Master’s in Coaching
Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

It is common for a university to offer a master’s in coaching that can be completed in less than two years. Students can reduce the completion time by choosing a fast-track program or using credit transfers. Some universities offer accelerated online master’s in coaching to help applicants complete the program faster than the usual two-year schedule. Here are some examples of universities offering an accelerated online master’s in coaching:

1. Adams State University – Colorado – Adams State University offers an accelerated online master’s in coaching and has a wide range of courses that provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become high-profile coaches.
2. Louisiana State University – Louisiana State University offers an accelerated online master in science in coaching program where the student can complete the course in one year.
3. Angelo State University – Angelo State University offers affordable online accelerated master’s in coaching. Any student who has an undergraduate degree in kinesiology, athlete training, sports science, or a sports-related field can apply.

Many universities and online learning portals offer free master’s in coaching courses. Although these free courses do not grant a degree, they help students get information and understand what to expect when enrolling in a master’s in coaching program. These courses can also help with examinations and gaining additional insights into coaching and sports. Here are a few examples:

1. The Science of Training Young Athletes^[4]
   Coursera
   This course is filled with useful sports science knowledge that gives parents and youth coaches the pediatric sports science insights they need to successfully retain young athletes and help them reach their full sporting potential while preventing overtraining and injuries. 
2. Sports Safety & Risk Management^[5]
   Udemy
   This course highlights how safety must be a core value of athletic culture and a requirement for a healthy lifestyle. Learners will gain knowledge of five rules that encourage sports safety and five rules that address risks in sports.
3. Exploring Sport Coaching and Psychology^[6]
   TheOpenUniversity
   This course examines the impact of coaching and psychology through the eyes of successful athletes and teams. Emphasis is on the coaching methods employed with youth and adults and insights and counsel from experts in related fields.

Online master’s in coaching programs are readily available throughout the United States but are often expensive to pursue. Students need to plan their budget for boarding, stationery, transport, food, etc., alongside tuition fees. However, students who opt for online programs have a lesser burden on expenditure, not having to factor in such components in their budget. Nevertheless, they need to pay tuition fees increasing every year and costing thousands of dollars. Fortunately, financial aid provided by universities, the Federal Government, and other sources often ease the cost burden to a large extent. Listed below are a few sources of such financial aid for students to consider:

Scholarships

Scholarships, often awarded by universities, religious institutions, bursaries, individuals, etc., are payments made to assist students’ education. There are various types of scholarships, the most common being merit-based scholarships. Students who have an excellent academic record are eligible for merit-based scholarships. (Read about  Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed online.)

Grants

Grants are a form of financial assistance given to students on a case-to-case basis, depending on their financial needs. Grants usually are need-based and can cover all education costs in addition to tuition fees.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are provided against a stipend or a partial fee waiver for students who work part-time in the same institution as assisting faculty or students in teaching, projects, or workshops.

Student loans

A student loan or education loan is a sum of money a student borrows from banks or financial institutions to fund their education-related expenses, which covers the cost of tuition, books, educational supplies, and living expenses while the borrower is in the process of pursuing a degree. Education loans have a low rate of interest as compared to other loans. The student has the flexibility to repay the loan after completing the program. However, loans are sanctioned based on the student’s eligibility criteria, and missed repayments have serious ramifications.

FAFSA

Students can apply for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which most may be eligible for. More information on FAFA is available here.

To know all the ways one can fund a college education, read the Best Guide to Financial Aid.

Scholarships for Master’s in Coaching Online Programs

Scholarships are awards that need not be repaid and are usually given to students who have an excellent academic record or have excelled in other areas such as sports. Ethic groups and specific communities and religious organizations, and even online master’s in coaching schools, give out scholarships to their members who are students. Here is a scholarship example coaching master’s students can explore:

NSCA Foundation Scholarships^[7]

The National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation (NSCAF) offers scholarships to those in educational and research pursuits that enhance the practical application of strength and conditioning. Prospective candidates must be a member of the NSCA when applying.

