Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Sports Coaching
Majors Overview August 13, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in sports coaching and their coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Sports Coaching
In sports coaching master’s degree programs students are taught about the tactics that successful coaches use. Schools often offer these programs as specialization tracks of larger programs, such as sports science or sports management. Methods and strategies are in the program coursework, and students who write papers to document their findings often participate in research. Real-world experience is available through a mentorship.
Apart from a bachelor’s degree, applicants for admission don’t need any educational prerequisites; however, incoming students to some schools are required to have coaching experience. Full-time students can complete sports coaching master’s degree programs within 1-2 years. Some schools offer the programs online.
Coursework
Regulations and specific rules of sports are not the focus of coursework in master’s degree programs in sports coaching. The focus is instead on the issues needed to be identified to get the most out of their players by psychological, motivational, and medical information coaches. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Ethics in sports and coaching
•Sports law
•Nutrition for athletes
•Sports psychology
•Coaching theory
•Sports Medicine
•Sports analysis
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a faster than average job growth of fifteen percent has been predicted for coaching (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Wages in the profession vary by experience and level. In May 2012, coaches in general brought in an average annual wage of $28,360, ranging between $17,210 at the lowest level and $65,910 at the highest.
Continuing Education Choices
Those seeking an entry-level career in sports coaching and current coaches seeking to enhance their resumes would not need anything more than a master’s degree. Some program graduates may seek continuing education by pursuing doctorates in sports management. Having a long and successful coaching record is the best way to enable coaches to advance to higher levels. In some sports, such as soccer, licensure may be required to be earned in order to be able to coach at different skill levels or age groups. However, such licensure is usually gained before enrolling for a graduate coaching degree.
