Online Master's Programs in Coaching Psychology

<p>Several schools offer master's degrees in coaching psychology. Leadership coaching programs are available, along with general psychology programs that offer coursework or specializations in coaching and leadership development. These programs are generally geared toward the relatively new fields of life coaching, leadership coaching or executive coaching, rather than sports coaching, although some of the same theories and principles may apply. </p> <p>Programs may lead to a Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology with a specialization in leadership coaching or a Master of Applied Positive Psychology. The most common prerequisite for a master's degree in coaching psychology is a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Fields</b></td><td>Psychology, leadership coaching, applied positive psychology</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Psychology of group dynamics, research methods, leadership coaching, theories in psychological coaching</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>Fully online and hybrid programs available</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Possibilities</b></td><td>Counselor, executive coach, life coach, organizational psychologist</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Similar Degree Fields</b></td><td>Coaching education, physical education (<i>for sports coaching</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$79,820 <i>(Industrial-Organizational Psychologist)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>3% growth <i>(Psychologists)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>Coursework in a coaching psychology master's program is designed to prepare you to assume leadership positions and take on the role of a coach in personal, group or business settings. In addition to coaching topics, coursework also covers statistics and issues in psychology. Depending on the program, you may have to complete fieldwork or a thesis. Some of the courses you can expect to take include: </p> <ul><li>Psychology of group dynamics </li><li>Theories in psychological coaching </li><li>Leadership coaching </li><li>Research methods </li></ul><h3 id="section---CanIEarnMyDegreeFullyOnline">Can I Earn My Degree Fully Online?</h3> <p>Online and hybrid master's programs are available in this field, although they are not as common as on-campus programs. Hybrid programs allow you to complete much of your coursework online, but you may be required to visit campus periodically for on-site sessions. </p> <p>If you choose to pursue your master's degree in coaching psychology online, you'll need a computer with Internet access. You'll take part in an online classroom, which allows you to view lectures and take exams via the Internet. You'll turn in projects and papers via an online drop-box or e-mail. Instructors are available by phone and e-mail, and most programs have a system in place for class discussions, such as Web chat, discussion boards, e-mail, Web conferencing, or teleconferencing. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do with My Degree?</h3> <p>With a master's degree in coaching psychology or leadership, you may pursue a career as a counselor, executive coach or organizational psychologist. Your degree may also qualify you to work as a life coach; as a life coach, you'll help clients realize their full potential in their personal and professional lives. </p> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for all psychologists is expected to grow at an average rate of 3% between 201 and 2026 (8<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS also notes that demand for organizational psychologists, specifically, will grow in a number of industries because they will be needed to help increase productivity, foster diversity and conduct evaluations. As of April 2021, salaries for organizational psychologists ranged from $52,000 to $134,000, according to a survey from <i>Payscale.com</i>. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAboutDegreesInSportsCoaching">What About Degrees in Sports Coaching?</h3> <p>If you'd prefer to coach people on a field rather than in the boardroom, there are also master's degree programs in sports coaching; however, they are typically not as psychology-focused as the previously discussed coaching psychology programs. You might pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) in Coaching Education or a M.S. in Physical Education with a sport psychology/coaching concentration. These programs also focus on leadership skills and coaching techniques, but with a focus on health promotion and sports performance.</p>