Coaching Degree Programs and Courses
Learn about the degree and certificate programs that can qualify you to work as a coach. See state certification requirements, and learn what courses are included in these programs.
What You Need to Know
Educational programs in coaching are offered at the certificate, undergraduate and graduate level. These programs provide you with the option to focus on the sport you'd like to coach. Some programs are designed for distance learners, though they may require some hands-on components.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online</b></td><td>Training programs for certification, certificate and degree programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td>Certificates, associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Classes</b></td><td>First aid, ethics, coaching theory, sports safety, athletic organization, health science, coaching techniques, injury prevention, nutrition, drug education, sports physiology, psychology, leadership, organizational skills and athletic administration</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatCoachingDegreeProgramsAreAvailable">What Coaching Degree Programs Are Available?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>) reports that in order to coach at the college or professional level, you typically need a bachelor's degree that may be in a subject like physical education, athletic training or sports management. High school coaches are often teachers or administrators who also hold at least a bachelor's degree, commonly in education. However, coaching education programs are available at multiple levels, from certificate to master's degree. You can even find some programs specifically designed to prepare aspiring coaches for certification, which may be needed in certain locales if you plan to coach students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Often, these certification-prep programs don't have any educational prerequisites and can be completed in as little as one semester.
</p><p>You may be able to find an Organizational and Leadership Coaching Certificate, an Associate in Arts in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching or a Bachelor's in Athletic Coaching Education.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAboutGraduateDegreePrograms">What About Graduate Degree Programs?</h3><p>Master's degree programs could be beneficial to you if you already hold a bachelor's degree, are already coaching and are looking for a more advanced specialization in the field. At the master's level, you may have the opportunity to study athletic administration alongside coaching. A Master's in Coaching Education may be available in addition to a Master's in Coaching and Athletics Administration or a Master of Science in Coaching and Exercise Sciences.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Training programs for aspiring coaches are composed of several courses that could help you meet coaching certification requirements. Certificate, associate and bachelor's degree programs also may include courses in areas like drug education, sports physiology and psychology. Some of the following courses might also be included:
</p><ul><li>First aid
</li><li>Ethics
</li><li>Coaching theory
</li><li>Sports safety
</li><li>Athletic organization
</li><li>Health science
</li><li>Coaching techniques
</li><li>Injury prevention
</li><li>Nutrition
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAboutGraduateCourses">What About Graduate Courses?</h3><p>You will continue to study diverse subjects in more depth in a master's program. As an aspiring coach, you will likely focus on a specific sport. Coaching programs allow you to choose from a long list of coaching specialties and course topics that are listed as follows:
</p><ul><li>Baseball
</li><li>Basketball
</li><li>Hockey
</li><li>Volleyball
</li><li>Bodybuilding
</li><li>Cross country
</li><li>Soccer
</li><li>Softball
</li><li>Leadership
</li><li>Organizational skills
</li><li>Athletic administration
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatOnlineOptionsAreAvailable">What Online Options Are Available?</h3><p>Training programs for certification, as well as certificate and degree programs in coaching, are available online. These distance education options could be useful to you if you're a working professional, such as a high school teacher or coach in need of specialization. Because online coursework can be completed at any time, you can participate in classes while continuing to work.
</p><p>However, you may be required to complete an on-site coaching practicum for some programs. Other online programs may require you to attend a workshop on campus that lasts a week or less.</p>