Once you have a master’s in coaching, you are qualified for several career paths, including athletic coach or scout (median salary of $45,910 per year), fitness trainer ($46,480 per year), and high school gym teacher ($65,220 per year).
While exact costs may vary, such an online graduate program typically costs between $12,000 and $16,000 in total tuition. Most programs can be completed in two years or less, so it may not take long for you to realize your educational ambitions and jump into a new career.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Coaching Program
Choose your area of study
This degree may be offered as a Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA). Most online master’s in coaching programs are very straightforward, with the courses designed to prepare you for a career in athletics coaching and training. Therefore, there may not be separate areas of study with your particular online program.
But some programs allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a specific niche in this field, such as physical education, sports administration, sports coaching, or leadership coaching. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
There are many different online master’s in coaching programs to choose from, so it’s important to be selective in your search for the right program.
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in coaching program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for coaching education.
You should also make a budget ahead of time and focus on schools where the overall costs don’t exceed that budget. Finally, if you know where you would like to work after graduation, it could help with your future networking to choose a school where the physical campus is close to where you hope to work.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program.
When researching online master’s in coaching programs, check whether you must submit GRE test scores. Though most programs don’t require it, it is still mandatory at some schools. It can take up to three months to study for the GRE and up to 15 days to get your results, so getting started ASAP is essential if you need to submit test scores.
You will likely need to submit transcripts from your undergraduate program (some schools require master’s in coaching candidates to have a bachelor’s in coaching, physical education, or a related field). Letters of recommendation and a personal statement may be required as well. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each academic year to determine your eligibility for federal loans. It’s also worth exploring if you qualify for special scholarships or graduate student aid. If you can afford it, saving money ahead of time is wise, which can help you reduce any post-graduation debt or even eliminate it entirely. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers a tuition reimbursement program as well.
Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Coaching Programs
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How We Rank Schools
Our research focused on master’s-level programs in coaching and related fields. This list features several different types of degrees, including Master of Science (MS), Master of Education (MEd), and Master of Arts (MA).
Our list only includes programs offered by schools that have regional accreditation. Several programs also have programmatic accreditation through the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE). These accreditations confirm the quality of the programs and their home institutions.
All of the programs on our list are delivered entirely or primarily online. Some programs are offered in a hybrid format, allowing students to combine online and in-person courses to complete their degree requirements.
We evaluated each program based on flexibility, cost, faculty, outcomes, and reputation. Then, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Coaching Program?
Any good online master’s in coaching program will help you master many skills, including practical training in strength conditioning, sports safety, and avoiding and managing sports injuries. These programs usually also cover topics such as nutrition, personnel management, and sports tactics. The diversity of the skills you will master in this graduate program will help prepare you for a similarly diverse range of careers.
If you are focusing on school full-time, most programs can be completed in two years, but those only attending part-time may take longer (up to three years). In some cases, accelerated programs may be available, which you can complete in as little as one year. Remember that while most online programs don’t require in-person interactions, some may require you to complete coaching activities in your local community.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in coaching program
- Principles and Practices of Effective Coaching. This course prepares you for a future career in athletics training. Toward this end, it concentrates on both the practical aspects of problem-solving (on the field and off) and the pedagogical principles needed to teach, coach, and manage young people.
- Ethics in Sport. This course prepares you to understand, navigate, and implement ethical values consistently, ensuring fair play and, above all else, safety.
- Theories of Strength and Conditioning. On the most practical level, this course prepares you to successfully complete the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam. More broadly, it helps you learn about strength and conditioning theory and practice to implement your own programs that foster a culture of healthy athletics among those you teach.
- Sports Safety and Injury Management for Coaches. This course also has a practical goal: to help you successfully get certified in American Red Cross Sport Safety Training and First Aid for Coaches. More broadly, this course enables you to recognize emergencies as they unfold and how to get those involved the care they need. Such situations will ideally be rare as this course emphasizes injury prevention just as much as it emphasizes treatment and rehabilitation.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Coaching Degree?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with a master’s degree in coaching is highly promising. As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of effective coaching and leadership development, the demand for skilled coaches is on the rise. This growth is driven by the need for organizations to enhance employee performance, foster leadership skills, and improve team dynamics. Coaches are sought after in fields such as sports, education, healthcare, and human resources. The adaptability of coaching skills allows graduates to explore diverse career paths. Here are some options to consider:
- Coach or scout — Coaches lead athletes and teach them how to improve at their sport, while scouts assess the skills of athletes in order to help with recruiting and prepare for opponents.
- Median annual salary: $45,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
- New job openings projected: 38,400 annually
- Athletic trainer — Prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries related to athletic activity.
- Median annual salary: $57,930
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 14%
- New job openings projected: 2,700 annually
- Training and development manager — Design and manage an organization’s employee training programs.
- Median annual salary: $125,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 3,500 annually
Online Master’s in Coaching Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in coaching degree program?
Most online master’s in coaching programs will not require you to submit GRE scores, but it’s important to verify beforehand whether this is the case. To simplify things, we highly recommend contacting the admissions counselor(s) at your chosen school(s). Such counselors can answer your questions and verify any special application requirements, including where to send your transcripts, whether letters of recommendation are required, and the application deadline.
How much does an online master’s in coaching degree cost?
Most online master’s in coaching degrees cost between $12,000 and $16,000 in total tuition. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in coaching degree?
Most online master’s in coaching degree programs are designed to be completed within two years. That assumes you attend school full-time, with part-time students often needing as many as three years to complete the program. Accelerated programs may allow you to complete all the required coursework in as little as one year.
As with any other online program, we encourage you to consider your current schedule (including any work requirements you may have) and select a program that best suits your needs.
Is an online master’s in coaching degree worth it?
Earning an online master’s degree in coaching can be worthwhile for individuals passionate about guiding and empowering others to reach their potential. This degree equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in coaching roles across diverse industries. Whether out on the sports field or in the corporate boardroom, coaches play a pivotal role in guiding individuals to become their best selves.
Online programs offer increased flexibility over on-campus programs, allowing students to attend classes at their convenience. This makes them particularly appealing to adult learners who have multiple personal and professional commitments.
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