Once you have a master’s in coaching, you are qualified for several career paths, including athletic coach or scout (median salary of $45,910 per year), fitness trainer ($46,480 per year), and high school gym teacher ($65,220 per year).
While exact costs may vary, such an online graduate program typically costs between $12,000 and $16,000 in total tuition. Most programs can be completed in two years or less, so it may not take long for you to realize your educational ambitions and jump into a new career.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Coaching degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 26 Accredited Online Master’s in Coaching Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
West Virginia University
Intelligent Score: 99.21In-state: $8,976
Out-of-state: $25,320
In-state: $10,134
Out-of-state: $10,134
SAT: 1030-1230
ACT: 21-27
$673
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
Michigan State University
Intelligent Score: 98.84In-state: $15,555
Out-of-state: $40,384
In-state: $18,858
Out-of-state: $18,858
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 23-29
$933
Online, Hybrid
Higher Learning Commission
30
Ball State University
Intelligent Score: 95.18In-state: $9,482
Out-of-state: $26,470
In-state: $9,328
Out-of-state: $9,328
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $464
Out-of-State: $696
Online, Hybrid
Higher Learning Commission
30
Emporia State University
Intelligent Score: 93.88In-state: $5,278
Out-of-state: $19,522
In-state: $6,547
Out-of-state: $6,547
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$348 - $359
Online
Higher Learning Commission
32-33
The University of Southern Mississippi
Intelligent Score: 93.79In-state: $8,786
Out-of-state: $10,786
In-state: $8,786
Out-of-state: $8,786
SAT: N/A
ACT: 19-26
$556
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Ohio University
Intelligent Score: 93.15In-state: $27,574
Out-of-state: $38,254
In-state: $18,138
Out-of-state: $18,138
SAT: 1070-1290
ACT: 22-27
Resident: $505
Non-Resident: $527
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of Missouri
Intelligent Score: 92.62In-state: $9,330
Out-of-state: $27,612
In-state: $9,478
Out-of-state: $9,478
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 23-29
$562
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of Northern Colorado
Intelligent Score: 92.36In-state: $7,596
Out-of-state: $19,854
In-state: $10,867
Out-of-state: $10,867
SAT: 980-1200
ACT: 19-26
$665
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
Greenville University
Intelligent Score: 89.59In-state: $28,406
Out-of-state: $28,406
In-state: $8,082
Out-of-state: $8,082
SAT: 880-1100
ACT: 17-23
$500
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30-33
Georgia Southern University
Intelligent Score: 88.43In-state: $4,371
Out-of-state: $15,425
In-state: $4,986
Out-of-state: $4,986
SAT: 993-1170
ACT: 18-24
$358
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Western Michigan University
Intelligent Score: 87.55In-state: $12,094
Out-of-state: $15,118
In-state: $16,360
Out-of-state: $16,360
SAT: 1010-1220
ACT: 20-27
$765
Online, On Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30
Southwest Minnesota State University
Intelligent Score: 87.15In-state: $7,837
Out-of-state: $7,837
In-state: $7,686
Out-of-state: $7,686
SAT: 935-1102
ACT: 17-23
$503
Online, Hybrid
Higher Learning Commission
34
Adams State University
Intelligent Score: 86.71In-state: $5,856
Out-of-state: $17,592
In-state: $7,830
Out-of-state: $7,830
SAT: 890-1090
ACT: 17-22
$453
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36
Drexel University
Intelligent Score: 86.45In-state: $53,868
Out-of-state: $53,868
In-state: $36,234
Out-of-state: $36,234
SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 25-31
$0
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
45
East Tennessee State University
Intelligent Score: 85.11In-state: $7,340
Out-of-state: $25,487
In-state: $8,640
Out-of-state: $8,640
SAT: 940-1170
ACT: 20-27
$805
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Concordia University Irvine
Intelligent Score: 84.81In-state: $32,660
Out-of-state: $32,660
In-state: $9,090
Out-of-state: $9,090
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$582
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
36
Point Park University
Intelligent Score: 82.19In-state: $32,560
Out-of-state: $32,560
In-state: $15,858
Out-of-state: $15,858
SAT: 953-1180
ACT: 18-26
$818
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
30
Florida State University
Intelligent Score: 81.40In-state: $4,640
Out-of-state: $19,084
In-state: $9,684
Out-of-state: $9,684
SAT: 1220-1350
ACT: 27-31
In-State: $444
Out-of-State: $1,075
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Coaching Program
Choose your area of study
This degree may be offered as a Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA). Most online master’s in coaching programs are very straightforward, with the courses designed to prepare you for a career in athletics coaching and training. Therefore, there may not be separate areas of study with your particular online program.
But some programs allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a specific niche in this field, such as physical education, sports administration, sports coaching, or leadership coaching. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
There are many different online master’s in coaching programs to choose from, so it’s important to be selective in your search for the right program.
