Best Online Master's In Coaching Degrees

Overview

The Master of Science in Sport Coaching Education at the University of Southern Mississippi is designed for those seeking to gain experience in organizational leadership and management in sport, as well as in the theory behind motor development and kinesiology. Students may pursue this exceptional program, designed for part-time learners, through a thesis or non-thesis track, taking around two classes per semester for part-time completion.

Program Features

Thirty-six total credit-hours are required for this program which emphasizes leadership and coaching methods at all levels of sport. Students will become acquainted with every aspect of coaching by taking classes in subjects such as:

• Advanced Motor Development
• Motor Learning
• Sport Psychology
• Foundations and Trends in Kinesiology

Notables

This program is rated as one of the most military-friendly in the country, featuring funding and scholarship assistance for active duty and veteran military members. While the program is already affordable, offering online students the low in-state tuition rate, this feature helps make higher education a reality for those who have served the nation.

Overview

The Master of Coaching Education at Ohio University, offered entirely online, provides students with the academic and career preparation necessary to be successful in a competitive job market. Students learn how to inspire and push players to meet their goals in this rigorous degree program, the curriculum of which is designed around the Eight Domains of Coaching Competencies developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. While it prepares students for success coaching any sport, the curriculum offers an additional track in soccer coaching education, which is offered in conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Program Features

The curriculum in this program is highly flexible, allowing even the busiest professional coaches to continue working while receiving their certifications. Courses are offered asynchronously, allowing students to log on to work on coursework at any time of the day. It can be completed in less than two years. Students will take classes such as:

• Foundations of Coaching I
• Management and Leadership in Sport
• Finance for Athletic Coaches
• Psychology of Coaching

Notables

Ohio University has repeatedly been ranked by the Princeton Review as well as U.S. News and World Report as one of the best colleges, a testament to the program’s flexible and rigorous style of education. This nationally recognized program is designed for students of all backgrounds, equipping them with the leadership skills necessary to be successful in any environment. It is open to students from any academic discipline, requiring no GRE scores for many applicants.

Overview

Concordia’s graduate degree (available as a Master of Arts or a Master of Science) in Coaching and Athletic Administration combines the faith-based education of the institution with a hands-on, service-oriented approach to athletics. This distance learning program is one of only a handful to offer an online program that is ingrained in a faith-based program. As a result, students graduate from this program as profound leaders, ethical coaches, and professional coaches who are ready to tackle any challenges the workforce throws at them.

Program Features

This program is incredibly close-knit, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with peers both near and afar, as well as alumni, industry partners, and instructors. Core and elective courses include:

• Principles of Coaching & Leadership
• Ethics and Sport
• Research Methods & Analysis
• Legal Aspects of Sport
• Sport Medicine & Performance
• General Medicine and Pharmacology

Notables

This nationally-acclaimed program provides students with the training necessary to be successful in a twenty-first-century workplace. The format of the program is unique in that students can start their semesters whenever it is most convenient for them. This flexible learning model allows students to align their coursework with their downtime from work and coaching commitments. Online students also have the ability to complete short blasts of intensive training seminars right on campus. Each student will also create a final culminating professional portfolio, which will include documents that will assist them in future interviews and presentations.

Overview

The Master of Science in Leadership and Coaching at Bellevue is designed to provide intensive training in organizational leadership and consulting. Students will gain insight into sports-specific strategies and learn how to interact with others. The program emphasizes the importance of teamwork and effective communication, and is beneficial for coaches of any sport, at any level.

Program Features

In addition to the core course requirements needed for graduation, Bellevue also offers students the ability to obtain crucial certificates along the way. These certificates help promote graduates to their future employers, and are available in areas such as Executive Coaching and the certification of the International Coach Federation. Major requirements include:

• Leadership Theories and Research
• Developing Leader Effectiveness
• Leadership and Team Dynamics
• Social Psychology of Leadership

Notables

This program is highly affordable, starting at just $575 per credit-hour. Because this program is so flexible and easily adapted for any work schedule or life commitments, Bellevue has repeatedly been recognized as a top university for first-time and returning adult learners. The coaching program, in particular, recognizes the needs of students who fall outside the “normal” boundaries of first-time, full-time students.

