Online Coaching Degrees
Updated August 24, 2023
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Competitive individuals often find coaching to be a satisfying career. While earning a coaching degree online, students explore topics including exercise physiology, sports nutrition, teaching methods, and psychology. Coursework also covers injury prevention, and degree-seekers may gain hands-on experience in recreational, high school, or college athletic programs.
Coaches and scouts earn a median salary of $36,330 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects employment for these professionals to increase 12% from 2019-2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Graduates can also become postsecondary recreation and fitness studies teachers, who earn a median salary of $66,290 per year, according to BLS data.
FAQ
Q. Is coaching a good career?
Coaching careers are often ideal for sports enthusiasts and individuals with strong mentoring skills. Professional coaches often enjoy helping others achieve their goals in a meaningful way.
Q. What can I do with a coaching degree?
A coaching degree can lead to positions such as athletic director, health and physical education instructor, sports management professor, recreation center manager, and sports director.
Q. What major does coaching fall under?
Although coaches may not need a degree in the field, a master's degree in coaching can lead to more advanced roles. At the high school level, teachers usually serve as coaches. However, many college coaches hold a master's-level coaching degree.
Q. Is it worth it to get a master's degree in coaching?
Athletes worldwide need coaches. Earning a master's degree in the field can help professionals secure high-level roles as college coaches. Many schools require coaches at the college level to hold a master's degree.
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Why Get a Degree in Coaching?
While earning a coaching degree online, students develop relevant skills and knowledge. Learners explore topics such as principles of sports coaching, sports policy, sports psychology, and anatomy and physiology.
Curricula for coaching degrees vary by school and can impact graduates' career opportunities. Coaches and scouts earn a median salary over $36,000 per year, according to the BLS, while postsecondary recreation and fitness studies teachers earn more than $66,000 per year.
Online students often save money on costs associated with transportation and housing. Additionally, many schools waive campus fees for distance learners.
When researching online programs, students should ensure each school holds accreditation and offers scheduling options that meet their needs. Most students earn their master's in coaching in about two years. However, program requirements and the individual's enrollment status can impact degree completion time.
How Much Does a Coaching Degree Cost?
The cost of a coaching degree online varies by school. Public schools typically offer the lowest tuition rates and provide discounts for in-state learners. Some institutions also offer lower tuition rates for online students. For example, Liberty University's online coaching degree master's program costs $565 per credit hour.
Overall, students paid an average cost of $12,171 for graduate tuition and required fees for public institutions in 2018-2019. Private institutions cost $25,929 on average in 2018-2019.
In addition to tuition, students may need to budget for fees, books, and living expenses. Online school degrees will pay less in fees compared to students who choose to attend college in-person. However, students may have to pay other costs not required for in-person attendees, such as distance learning fees. These fees vary by institution. Learners should research each prospective school's fees and financial aid options before they choose the right school for them.
Calculating the Cost of a College Degree
Students can use the affordability calculator below to determine the out-of-pocket cost of earning a sports coaching degree. Users input their current income and cost of living into the calculator. They should also enter details about books and expenses, along with expected scholarships and financial aid.
How Much Do Coaching Majors Make?
According to the BLS, coaches and scouts earn a median salary of $36,330 per year. However, earning potential varies based on position and employer. For example, a head coach for an NFL team typically earns significantly more than a high school coach. Individuals can advance professionally by obtaining additional skills and credentials, such as a master's-level coaching degree.
Careers in sports administration often require a bachelor's or master's degree and can lead to increased earning potential. To improve their marketability, professionals can pursue certifications, such as the registered athletic administrator, certified athletic administrator, and certified master athletic administrator credentials.
Courses in Coaching
Coaching courses help learners develop foundational skills, theoretical knowledge, and leadership abilities. Available courses vary by school, but the following list features classes common to many master's in coaching degree programs.
Psychosocial Aspects of Coaching
The course introduces learners to historical, sociological, cultural, and psychological aspects of coaching teams. Coursework explores how coaching relates to individuals, groups, and organizations.
Coaching Ethics
Students in this course examine ethics, morality, and philosophy in relation to modern sports. Learners prepare to identify and resolve ethical dilemmas in the coaching profession. Degree-seekers review and solve examples of ethical situations.
Sport Leadership
The course explores leadership in sports, the role of competition, and character development in athletes. Students develop leadership skills applicable to coaching careers. Coursework covers the impact of organizational structures and communication on coaching.
Certifications and Licensure for Coaching
Graduates of coaching degrees can pursue additional credentials to improve their career prospects. Available coaching certifications depend on the professional's geographic location. Coaching degree-seekers should research certification requirements for professionals in their state.
Scholarships for Coaching
Coaching degree-seekers can apply for a variety of scholarships to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to applying for private scholarships, learners can contact their institution's financial aid office to learn about available scholarships, grants, and need-based aid.
Leon Bradley Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: Minorities and persons of color pursuing a career in teaching or school leadership can apply for this award. The American Association of School Personnel Administrators accepts applications from students in their final year of earning a certification or endorsement.
Amount: $3,500
Nitro College Graduate Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Nitro offers several scholarships for graduate students. Nitro chooses scholarship recipients by a random drawing. Applicants do not need to submit an essay or transcripts.
Amount: $2,000
Healthy Communities Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students who encourage sustainable and local health initiatives in their community. Applicants must study at any accredited institution in the United States and must submit a personal statement and official transcripts.
Amount: $1,000
Online Master's in Coaching Programs
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