Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for a best masters in coaching is West Virginia University, followed by Michigan State University.
- The youth sports industry is worth over $37.5 billion according to data from Statista.
- Coaching can supplement income and develop future leaders.
- Top online master’s programs in coaching enhance skills and leadership.
- Programs are flexible, affordable, and designed for working professionals.
Did you know the youth sports industry is worth over $37.5 billion?
You may be looking at youth and high school sports as a way to supplement income. Or you may be passionate about developing leaders through sports.
Coaches and instructors can have a lasting impact in schools and community programs.
Check out these top master’s programs in coaching.
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Last updated: April 8, 2025
What are the Best Master’s in Coaching Degrees?
You may be wondering how these Master’s degrees in Coaching programs were chosen out of all the ones out there. The editors of College Rank utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:
- 40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
- 30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and national accreditation
- 30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
In addition, to supply you with the best of the best in Master’s in Coaching degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- The school’s ability to provide a quality Master’s degree program in the field of Coaching,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Taught by professionals in the field of Coaching,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Prepares graduates for career placement in Coaching.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
West Virginia University
West Virginia University wants to get you back into the game faster, better, and stronger. The online Master’s in Sport Coaching provides a dynamic education so you can do it all without ever actually leaving your current professional role.
The program is presented in an “applied format,” meaning you’ll need to be an active sports leader in order to complete the process. This allows you to take what you learn in the classroom, use it in real life situations, and reflect on it with professors and advisors. This format, combined with its remote nature, make the program ideal for current professionals in the field looking to expand their skills and understanding without the setback of leaving your job to return to school.
In addition to learning new training theories, interscholastic administration, and psychology of coaching, you’ll learn how to improve the athletes you lead in both their athletic performance and as people. This expansive curriculum helps to improve your current role as a coach, but also prepares you to enter virtually any other role you want within the field of athletic coaching.
| 10 required courses | 30 total credit hours | Online |
Michigan State University
The Master of Science in Sport Coaching & Leadership from Michigan State University addresses physical and psychosocial aspects of coaching, with attention to human development. To be a cohesive leader, you should also be aware of administrative duties and adherence to legal and safety concerns. This program will cover the full breadth of these expectations while allowing you to learn remotely.
It takes between two and three years to complete the curriculum for these master’s in coaching.
While the program touches on both sport coaching and leadership, you can choose to concentrate in one or the other during the program.
Your concentration will help to personalize the curriculum. It’s guided by four cognate areas of physical, psychosocial, safety, administration, and human development.
| 6 required courses | 30 total credit hours | 90-95% Online |
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University has had an MA in Coaching Sport Performance for quite some time. Now, they’re reformatting the program to be delivered completely online. This didactic program is ideal for any type of coaching professional interested in everything from youth sports all the way to Olympic training.
The program functions as a way to create your own study program to best meet the needs of your current teams and career goals. The Professional Development Seminar for Coaches course operates as an independent study in your chosen sport. The rest of the curriculum teaches high-caliber coaching skills, like movement observation, injury prevention, and proper nutrition.
The entire program spans just 16 months and offers admission in fall, spring, and summer semesters. A final capstone, fulfilled through field experience, puts this cumulative knowledge into practice. This program will also prepare you to sit for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam.
| 21 required courses | 30 total credit hours | Online |
Wittenberg University
A successful coach not only has the eye of the tiger, but also the teaching skills to best communicate with teams and lead them to achievement (and victory). Wittenberg University, with a tiger as its mascot, offers a Master’s in Athletic Coaching and exposure to an institution known for excellence in sports.
Wittenberg’s curriculum reaffirms that the success of a coach goes beyond teaching the inherent skills of playing a sport and supporting a team. A strong coach also acts as a mentor, and can offer inspiration and guidance.
Since sports are always in season, every semester brings with it a new start date. The option to learn full or part time is also available to help best fit your personal schedule. This program gives you every opportunity to grow in the exciting and expanding industry of collegiate sports.
| 22 required courses | 32 total credit hours | Online |
University of Missouri
Students of the online School & Counseling Psychology MeD say that the University of Missouri’s Master’s Coaching program is “extremely engaging” and “even better than if it was in person.” The 100% online formatting allows you to study while remaining engaged in your daily life and professional roles. Even as a part-time enrollee, the program can be completed in less than three years.
The emphasis on Positive Coaching opens up the curriculum to students beyond those who are athletic coaches and coordinators. Students will discover ways to implement positive psychology into their work life and beyond. This involves lessons in gender and multicultural issues, as well as character, ethics, and self-care. Any form of profession that involves leading and counseling–whether it be in an academic, athletic, or general life capacity–can enhance a coach’s role through this Master’s degree.
The tuition rates for all students, instate or out, is the same, giving coaches across the country the chance to improve their career and personal well-being. The end goal of this Master’s course is to build the skills and strategies needed to be highly effective leaders and educators. This program is not only accessible and affordable, but it was also ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best online grad programs available.
| 21 required courses | 30 total credit hours | Online |
How to Choose the Right Sports Coaching Master’s Program
A Master’s in Sports Coaching is a perfect path for those looking to deepen their knowledge of coaching strategies, athlete development, and sports performance. This advanced degree equips students with the tools necessary to become elite coaches in sports, helping athletes enhance their performance, overcome challenges, and succeed at the highest levels.
Whether you’re looking to coach professional athletes, manage sports teams, or work in youth sports development, choosing the right program is essential for gaining the expertise needed to thrive in the competitive world of sports coaching.
Here are five key considerations to help you select the Master’s in Sports Coaching program that’s best for you.
- Curriculum Focus on Sports Science and Performance Enhancement: A solid sports coaching program should provide a strong foundation in sports science, including physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention. Look for programs that offer coursework and practical knowledge on how to enhance athletic performance through scientific principles. Understanding how to tailor training programs based on these principles is critical for becoming an effective coach.
- Specialization in Coaching Methodologies or Specific Sports: Some students may be interested in coaching a particular sport or focusing on a specific aspect of coaching, such as leadership, team dynamics, or mental toughness. Consider programs that offer specializations in areas like performance coaching, sports psychology, or coaching elite athletes, or that allow you to focus on a specific sport or age group that aligns with your career goals.
- Practical Coaching Experience and Internship Opportunities: Hands-on coaching experience is invaluable for developing the skills needed to work with athletes in real-world settings. Look for programs that offer substantial internship or field placement opportunities, allowing you to gain experience coaching at various levels, from youth leagues to professional teams. These experiences will allow you to apply theoretical knowledge and build practical skills in sports coaching.
- Focus on Sports Psychology and Athlete Mentality: Understanding the mental and emotional aspects of coaching is essential for helping athletes overcome performance barriers, manage stress, and stay motivated. Choose a program that incorporates sports psychology, focusing on mental training, motivation techniques, and how to build a winning mindset in athletes. A well-rounded program should address the psychological needs of athletes as much as their physical training.
- Accreditation and Certification Support: When choosing a Master’s in Sports Coaching, ensure that the program is accredited and supports industry certifications. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high educational standards and prepares you for professional certification, such as those from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American Sports Education Program (ASEP). Certification can enhance your credibility and employability as a coach, particularly in competitive sports environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
A degree in this field is worth it because it gives you advanced knowledge of essential coaching principles. It can also help refine your skills, both as a coach and as a motivator. With a master’s degree, you might stand out from other applicants with a lesser degree. Likewise, if you coach collegiate athletes, having a master’s degree might inspire them to do well in school and pursue a master’s degree of their own.
The cost of a master’s degree in coaching varies widely from one program to the next. Some graduate schools charge well under $500 per credit, while others are in excess of $1,000 per credit. Many other schools’ tuition is somewhere in between. On average, a master’s program in the U.S. costs between $54,000-$73,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many master’s in coaching programs follow the standards outlined by the Society of Health and Physical Educators or SHAPE. This curriculum focuses on critical aspects of coaching, sports performance, and related areas like nutrition, physiology, and the mental components of sports. Furthermore, you’ll likely take courses in coaching theory, sports administration, and exercise science. Most master’s in coaching degrees also require a practicum, internship, or similar field experience.
Most graduate degrees in coaching are around 30-36 credits, which takes two years to complete if you’re a full-time student. As a part-time student, expect to take three to five years to complete your coaching degree. Alternatively, if you already have applicable graduate credits or if you take courses in the summer, you could complete your degree in a year or year-and-a-half.
A master’s in coaching is not considered a hard degree because you will already have a solid academic foundation with a bachelor’s degree in a field like sports management. You’ll also likely have coaching experience, which will help you navigate the complexities of a master’s in coaching program. This field has few math and science requirements, and there is typically no thesis component, making the degree much easier.
A master’s degree in coaching is legitimate because the knowledge and skills you gain can in coaching theory, athletic training, coaching research, and other fields can help you improve a team’s on-field performance. In this industry, you have to win to keep your job, and your graduate education can help you win more games. Having a master’s degree also demonstrates to potential employers that you are committed to bettering yourself as a coach, which can make you more attractive as a coaching candidate.
No, the minimum degree required to be a coach is usually a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s degree in coaching might be required for higher levels of sports, such as Division I athletics and professional sports. A master’s degree can also help you advance your career, particularly as you gain real-world coaching experience.
A master’s in coaching might qualify you to be an amateur sports coach, a sports scout, or a referee. Other options include working as a fitness coordinator, athletic trainer, or in an administrative role in a collegiate athletics department. Some coaches with master’s degrees also go on to work as professional sports coaches. With enough experience, you might also qualify for managerial or administrative positions within professional sports clubs, especially if you get a master’s degree in sports management.
The median base salary for coaches and scouts at the amateur level is $45,910, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By working for private institutions, colleges, or universities, your earning potential can increase to above $51,110 annually. The highest 10 percent of coaches and scouts earn a median salary of more than $95,620 per year. The best way to maximize your earning potential is to start coaching, move through the ranks, and demonstrate the ability to be a quality coach. With success on the field comes job offers with much higher salaries, especially at the collegiate and professional levels, where coaching salaries can be millions of dollars per year.