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Coaching may be the career for you if you thrive on leading people in recreational activities. Coaching degrees can prepare you to work with children, your peers, or older adults in fitness and athletic occupations. You might find yourself coaching a college team, managing a recreation center, or preparing to pursue a medicine or physical therapy degree.
This guide includes a data-derived list of the top online coaching degrees. You can also learn how to pay for your education, what coaches earn, and what it's like to pursue a bachelor's degree in coaching.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Sports Coaching Degrees
#1 Best Coaching Degrees
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $220
Out-of-State | $220
Credits to Graduate: 120
Incorporating the values of servant leadership, Cumberlands' bachelor of science in coaching can prepare learners for various coaching-related careers. This online or on-campus program includes courses in nutrition, officiating games, and care and prevention of athletic injuries. Online classes run in eight-week sessions and are fully asynchronous.
Tuition includes the cost of online textbook rentals. On-campus students can pursue work-study programs that offer hands-on experiences in the school's athletic training office, wellness center, or sports information office. To apply, prospective learners need a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Coaching Degrees
William Carey University
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 128
William Carey University's BA or BS in physical education runs fully online to suit the needs of working students. The degree prepares graduates for careers in teaching and coaching. Major-specific coursework can include classes like kinesiology, motor development and creative rhythms for elementary school, and sport law.
First-year applicants should submit ACT or SAT scores and transcripts. William Carey University also accepts applications from homeschooled students and people with GED certificates.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Coaching Degrees
United States Sports Academy
- Daphne, AL
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 120
Offered online and on campus, the Academy's bachelor of sports science in sports coaching helps prepare students for a leadership career in the sports industry. This degree includes coursework in nutrition, psychology, strength and conditioning, and coaching methodology. Learners also complete an internship and a senior research project.
The program offers nine minors, including sports coaching, women's studies, e-sports management, and analytics in sports. Standardized test scores are not required for admission. The Academy accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Coaching Degrees
University of Southern Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $402
Out-of-State | $486
Credits to Graduate: 120
The bachelor of science in sports coaching at USM runs 100% online. Courses include sport pedagogy; athlete development across the lifespan; and athlete safety, well-being, and injury prevention. Students also take three coaching strategy courses focusing on sports like softball and baseball, basketball and soccer, track and field, or football.
Prospective students must submit SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts showing a college prep curriculum, and a $45 application fee. Applicants who do not meet all requirements to attend can receive provisional admission while attending a year-long academic support program.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Why Get a Coaching Degree?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), people aged 25-34 with a bachelor's degree were more likely to be employed full time than people with high school diplomas or associate degrees. They also earned higher salaries. In addition to the material benefits, a four-year degree can lead to a sense of self-fulfillment and accomplishment.
Coaching is a fast-growing field that offers plenty of tangible and personal benefits. Coaches learn leadership and communication skills, become experts in human performance, and develop a people-first mindset. This major can set you up for a fulfilling career in athletic administration or education or lay the foundation for medical or business school.
What Can You Do With an Undergraduate Coaching Degree?
When coupled with experience and relevant certifications, sports coaching degrees can prepare you for a career in coaching, sports management, or physical education. A graduate degree can even equip you to teach or coach at the college or professional level.
Check out the following jobs you can pursue with a degree in coaching. All salary data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Dietitians and Nutritionists
These professionals help people lead healthy lives through meal planning and nutritional education. In 2022, the median annual salary for this profession was $66,450.
Coaches and Scouts
Scouts recruit new athletes for teams. Coaches may also help find talent, but they primarily manage teams on the field and help develop their athletic and strategic skills. In 2022, the median annual salary for this profession was $44,890.
Fitness Trainers and Instructors
Fitness trainers lead and instruct individuals and groups in exercise activities, usually in health clubs, fitness centers, or yoga studios. In 2022, the median annual salary for this profession was $45,380.
Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers prevent and diagnose injuries among athletes. In 2022, the median annual salary for this profession was $53,840.
Athletes and Sports Competitors
About 14,000 people in the U.S. work as professional athletes, entertaining spectators in an organized setting. In 2022, the median annual salary for this profession was $94,270.
How Much Can Professional Sports Coaches Make?
According to the BLS, coaches and scouts earned a median annual salary of $44,890 in 2022, but averages don't reveal the whole picture. For instance, college and professional coaches earned the most, while coaches at elementary and secondary schools earned the least. Many coaches work full time in another profession, such as teaching, and coach as a side hustle.
Experience also helps determine salary. In January 2024, Payscale reported that experienced coaches earned 35% above the average wage while entry-level professionals averaged 15% lower. All that said, other sports-related professions may pay more than coaching. Athletic trainers, administrators, and professional athletes earn considerably higher salaries than most coaches.
What to Expect From Coaching Degree Programs
Coaching degree programs blend the study of the human body and how it works with research on human behavior in sports and exercise settings. After graduation, you might pursue a career as an athletic administrator, scout, coach, nutritionist, or athlete.
This four-year degree program generally requires students to complete 120 credits, combining major courses with general education coursework, a minor concentration, and a series of electives. Full-time learners often take 12-18 credits per semester, and part-time students enroll in 3-9 credits. Some schools require an internship, thesis, or capstone project, and a bachelor of arts usually includes courses in foreign language studies.
Depending on where you attend and what financial aid package you qualify for, you may spend between $60,000 and $100,000 to earn your degree.
