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Sport Coaching, M.S.

College of Applied Human Sciences

Coach monitors athlete working out with weights

The M.S. in Sport Coaching, offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences, is designed for driven individuals who have a coaching placement at the collegiate, scholastic, club, or community level. This program equips you with cutting-edge practices to elevate your coaching career. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to the dynamic sport industry through our issues-based approach, tackling real-world challenges and opportunities.

Cost:

$702 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

10 Courses / 30 Credits

Duration:

Two years

Dates:

Next Start: May 19, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous

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Program Overview

Where Motivation and Passion Meet

The Sport Coaching degree from the College of Applied Human Sciences provides students with the essential skills and knowledge to work with athletes in a variety of contexts across their lifetime. Our program is designed to provide the following learning outcomes:

  • Content Knowledge – Students will demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to synthesize and apply Professional Knowledge, Interpersonal Knowledge, and Intrapersonal Knowledge through the use of best practices related to athlete development and sport coaching.
  • Reflection and Critical Thinking – Students will develop and utilize critical thinking skills as they refine their professional practice and promote lifelong athlete development.
  • Professionalism and Ethics – Students will model leadership competencies including ethical practices representative of professional conduct.

Whether you are motivated by career advancement in coaching or improving the sport performance of your current teams and athletes, our degree prepares you to be a lifelong learner who can adapt professional practices to meet the changing needs of the dynamic sport industry. Our issues-based approach emphasizes the real-world challenges and opportunities confronting coaches at all levels. This unique approach is reflected in our course content which includes coaching techniques, training theory, positive youth development, strength and conditioning methods, movement analysis, motor behavior, psychology of coaching, and interscholastic sport administration and leadership.

"The work that I do to develop and support coaching education and development systems across a wide range of organizations will help support NICA’s mission and vision."

Kristen Dieffenbach

Sport Coaching M.S.

headshot of graduate Kristen Dieffenbach

Curriculum

WVU professors in Coaching Education have designed a curriculum that focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective coach. Additional focus is placed on holistic athlete development, including sport skills, life skills, long-term development and periodized training. 

The courses in our nationally recognized online program are developed in collaboration with industry leaders from organizations like the Kansas City Royals, University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, West Virginia University Athletics, USA Hockey, and USA Ultimate to ensure that the learning experiences are readily applied to coaching practice. Our university faculty are all also actively engaged in coaching and coach development working with athletes from local youth sport all the way through the national and international levels of sport.

The fully online format allows working professionals to complete courses during fall, spring and summer, without having to be on-campus. The course load is two courses a semester (one course every 8 weeks) to allow students to balance the master's program with family, work and coaching responsibilities. Courses promote online interaction and peer support within and between cohorts.

The Sport Coaching master’s program can be completed in five semesters. The program utilizes the International Council for Sport Coaching Excellence’s International Sport Coaching Framework and professional development guidelines from coaching education and coach development industry leaders.

Meet the Faculty

Core Courses

  • ACE 508: Coaching Techniques, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 585: Capstone in Coaching, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 568: Sport Movement Analysis, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 541: Positive Youth Development in Sport, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 522: Motor Behavior for Sport Coaches, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 510: Training Theories for Coaches, 3 credit hours
Elective Courses (Elective courses are assigned based on term of enrollment.)

  • ACE 539: Create Healthy Competitive Environments, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 518: Psychology of Coaching, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 569: Strength and Conditioning Methods for Coaches, 3 credit hours
  • ACE 530: Coaching Education Administration, 3 credit hours
  • SM 545: Current Issues and Applications in Sport Management, 3 credit hours
  • SM 580: Social and Ethnical Responsibility in Sport, 3 credit hours
  • SM 571: Interscholastic Sport Organization and Administration, 3 credit hours
  • SM 578: Leadership in Interscholastic Athletic Administration, 3 credit hours
Total: 30 Credit Hours

Admissions Requirements and Eligibility

A baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Students may be admitted provisionally with a GPA of 2.75 or lower; however, provisional students must earn a 3.0 in the first 9 hours of coursework to continue in the program. Admission preference is given to individuals with coaching experience. All students need access to sport teams and athletes on a regular basis, given the applied nature of many course assignments.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

  • Complete the Online WVU Graduate Application
  • Upload a current resume highlighting professional background, experience, and qualifications
  • Write a Professional Statement
    • 1-2 written pages on professional goals and reasons for seeking admission
  • Graduate degree-seeking applicants must send their official transcript from the undergraduate institution that granted the bachelor’s degree. 
  • International applicants are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until August 1 for a fall term start, December 15 for a spring term start, and May 1 for a summer term start.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Students are encouraged to:
  • File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
  • Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

Connect with an Admissions Coach

Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach

(304) 293-6841 jessica.carr1@mail.wvu.edu

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Careers and Employment

An M.S. in Sports Coaching is an ideal degree for individuals seeking to pursue careers that involve working with athletes across a developmental perspective. These degree programs provide in-depth instruction of theory and current practices, and many include practical experiences to enable students to gain real-world skills to increase success. Graduates are equipped with a functional knowledge of various dimensions of the coaching profession including interpersonal knowledge, professional knowledge related to pedagogy/content and applied sport science, and leadership development.

Career Paths

  • Sports Coach or Scout
  • Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
  • Education Administrator
  • Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher
  • Athlete and Sports Competitor
  • Umpire, Referee and Other Sports Official
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Fitness Trainer and Aerobics Instructor
  • Secondary School Teacher

Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

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