M.S. in Coaching and Athletic Administration FAQs

Your first step is to complete the online application, and then prepare your high school or college transcripts, if applicable. See the How to Apply page for more information.

Yes, you can transfer up to 50 percent of the program’s credit hours from a regionally accredited institution toward this degree program. Our Transfer Specialists will guide you through the process.

Admission to CSP’s M.S. in Coaching and Athletic Administration requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Your undergraduate degree can be in any discipline, though backgrounds in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, or related fields provide excellent preparation. The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds. Learn more on the program admissions page. 

Coaching or athletic experience is not a requirement for admission. 

This online degree program provides excellent preparation for professional certifications including the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Your coursework in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, program design, and sports nutrition directly aligns with CSCS exam content. While the program provides foundational knowledge for these certifications, you’ll need to independently register, prepare for, and take certification exams. Some certifications require practical experience hours, CPR/AED certification, and ongoing continuing education. Speak with your enrollment counselor to learn more about what this program can provide your career.  

This degree program opens diverse career pathways. Common positions include head coach or assistant coach at high school or collegiate levels, strength and conditioning coach, athletic director, assistant athletic director, sport performance director, director of operations. Additional career paths include academic advisor for student-athletes, recreation sports director, youth sports director, sports performance consultant, and positions in sports facilities management or marketing. Learn more on the program careers page. 

Absolutely. Many students are former athletes transitioning into coaching careers. The degree provides pedagogical knowledge, sport science foundation, and leadership skills to complement your playing experience.  

The 33-credit curriculum integrates sport science, leadership development, and administrative management. Core courses include Coaching Theory and Practice, Strength and Conditioning, Leadership and Management in Sport, Scouting and Recruiting, Sport Sales and Promotion, Ethics and Sociology of Sport and Exercise, Motor Learning and Behavior, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, and Advanced Sports Nutrition. You’ll also complete Research Methods in Kinesiology and a Capstone Project that allows you to apply your knowledge to real-world situations. Explore the curriculum page for more course information. 

Yes, the program includes a dedicated course on Ethics and Sociology of Sport and Exercise. This course examines complex ethical issues in sport, including fairness, equality, and social justice. You’ll explore how social and cultural factors shape our understanding of physical activity and sports, including issues related to gender, race, class, and disability. Learn more about the curriculum on the courses page. 

Yes, sport psychology is a core component of the curriculum. The Psychology of Sport and Exercise course provides advanced training in the psychological factors that influence participation and performance in sport and exercise settings.  

Yes, the online master’s in coaching and athletic administration program is specifically designed for working coaches and athletic professionals. The fully online format allows you to complete coursework on your schedule—early mornings before practice, late evenings after games, weekends, or during your sport’s off-season. 

The degree program can be completed in 5.5 semesters (approximately 1.5-2 years) for the 33-credit program. However, your completion time will vary based on transfer credits and enrollment pace. Full-time students taking more credits per semester can finish in approximately 1.5 years, while part-time students taking fewer credits may take 2-3 years. Most working coaches pursue the degree part-time, balancing coaching responsibilities with their studies. The online format provides exceptional flexibility, allowing you to adjust your course load based on whether you’re in competitive season, recruiting periods, or off-season.  

The total cost of tuition is $15,675 for the complete 33-credit program, based on a per-credit rate of $475. Additional expenses may include technology fees, textbooks, digital course materials, and course supplies. Unlike on-campus programs, online students save significantly on commuting, parking, and relocation costs. Financial aid options can substantially reduce your investment, including federal student loans, institutional scholarships, professional organization scholarships, and employer tuition assistance. Many athletic directors and school districts support coaches pursuing advanced degrees. Military veterans can use GI Bill benefits and Yellow Ribbon program funding. CSP Global is a bronze-level Military Friendly® school offering active-duty tuition discounts and spousal/family benefits. Transfer students may qualify for $2,000 scholarships through partnership programs. Learn more about the costs involved on the tuition and financial aid page.