Award Amount: Varies 

Application Deadline: October 15, annually

One of the biggest aspects of American culture is sports; it has become a passion for students to become athletes or very successful coaches. With so many national and international clubs and organizations nationwide looking for individuals passionate about coaching, sports science, and physical fitness, graduates of online master’s in coaching can easily become employable with high salaries. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a predicted increase of 9%  in employment for coaching jobs between 2022 and 2032^[8].

Students who complete a coaching online master’s can land work as an assistant coach or senior coach with national and international clubs, sporting organizations, or educational institutions. Apart from coaching sportspersons on the field, they can work in administrative and leadership roles and also be part of the recreational sports industry. Listed below are a few typical roles master’s in coaching graduates take up after graduation, along with their annual median salary (December 2023) as reported by Salary.com:

1. Personal Trainer – $67,012
   Clients who prefer one-on-one sessions prefer a personal trainer. Personal trainers help clients exercise using specific workout routines and plans. They provide personalized health, diet, and exercise advice as well.
2. Sports Performance Coach – $36,214
   Sports Performance Coaches are professional coaches for athletes, sports teams, corporate teams, university teams, or school groups and work closely with them to improve their performance. They play an essential role in encouraging people to participate in sporting activities. A sports performance coach aims to enhance skills by identifying, planning, and implementing training programs.
3. Sports Therapist – $83,190
   Sports Therapists specialize in sports and exercise-related injuries. They advise on how to avoid injury in the first place. They are trained to conduct fitness tests on people involved in sports or exercise and specialize in providing emergency aid in a sports environment. Sports Therapists also help clients develop strategies to avoid serious injuries while engaging in sporting activities.
4. Fitness Instructor – $46,186
   Fitness Instructors are generally personal trainers who conduct training and fitness programs for individuals and groups. They assign clients to exercise routines and weight loss programs based on their needs and monitor their progress, helping them to reach the client’s goals.
5. Gym Manager – $44,676
   Gym Managers are responsible for managing all activities, facilities, and fitness equipment within the center. They are responsible for hiring fitness trainers and ensuring members enjoy their workout sessions in a safe environment.
6. Athletic Coach – $51,694
   Athletic Coaches are responsible for conducting workouts and training sessions for individuals and teams. They also monitor individual and team progress to optimize the best possible performance in competitive sports.

Here are a few other examples of career titles and average annual remuneration that online master’s in coaching graduates can expect:

• Coaches and Scouts – $44,233
• Athletic Trainers – $54,418
• Recreation Director – $65,315

A master’s in coaching online helps students build confidence in clients, recognize talents, and add quality and strength to their coaching career. Generally, a master’s in coaching is sufficient for starting a coaching job, as most graduates will not require additional certification or licensing. However, those who wish to teach in schools may require undergoing some educational training and certification.

A coach should always have new ideas and strategies to compete in the sports industry. Additionally, research and analysis play an important role in being a successful coach. Therefore, adding extra resources for enhancing knowledge in coaching is always an advantage. Here are some excellent resources for online masters in coaching students and working professionals:

1. Sports Coach America  – Sports Coach America is a resource for sports coaches that assists them when faced with a professional or personal life transition and helps improve their skills in leading a team or sports program.
2. National Federation of State High School Coaches Association (NFHSCA) – The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHSCA) sets competition and playing rules for high school sports teams nationwide. More than 18,500 high schools and 11 million students participate in sporting programs, thanks to the organization and its member associations. Members are eligible for state, sectional, and national honors, insurance coverage, and an online learning center with sports-specific coaching courses.
3. i9 Sports – i9 Sports provides training and a variety of sport-specific skill videos, ideas, strategies, and skills needed to compete in and win any game. i9 Sports offers extra resources coaches need to be experts, whether on or off the field. 
4. Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America – SHAPE America is a vast resource for coaches to connect with professional coaches who conduct much-needed research and teach future coaching professionals.
5. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a professional organization that aims to advance the strength and conditioning profession. It has over 45,000 members and trained professionals. Publications, continuing education webinars, career assistance, scholarship and grant applications, and savings on products, services, and events are all available to members.