Degree Options
You can pursue either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in coaching. A bachelor of arts degree program typically requires a foreign language, while a bachelor of science does not. Both degrees call for the same number of credits.
With either degree, you can choose specific concentrations or minors. For instance, a school may offer a minor in marketing, sports analytics, sports media, nutrition sciences, or sports coaching. Sometimes, coaching is a minor for another program. For example, a school might offer a bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor or concentration in coaching.
Popular Courses
Each school determines its own curriculum based both on its unique faculty expertise and on how it views the field. Commonly offered courses include:
- Nutrition: Students explore nutrition's impact on health and human performance by looking at cultural and ethical dietary diversity surrounding food and nutritional needs across the lifespan.
- Officiating Games: This course prepares students to serve as basketball, softball, or baseball officials. As part of this hands-on course, enrollees study the material covered in state certification examinations for the relevant sports.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Students discover the basics of the human system's structure and function. Topics include tissues, the major organ systems, anatomical terminology, and the relationship of human anatomy with health and athletic performance.
- Ethics in Sports: This course covers the moral and ethical issues relevant to sports. Students explore fan behavior, sportsmanship, deviant behavior in athletics, and performance-enhancing drugs.
- Psychology of Sports: Students explore how participants and fans behave in exercise and sports settings.
How to Choose a Coaching Degree Program
Consider several factors when choosing an online coaching degree. First, make sure you attend an accredited school. Accreditation gives you access to many financial aid resources and gives your degree more credibility in the marketplace. Other relevant factors include:
-
Tuition and Financial Aid: What does this school cost? Are scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options available to help meet those costs?
-
Program Culture: Do you agree with the ethics taught at this school? Will you feel a sense of belonging?
-
Career Services: What resources does this school provide to help you secure employment as a sports professional after graduation?
-
Alumni Network: Does the program maintain a large and active alumni network you can leverage for career support?
-
Admission Requirements: Do you meet the school's admission requirements? Is conditional admission an option for you?
How to Get Into a Coaching Degree Program
For admission to a bachelor's degree program in sports coaching, you usually need a high school diploma, GED certificate, or proof of graduation from a homeschooling program. Some schools may require a college preparatory curriculum or a minimum GPA. While admissions tests are the subject of debate, many schools still require ACT or SAT scores, especially if applicants have a lower GPA.
The admissions process typically includes completing the Common App and sending transcripts, references, a personal statement, and an application fee. Some schools may also require a video or in-person interview. Graduate programs in coaching might look for applicants with professional experience.
How to Pay for a Coaching Degree Program
In 2020-2021, NCES reported that full-time undergraduate students paid an average of $14,700 at public institutions and $28,400 at private nonprofit institutions. School prestige, state residence, and other factors impact those prices. Students also paid for housing, food, transportation, and other costs of living while in school.
How did most students cover their educational costs?
Ways to Cover the Cost of Education
| Payment Options |
What Is It? |
Percentage of Students Who Use It |
Pros |
Cons |
How to Access |
| Scholarships |
Merit-based aid; usually privately funded |
60% |
Do not have to be paid back |
The research and application process may be time-consuming |
Research on sites such as Scholarships.com |
| Grants |
Need-based aid; usually publicly funded |
55% |
Do not have to be paid back |
Higher-income students may not qualify |
FAFSA |
| Income and Savings |
Money earned or saved through the student's or their family's own work |
56% |
No reliance on another party |
May leave students without adequate savings |
N/A |
| Student Loans |
Loans developed explicitly for students; privately funded but may be publicly supported |
25% |
Easy to access |
Must be paid back with interest and any applicable penalties |
FAFSA |
Source: Sallie Mae, How America Pays for College 2022
Can You Earn a Coaching Degree Online?
In 2021, 61% of undergraduate students took at least one online course, and 28% studied entirely online, according to NCES. Those numbers represent nearly a 100% increase since 2019.
Coaching is one of the majors available online. At some schools, you may earn your entire degree through distance education, while at others, you might blend online and in-person learning.
The flexible schedule of at-home learning may appeal to some students, but others could find the lack of physical interaction challenging. Only you can decide if an online coaching degree is right for you.
More Questions About Sports Coaching Degrees
What degree does a professional coach need?
According to the BLS, most professional coaches hold a bachelor's degree, usually in recreation, fitness, or business. High school physical education teachers typically have a background in education, and colleges may require their coaches to hold a master's degree in coaching or a related field.
How long does a sports coaching degree take?
A sports coaching degree takes you about four years from start to finish. If you hold transferable credits, military experience, AP classes, CLEP credits, or other qualified learning assessments, you may be able to accelerate your time to graduation. Earning a master's degree usually takes two additional years.
How do I start a career in sports coaching?
You can start your sports coaching career with a bachelor's degree in a business or athletic major. With a degree in hand, you can gain field experience in coaching and pursue certifications with organizations such as the National Federation of State High School Associations, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, or the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Can I earn a coaching degree online?
Yes, several colleges and universities offer online coaching degrees. As you consider which school may be right for you, make sure to choose a regionally accredited institution with a program that meets your budget and career interests.
Are sports coaches in demand?
The BLS projects that job openings for coaches and scouts will increase by 9% between 2022 and 2032. That's a much faster-than-average rate of growth.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CollegeChoice. Page last reviewed February 2, 2024.
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