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Coaches don’t just yell commands. They are motivators, mentors, and teachers.
How do you become a good coach who is skilled in these tasks? Practice, but also with training. The very best coaches are those that are always willing to improve and refine their craft, no matter what the sport or practice may be.
A master’s degree in Coaching will provide you with the foundational skills, knowledge, and hands-on training necessary to be successful in any coaching endeavor.
What kind of coaching degree should you get?
A good coaching degree will ingrain you with the fundamentals of coaching, regardless of whether that is at a high school, college, or professional level. It will provide you with the foundational skills and hands-on experiences necessary to become credentialed and well-practiced in the industry.
Students should consider online degrees, as these often provide more flexibility regarding credit load, course delivery, and faculty interaction. In addition, most online degrees can be completed at your own pace. Online degrees can also be more affordable than their on-campus counterparts.
Consider our list of the Best Online Masters in Coaching Degrees.
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How much money do people make with coaching degrees?
Your average salary after graduating with a degree in coaching will likely vary depending on what type of job you choose to pursue. Graduates who accept positions as athletic trainers, particularly at the college level, tend to earn the highest starting salaries, averaging a little over $46,000 per year.
Now is a great time to get involved in coaching. With more youth becoming involved in athletics, and athletic enthusiasm at an all-time high, amateur and professional coaches alike will have plenty of access to high-paying jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in coaching are expected to grow about 6 percent over the next ten years.
What can you do with a degree in coaching?
Coaching is a broad discipline, and a degree in coaching will allow you to work in a range of diverse settings. You might work as a physical education teacher or just an educator who teaches at the high school level. You could work in collegiate or professional sports, or become an athletic trainer for a specific sport.
Some individuals receive coaching degrees and then go on to pursue careers as life coaches, wellness coaches, or health teachers. Others may go on to pursue additional studies in sports medicine, sports psychology, or nutrition. The range of opportunities is endless, and a master's degree in coaching only provides you with additional flexibility in designing the career of your dreams.
What are the requirements for a degree in coaching?
One of the most convenient aspects of a master’s degree in coaching is that most universities don’t require an undergraduate degree in a specific area in order to apply - just a degree. Some schools prefer experience in topics such as nutrition, kinesiology, and sports psychology, while others might also require GRE scores.
While enrolled, you can expect to complete a wide range of courses depending on your specific area of interest. The best programs include internships or practicum experiences, allowing you to gain real coaching experience before entering the workforce.
What are the best coaching degrees?
The best coaching degrees are those that utilize a wide variety of educational methods and theories. They emphasize topics such as sports psychology, organizational leadership, nutrition, athletics, and exercise science.
An online degree will give you access to experienced instructors from a range of athletic backgrounds, and not focus in on just one area as the entirety of the program but instead allow you to generalize your studies in their early stages.
Of course, you should also choose a program that will let you specialize in a specific area. Good programs include internship and cooperative learning experiences, giving you plenty of time to practice your newly acquired skills as a coach.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Coaching Degrees
Michigan State University
- East Lansing, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Michigan State University offers a top-ranked program in coaching as one of its 126 master's degrees. The master of science in sport coaching, leadership, and administration incorporates career-focused training to help students advance their professional opportunities. Flexible enrollment options make it easier for busy enrollees and working professionals to attend a graduate program.
Learners gain a comprehensive understanding of coaching through a curriculum that highlights theoretical and practical approaches. Internships and experiential learning opportunities build professional connections and provide real-world experience. Enrollees meet with faculty advisors to choose electives and concentrations to individualize the coaching degree.
Michigan State University at a Glance:
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 71%
Graduate Tuition In State: $18,858
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $37,056
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 70%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $11,755
Average Price After Aid: $16,579
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Coaching Degrees
The University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master's in coaching degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia helps graduates pursue advanced careers. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the public university offers a variety of enrollment options for degree-seekers, including online programs. In the master of education in positive coaching and athletic leadership program, learners strengthen their knowledge and skills through a rigorous curriculum.
Master's candidates rely on the school's support services to make progress toward their degree. Academic advisors help with course selections, while financial aid counselors connect students with ways to pay for their education. Master's degree-seekers also attend networking and training events hosted by the university.
The University of Missouri-Columbia at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 80
Total Online Master's Programs: 21
Admission Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,264
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,363
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,700
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Coaching Degrees
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, WV
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
West Virginia University offers 87 master's degrees, including a master's in coaching that earns top marks. Students advance their training and increase their career opportunities in the master of science in sport coaching program. Graduate programs prioritize flexibility through their enrollment options, which help enrollees balance school with work or other responsibilities.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and practical knowledge to build a comprehensive understanding of coaching. Participants strengthen their career-readiness through internships and hands-on learning opportunities. Faculty advisors help students choose electives and concentrations to specialize their coaching education.
West Virginia University at a Glance:
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 84%
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,134
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,154
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,245
Average Price After Aid: $12,743
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Coaching Degrees
Ohio University-Main Campus
- Athens, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking a graduate degree in coaching can enroll in the program at Ohio University. The master’s in coaching education encourages career growth through its experiential learning components. Flexible enrollment options, including online classes, help busy enrollees balance coursework with their other responsibilities.
Students take theoretical and practical classes to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the field. Participants complete internships and hands-on learning opportunities to complement their classroom knowledge and expand their professional networks. Concentrations and electives let enrollees specialize their education around particular fields.
Ohio University at a Glance:
Location: Athens, Ohio
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 82%
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,444
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,436
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,956
Average Price After Aid: $22,521
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Coaching Degrees
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The coaching master's degree at Bellevue University is one of 25 master's programs offered at the school. The master of science in management with a concentration in executive coaching helps students advance their education and increase their career opportunities. Candidates benefit from flexible enrollment options, including schedules designed for full-time professionals.
Learners gain a comprehensive understanding of coaching through a curriculum that highlights theoretical and practical approaches. Participants gain real-world experience during internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. Concentrations and electives allow enrollees to customize the degree based on their career goals.
Bellevue University at a Glance:
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
School Type: Private
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,530
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,530
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 84%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
