Thomas College Announces First-of-Its-Kind Athletic Coaching Degree in Maine

Waterville, Maine — April 2026 — Thomas College is launching a modern Bachelor of Science in Athletic Coaching, the first undergraduate program of its kind in Maine and one of only a handful nationwide. The degree, set to commence in Fall 2026, is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in athletics through a curriculum grounded in sport science, psychology, and performance training.

The program combines coursework in anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, human motivation, and athlete development with practical training in strength and conditioning, speed and agility, and performance analytics. According to Dr. Greg King, professor at Thomas College, the initiative aims to shift the traditional model of coaching education by teaching the science and leadership of coaching before students enter the field.

“Many coaches learn how to coach only after they enter the profession,” King said. “Our program flips that model by teaching the science, psychology, and leadership of coaching whereas 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 Bachelor of Science in Athletic Coaching emphasizes both technical expertise and organizational leadership, responding to the growing demand for qualified professionals in sports environments at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels. As one of few such programs in the United States, it positions Thomas College at the forefront of specialized coaching education in New England.

For more information about the program, visit the Thomas College announcement page.