Overview

The Master of Arts in Education in Physical Education at the University of Nebraska Kearney is designed to provide teachers with a broad understanding of pedagogy and skill in the areas of movement and athletics. Two concentrations are available: the pedagogy emphasis allows graduates to explore instructional strategy and curriculum development in all levels of the school system, while the special population emphasis is designed for educators looking to serve individuals with disabilities.

Program Features

This program may culminate in either a thesis or comprehensive examination, depending on the curricular and career goals of the candidate. Graduates are prepared to work teaching physical education and coaching at any grade level, from kindergarten to college-aged students. Required and elective courses include:

• Curriculum Design in Physical Education
• Physiology of Exercise
• Analysis of Physical Education Teaching
• Education Research

Notables

This online degree is identical to the one that is offered on campus. In addition to the program in Physical Education, the university also offers 30 other online degree programs, of which multiple have won the distinction of being ranked eighth in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Class sizes in the online campus are small, averaging 25 to 30 students, and allow students to interact closely with talented, dedicated faculty members. Furthermore, all online students have full access to the same resources available to on-campus students, such as student orientation services, video tutorials, discounted software, and library services.

Overview

American Public has made its mark as a university that offers accelerated, affordable, and convenient online degree offerings. Originally designed to serve the country’s active duty and veteran military members, American Public offers a comprehensive Master’s of Sports and Health Sciences Professionals program. This program supplies students with an interdisciplinary approach to physical activity, with each class offered fully online and available 24 hours a day.

Program Features

This program is designed to allow students to work closely with developing effective movement programs at the personal and team-based level. It offers a range of attractive credit transfer options for students who have completed studies at an alternative institution. Areas of study include:

• Sports Law, Risk, and Regulation
• Coaching Theory and Methodology
• Sports Conditioning
• Leadership Concepts in Coaching

Notables

American Public is ranked one of the best providers of online degree programs by U.S. News and World Report. Starting at just $350 per credit-hour, the program allows students to obtain an education that is typically cheaper than one offered at a public, in-state institution. Many students are able to receive course credit for prior work experience or college courses attempted, eliminating the need to take repetitive courses and spend additional time and money.

Overview

The Master of Education in Physical Education and Physical Activity Pedagogy at the University of Idaho provides students with the training necessary to be successful in local schools and communities. This program involves students in nationally-recognized research and includes necessary partnerships to provide students with hands-on experiences in a range of settings. The program also emphasizes character education and allows students to work closely within local communities to develop curriculum for sports teams or in gathering data for servant leadership initiatives.

Program Features

This program can be completed in a single year, or over multiple years if it is more suitable to a student’s busy career and personal life. It can be started at any time throughout the year, and involves students in problem-based research to solve physical activity issues in their chosen settings. A sampling of courses might include:

• Research in Physical Activity, Theory, and Design
• Ethical Practice and Communication in Physical Activity
• Leadership, Programming, and Marketing
• Contemporary Issues in Health and Activity

Notables

This affordable program grants students a variety of ways to finance their education, in addition to rock-bottom tuition rates. Most notably, the Department of Movement Sciences, in which the program is housed, offers a substantial Movement Sciences Scholarship for qualified students. With an average starting salary of up to $55,210, graduates of the University of Idaho finish their degrees with minimal debt and are prepared to enter into high-demand careers.

Overview

The Sport Management program at Old Dominion provides students with the skills necessary to pursue top careers in coaching and athletic training. The unique format of this degree includes extensive studies in areas such as marketing and financial skills, as well as communication and team building. Online classes at Old Dominion are offered both synchronously and asynchronously, granting students the necessary flexibility to complete their coursework at their own pace, but also the ability to interact with other students and instructors.

