Master of Arts in Physical Education With a Coaching Specialization

Kristin Werdann coached nonstop through the seasons while pursuing her master’s degree in coaching education online. Read her story. Webinar Register for a June 26 webinar to learn more about our master's in physical education with a coaching specialization. You can chat live with a faculty advisor. The session will be held at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time.

More than a play caller, a master coach is an educator who teaches the fundamentals and basic skills of the game. A master coach can analyze coaching techniques and methods. A master coach is proficient in physical conditioning and injury prevention. And a master coach can rise through the ranks in a field that will grow significantly in the next decade.

Ball State University can help you advance your skills in the 320 competencies (identified by the National Standards for Athletic Coaches) that are needed to become a master coach, also known as a level five coach. 

But just as important as covering these competencies, our graduate program in athletic coaching education is designed to make you a more effective coach, mentor, and leader. 

And, if you’re like most coaches, you don’t have the option of calling time-out to further your education. That’s why we offer a world-class master’s degree in coaching education that you can pursue 100 percent online.

Consider the many advantages of our online coaching education master's degree.

• You will learn from the industry leader. When our MA with a coaching specialization went online in 2002, we were the first and only online athletic coaching education program in the country.
• You’ll study under faculty who perform on the national and international stages of coaching education. Recognized authorities in their athletic areas, these professors are published authors, active in several research specialties, and coaches of Olympians and NCAA champion athletes.
• Our School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science has a long tradition of scholarly scientific inquiry, including applied exercise physiology research via our internationally known Human Performance Lab.
• Alumni of our program, of which there are more than 100, are working in coaching positions across the country, including the Big 10, the Mid-American Conference, and the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Our program is 100 percent online with no residency. That means you can earn the degree without leaving your coaching position. And you can complete your internship in your local community and possibly on your job.
• The 33-credit hour program is do-able while you’re coaching and/or teaching. You can be finished in six semesters, taking just two classes per semester.
• Because students are active coaches with some years of experience, you’ll be learning with coach practitioners from all regions of the United States, including middle school, high school, and college coaches.
• We provide individual instruction and highly interactive classes by keeping our class size within a range of 12 to 20 students. Compare that with other programs.
• We offer a competitive tuition rate.

New cohorts begin each spring and summer.

U.S. Olympian and Indiana State coach Erin Gilreath looked to Ball State for a world-class coaching degree. Find out about her experience.

Academic Advisor
Dr. Larry Judge
School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Science

Your Next Steps
Learn now about the courses you will take and how to apply.