring 2026)
CEP 513 Health Sciences Applied to Coaching: Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries*
CEP 517 Psychology of Sport and Performance
CEP 518 Exercise and Nutrition
CEP 520 Theory and Techniques of Coaching-Sport Specific Practicum*
Coaching Faculty
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