Graduate Certificate in High Performance Coaching
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A graduate certificate in High Performance Coaching is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their skills in motivating and guiding individuals or teams to achieve peak performance in sports, business, or personal development. Graduates often pursue careers as executive coaches, sports psychologists, or leadership development consultants, working with athletes, corporate executives, or organizations to optimize performance, foster resilience, and drive sustained success.
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in High Performance Coaching prepares students to meet the growing demand for professionals who can enhance athlete development through an integrated, data-informed approach. As the field rapidly expands across collegiate and professional sports, High Performance Coaches are increasingly valued for their ability to collaborate with nutritionists, sport psychologists, medical staff, and strength coaches to optimize training and recovery. This program equips students with the skills to collect and interpret physiological, wellness, and player load data, and to apply that information in ways that improve athletic performance and reduce injury risk. Whether you're looking to advance your career in sports performance or enter this emerging field, this certificate offers a strong foundation for success.
Related Careers
- Sports Scientist
- High Performance Manager
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Professional Coach
- Fitness Coach
- Rehabilitation Coach
- Performance Analyst
- Fitness Advisor
- Sports Science Manager
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic
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Fall
- 07/25/2025
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Spring
- 12/12/2025
International
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Certificate curriculum is focused on enhancing the students’ understanding of: physiological and applied concepts related to strength training and conditioning; analytical aspects related to physiological readiness and the stress-response to physiological and psychological stimuli; leadership dynamics within an athletic setting; and psychology of athletic performance.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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