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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Sports and Recreation, Athletic Coaching Emphasis

The role of a coach is vital in terms of impacting another’s athletic skills, development, and performance. In our athletic coaching degree program, you will study nutrition, sports psychology, sports management, injuries and human performance. 

As you continue in your study, you will develop your own personal coaching philosophy including leadership and management skills. Our professors serve as valuable mentors, teaching relevant issues such as legal requirements, conflict management and consideration of an athletes’ physical well-being.

Shae Garner

Class of 2021

“The thing I enjoyed most about the Sports and Recreation program is the professor-to-student-ratio. This made it not only easier to communicate with the professor, but it was the chance to really grow a stronger relationship with them as well.”

Benefits of OBU Sports and Recreation, Athletic Coaching Program

Impact of Exceptional Faculty

As a Sports and Recreation: Athletic Coaching student, you will have personal interactions with professors who have leadership experience in a variety of sports professions. They share their knowledge and expertise with you in a small classroom setting allowing you to enjoy interpersonal relationships. They serve as both professors and mentors, investing in you as you continue to grow and develop as a coach.

Articulation Agreements with Graduate Level Programs

The Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation program continually seeks partnerships with universities offering admission for advanced degrees. The agreements are designed to align with programs of interest to our students. Currently, OBU has a guaranteed admissions program with Oklahoma State University’s Center for Health Sciences (CHS). The program guarantees two top graduates from OBU’s ESSR program, who apply and meet specified criteria, will be guaranteed admission to the OSU-CHS Master of Athletic Training program pending an interview and selection.

Articulation Agreement Information

Program Information

Professional Networking Opportunities

Our sports and recreation programs enjoy collaborations and connections with professional sports organizations such as the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Uncommon Sports Group, Athletic Business Conference, REACHgathering Sports Ministry Conference, and other Christian sports associations.

You will have opportunities for field trips, internships, and association with professionals from these areas of industry to expand your knowledge and scope of the multi-faceted sports industry.

Opportunities for Internships

You can gain valuable experience in the realm of sports, through OBU’s sports and recreation internship opportunities with various organizations such as Oklahoma City Thunder professional basketball organization, collegiate and high school athletics, municipal recreation center and non-profit agencies and programs. Many of our graduates gain full-time employment with these organizations as a result of their internship.

Integration of Faith

All Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation program courses are taught from a Christian worldview with professors who serve as personal mentors, supporting both your intellectual and spiritual development. Through a small class setting of 15-25 students, our faculty instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their instruction and personal lives. Our mission is to invest in you as a future sports and recreation professional who will exemplify Christian principles, and practices with utmost respect for those you serve.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

Graduates of the OBU Sports and Recreation: Athletic Coaching program may find satisfying jobs with professional sports organizations, city parks and recreation, church ministry, athletic coaching at various levels, athletic director or other related areas of work.

Recent places of employment for Athletic Coaching graduates include:

  • Broken Arrow Public Schools
  • Mid-Del Public Schools
  • Shawnee Public Schools
  • Oklahoma Baptist University Athletic Department

Program Options

Bachelor of Science (BS)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Chad Payn

Dr. Chad Payn

Chair, Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Faculty Athletics Representative

Dr. Meredith Bailey

Dr. Meredith Bailey

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation

Dr. Jeffrey Hogan

Dr. Jeffrey Hogan

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation

Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation