30 Best Online Master’s in Coaching

First on our list is the University of South Florida’s excellent Master of Arts in physical education degree. This program caters to those who want to be physical education teachers in a school. To gain admission to this program, students must have a 3.0 or higher from an undergraduate institution or a 3.5 or higher from a graduate school. Students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester.

Some classes students take in this program are Analysis of Research in Physical Education, Clinical Supervision in Physical Education, and Instructional Design and Content: Games. The curriculum is split between the theoretical foundations of physical education and the art of teaching sports and games to children of all ages.

Students can also take fascinating electives like Sport Psychology, Reflective Teaching in Physical Education, Sport in Society: Contemporary Issues, and Grant Writing in Physical Education. Students choose between plan I or plan II: The first is for those who have a teaching certificate; the second is for those who don’t. 

While the first option on this list focuses on physical education teachers, this program looks toward active coaches who want to gain promotions to highly esteemed jobs. If you want to work with the best athletes, the University of Florida’s Master of Science in sport management with a specialization in high-performance coaching is for you.

In this program, students learn about nutrition, physical training, psychology, mental skills, athlete fitness, health, and safety. Some classes students take are Training High-Performance Athletes, Performance Enhancement, Sport Psychology, and Sport Ethics. These classes will give you the framework to teach professional athletes and the degree to prove your worth.

Besides coaching high-performance athletes, students in this major have gone into careers in sports administration, as head coaches, as strength coordinators, and more. Note that your chances of admission increase tenfold if you have a background in coaching. If you don’t, consider working in the field for a year or two before applying. 

Michigan State University’s Master of Science in sport coaching & leadership is a fantastic program, highly regarded around the world for its faculty and alumni. It also suits all kinds of coaching professionals, no matter whether you want to join sports administration of a large program or become a coach. 

Students take core classes like Ethics in Sport Coaching and Leadership, Coaching Science & Applied Research, and Sport Coaching and Leadership Practicum. Then, they choose a concentration in coaching or leadership. Some coaching courses are Skill Development in Athletes and Psychosocial Bases of Coaching. Some leadership classes are Theory and Practice of Modern Sport Leaderships and Safety and Injury Control.

Michigan State University charges students $863 per credit hour, for an average yearly tuition of $25,890. There are several financial aid options, scholarships, and grants available to students. Either way, this is a fantastic and highly esteemed program that is sure to pay itself off in time. 

For better or worse, schools often pay their teachers based on their certifications at least as much as their experience. If you have a master’s degree, you’ll most likely earn more money than other people with only a bachelor’s degree. The University of Arkansas’ M.Ed. in physical education program gives teachers the chance to learn more about their field and improve their pay grade.

The Master of Education program is 33 total credit hours. Some of the classes students take are Research in HHPR, The Physical Education Curriculum, Sport Skill Assessment and Instructional Strategies, and Motor Learning. These classes will inform you as a teacher and as a passionate physical education professional.

To gain admission to this program, applying students should have a 3.0 or higher GPA. If it’s lower, they may still gain admittance as long as they have a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of their undergraduate degree. Students must apply to the summer and fall semesters by March 1, and the spring semester by November 1.

Are you a coach with years of experience behind you? Maybe you’ve nearly perfected the craft, but you want some more education to prepare for the last mile? If so, consider Georgia Southern University’s excellent online Master of Science, kinesiology and coaching education concentration. 

If you choose to attend this program, you’ll attend classes like Analysis of Teaching Physical Education, Sociocultural Foundations in Sport Coaching, and Current Issues in Coaching. Some of these classes will make you a better coach for your players. But most of these classes will make you a more aware coach, catering to the needs and desires of the people on your teams.

Applying students should have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 or higher GPA. They should also have a resume with relevant work history, proof of membership in professional organizations, and contact information for three or more references. Lastly, they should have the desire to become more reflective and engaged coaches.

West Virginia is known across the country and across the world for its fantastic sports programs. Its football program consistently ranks highly nationwide, and its other programs do, too. It’s not surprising, then, that their Master of Science in sport coaching program is known for its high-quality education and fantastic faculty.

Students in this program take ten classes totaling 30 credit hours at a rate of $607 per credit hour. Several of the ten classes are Psychology of Coaching, Positive Youth Development in Sport, Motor Behavior for Sport Coaches, and Training Theories for Coaches. The curriculum is designed to last five semesters.

To have a good chance of admission, students should have a 2.75 GPA or higher from an accredited undergraduate program. Additionally, they should have two references that can attest to their strengths as a coach. Finally, students must submit a professional statement that shows their commitment to this program and their goals beyond it. 

There are all types of coaches: private coaches, team coaches, football coaches, tennis coaches, hockey coaches. How can a program cater to every type of coach? Well, the fundamentals of coaching are the same, no matter the sport. The content changes, of course, but nothing but practice will teach you how to coach a particular sport. Ohio University’s Master of Coaching Education is for all types of coaches.

To apply for this program, you need a minimum 2.75 GPA in your undergraduate program. Ohio University also requires that its students have at least three years of coaching experience. Additionally, you need three letters of recommendation, a two-page essay, and a resume with an appropriate amount of experience.

Students in this program take excellent core classes like Psychology of Coaching, Management and Leadership in Sport, Ethics and Diversity in Athletic Coaching, and Performance and Conditioning for Athletic Coaches. There are many elective classes too, like Finance for Sport Coaches and Sports Performance for Athletic Coaches.

Ball State University offers one of the best online master’s in athletic coaching education programs in the nation. This program is notable for its flexibility. It requires no on-campus time, and you can complete the required internship to graduate in your workplace as long as it’s coaching-related. If you want to learn about coaching while coaching, this program is for you.

Students take classes like Philosophy and Ethics, Skills and Tactics for Coaches, and Sport Safety and Injury Prevention. These courses teach everything from practical day-to-day coaching skills to the ethical responsibilities of coaches. As guardians and guides of children and adolescents, coaching ethics is crucial.

While the classes are online, students are encouraged and given the space to network and collaborate with one another. While coaches compete in the profession, they prosper as collaborators in educational settings. With other students, you can learn skills from other coaches and impart your knowledge to them. 

The University of Idaho’s Master of Education in physical education & physical activity pedagogy is one of the best teaching-focused coaching programs in the nation. The program examines physical education as a science, giving students foundational theories and proven frameworks for leading physical education classes.

You’ll note the science-heavy nature of many of the program’s classes, like Introduction to Qualitative Research, Principles of Behavior Change, and Pedagogy Applied to HPERD. There are more practice-focused courses, too, like Assessment of Physical Activity and Health Promotion. To be an excellent P.E. teacher, you need to be acquainted with theory and practice: This program orients you to both.

Does this program sound like a fit for you? This program is fantastic, and it’s as flexible as they come. You can complete the program in one year if you’d like, or you can take a few years if you’d rather go slow. Students can choose to begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Master of Science in sport coaching education offers experienced coaches the opportunity to advance their skills. Sure, you’re probably familiar with the sport you’re teaching, but how familiar are you with leadership techniques? Do you know the science of physical development and how it affects a player’s abilities? If not, consider enrolling in this program. 

Students in this fantastic program take classes like Sport Psychology, Advanced Development of Strength and Conditioning Programs, and Foundations and Trends in Kinesiology. You may note the science-heavy base of the curriculum. Coaching is a science, both in theory and in practice. Without an understanding of the human body and mind, coaches are missing a lot.

If you’re ready to join the program, you can feel free to apply anytime. First though, let’s make sure you have the requirements to join the program. You will need to report scores from the GRE, Praxis II: Physical Education Content Knowledge, Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching, or an ACSM exam. Additionally, you’ll need three letters of recommendation, a purpose essay, and a resume showing your skills. 

A great coach has an inestimable influence on the people around them. Not only are they teachers for sports, but they’re guides for critical life skills. A strong coach-player relationship is vital to create high-performing teams and motivated players. Interested? If so, check out Western Michigan University’s MA in coaching sport performance program. 

This coaching program suits aspiring coaches who want to support everything between local up to olympic level teams. Students in this program take excellent classes like Theories of Strength and Conditioning, Skill Acquisition and Human Performance, and Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity. These courses support you as a coach and a leader.

Besides excellent classes and a focused program, Western Michigan University’s online master’s program stands out because of its flexibility. Applying students don’t have to take or submit the GRE. And students can finish the program in as little as three semesters or as much as six years.

From coaches to assistants to doctors to administrators, sport aficionados can choose one of 100 professions within the massive sport industry. Seriously—behind every 20-person team lies a vast array of professionals supporting the goals of the team. Old Dominion University’s Master of Science in sport management looks toward aspiring leaders who want to work within the sport industry.

Students in this program can choose between a one or two-year completion plan. These one or two years will comprise online classes and an internship with a local sports organization. Impressive, right? Students will take courses like Strategic Marketing in Sport, Sport Finance, and Ethics in Sport Management. These classes will impart critical hard and soft skills that are conducive to your success.

All of Old Dominion University’s classes are taught by seasoned experts who hold a Ph.D. in their field. And all of these courses are of the highest quality. Students can take 100% of their classes online, but they can also take in-person classes if they wish. 

Emporia State University offers an excellent Master of Science in health, physical education, and recreation program. To gain admittance to this program, applying students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA, with at least a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 credits of their undergraduate work. Additionally, students must have an undergraduate degree in a related field.

If you choose to attend the program, you’ll take fantastic and engaging classes, including Applied Psychology in HPER, History of Politics in Sport, Assessment in K-12 Physical Education, and the Art and Science of Coaching. These classes will give you the fundamentals that have built every successful coach, and give you a greater understanding of leadership techniques.

Students can take these classes 100% online, but they’re welcome to attend classes on-campus from time to time if they wish to do so. This program is flexible in its curriculum and its requirements. Students don’t need a teaching certificate or GRE scores to apply.

Are you an established physical education teacher with a teaching certificate and a couple of years of teaching experience behind you? Yet, you want to return to school to perfect your trade and increase your pay? If that sounds like you, consider the University of Nebraska Kearney’s  MAE in physical education master teacher program.

Students at this school can choose one of two tracks: pedagogy emphasis or special education emphasis. Whatever you choose, it’s hard to go wrong. Some classes in the pedagogy emphasis are Philosophy of PE; Sports, Recreation and Leisure; and Physiology of Exercise. Some classes in the special education emphasis are Motor Development and Learning and Child and Adolescent Development and Interventions.

Are you interested? The University of Nebraska Kearney has some interesting requirements. Like many other schools, applying students must submit a statement of purpose and their official transcripts. Additionally, applying students must make a visual presentation detailing their teaching philosophy.

The science of sport is as fascinating as its practice. How can the human body run for so long, and how can we make it run for longer? What are our actual limits, and how does that affect sport? These questions are central to Pittsburg State University’s online Master of Science in human performance & wellness program.

Prospective students should note the affordability of this program. Students are charged $390 per credit hour for 32 credit hours, for a total tuition of $12,480. Compared to most master’s programs, PSU’s program is a steal. Students at this school take courses such as Technology and Instrumentation in Human Performance, Biomechanics, and Advanced Exercise Physiology.

Students at Pittsburg State University choose between a thesis and a coursework option. The thesis option suits students who wish to continue their studies in exercise science. The coursework option is best for scientists, teachers, and practitioners. Either way you go, you can’t go wrong at Pitt State. 

Countless studies prove that positive reinforcement is more effective than negative reinforcement. These studies consider both sport and psychological outcomes, and the answer is indisputable. Do you want to learn how to coach with a positive mindset? If so, check out the University of Missouri’s online Master of Education in educational, school and counseling psychology with an emphasis in positive coaching and athletic leadership.

Students can study part-time or full-time. Those studying part-time can finish the program in two-and-a-half years, while those attending class full-time can graduate in one year. Students take classes that detail the foundation of sport administration, coaching and training athletes, the value of ethics in sport, encouraging the well-being of your team, and more. 

Does this sound appealing? To apply, students must have a finished bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA in the last 60 credit hours of study. Additionally, students must complete the online application, which includes a purpose statement. Applying students don’t need to report GRE scores. 

The University of North Georgia has an excellent online Master of Science with a major in kinesiology. This program suits people who are already somewhat established in the exercise science or physical education field. Prospective students should enroll in this program to gain knowledge in kinesiology and an advanced degree to bump their pay.

Applying students must have the following things: a completed bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 or higher GPA, GRE scores, and prerequisite courses like Motor Behavior, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Exercise Physiology. Students must also complete the online application and submit a $40 non-refundable application fee.

Students should note that the University of North Georgia offers the degree as a two-year program. But students can start at the beginning of any term. In those two years, students take 30 semester hours of fundamental exercise science and kinesiology courses. Students can also choose to concentrate in exercise science or health & physical education. 

The Jacksonville State University website notes a pretty encouraging statistic: “the sports market will be a $73.5 billion industry in North America.” That means more sport players, more jobs, and higher pay. If you want to get in on the action, consider Jacksonville State University’s fantastic Master of Science program in sport management.

Unlike many programs on this list, JSU does not require that applying students hold an undergraduate degree in sport management. In fact, many undergraduates majored in communications, political science, public relations, and other fields. The only important detail is that applying students have an interest in sport management, and that they’re able to show it.

According to the program’s website, graduates have gone onto work in strategic planning and finance, coaching amateur and professional teams, journalism in the sport realm, administrative leadership, and more. Using this program as your foundation, you will be able to gain employment in any corner of the sport management realm. 

