Online Colleges for Coaching: How to Choose

Numerous colleges and universities offer distance learning coaching certificates and degrees. In addition to coaching experience, programs may require that applicants have a bachelor's degree.

List of Common Online Coaching Colleges

Program Levels

Students considering online colleges for coaching must consider the program level they wish to attain. Online coaching programs include post-baccalaureate certificates, which are the most common option, and master's degree in coaching. The programs generally follow the schools' academic calendar, allowing students to complete the coursework at their convenience. However, students may need to submit weekly assignments.

Career Outcomes

Students must determine their overall career goals before enrolling in a graduate certificate or degree program in coaching. Those who successfully complete an online graduate certificate program can strive for careers as a coach for amateur clubs, recreational leagues, interscholastic, youth leagues, collegiate teams, international teams or professional teams. Online students taking master's degree courses can attain careers as coaches, physical education or athletic administration.

Online Graduate Certificate in Physical Education, Health Education and Coaching

An online graduate certificate focusing on coaching is aimed for coaches and educators who already have a bachelor's degree and desire further information on coaching. Generally offered through the school's continued education division, most programs do not require students to have any background in sports or physical education; however, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Online coaching certificate courses cover the principles and problems found in coaching individual and team sports, scouting, sports law and techniques of coaching. Students need a computer with a high-speed Internet connection, and some courses may require computer programs that can view graphics, video clips, presentations and photos. Some programs may utilize Blackboard or other course management systems. Most programs allow students to utilize classroom-based discussion boards and chat rooms to communicate with others.

Online Master of Arts in Coaching

Students seeking enrollment must have a baccalaureate degree as well as at least five years of coaching experience as an assistant coach or head coach. Typical courses cover coaching skills and tactics, sports safety, motivation, conditioning and ethics. Some programs may recommend that students participate in an internship within a particular sport or physical education department.
Other schools may necessitate students complete a portfolio or research project, where they discuss coaching, sport education and athlete-centered philosophy. Students also need access to an Internet connection and a computer, as well as word processing and PDF-viewing software.