School Finder

Top 25 Affordable Online Master’s in Coaching

A master’s in coaching online degree program is the perfect degree for students who wish to work in athletic administration or coaching. By choosing to pursue a master’s in coaching and athletic administration online degree, students develop skills in important topics such as sport governance, coaching theory, player development, and more. By choosing to pursue this type of degree online, students can control the costs of their education while also being afforded a much more flexible schedule. 

See Also:

Best Master’s in Coaching Online Methodology

For students who want to pursue an online executive MBA program, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that takes into account the cost of tuition and the length of the program. All of these programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Programs that are offered online are denoted as such.

Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.

Ranking the Best Master’s Degree in Coaching Online Programs

#1. University of South Florida

Online Master of Science in Exercise Science

Tampa, Florida

Students at the University of South Florida can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Exercise Science degree. This master’s in coaching online degree is a great option for students who wish to gain the knowledge and insight needed for working with athletes to help them reach their peak athletic performance. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of South Florida has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $11,451

Score: 100

#2. Emporia State University

Online Master of Education in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Emporia, Kansas

Emporia State University currently offers students one of the best master’s in coaching online programs available. Students enrolled in the Online Master of Education in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation degree at Emporia State University will undergo the education and training needed to become an athletic trainer. This program of study has been accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program included Athletic Training Principles, Modality Usage in Athletic Training, and much more.

Tuition: $11,766

Score: 99.75

#3. Jacksonville State University

Online Master of Science in Sport Management

Jacksonville, Alabama

This Online Master of Science in Sport Management degree is offered by Jacksonville State University. This program is a great option for students who wish to expand their knowledge of coaching and sport training methods and information. By completing this program, students will have worked through one of the best master’s in coaching online programs available. Courses in this program included Human Resources Management in Sport, Sports Facility Administration and Design, and much more. Jacksonville State University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $12,000

Score: 99.5

#4. Pittsburg State University

Online Master of Science in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

Pittsburg, Kansas

Pittsburg State University is currently offering this Online Master of Science in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation degree. This program of study is a great option for students who want to work in athletics or sports management. Pittsburg State University offers this program in three different emphases: General, Human Performance and Wellness, or Sport and Leisure Management. A total of 32 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Pittsburg State University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $12,480

Score: 99.25

#5. Georgia Southern University

Online Master of Science, Kinesiology, Coaching, Education Concentration

Statesboro, Georgia

Georgia Southern University is offering its Online Master of Science, Kinesiology, Coaching, Education Concentration to students entirely online. This master’s in coaching online program can be completed in as little as 14 months. A total of 36 credits need to be earned across this program’s twelve classes. Georgia Southern University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This program has also received accreditation from the National Committee for the Accreditation of Coaching Education.

Tuition: $12,888

Score: 99.25

#6. University of Missouri

Online Master of Education in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership

Columbia, Missouri

Students can enroll in the University of Missouri’s Online Master of Education in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership. This master’s in coaching online program offers students the opportunity to advance their understanding of concepts in coaching and sports education. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Missouri has received accreditation from both the Higher Learning Commission and Teacher Education Accreditation Council for this program of study. Course work in this program covers topics including administration of athletic programs, athlete training and conditioning, and much more.

Tuition: $13,590

Score: 99

#7. University of Arkansas

Online Master of Education in Physical Education

Fayetteville, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas has made this Online Master of Education in Physical Education degree available entirely online. This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University of Arkansas anticipates that students will be able to complete this master’s degree in coaching online program in under two years. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program of study include The Physical Education Curriculum, Motor Learning, Sport Psychology, Professional Issues in Physical Education and Sport, and much more.

Tuition: $14,190

Score: 98.75

#8. Greenville University

Online Master of Education in Coaching

Greenville, Illinois

Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Education in Coaching is one of the top master’s degrees in coaching online programs. Greenville University has designed this program to be completed in as little as 1-2 years. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Greenville University with accreditation for this master’s degree in coaching online program. Courses in this program of study included Equity in School and Society, Coaching Character, Sport Skill Analysis, Leadership in Coaching, and much more. This program is a great option for students who want to become leaders in sports education.