Let’s see if you fit this profile: You love teaching, and you want to become a more effective educator, and you love teaching nothing more than sports. But you’re also interested in becoming a leader as well as a coach within sport organizations. If this person sounds like you, consider Eastern New Mexico University’s online Master of Science in physical education with an emphasis in sport administration.

While all students will learn about sport administration and coaching, they must choose one or the other as their main concentration. Some coaching classes are Theory of Practice, Applied Sport Psychology, and Physiological Principles of Training. Some sport administration courses are Sport Finance and Economics, Sport Facility Management, and Strategic Sport Marketing. 

Graduates from this program have become leaders of athletic departments, accomplished coaches, and marketers of professional teams. As long as you want to be part of the sports world, you could hardly go wrong by choosing this program.

The University of Northern Colorado was among the first universities to offer a Master of Arts degree in sport coaching, and the school still has one of the best programs in the nation. The program is built upon time-tested theories of coaching, but it also implements the latest research and frameworks into the program.

Students take an average of 18 months to finish the 30-credit online master’s program. Students take classes like Training and Conditioning Principles, Bridging Theory and Practice in Coaching, Psychology for Sports Coaches, and Sports Administration for Coaches. One notable fact about this program is how deeply it connects science and sport theory.

Sounds good? You’ll be pleased to learn that apart from online courses, this program emphasizes the importance of real-world practice. Thus, you’ll supplement your online classes with practice, implementing theories you learned in school into your coaching position. If you want a well-rounded sport coaching program, choose the University of Northern Colorado.

Physical education unlocks our capabilities in many ways. Yes, it introduces athletes to new sports, but it also prepares our mind for challenging situations and builds discipline. In this way, physical education teachers are a critical part of the education system. SUNY Cortland’s Master of Science in education in physical education program is one of the best of its kind.

To gain admittance to this program, applying students should have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA and a GRE score of 2.75 or higher. Additionally, they must submit their resume, official transcripts, documentation of physical education certification, and three references. 

At the program’s outset, students choose the adapted physical education or coaching pedagogy concentration. Some adapted physical education courses are Research in Adapted Physical Activity and Student and Program Evaluation in Adapted Physical Education. Some coaching pedagogy classes are Sports Skills Analysis, Philosophy and Principles of Coaching, and Research Methods in Physical Activity. 

Besides mental and physical stimulation, physical education teaches students the value of leading a healthy life. In America, our food system is out of whack and portion sizes are massive. But we have a culture that loves sports, and physical education teachers are the messengers from that culture to ours. SUNY College at Brockport’s Master of Science in education in physical education helps aspiring fitness coaches to hone their skills in an organized format.

Students at SUNY Brockport take courses like Seminar in Physical Education, Diversity in Education, Curriculum Design in Physical Education, and Behavior Management in Physical Education. After taking these courses, graduates will be able to fuse leading theories in physical education with real-world practices.

Want to join the program? In the application process, you’ll be asked to submit proof of your New York teaching certification, official transcripts with a 3.0 or higher GPA, and test scores from either the edTPA, GRE, or the Miller Analogies Test.

Most of us were raised watching some type of sport on the television. Most of us spent our time watching the sport being played, but some children and adolescents focused more on the coaches. It intrigued them to watch a person guiding and supporting such high performing teams. Want to be like that coach you admired? If so, check out Drexel University’s online Master of Science in sport coaching leadership.

This degree prepares students for coaching positions, but it also gives graduates the fundamentals to join sport administrations in any capacity. Students take classes like Pedagogical Strategies in Coaching, Managing Coaches & Teams, and Development & Fundraising Strategies in Sport.

Are you interested in joining this program? If so, you should have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA from an accredited institution. Additionally, the school will require you to submit two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, your resume, and official transcripts from all of the undergraduate institutions you attended.

Movement is fascinating. Through kinesiology, we can understand how our bodies can work best in sports. But we also learn about what makes the human body so strong, and about how evolution has changed us into who we are today. Valdosta State University’s M.Ed. with a major in health and physical education program will give you insight on everything you need to know as a P.E. instructor.

Students take fascinating courses, such as Physical Education Pedagogy, Human Kinetics, Teaching Applications in Physical Education, and Interdisciplinary Physical Education. These courses will prepare you for the day-to-day tasks of a physical education teacher and the advanced methods required to gain job promotions.

Valdosta State University requires the following materials from applying students: a bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 or higher GPA from an accredited institution, an updated resume, a completed verification of teaching form, three recommendations, and a writing sample. 