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in coaching program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for coaching education.
You should also make a budget ahead of time and focus on schools where the overall costs don’t exceed that budget. Finally, if you know where you would like to work after graduation, it could help with your future networking to choose a school where the physical campus is close to where you hope to work.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program.
When researching online master’s in coaching programs, check whether you must submit GRE test scores. Though most programs don’t require it, it is still mandatory at some schools. It can take up to three months to study for the GRE and up to 15 days to get your results, so getting started ASAP is essential if you need to submit test scores.
You will likely need to submit transcripts from your undergraduate program (some schools require master’s in coaching candidates to have a bachelor’s in coaching, physical education, or a related field). Letters of recommendation and a personal statement may be required as well. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each academic year to determine your eligibility for federal loans. It’s also worth exploring if you qualify for special scholarships or graduate student aid. If you can afford it, saving money ahead of time is wise, which can help you reduce any post-graduation debt or even eliminate it entirely. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers a tuition reimbursement program as well.
Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Coaching Program?
Any good online master’s in coaching program will help you master many skills, including practical training in strength conditioning, sports safety, and avoiding and managing sports injuries. These programs usually also cover topics such as nutrition, personnel management, and sports tactics. The diversity of the skills you will master in this graduate program will help prepare you for a similarly diverse range of careers.
If you are focusing on school full-time, most programs can be completed in two years, but those only attending part-time may take longer (up to three years). In some cases, accelerated programs may be available, which you can complete in as little as one year. Remember that while most online programs don’t require in-person interactions, some may require you to complete coaching activities in your local community.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in coaching program
- Principles and Practices of Effective Coaching. This course prepares you for a future career in athletics training. Toward this end, it concentrates on both the practical aspects of problem-solving (on the field and off) and the pedagogical principles needed to teach, coach, and manage young people.
- Ethics in Sport. This course prepares you to understand, navigate, and implement ethical values consistently, ensuring fair play and, above all else, safety.
- Theories of Strength and Conditioning. On the most practical level, this course prepares you to successfully complete the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam. More broadly, it helps you learn about strength and conditioning theory and practice to implement your own programs that foster a culture of healthy athletics among those you teach.
- Sports Safety and Injury Management for Coaches. This course also has a practical goal: to help you successfully get certified in American Red Cross Sport Safety Training and First Aid for Coaches. More broadly, this course enables you to recognize emergencies as they unfold and how to get those involved the care they need. Such situations will ideally be rare as this course emphasizes injury prevention just as much as it emphasizes treatment and rehabilitation.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Coaching Degree?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with a master’s degree in coaching is highly promising. As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of effective coaching and leadership development, the demand for skilled coaches is on the rise. This growth is driven by the need for organizations to enhance employee performance, foster leadership skills, and improve team dynamics. Coaches are sought after in fields such as sports, education, healthcare, and human resources. The adaptability of coaching skills allows graduates to explore diverse career paths. Here are some options to consider:
- Coach or scout — Coaches lead athletes and teach them how to improve at their sport, while scouts assess the skills of athletes in order to help with recruiting and prepare for opponents.
- Median annual salary: $45,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
- New job openings projected: 38,400 annually
- Athletic trainer — Prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries related to athletic activity.
- Median annual salary: $57,930
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 14%
- New job openings projected: 2,700 annually
- Training and development manager — Design and manage an organization’s employee training programs.
- Median annual salary: $125,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 3,500 annually
Online Master’s in Coaching Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in coaching degree program?
Most online master’s in coaching programs will not require you to submit GRE scores, but it’s important to verify beforehand whether this is the case. To simplify things, we highly recommend contacting the admissions counselor(s) at your chosen school(s). Such counselors can answer your questions and verify any special application requirements, including where to send your transcripts, whether letters of recommendation are required, and the application deadline.
How much does an online master’s in coaching degree cost?
Most online master’s in coaching degrees cost between $12,000 and $16,000 in total tuition. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in coaching degree?
Most online master’s in coaching degree programs are designed to be completed within two years. That assumes you attend school full-time, with part-time students often needing as many as three years to complete the program. Accelerated programs may allow you to complete all the required coursework in as little as one year.
As with any other online program, we encourage you to consider your current schedule (including any work requirements you may have) and select a program that best suits your needs.
Is an online master’s in coaching degree worth it?
Earning an online master’s degree in coaching can be worthwhile for individuals passionate about guiding and empowering others to reach their potential. This degree equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in coaching roles across diverse industries. Whether out on the sports field or in the corporate boardroom, coaches play a pivotal role in guiding individuals to become their best selves.
Online programs offer increased flexibility over on-campus programs, allowing students to attend classes at their convenience. This makes them particularly appealing to adult learners who have multiple personal and professional commitments.
Read More about Online Master’s in Coaching Degree Programs
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