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Coaches guide athletes and sports teams to improve their competitive performance. A master's degree in coaching can prepare you to excel in this career. This degree can help you transition to a career in coaching, move from a K-12 coaching position to a university or professional league role, or qualify you for sports performance research jobs.
Use the guide below to discover more about earning your master's in coaching online, what you can do with your degree, and how to maximize your return on investment.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's Degrees in Coaching
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $933
Out-of-State | $933
Credits to Graduate: 30
MSU's online MS in sport coaching, leadership, and administration concentrations in coaching and sport administration. Along with a heavy kinesiology course focus, both tracks offer practicum and internship options.
Online courses at MSU combine asynchronous and synchronous delivery modes and feature no campus requirements. Regardless of your location, you pay the same tuition rate as all other online students. MSU also offers 10-credit and 13-credit graduate certificates.
#2 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $572
Out-of-State | $572
Credits to Graduate: 30
UofSC's online MS in coaching education features athletic and mental performance coaching concentrations. In addition to the degree, both tracks prepare you to pursue certification in coaching principles from the American Sport Education Program.
The athletic coaching track adheres to the programming standards laid out by SHAPE AMERICA's National Standards for Sport Coaches. The mental performance coaching track meets the qualification requirements for the certified mental performance consultant exam from the Association of Applied Sport Psychology.
UofSC provides flat-rate tuition for all online students and certified South Carolina teachers can receive a $57 reduction per credit.
#3 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
United States Sports Academy
Daphne, AL - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $720
Out-of-State | $720
Credits to Graduate: 33
USSA's online master of sports science in sports coaching offers seven areas of emphasis, including sports management, exercise science, sports studies, and sports psychology. You can choose from thesis, non-thesis, and internship tracks.
Your online classes run asynchronously in a standard 16-week semester or a five-week fast-track block. Depending on your chosen path, you can graduate in 15 months. While USSA tuition rates are unaffected by your location, the school offers discounts for military students.
#4 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $673
Out-of-State | $673
Credits to Graduate: 30
In WVU's online MS in sport coaching, you can learn to be a leader in the sports world per the International Council for Sport Coaching Excellence's framework. The program features courses in sport movement analysis and positive youth development in sports.
Enrollees can choose from start dates in every term and engage with asynchronous eight-week classes without campus requirements. At WVU, all online learners pay the in-state tuition rate, even if they don't reside in West Virginia. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
#5 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
Ohio University
Athens, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $508
Out-of-State | $527
Credits to Graduate: 30
OU's MS in recreation and sports sciences in coaching education has used online delivery since 2008. You have the choice of a general track or a soccer emphasis track. Both tracks run fully online with no campus requirements, allowing you to complete them in less than two years.
Most of your online classes run asynchronously in eight-week blocks and offer up to eight start dates per year. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and at least three years of coaching experience.
#6 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,438
Out-of-State | $1,438
Credits to Graduate: 45
Within Drexel's online MS in sports coaching leadership, you can develop your own specialization, such as sport management, business, and higher education. In the core program, you'll study coaching theory, program development, and NCAA compliance. You'll also complete three practicums.
Most of Drexel's online courses run asynchronously in four 10-week quarters, though some synchronous sessions may be available. The school also offers an international residency lasting 7-10 days in Italy, but alternatives may be provided if you cannot attend. (Please note that this program did not accept new students during the 2023-2024 academic year.)
#7 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $707
Out-of-State | $707
Credits to Graduate: 33
WKU's online MS in recreation and sports administration offers a concentration in athletic administration and coaching focused on best practices for sport leaders. Your courses run entirely online and include fiscal practices and legal issues in recreation and sport, along with an interscholastic sport practicum.
The program may qualify you for certifications from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and a free two-year NIAAA membership. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
#8 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $818
Out-of-State | $818
Credits to Graduate: 30
Point Park's online M.Ed. in athletic coaching and administration adheres to guidelines set by the National Standards for Sport Coaches. The curriculum covers topics in sports psychology, supervision of athletes, and sports marketing and branding. You can complete the program in about 30 months and qualify for certification from the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Classes at Point Park run in a synchronous eight-week online session, except for the experience-based practicum. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
#9 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $535
Out-of-State | $535
Credits to Graduate: 30
In USM's online MS in coaching and sport performance, you can learn coaching methodologies and the dynamics of skill acquisition. Your program also includes a thesis and practicum requirement.
While most students attend the program part-time and graduate within two years, you can pursue a full-time schedule and finish quickly. The online classes may run through asynchronous, synchronous, or combined delivery. At USM, you pay the same online tuition rate no matter where you live.