Science is taking us to the same conclusion that many Eastern philosophies were founded on: Our brains and bodies are intrinsically connected. If we ignore either one, we won’t be as healthy as we can be. Central Washington University’s online Master of Science in health and physical education program helps teachers gain an understanding in the scientific background of exercise and teaching.

Some classes students in this program take are Psycho-Social Perspectives in Health & Physical Education, Skills-based Health Education, and Tactical Applications to Movement Development & Sport. These classes will give you the scientific backing to confidently teaching physical education to students of all ages.

Students finish this 47-credit program in two years, including both summer semesters. To gain admission into this program, applying students should already be established physical education teachers. If you’re not a physical education teacher and you didn’t finish undergraduate school with a related major, you may still secure admittance, but the decision is up to the department head. 

Are you a current or aspiring sport scientist or coach? Both of these careers are fascinating and highly rewarding. Sport science seeks to understand the human body and the mind’s place in the games we play. Coaching, as you know, is the art of strengthening individuals and teams. East Tennessee State University’s online Master of Science in sport science coach education program caters to both types.

Are you interested in applying to this program? If your answer is yes, you will need the following things: an undergraduate degree in a sport science or coaching-related field, a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, an updated resume, and three letters of recommendation. Of course, you’ll also have to fill out the university-specific application.

Students in this program take classes like Instrumentation in Exercise and Sport Science, Management Skills for Coaching, Sport Skills and Tactics, and Sports Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids. As you can see, these courses range from general theory-based programs to specific practices that you can use to empower athletes.

Do you want to be a camp counselor, sports coach, physical education teacher, or athletic administrator, and you want that leg up on your colleagues? If so, check out Jackson State University’s Master of Science in education with a physical education concentration. The program will give you the tools and certification to climb the ranks and be the best coach you can be.

This program combines the latest scientific research with established physical education fundamentals. Students take classes like Biomechanics, Advanced Exercise Physiology, Research in Physical Education, and Organization and Administration of Physical Education in Two and Four Year Colleges. These classes will prepare you for teaching physical education and managing teaching programs.

To apply, students should have a 3.0 or higher GPA from an accredited undergraduate institution. They may get in with a 2.5 or higher GPA, but only under specific conditions. Additionally, they’ll need a completed application, writing sample, interview, resume, portfolio, and three letters of recommendation. 

While American Public University’s online Master of Science in sports and health sciences isn’t the first on this list, it’s still one of the best programs of its kind in the nation. Of note, the school doesn’t charge an application fee, so applying will cost you nothing but a little time set aside. Plus, the school doesn’t require your GRE scores. If you want an excellent program with flexibility, choose American Public University.

Students in this program take 36 credits at a cost of $370 per credit, or $250 per credit with a military grant. Students can choose a concentration on exercise health and human performance, general, or health and wellness management. Some sample classes are Advanced Biomechanics, Essentials of Human Performance and Exercise Science, and Ethical and Leadership Principles of Health and Wellness Management.

American Public University emphasizes that graduates use science-based approaches to physical education and sport practices. These hypotheses have been tried and tested, and they have real world applications across the sports realm. Using these theories, graduates will have an edge on their competition. 

Southwest Minnesota State University offers an excellent Master of Science in physical education: coaching of sport program. Using resources approved by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education, this program only uses universally accepted and highly regarded theories in sport coaching.

Students in the coaching program take 34 credit hours before graduate. Some of the 12 classes students must take are Philosophy and Ethics in Coaching, Educational Principles in Coaching, Physical Preparation and Conditioning, and Psychology of Athletic Performance. Besides giving you the tools to advance in your career today, the skills you learn in these courses will stick with you throughout your life.

Want to apply? If so, let’s make sure you meet the requirements first. Southern Minnesota State University expects students to provide the official transcript from their undergraduate degree. Additionally, students must provide two letters of reference, a personal statement, an immunization form, and a copy of their teaching license. 

Longwood University may be the lowest ranking on this list, but the program beats out hundreds of other similar programs offered around the country. The university’s Master of Science degree in education with a health and physical education concentration is excellent, no matter its placement on this ranking. 

Of note, students supplement their online learning with a five-credit internship in a location in your community. Your internship should be in a position that relates to your post-graduation goals, no matter whether that’s as a coach or community health clinician. Your internship will also require you to write grants to support a local health-related initiative.

Some classes students take are Community Health Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation; Foundations of Instruction and Learning Theory; Developing Leadership Skills in Health & P.E.; and Principles of Coaching. As long as you’re invested in becoming an excellent coach or health practitioner, you’ll find a lot of value in Longwood University’s online master’s program.