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

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

BestColleges Top-Ranked- Badge
  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

#1

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,048

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,473

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

49,600

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

67%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,473

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

49,600

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

#2

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI4 yearCampus + Online

$20,202

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$39,696

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,966

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,778

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

50,023

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,202

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,696

East Lansing, MI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,202

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,696

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,966

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,778

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

50,023

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

#3

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV4 yearCampus + Online

$10,602

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,450

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,360

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,568

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

24,741

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,602

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,450

Morgantown, WV4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,602

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,450

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

53%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,360

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,568

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

24,741

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

#4

Ball State University

Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,884

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,222

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,434

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,918

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

19,770

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,884

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,222

Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,884

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,222

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,434

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,918

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

19,770

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

#5

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online

$7,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

36%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,666

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,420

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

30,936

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,420

Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,420

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

36%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,666

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,420

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

30,936

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

#6

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,749

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,898

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

92%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,452

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,729

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

27,151

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,749

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,898

Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,749

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,898

Acceptance Rate

92%

Online Enrollment

72%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,452

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,729

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

27,151

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

#7

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online

$12,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$44,770

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

6,114

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,060

Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,060

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$44,770

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

6,114

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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.

#8

Emporia State University

Emporia, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$6,547

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,368

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

96%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,278

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,195

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

5,324

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,547

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,368

Emporia, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,547

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,368

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

74%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,278

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,195

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

5,324

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

#9

SUNY Brockport

Brockport, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

68%

Acceptance Rate

48%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,980

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

6,424

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

SUNY Brockport

Brockport, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

48%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,980

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

6,424

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

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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