Program Overview

Athletic Coaching Program Overview

The online master's degree in Athletic Coaching at Florida State University is designed by coaches for coaches, aiming to provide current and future coaches and sports professionals with the latest knowledge and best practices based on experience and research. The program is housed in FSU's Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching (FSU COACH), which utilizes research and scientific knowledge to help coaches improve their skills, leading to more successful athletes.

Program Details

• The program requires expertise across many kinesiology and pedagogy-based disciplines, including exercise science, physical education, and sport psychology.
• It is designed for coaches and sports professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in athletic coaching.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Athletic Coaching program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor's Degree: An earned bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from each college/university attended.
• CV/Resume: A professional review of education, training, work experience, and skills.
• Statement of Purpose: A statement convincing the FSU COACH faculty of the applicant's background and potential for success in the program.
• Writing Sample: A piece of writing demonstrating the ability to analyze and present a topic in Athletic Coaching professionally.
• Language Proficiency Test (for international students): FSU accepts scores from TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB, Cambridge C1 Advanced Level, Michigan Language Assessment, and Duolingo.

Application Process

• Where to Apply: The application is submitted online.
• Application Deadlines: November 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer, and July 1 for Fall.
• GRE Requirement: The GRE is not required for this program.
• Application Materials: Unofficial transcripts, TESOL test (if applicable), resume, statement of purpose, and a writing sample.

Course/Degree Requirements

The Master's in Athletic Coaching degree plan includes:

• Content Knowledge (15 hours): Courses such as Theory & Practice of Athletic Coaching, Philosophy & Ethics of Sport & Coaching, Sociology of Sport & Cultural Foundations of Coaching, Coaching the Athlete 360, and Sport & Exercise Psychology for Coaches.
• Research & Practice (6 hours): Understanding & Conducting Research in Sports & Coaching and Athletic Coaching Mentorship.
• Electives (9 hours): Courses such as International Perspectives of Coaching, Coaching for Human Performance, Seminar in Sports and Coaching, and Motor Learning for Coaches.

Career Opportunities

A master's degree in Athletic Coaching from Florida State University can lead to various career opportunities in coaching and sports professions, including:

• Sport coach
• Performance coach
• Personal trainer
• Sport scientist
• Scout
• Athletic director
• Coach educator
• Sport development officer

Support and Resources

• Scholarships: The AC Scholarship is a $12,000 scholarship awarded to out-of-state and international students. Additional scholarships are available for enrolled students.
• Tuition: Cost depends on whether the student is in-state, out-of-state, or international. Current rates can be found on the university's website.

Faculty and Research

The program is supported by a faculty with expertise in athletic coaching and related fields. Research areas include but are not limited to:

• Coaching effectiveness
• Athlete development
• Sport psychology
• Exercise science
• Physical education

Conclusion

The online Master's in Athletic Coaching at Florida State University offers a comprehensive program for those seeking to advance their careers in coaching and sports professions. With its focus on providing current and future coaches with the latest knowledge and best practices, this program stands out as a leading educational opportunity in the field of athletic coaching.