#10 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Coaching
Columbia College
Columbia, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $580
Out-of-State | $580
Credits to Graduate: 36
You can complete Columbia College's online M.Ed. in athletic coaching in less than one year. The program features courses in sports medicine, performance enhancement, and sports nutrition. All courses start three times annually and run in seven-week blocks.
Columbia College delivers online classes asynchronously and requires no campus visits. The school offers free ebooks and flat-rate tuition for all online graduate students. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.
We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page.
Did You Know...
Earning approximately $18 million a year, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is the highest-paid coach in the U.S?
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Coaching
An online master's degree in coaching can prepare you for careers in athletic administration, physical education, or fitness and exercise. Like most graduate degrees, this program requires about two years of full-time study to complete, though some schools offer accelerated options that you can finish in about 15 months.
Tuition costs vary widely between schools. Scholarships, employer reimbursements, and other financial aid options may help you meet these costs.
Classes in these programs explore an interdisciplinary array of topics, including exercise science, sports management, and business. Some degrees include concentrations in subfields like sports management, sports psychology, and exercise science. Most programs include an internship, thesis, capstone, or other culminating experience.
Popular Courses
Each university establishes its own coaching curriculum, usually based on its research, faculty expertise, and the demands of the local market. Courses typically include a mix of nutrition, exercise science, sport-specific coaching, marketing, business, law, and psychology. The classes below highlight common options across coaching master's degrees.
Advanced Coaching Theories
Students explore topics such as leadership, sports communication, sports management, athletic skill acquisition, and risk management in competitive sports environments. Upon completing the course, learners should have a more robust understanding of the behaviors that define a successful coach.
Sports Law and Risk Management
Enrollees learn the basics of sports law, legal terminology, and legal structure. They also study how these factors impact the sports industry. This course may additionally cover the relationship between risk management and legal liability in sports.
Sports Coaching Psychology
Students examine the ethical and psychosocial foundations of athlete development. Topics include ethical decision-making, group development, and interpersonal communication. Learners discuss how to adopt coaching behaviors that reflect these psychological principles.
Issues in Nutrition and Health
This course covers the fundamentals of human nutrition, including how it impacts optimal performance in exercise and sports. Topics include weight management, eating disorders, and sport nutrition resources.
NCAA Compliance
Students in this class learn about the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and how it affects coaches and athletes. Topics include NCAA bylaws, policies, procedures, and compliance issues. The course may include case studies to help enrollees understand the NCAA's role in competitive sports.
Degree and Specialization Options
Universities sometimes offer coaching as a master of science (MS) or a master of education (M.Ed.). The MS usually provides a general coaching curriculum, while the M.Ed. focuses on coaching in educational settings. Depending on your career goals, you may also consider master of business administration degrees in sports management.
Some universities offer a general coaching degree, while others provide specializations in specific areas of coaching, including options like the following:
Sports Administration
A sports administration degree can prepare you for management careers in interscholastic or intercollegiate sports. This concentration may include classes in sports marketing, finance, and personnel management. You may also study the principles of event management.
Sports Psychology
Sports psychology studies athletes' mental performance. This specialization emphasizes psychological theories, evidence-based practice in sports psychology, and ethical standards in the field. You may take courses such as counseling or multicultural issues in sports.
E-sports Management
The fast-growing world of e-sports needs industry leaders, marketers, and business developers, along with content writers and programmers. This concentration may include coursework in e-sports performance management, sports communication and media relations, and facilities and event management in e-sports.
Graduation Requirements
A master's in coaching online usually requires 30-33 credits. Many schools also require an internship and a final project, such as a capstone, portfolio, or thesis. Enrollees often need to maintain a minimum GPA, usually above a 3.0.
A typical internship requires supervised work experience in a coaching-related environment. Final projects can take the form of a thesis — which can prepare you for research-related careers and doctoral programs — or a practice-oriented capstone, which may position you for sports leadership roles.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Coaching?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the U.S. labor market will add 25,300 coaching and scouting jobs between 2022 and 2032 — a growth rate of 9%.
An online master's in coaching can prepare you to pursue careers with a professional sports team, K-12 school, college, university, or sports academy. You can coach young athletes, top-performing professionals, or local high school teams.
We explore common careers for workers with this degree below.
Coaches
Coaches help athletes thrive in their sport. Coaches may work part time or full time and can hold employment with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, recreation centers, or professional sports teams. Depending on where and whom they coach, professional coaches may need state licensure or certification from a private organization such as the NCAA or the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
High School Teachers
High school teachers prepare and deliver lessons, manage classrooms, grade student work, and meet with parents. These educators may work outside the classroom as academic advisors or coaches. Some high school coaches focus on physical education and hold licensure in that instructional area. Teachers who also coach may receive additional pay for their work.
- Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's degree plus licensure
- Median Annual Salary: $62,360
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +1%
Middle School Teachers
Middle school teachers plan lessons, provide instruction, and evaluate student learning for people in grades 6-8. These educators may work in public or private schools, teaching English, math, social studies, science, or other subjects. Coaches can work as teachers who provide coaching to middle school teams, or they may be physical education teachers.
- Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's degree plus licensure
- Median Annual Salary: $61,810
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +1%
Athletes
Athletes participate in sporting competitions. Besides consistently working to improve their athletic skills, these professionals also compete in individual or team sports such as baseball, football, or soccer. Earning a coaching master's degree can help athletes transition from player to coach roles when they retire from their sport.
Professional Organizations for Coaching Degree Graduates
Joining a professional coaching association can give you access to career networks, formal learning opportunities, and resume-building opportunities. You may need specific educational or experiential requirements to join the organizations below.
Choosing the Right Online Graduate Degree for Coaching
In addition to affordability and accessibility, consider the following factors as you research online graduate degrees for coaching:
- Accreditation: Only consider schools with institutional accreditation. This status verifies that your school meets standards of academic excellence. Check your school's accreditation status before enrolling.
- Staff Credentials: Research faculty and their qualifications. How many of them hold Ph.D. or Ed.D. degrees? Which instructors have professional coaching experience? Do any professors have research interests that align with your own?
- Location: Online degrees can make education more accessible by not requiring students to move across the country to take classes. However, on-campus programs may have more robust connections to local organizations for internships and career opportunities, so decide which option suits your needs.
- Program Length: Program lengths can vary. Completing a degree with a shorter graduation timeline can help you get a promotion or pay raise faster, which leads to a faster return on investment. However, shorter programs often run at an accelerated pace, which can require a significant investment of time.
- Coursework: Look for a school with the courses and concentration options that align with your career interests.
- Future Education Opportunities: Will this degree prepare you for a doctorate, Ed.D., or other advanced graduate program?
Paying for an Online Master's Degree in Coaching
The National Center for Education Statistics reports the average annual tuition for graduate programs in the 2021-22 school year was $20,513. Research financial aid options to help defray the cost of your degree. We explore cost-cutting measures below:
Scholarships
Scholarships offer need- and merit-based tuition assistance you do not need to repay. Some organizations also offer demographic-based scholarships. Depending on your background, you can apply for funding opportunities from organizations like the Association on American Indian Affairs.
Student Loans
The U.S. government offers subsidized and unsubsidized loans to help cover the cost of graduate school. Since loans require repayment with interest, they should be your last choice when considering financial aid options. Complete the FAFSA to learn what federal loans you may qualify to receive.
Employer Assistance
Your employer may help you pay for graduate education as an investment in your professional development. Often, employers require you to maintain a certain grade point average and complete your education within a predetermined time frame. Ask your human resources department if your employer can help fund your master's degree.
In-State or Online Tuition
Public universities almost always offer lower tuition rates to state residents. By attending school in your state, you may also be able to take advantage of state-sponsored grants, scholarships, or other assistance. Some schools offer in-state or lower online-only tuition rates to distance learners, so you do not have to stay within your state to access affordable education.
Total Cost
When comparing degree price, examine more than just per-credit tuition prices. Colleges and universities often charge fees for library access, technology use, and online education. Calculate these costs to determine the overall expense of each prospective program.
Questions About Getting a Master's in Coaching Online
What is the best degree for coaching?
Coaches, scouts, and athletic trainers generally need at least a bachelor's degree. The BLS reports coaches typically study kinesiology, physical education, or sports medicine. They also major in business, marketing, and sports management. Coaching at the college level may require certification through the NCAA or the NAIA.
What are the benefits of getting an online master of coaching?
An online master's degree in coaching can offer working professionals an affordable, flexible, and personalized education. This degree may help students switch careers, increase their earning potential, or qualify for advanced management roles.
Is an online master's in coaching worth it?
The BLS reports coaches earned a median annual wage of $44,890 in 2022, while the highest-paid 10% earned above $93,590. A master's degree can help coaches earn above-average wages, qualify for positions in colleges and universities, or pursue competitive roles in sports management.
What degree do most coaches have?
According to the BLS, most coaches hold at least a bachelor's degree. Part-time coaches and those working in recreational or youth leagues may not need a degree, but high-school coaches typically need at least an undergraduate education. Working at the collegiate or professional level -- some of the highest-paid coaching careers -- may require a master's degree or extensive coaching experience.
Do I have to be certified or licensed to work as a coach?
If you plan to teach physical education in a public school, you usually need a state-issued teaching license. To coach at the college level, you may need certification from the NCAA or the NAIA. Individual sports organizations may also require licensure.