Want to pursue a graduate degree in coaching but aren't sure what to expect from a coaching curriculum? Master's in coaching programs generally address the ethical, psychological, and sociological aspects of athletic leadership. They develop graduates' skills in identifying and solving a variety of problems in the field.
You may learn theoretical aspects of holistic health and sports strategy in an athletic coaching degree program and have the opportunity to apply this understanding toward real-world problem-solving.You may discuss athletic challenges relating to ethics, gender, and team dynamics.
Coaching duties typically include athletic administration; exercise and strengthening strategy development; and general guidance and support on and off the field. Physical educators coach athletes in various environments, from school gymnasiums to professional arenas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median pay for coaches is $36,330 per year. As of the bureau's most recent report, the coaching field is growing at a faster-than-average rate of 12%.
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Best Schools Offering Master's in Coaching in 2021
What to Expect From a Master's in Coaching
Most master's in coaching degrees are taught through online programs, which are designed for working adults. You'll cover leadership, sport psychology, physical wellness, and other topics related to the body and mind of athletes. Some schools and programs will also offer courses for aspiring administrators.
The majority of the schools that offer this type of program require you to have coaching experience to be admitted, which means that these programs are geared toward working coaches. That means they will typically offer flexibility around your current coaching schedule. Check with the programs you are considering to find out how many courses you are required to take per semester.
Most programs can be completed in under three years, though the time it takes you to graduate will vary based on a wide range of factors.
Career Outlook for a Master's in Coaching
You can pursue employment in a variety of jobs with a master's degree in coaching. These roles include college sport coach, athletic recruiter, team trainer, or high school coach. As high school enrollment is paced to increase over the next decade, the need for new coaches will continue to grow.
Other employment opportunities for this type of degree may include:
Athletic trainer: People working as athletic trainers made an average wage of just under $50,000 per year as of 2020. The job is growing at a breakneck pace, with a job growth projection of about 16% through 2029. In this position, you will help to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries of the bone and muscle in athletes.
Athletic coach: In this role you will manage practices, strategies, the team roster, and coach games during your season. Most coaches work in recreation or college settings. On average, coaches made a wage of a bit under $40,000 per year as of 2020, but the average for the highest 10% of coaches is nearly double that.
Physical education teacher: In this role, you will be responsible for organizing activities and coaching young athletes about fitness. Many physical education teachers work in high schools, though there are opportunities in elementary and middle school settings, too. On average, PE teachers earned a wage of about $62,000 per year in 2020.
Admission Requirements for a Master's Degree in Coaching
As with any other type of degree, not every master's in coaching program will have the same admissions standards. The requirements for athletic coaching degrees will vary greatly depending on a number of factors.
That said, there are some common admission requirements you can expect when applying to these types of programs. For example, most schools will ask graduate candidates to have multiple letters of recommendation and a minimum GPA of between 2.5 and 3.0 during undergraduate study. In this case, it also helps if you already have a career in coaching or sports, as this graduate degree is geared toward working coaches. You may also be required to take the GRE to gain admissions to this type of graduate program.
Common Courses for a Master's in Coaching
The classes you take will vary depending on your program, but in general, you will be required to take classes related to physical health, mental health, and supporting athletes in these programs. The classes you take could include:
Ethics in Sport Coaching Learning about ethics as it pertains to coaching makes you a better leader. You'll likely see some emphasis placed on how to be an ethical coach and trainer in almost any program. In this class, you will hone your critical reasoning skills and learn to identify ethical problems. You will also learn to follow an ethically sound decision making process.
Sports Psychology In addition to understanding physical anatomy, coaching requires a strong understanding of athletes' mindsets. In this course, you will learn which psychological techniques are used by successful coaches and athletes. You may also discuss how differing personalities can be managed on the same team.
Injury Control A major part of a coach's job is injury prevention. These types of courses cover how to safely coach a team and identify a variety of risk factors to help mitigate injuries on the field and during training.
Wellness for Coaches Self-care is also for coaches. This job can be high-stress, and it's important to understand how wellness plays a role in the sustainability of your career. These types of courses discuss how you can avoid burnout and use a range of methods to help you maintain a longer career.
Athletic Training You may also find athletic training helpful, even as a coach. Kinesiology and anatomy curriculum may be a part of athletic training courses. You will also learn techniques for improved training routines in this type of course.
Certifications and Licenses
Many roles in coaching require you to obtain additional certificates or licenses — especially at the collegiate level. What you're required to obtain or pursue will depend on your role and the level you are coaching at, among other factors.
Be sure to educate yourself on what, if any, extra licenses you will need to coach effectively at your level and in your sport. These could include:
Sports Management CertificateThese certificates delve into the business and administration side of athletics. If you ever want to move into an administrative or management role, you may find it helpful to have this certification
Athletic Training CertificateThe National Athletic Trainers' Association also offers a certification. You can take this program after you get your undergraduate degree. Once approved, you will get continued education each year and can find work as an athletic trainer.
PE Teacher CertificationSome PE teachers also need additional certifications. These include first aid and lifeguard training, as well as state exams.
Lagrant Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The Lagrant Foundation offers financial awards to high-performing U.S. students who belong to racial minority groups. Candidates need permanent residency or DACA status and a minimum 3.2 GPA. Applicants must be enrolled full time in an advertising-related graduate program at an accredited school. Applicants submit essays, a resume, a reference letter, and official transcripts.Amount: $3,500Deadline: February 26
Corporate Aviation Business Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Full-time business students interested in corporate aviation can apply for this award from the National Aircraft Finance Association. Candidates must demonstrate citizenship or permanent residency and need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Learners should visit their school's financial aid office to apply.Amount: $1,000-$5,000Deadline: October 31