Program Features

In addition to an exceptionally hands-on curriculum, this program also includes a mandatory practicum and internship. These internships can be completed near the student’s hometown, and allow them to obtain crucial experience in coaching and leadership. Curriculum requirements include:

• Adapted Physical Education
• Advanced Studies in Adapted Physical Education
• Motor Learning and Development
• Curriculum Development in Physical Education

Notables

Most graduate students in the Sports Management program at Old Dominion will undertake a substantial amount of internship experience hours. Most complete around 400 hours, working for organizations such as ESPN, the Woman’s Sports Foundation, professional sports teams, and university athletic departments. These internships are arranged all over the country, and allow students to gain experience in an area of their own choosing.

Overview

Western Michigan’s fully online Master’s of Coaching Sport Performance is provided through the School of Human Performance and Health Education. This multi-dimensional program prepares students for coaching careers at any level and for any sport. Students receive training based on industry feedback, as well as on the Eight Domains of Coaching from the National Standards for Sport Coaches. This program is flexible and easy to complete, with most students finishing in less than 18 months.

Program Features

While most students finish this program quickly, it is flexible enough to allow them to take up to six years to chip away at individual courses. It is ideal for students with busy and varied schedules, allowing them to complete coursework at any time of the day. Students will take classes such as:

• Principles and Practice of Effective Coaching
• Governance and Administration of Sport
• Research Procedures in Human Performance and Health Education
• Program Evaluation in Sport and Physical Activity

Notables

This program includes several hands-on learning opportunities for students to gain experience in the field. For example, online students have the unique opportunity to attend sports-related conferences from all over the world. The university also hosts an exceptional Sports Mentoring Association that allows students and colleagues to collaborate on projects and learn from leaders in the field. This one-of-a-kind feature takes away any disadvantage in networking that online learning might pose, allowing students to receive the best possible education and professional collaborative experiences.

Overview

Greenville University offers a Master of Arts in Coaching that is offered asynchronously throughout 8-week terms. The program was designed to be as flexible as possible, and courses can be completed in any sequence. As a result, most students complete their degrees within less than two years. Greenville offers Christ-centered classes for students seeking to expand their skill sets in recreation and related topics.

Program Features

This program can be completed in convenient eight-week chunks. Students will take classes in the basic, foundational skills of coaching, as well as in broader sports administration and leadership. Each student will also complete a capstone project to demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge before graduation. Required courses include:

• Leadership in Coaching
• Faith Development through Sports
• Coaching Character
• Sport Skill Analysis

Notables

Online programs at Greenville have a demonstrated track record of success, receiving multiple accolades for best overall programs. These recognitions stem largely from Greenville’s affordable price tag, as well as the services available to online students and the quality of online programs. By providing students with a quality, affordable education that meets their unique career goals, most students are highly successful at finding long-term careers and can finish their studies at Greenville in under two years.

Overview

Located in scenic Emporia, KS, the Master of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation is designed for students seeking to move forward in their careers as coaches. The program has been offered for over a decade, and is provided with a flexible distance-learning option that allows candidates to maintain their current obligations while they work towards degrees. Most students complete the program within two years, although it is possible to pursue an accelerated version of this program and complete in under a year.

Program Features

While this program is designed for prospective educators, this degree is a great option for anyone seeking to enhance their abilities in coaching and physical education. It includes 18 core credits and 15 of elective credits, providing students with flexibility in designing their career paths. Core courses include studies in:

• Applied Psychology of Health, Sport, and Human Movement
• Advanced Technology in HPER
• Advanced Exercise Physiology
• Ethics in Sport and HPER

Notables

This program is highly accessible and has been completed by students from all 50 states as well as multiple foreign countries. As a result, students are granted the opportunity to interact with colleagues from all over the world and within the country, enjoying diverse viewpoints and important in-class discussions. As a result, this program is one of the most well-respected and established programs in the field, earning it a reputation among graduates and employers alike.

Overview

The fully online Master of Education in Positive Coaching at the University of Central Missouri is designed to provide students with training on how to incorporate positive techniques into a coaching environment. In addition to intensive training in leadership, communication, and team building, students will also engage in hands-on learning experiences and service activities. It is designed to prepare students for careers as counselors, administrators, coaches, and officers.

