Masters in Coaching Online

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The best online masters in coaching programs emphasize the practical application of powerful academic content and provide the tools needed to guide and influence the performance of individuals or teams. This program helps students develop an ethical and effective leadership style and helps athletes prepare to reach their goals while also guiding individual and team performance. Online masters in coaching degree programs also address areas such as education, management, training, psychology, social sciences, neuro-linguistic modules, neuroscience, and various forms of counseling. Here are some of the best coaching masters in the United States: 

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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

A masters in coaching online program focuses on preparing professionals who can help others cope with difficult situations in different areas of sport. Coaches teach their students to reach their full potential through hands-on practice and self-motivation. Although coaching does not necessarily teach how to complete a particular task, it uses practical tools and techniques to find unique solutions for learners to achieve their personal or professional goals in sports. 

Coaching is also related to other areas such as education, management, training, psychology, social sciences, neuro-linguistic programs, and various forms of counseling. Successful coaches usually learn to apply their knowledge to themselves by first receiving personal coaching. Professional coaching uses various communication skills, including repeating, listening, asking, and explaining. Students who complete an athletic coaching education program will learn how to create their own coaching model based on the individual strengths and insights that people possess. Other hands-on skills include learning how to create class schedules, building awareness of people’s strengths and weaknesses, and analytical and emotional skills. 

Masters in Coaching Degree Types

There are two types of coaching masters degrees – the Master of Arts in Coaching and the Master of Science in Coaching. Then there is also a third option – the Master of Education in Coaching. 

Most colleges in the United States require a GRE score to enroll in a master’s degree program. While this is also usually the case for coaching master’s programs, colleges have increasingly done away with this requirement in recent years. Therefore, depending on the university and the program structure, it is possible for students to apply for a masters in coaching no GRE program, provided they meet other prescribed admissions criteria. A couple of examples of such programs are: 

Ohio University – offers a Master’s in Coaching Education Online that does not require a GRE score. 

Western Michigan University – offers a Master of Arts in Sports Coaching that does not require a GRE score. 

It is not uncommon for a university to offer a masters 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 masters 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 masters in coaching: 

1. Adams State University – Colorado -Adams State University offers an accelerated online masters 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 masters in coaching. Any student who has an undergraduate degree in kinesiology, athlete training, sports science, or a sports-related field can apply. 

Many universities offer free masters in coaching courses. Although these free courses do not grant a degree, they do help students get information and understanding of what to expect when enrolling in a masters in coaching program. Some examples are: 

1. Coursera -Coursera is a platform that offers free courses that provide coaches with practical sports science insights to successfully train young athletes and develop their sports potential while avoiding injury and helping them increase their knowledge of various sports. 
2. Udemy -Udemy offers several free coaching courses, with many also available at reasonable rates, on a wide range of topics connected to sports, sports injury, sports strategy, etc. 
3. The Open University – Open Learn -Open Learn offers free courses revolving around varied subjects of sport and fitness. Students explore the art of coaching and psychology through successful coaches. Courses focus on coaching practices, including research and advice from leaders in their fields. 

Online masters 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 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 masters in coaching schools, give out scholarships to their members who are students. Here are a couple of scholarships coaching masters students can explore: 

NSCA Foundation Scholarships 

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 at application. Award Amount: Varies | Application Deadline: August 01 to October 15, annually 

One of the biggest aspects of American culture is sports and it has become a passion for students to either become athletes or very successful coaches. With so many national and international clubs and organizations across the country looking for individuals who are passionate about coaching, sports science, and physical fitness, graduates of online masters 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 26%  in employment for coaching jobs between 2020 and 2030.  

Students who complete a coaching online masters can land work as an assistant coach or senior coach with national and international clubs, sporting organizations, or educational institutions. Apart from coaching sports persons 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 masters in coaching graduates take up after graduation, along with their annual median salary as reported by Salary.com: 

1. Personal Trainer – $63,961 -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 – $34,523 – 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 important role in encouraging people to participate in sporting activities. A sports performance coach’s main aim is to improve skills by identifying, planning, and implementing training programs. 
3. Sports Therapist – $78,054 – Sports Therapists specialize in sports and exercise-related injuries. They give advice 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 – $43,656 -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 – $42,475 -Gym Managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of all the activities, facilities, and fitness equipment within the center. They are responsible for hiring fitness trainers and ensuring that members enjoy their workout sessions in a safe environment. 
6. Athletic Coach – $55,823 -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 masters in coaching graduates can expect: 

• Coaches and Scouts – $42417 
• Athletic Trainers – $51312 
• Recreation Director – $62054 

A masters 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 across the country. 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 the field or off it.  
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.