Tuition: $14,280

Score: 98.5

#9. Ohio University

Online Master of Coaching Education

Athens, Ohio

Made available by Ohio University, this Online Master of Coaching Education degree is offered to students at Ohio University. This master’s degree in coaching online program has recently been completely restructured in the past year. Students can earn this degree entirely online. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program. Ohio University forecasts that students will be able to complete this program in five semesters or two years. This program of study has been designed from the ground up to provide students with the skills they need for a successful career as a coach or sports educator.

Tuition: $15,810

Score: 98.25

#10. University of Idaho

Online Master of Education in Physical Education and Physical Activity

Moscow, Idaho

Students at the University of Idaho can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Education and Physical Education and Physical Activity degree. This program of study is designed to teach students the crucial skills and techniques to become elite sport educators and coaches. This program is one of our top master’s degree in coaching online programs. The University of Idaho has received accreditation for this program from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.

Tuition: $16,470

Score: 98

#11. Xavier University

Online Master of Education in Coaching Education and Athlete Development

Cincinnati, Ohio

This Online Master of Education in Coaching Education and Athlete Development is offered to students by Xavier University. Students in this master’s degree in coaching online program work through a curriculum designed to teach them all the skills needed to become effective coaches and leaders in sport. This program of study has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Xavier University expects students to be able to complete this program in as little as 24 months. Courses in this program of study included Physical Conditioning, Safety and Injury Prevention, Sports Skills and Tactics.

Tuition: $17,100

Score: 97.5

#12. University of Northern Colorado

Online Master of Arts in Sports Coaching

Greeley, Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers students this Online Master of Arts in Sport Coaching degree. This master’s in coaching and athletic administration online degree provides students with the skills and techniques needed to be successful coaches. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Northern Colorado has received accreditation for this program of study from the National Committee for the Accreditation of Coaching Education. Courses in this program of study include Evaluation of Coaching using Technology, Sports Coaching Principles and Perspectives, and Psychology for Sports Coaches.

Tuition: $17,400

Score: 97.25

#13. University of Southern Mississippi

Online Master of Science in Sports Coaching Education

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Students at the University of Southern Mississippi are offered this Online Master of Science in Sports Coaching Education degree to enroll in. This program of study has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This program of study is a great opportunity for students to learn the leadership techniques and the sports skills needed to become a great coach. This master’s in coaching and athletic administration online requires a total of 36 credit hours to complete. Courses in this program include Legal Aspects of Sport, Motor Learning, Sport Psychology, and more.

Tuition: $17,784

Score: 97

#14. University of Nebraska at Kearney

Online Master of Arts in Education in Physical Education

Kearney, Nebraska

This Online Master of Arts in Education in Physical Education degree is designed and offered by the University of Nebraska at Kearney. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Nebraska at Kearney has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. This program of study is offered in two different tracks: a Pedagogy Emphasis, and a Special Population Emphasis. Courses in this program of study include Physiology of Exercise, Elementary School Physical Education, Analysis of Physical Education Teaching, and much more.

Tuition: $18,144

Score: 96.75

#15. West Virginia University

Online Master of Science in Sport Coaching

Morgantown, West Virginia

West Virginia University offers students an Online Master of Science in Sport Coaching degree. This program of study is a great option for those who want to develop the skills and professional practices needed to become a coach. This master’s in coaching and athletic administration online requires a total of 30 credit hours to complete. West Virginia University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students will study topics including motor behavior, strength and conditioning methods, movement analysis, and more.

Tuition: $18,817

Score: 96.5

#16. Canisius College

Online Master of Science in Physical Education

Buffalo, New York

Students at Canisius College can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Science in Physical Education degree. This program of study is offered in two separate paths: the Physical Education – Professional Certification, or the Physical Education & Athletics track. This master’s in coaching and athletic administration online degree is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program of study include Statistics in Physical Education, Health and Cultural Awareness, Sport in Society, and many others.

Tuition: $18,900

Score: 96.25

#17. Ball State University

Online Master of Arts in Athletic Coaching Education

Muncie, Indiana

Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Arts in Athletic Coaching Education degree can be earned at Ball State University. This program of study is a fantastic option for students who want to learn the skills needed to work as an athletic coach. This master’s in coaching and athletic administration online degree has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Some of the courses in this program include Teaching and Motivation for Coaches, Skills and Tactics for Coaches, Philosophy and Ethics, and more.  A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.