Program Features

Each class is offered in an eight- to sixteen-week block, allowing students to take classes at any time throughout the year. Most students graduate within two to three years of beginning coursework. Most courses are self-paced, allowing students to take tests and quizzes at the times that are most flexible. Elective and required courses include:

• Sport and Applied Coaching Psychology
• Positive Psychology
• Positive Leadership in Sport
• Legal Aspects of Sport and Coaching

Notables

This highly affordable program allows online students to pay the low in-state tuition rate, costing most students only around $12,494 for the entirety of their studies. In addition, most students receive some financial aid, with an average aid package of $140,000 servicing the university’s total population of graduate students. Over 75 percent of this university’s graduate students receive financial aid, making it a best value college for almost every student.

Overview

The flexible online program in Physical Education at Canisius College can be started at any time and completed in less than two years. The program includes well-designed blocks of research, teaching, and elective courses. While this student can satisfy professional certification requirements for the state of New York, it also prepares students to earn certification in other states and also for lifelong success in coaching and athletics.

Program Features

Before graduating, each student creates a portfolio of work that includes resumes, lessons, assignments, and mission statements. These portfolios are frequently utilized by graduates in their search for a job, helping them find high-ranking careers as a result of their demonstrated success in coaching and physical education. Other program requirements include:

• Statistics in Physical Education/Health
• Research Methods in Physical & Health Education
• Analysis of Curriculum and Teaching
• Advanced Human Growth and Motor Development

Notables

This program is designed to provide students with a far-reaching approach to physical education, not just reinforcing concepts learned in undergraduate studies but enhancing them to the next level. Students will complete portfolios during their studies, helping them to land jobs with top employers around the world. This online program is ranked highly as one of the best online graduate education programs by U.S. News and World Report, a testament to the college’s dedication to student services and engagement, as well as the advanced standing of high-quality faculty members, prominent technology and admissions criteria at the university.

Overview

The Master of Arts in Applied Sports Coaching at the University of Northern Colorado is designed for practicing coaches seeking to enhance their knowledge in athletics and training. This program applies new methods and project-based research to a flexible online program. This degree can fit into any coach’s busy schedule, allowing students to begin at any academic term and providing an education that is applicable to all coaching endeavor.

Program Features

Required coursework is not specific to a single sport, preferring instead to challenge students with responsive coursework in a variety of broad subject areas. Course requirements include:

• Sports Coaching Principles and Perspectives
• Evaluation of Coaching using Technology
• Introduction to Sports Injuries for Coaches
• Training and Conditioning Principles for Sports Coaches

Notables

Online students at the University of Northern Colorado pay a flat per-credit tuition rate, with no additional fees for distance learning. This affordable program can be completed in under five terms, with the addition of a graduate internship. This internship is usually conducted in a local setting, and in the area of sport and exercise science. As a result of these extensive internship requirements, the University of Northern Colorado is one of only three schools in the country that holds Level 5 comprehensive accreditation from the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education.

Overview

Pittsburg State offers a fully online Master of Science in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation. This degree is designed for professionals who have already studied or are employed in a related field, but also provides training for those from alternative backgrounds. The program features two concentrations, including Human Performance and Wellness, as well as Sport and Leisure Service Management.

Program Features

Thirty credit-hours are required, in addition to a research paper, final project, and final written examination. All course material can be accessed and completed online. In addition to completing courses in their chosen concentrations, each student will also complete core requirements such as:

• Methods of Assessment in Health Human Performance and
• Special Investigations
• Foundations of Human Performance and Wellness
• Foundations of Recreation and Leisure

Notables

Pittsburg State, or “Pitt State,” as it is colloquially known, features a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 19:1. Students have access to dedicated faculty, providing them with the attention necessary for post-graduate success. Over 90 percent of graduates are either employed in their particular field of study or enrolled in further study within six months of graduation, a testament to the exceptional student services and support provided by this institution.