Best Online Master’s in Coaching Programs

Want to earn an online master’s in coaching but don’t know where to start? Read about the top programs and compare schools by cost and flexibility.
Margaret Weinhold
By
Edited by
Updated April 25, 2024
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An online master’s in coaching can lead to coaching careers in various professional settings. While these degrees are not common or prevalent, many students feel significant passion for the field.

While graduate school is a significant investment, some people feel called to the one-on-one connections and team-building inherent to coaching.

You can find a job coaching semi-pro teams, working with secondary students, and helping businesses and corporations thrive. Completion times vary, but most programs take 1-3 years to complete, depending on whether you enroll full time or part time.

Read on to learn more about these in-demand programs.

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Best Online Master’s in Online Coaching Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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How We Rank Schools

#1

University of South Florida

  • Tampa, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Located in Tampa, Florida, USF's MA in physical education program offers a plan for students who hold a teaching certificate and one for those who do not. The 30-credit online program is delivered asynchronously, and students complete assignments, exams, and other requirements at their convenience.

Most classes within the master's in coaching program use a project-based structure, where students explore content and apply their newly gained knowledge to actionable projects. Learners must also pass a comprehensive exam before graduating.

Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. They also must provide proof of an initial teacher certification. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

67%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

90%

Retention Rate

$19,048

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
49,600
Institution Type
Public
#2

Michigan State University

  • East Lansing, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

The Michigan State online master's degree in coaching and leadership features the resources of a Big Ten institution and a focus on sports science.

During their final term, students complete an integrative capstone based on their career objectives. Students also participate in a practicum where they learn directly from experienced coaches, and conduct a video analysis of their own coaching performance.

The program requires applicants to possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students also submit two letters of recommendation, a written academic statement, and a resume.

In addition to the 30-credit master's in coaching degree, the program offers a 10-credit graduate certificate.

52%

Online Enrollment

$20,202

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

89%

Retention Rate

$39,696

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
50,023
Institution Type
Public
#3

West Virginia University

  • Morgantown, WV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

WVU offers an online master's degree in coaching that encompasses 10 classes and 30 total credits. The curriculum is based on the International Sport Coaching Framework, and prepares students to lead teams at the K-12, collegiate, and professional levels. Most students graduate within two years.

Required coursework includes creating healthy competitive environments, which teaches future coaches the best methods for developing safe and healthy settings for athlete training and performance.

Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA. They also must provide a personal statement and a professional resume. Applicants do not need to submit their GRE scores.

WVU is located in Morgantown. All distance learners, including non-state residents, pay the same per-credit tuition rate.

53%

Online Enrollment

$10,602

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$27,450

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
24,741
Institution Type
Public
#4

Ball State University

  • Muncie, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State delivers an online master's degree in coaching that features instructors with experience coaching NCAA champions, Olympic competitors, and professional athletes.

The MA in athletic coaching education includes online courses that allow students to interact with and learn from one another. Small class sizes provide ample one-on-one connections with professors. Most students complete the 30-credit program in two years or less.

Eligible students must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.75 or above. They also must submit three recommendation letters, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Program staff may ask applicants to conduct a phone interview during the admissions process.

Distance learners at Ball State pay a discounted tuition rate.

59%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,884

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$21,222

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
19,770
Institution Type
Public
#5

University of Arkansas

  • Fayetteville, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

U of A Online delivers an online M.Ed. in physical education that prepares graduates to serve as coaches, K-12 physical education teachers, and health educators.

The 33-credit master's in coaching features nationally recognized faculty covering topics like sport skill assessment, sports psychology, and risk management in athletics. All students take part in an internship to work with established educators and coaches.

Qualified applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA over their last 60 credits. The program may grant admission to individuals below the GPA standard if they submit satisfactory GRE scores. Students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

All U of A Online students pay the same tuition, regardless of their state of residence.

36%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$21,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
30,936
Institution Type
Public
#6

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

ECU's master of arts in education, physical education prepares graduates to advance their career and qualify for higher salaries when employed at a public school district in North Carolina.

Students may concentrate their studies on adapted physical education or physical education pedagogy. In addition to exploring best practices that benefit coaches and teachers, the program develops leadership, communication, and research skills. All master's in coaching students complete a kinesiology practicum before graduating.

