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Degrees in Basketball Coaching
Degrees in Basketball Coaching
Many schools offer athletic coach training programs that result in both certificates and degrees. Keep reading to see program options for students interested in basketball coaching. See what your earning potential is.
Can I Earn A Degree In Basketball Coaching?
Although there aren't any degrees specifically offered for aspiring basketball coaches, you will find several certificate and degree programs devoted to athletic coaching and sports administration. These programs offer courses that cover first aid, coaching theories and techniques and organizational communication. Additionally, courses specifically about basketball may be offered as electives.
Before you select a program, you should find out what qualifications are necessary for the kind of coaching you'd like to do. For example, a youth basketball league or community center may only require coaches to have a certificate in athletic coaching, while most colleges and universities require their coaches to have professional experience as well as a graduate degree in coaching education or athletic administration.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Levels</b></td><td> Certificate program, bachelor's degree, master's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Certificate Courses</b></td><td> Fitness testing, sports management, sports psychology, sports officiating, basketball electives</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Degree Courses</b></td><td>Bachelor's: Physiological issues in coaching, athletic injury, kinesiology, coaching principles <br clear="all"/> Master's: Sports industry, ethics in coaching, coaching administration, sports finance</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Online programs are available; graduate programs are the most common</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Mean Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $41,580* (<i>for elementary/secondary school coaches and scouts</i>), $62,610* (<i>for college, university and professional school coaches and scouts</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>12% growth <i>(for all coaches and scouts)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoesAnAthleticCoachingCertificateProgramEntail">What Does An Athletic Coaching Certificate Program Entail?</h3><p>Certificate programs in athletic coaching give you an overview of what you will need to know as a youth league or high school varsity coach. For example, required courses are likely to include sports officiating, sports management, sports psychology and fitness testing. Courses dedicated to basketball coaching are often offered as electives in addition to courses dealing with baseball, football, track or other individual sports.
</p><h3 id="section---HowAreAthleticCoachingDegreeProgramsDesigned">How Are Athletic Coaching Degree Programs Designed?</h3><p>If you would like an undergraduate degree in athletic coaching, many schools offer bachelor's degree programs in the subject. These programs are designed to provide a foundational education in the psychological, philosophical and physiological issues involved in coaching. Classes you will take may include athletic injuries, kinesiology and principles of coaching. Basketball coaching is usually offered as an elective and some programs may require you to complete an internship.
</p><p>Master's degree programs are designed for students with an interest in college or university coaching. A master's degree program will offer you advanced classes that discuss fiscal, ethical and administrative concerns that one may encounter in a collegiate or professional athletic program. These degree programs are designed for experienced athletic administration and coaching professionals interested in expanding their knowledge of the sports industry.
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyAthleticCoachingProgramsOfferedOnline">Are There Any Athletic Coaching Programs Offered Online?</h3><p>You'll find that athletic coaching academic programs are commonly offered over the Internet, especially at the graduate level. Schools that offer online programs use software like Blackboard to deliver course materials to you. Once you log in to Blackboard, you can download and view lectures, obtain and submit your assignments and also communicate with your instructor. You will also need a high-speed Internet connection and some courses may require you to use software like Microsoft Word or Excel to complete assignments.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfSalaryDoCoachesEarn">What Kind Of Salary Do Coaches Earn?</h3><p>Your salary as a coach will largely depend on what level of coaching you are involved in. For example, in May 2020 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a mean annual salary of $41,580 for coaches and scouts working at the elementary and secondary school levels. Those working at professional schools, universities and colleges earned a mean of $62,610 during the same time period.</p>
