Athletic Coaching Education

Overview

Taught by faculty who perform on national and international stages of coaching and who have coached Olympians and NCAA champion athletes, the Athletic Coaching Education program of Ball State University is a world-class master’s degree.

Ball State is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. What this means to you is that we have met rigorous academic standards and professionalism that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and other institutions of higher learning.

Why a Master's Degree in Athletic Coaching?

You Can Do It

But it’s do-able because the program is fully online with absolutely no residency requirement. That means you can earn the degree without leaving your coaching position, and you can complete an internship in your workplace. Since you’ll be taking courses in organization and administration, sport safety and injury prevention, and teaching and motivation, you can take what you learn to practice the next day. Take note also that coaching salaries are seeing a dramatic rise, particularly at the college level, where compensation for coaches in certain sports has escalated in recent years.

Career Opportunities

The good news for those who pace the sidelines and coach their teams to victory is that career opportunities for athletic coaches are expected to rise 20 percent, a much faster rate than other occupations, over the next several years. The prospects look particularly good for coaches with advanced training and experience.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, what is driving the growth in the coaching field?

• The need to replace the many high school coaches who will retire or transfer will provide the most coaching opportunities. (The best prospects are for those who are state-certified to teach academic subjects.)

• The increased need, especially at the college level, for coaches in women’s athletics.

• The demand for private sports instruction is expected to grow as parents encourage their children to pursue fitness and their full potential.

• The increasing number of retirees who will need instruction as they participate in leisure activities such as golf and tennis.

To find some of the latest job postings in the coaching field at:

• American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance CareerLink page

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) employment page