Skip to main content
WVU Online
How to Apply Request Info

Athlete Talent Identification and Development Graduate Certificate

College of Applied Human Sciences

Coach cheers on the WVU women's basketball team from the sidelines

The online Athlete Talent Identification and Development Graduate Certificate from WVU's College of Applied Human Sciences builds expertise in recognizing and developing athletic potential across individual and team sports. Through focused coursework in sport science, analytics, and leadership, you'll learn to apply data-informed strategies that enhance performance and support long-term athlete growth.

Cost:

$744 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

4 Courses / 12 credit hours

Duration:

One year / 8-week and 16-week terms

Dates:

Next Start: January 12, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Learning Format:

Online Asynchronous

Request Info How to Apply

Program Overview

Shape Potential into Performance

This online certificate program will equip you with the tools to recognize and nurture athletic talent in both team and individual sports. Through a focused curriculum, you'll gain specialized knowledge in performance analysis, leadership, and athlete development. All of this works to prepare you to make data-informed decisions that drive success.

  • Evidence-Informed Coaching: Apply sport science principles and training theories to enhance athlete development and performance.
  • Data-Driven Strategy: Use analytics to personalize coaching approaches and adapt to the dynamic sports landscape.
  • Professional Development: Continuously refine your coaching approach through applied learning and real-world insights.
  • Expert Faculty: Taught by nationally and internationally recognized experts, the program blends cutting-edge research with real-world application to help you thrive in a competitive industry.
  • Flexible Program Structure: This online program's flexibility lets you get a quality education while balancing life, work, and family.

Curriculum

The comprehensive curriculum of this graduate certificate is tailored to equip you with specialized knowledge in player talent identification and development. The program emphasizes advanced methods and techniques, as well as the development of communication, leadership, and motivational skills, to both identify and cultivate athlete potential. Additionally, you'll be introduced to data-driven decision-making in sport analytics and performance to maximize player and team success.

Learning Outcomes

  • Implement specialized techniques for identifying and nurturing athlete potential across various sports and developmental stages.
  • Integrate sport analytics to optimize player performance, utilizing data-driven insights for strategic coaching decisions.
  • Demonstrate advanced coaching skills encompassing effective communication, leadership, and motivational strategies to elevate athlete performance.

Course Requirements: Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 to graduate from the program. Each required class must be completed with a grade of a C- or better. Graduate students with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below 2.75 will be placed on academic probation.

  • ACE 508: The Sport Coaching Profession, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 524: Data Analytics in Sport Development & Performance, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 525: Talent Development and Identification in Sport, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 585: Applied Professional Development, 3 credit hours
Total: 12 credit hours

Admissions Requirements and Eligibility

  • To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor’s degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75. 
  • WVU operates decentralized admissions. 
    • Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

  • One-two page statement of interest in the program
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
  • Resume or CV
  • Two reference letters

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Since certificates are considered non-degree-seeking programs, they don't qualify for financial aid. However, many certificate programs allow you to transition into a full degree, at which point financial aid can be applied.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

Careers and Employment

With the new skills and perspective gained from this certificate program, you will be prepared for a role in a variety of related areas.

Career Paths

  • School Athletics Program
  • Talent Scout at the college or professional level
  • Community Athletics Programs
  • Coaches
  • Athletic Administrator
  • Performance/Development Consultant
  • Sports Analytics

Explore Program

Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

Request Information