Thomas College plans to launch a new bachelor’s degree in athletic coaching this fall, marking, what the school says, is the first program of its kind in Maine.
The Bachelor of Science in Advanced Coaching degree is designed to prepare students for careers leading teams and developing athletes.
Dr. Greg King, a professor at the college, said the program is intended to shift how coaches enter the field by providing structured education before they begin working.
The curriculum blends coursework in sports science and leadership with performance training. Students will study areas such as anatomy, biomechanics, human motivation, strength and conditioning, speed development and performance analytics.
In addition to the technical training, the program includes courses in coaching management, ethics, sport law, and fundraising, as well as behavioral development and psychology to better understand how athletes learn and perform at different stages.
“Many coaches learn how to coach only after they enter the profession,” said King. “Our program flips that model by teaching the science, psychology, and leadership of coaching while students are still in college — so they graduate with the knowledge and confidence to lead athletes, develop teams and apply proven coaching strategies from their very first day on the job.”
The degree requires hands-on experience through applied coursework and an internship.
Thomas College, led by President Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, is a career-focused private college founded in 1864. It offers programs in the arts and sciences, business and education.
The school is ranked No. 17 among Maine’s largest colleges and universities in the 2026 Mainebiz Book of Lists, based on full-time undergraduate enrollment of 672 in fall 2025.