To apply, prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.7 GPA, along with a current North Carolina teaching license in physical education. Applicants also submit three recommendation letters, a written statement of purpose, and GRE or MAT scores.

72%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,749

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$17,898

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
27,151
Institution Type
Public
#7

Xavier University

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Xavier's master's in coaching education and athlete development focuses on injury prevention, conditioning, growth and development, administration, and teaching skills.

The 30-credit program includes a residency at the North American Coach Development Summit, where students can learn from some of the nation's most experienced coaches across numerous sports. All coursework takes place online using an asynchronous format.

Applicants submit a resume, a statement of purpose, and two recommendation letters. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The admissions process does not require GRE scores.

Xavier is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. All online students pay the same tuition, even if they live out of state. Full-time master's in coaching students usually graduate in 24 months.

42%

Online Enrollment

$12,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$12,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
6,114
Institution Type
Private
#8

Emporia State University

  • Emporia, KS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Emporia State students can embark on an online MS in curriculum and instruction with an instructional coach/teacher leader preK-12 concentration. The program prepares students to serve as exceptional coaches, teacher leaders, and curriculum directors, among other leadership roles.

Students take all courses online using an asynchronous format, with no set log-in times. Full-time students can complete the 33-credit program in as little as 12 months. All distance learners pay the same tuition, regardless of state residency.

Through their coursework, students learn about coaching and mentoring, school leadership theory, brain-based learning, and designing effective instructional programs.

Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, along with a GPA of 2.75 or above. The admissions process does not require applicants to submit GRE scores.

74%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,547

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$16,368

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
5,324
Institution Type
Public
#9

SUNY Brockport

  • Brockport, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

The SUNY College at Brockport's online master's degree in coaching develops student leadership skills. Graduates are prepared for advanced opportunities and higher salaries as coaches, health educators, and physical education teachers.

The M.Ed. in physical education and teacher education explores curriculum design, behavior management, and diversity. Students take part in a seminar through which they examine best practices and trends in physical education.

The program's admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a New York state initial teacher certification. Applicants also must submit their GRE, MAT, or edTPA scores.

Incoming students may begin the master's in coaching program in the fall, spring, or summer. They can complete the program online or on campus.

48%

Online Enrollment

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
6,424
Institution Type
Public

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Coaching Program?

Safety and Injury Control

In this course, you learn best practices for protecting the health of your future players. Possible topics include injury prevention, concussion symptoms, and injury care and management.

Sociocultural Issues for Sports Practitioners

This course delves into the intersection between sports and prevalent social concerns. Topics can include institutional structures, interpersonal dynamics, and the role of sports in various cultures.

Ethics in Coaching

At times, coaching can feel fraught with ethical dilemmas. This course prepares you to navigate these issues. Topics may include moral obligations of coaches and decision-making frameworks when faced with a dilemma.

Legal Aspects of Sports

This course delves into multiple legal issues as they relate to sports. Topics can include foundational legal concepts, potential legal issues in amateur athletics, and injury prevention.

Stages of Athlete Development

In this course, you learn how young athletes develop across young adulthood, adolescence, and childhood. This course blends aspects of biology, kinesiology, and psychology.

What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Coaching Degree?

A master’s degree in coaching prepares you for very specific careers. You can pursue coaching roles within semi-pro athletics, secondary education, and corporations and business, among other environments.

In general, coaching is only a lucrative profession at the highest levels. Program graduates can pursue careers as athletic trainers, who earned a median annual salary of $57,930, as of May 2023, according to the BLS. Coaches and scouts earned a median annual salary of $45,910, as of May 2023.

Potential Careers for Master’s in Coaching Graduates
JobMedian Annual Salary (2023)
Atheltic Trainer$57,930
Coach$45,910
Scout$45,910
High School Teacher$65,220
Fitness Trainer$46,480
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching Degrees Online

The value of any degree is subjective. For some students, a master’s in coaching can lead to the exact career they seek in schools, professional athletics, or corporations.

However, you can qualify for many coaching careers without a master’s degree. So make sure this degree is an investment that you really need to make.

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