If you love pushing yourself and your team to achieve tough, rewarding goals, a master's degree in coaching might be for you.
Coaches are invaluable to a team's overall success. A good coach knows how to implement educational methods and pedagogy just as a teacher might, and has the leadership and communication skill necessary to derive a team to success.
This rewarding field provides lifelong benefits, allowing you to interact with talented athletes in a growing industry of sport. Obtaining a master's degree in coaching will allow you – and your team – to rise to the top and to overcome any obstacles that come your way.
Online degrees are ideal for individuals seeking graduate-level education in coaching. They allow students to work while completing their studies, and many can be completed either full- or part-time to allow you to accommodate your studies to your existing schedule. These programs are also typically more affordable and require less of a time commitment than their on-campus counterparts.
Compare this list to our master ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
What kind of master's degree in coaching should you get?
Consider your ideal sport in this decision. Think about what kind of position you would like to hold, as well as your ideal school. For example, if you are interested in teaching at an elementary level, you might want to consider a program that is more ingrained in aspects of physical education. Coaches at the professional level might instead think about programs that focus more on leadership, recruitment, and kinesiology.
When considering your sport of choice, think about your institution of choice, as well. For example, if you're interested in coaching skiing, you would want to research the best winter sports. By envisioning these personal goals, it will be easier for you to decide on the best program for your time and money.
How much money do people make with a master's degree in coaching?
The salary range for individuals with master's degrees in coaching will vary widely depending on where and in what setting they work. For example, coaches working in a high school setting are typically paid a set amount of a stipend for a given season. However, physical education teachers will make much more, averaging $60,000 a year, while professional coaches can make several million in a single season.
Better yet, these jobs are expected to grow exponentially, increasing at a rate of six percent over the next ten years. As sports become more popular and ingrained in our culture, more skilled and dedicated coaches will be needed to help meet these needs.
What can you do with a master's degree in coaching?
Master's degrees in coaching are beneficial for individuals who plan to work, or currently work, as coaches at any level. These degrees help provide graduates with the experiences and credentials necessary to move up in the workforce.
They are also designed for those seeking to become teachers of physical education, as well as those looking to move into sports administration. You might work as a health and wellness coach, a high school teacher, or a coach for a professional sports team with one of these degrees.
What are the requirements for a master's degree in coaching?
Most coaching degrees require that students begin their studies with a related undergraduate education in a topic such as physical education, kinesiology, or sports psychology. However, this varies widely by institution, and many do not require any prerequisite knowledge at all.
While enrolled, you can expect to take a range of classes in communication, leadership, and coaching fundamentals. You will learn about coaching pedagogy and exercise science, as well as areas such as nutrition and motivational techniques.
What are the best master's degrees in coaching?
The best master's degrees in coaching are those that will service your individual career and educational goals, both now and in the future. Some programs are designed to help professionals attain success at all aspects of coaching, ranging from the elementary school level all the way up to professional athletics, while others allow you to specialize in a particular sport.
Think about your budget, time constraints, and personal goals before deciding on your school, and consider our rankings below to help you get started on the search for a perfect online master's degree in coaching.
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