Tuition: $19,530

Score: 96

#18. Liberty University

Online Master of Science in Sport Management – Coaching and Athletic Administration

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University offers this Online Master of Science in Sport Management – Coaching and Athletic Administration degree to its students. Students can expect to complete this master’s in coaching and athletic administration online degree in as little as 1.5 years. Courses in this program of study include Ethics in Sport, Advanced Coaching Theory, Sport Governance, and more. Liberty University has received accreditation for this program from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. Students in this program will gain access to a curriculum designed to teach them all the skills needed for leadership within athletic organizations.

Tuition: $20,340

Score: 95.75

#19. Old Dominion University

Online Master of Science in Sport Management

Norfolk, Virginia

Students at Old Dominion University can select this Online Master of Science in Sport Management degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Old Dominion University with accreditation for this program of study. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will be able to develop the skills needed for a variety of positions within athletic coaching. Old Dominion University has designed this program that can be completed in either one or two years, depending on the course load taken on by the student.

Tuition: $21,420

Score: 95.5

#20. Northcentral University

Online Master of Education in Sport and Athletic Management

San Diego, California

This Online Master of Education in Sport and Athletic Management degree is offered to students by Northcentral University. Through this program, students will develop the skills in athletic administration and coaching needed for a successful career in athletics. Northcentral University has designed this program of study so that it can be completed in about 15 months. A total of 30 credits are needed to complete this 10-course program. Students in this program will learn the educational theories, research, and practices needed to properly manage athletic departments and coach athletes.

Tuition: $23,420

Score: 95.25

#21. Michigan State University

Online Master of Science in Sport Coaching and Leadership

East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State University offers students an Online Master of Science in Sport Coaching and Leadership degree. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Michigan State University with accreditation for this program of study.  Through this program of study, Michigan State University students will develop a variety of skills needed for careers as coaches, athletic directors, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program of study include Safety & Injury Control, Psychosocial Bases of Coaching Athletes, Skill Development in Athletes, and more.

Tuition: $23,640

Score: 95

#22. Western Michigan University

Online Master of Arts in Coaching Sport Performance

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Students at Western Michigan University can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Arts in Coaching Sport Performance degree. This program of study has received accreditation from the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education. A total of 36 semester hours are required to complete this program of study. Students do not need to take the GRE to be admitted into this program. After completing the 11 courses that make up this program, students will have developed the skills needed for full-time coaching careers.

Tuition: $24,516

Score: 94.75

#23. Texas Woman’s University

Online Master of Science in Kinesiology – Sport Coaching

Denton, Texas

Texas Woman’s University students can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Kinesiology – Sport Coaching degree. This program of study is designed to teach the students the skills needed for careers as athletic directors, college coaches, high school coaches, and much more. Texas Woman’s University has designed this program so it can be completed in as little as twelve months. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Texas Woman’s University with accreditation for this program of study.

Tuition: $24,804

Score: 94.5

#24. Grand Canyon University

Online Master of Business Administration Sports Business

Phoenix, Arizona

This Online Master of Business Administration Sports Business degree is offered to students entirely online by Grand Canyon University. Through this program of study, students will learn about athletic administration and coaching from a business perspective. Grand Canyon University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program of study include Strategic Management, Leadership and Organizations, and much more. A total of 54 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.

Tuition: $33,210

Score: 94.25

#25. Drexel University

Online Master of Science in Sport Coaching Leadership

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Students at Drexel University can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Sport Coaching Leadership degree. A total of 45 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Students in this program will work through a curriculum that has been designed from the ground up to teach students the athletic, administrative and leadership skills needed to become a successful coach. Drexel University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Courses in this program of study include Ethics in Coaching, Coaching Psychology, Athletic Recruiting, and more.

Tuition: $45,315

Score: 94

NPCO Staff

Related:

Free Colleges

Free College Courses

Largest Nonprofit Online Universities

Best Online Graduate Schools

Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges

This concludes our ranking of the online master’s in coaching.