The Master of Science in Kinesiology-Coaching is a fully online graduate program designed for coaches, educators, and athletic professionals seeking advanced knowledge and leadership skills in the field of coaching and sports performance.
The curriculum is built upon the seven Core Responsibilities of the National Standards for Sport Coaches and emphasizes athletic development, communication, safety, strategic planning, and professional growth. The program is designed to help working professionals apply what they learn in real-world athletic and educational settings.
Why Choose SAU for Your M.S. in Kinesiology?
- 100% Online Flexibility: Designed specifically for working educators and coaches who cannot attend traditional evening courses due to time or distance.
- National Standards: The program extends prior experience by aligning with the National Standards for Sport Coaches.
- Exceptional Faculty: Students consistently report that faculty are approachable, helpful, and willing to go “above and beyond” via phone and email.
- Affordability: SAU is ranked nationally for its quality and competitive tuition rates compared to regional peers.
Skills You Will Gain
Graduates of the program will demonstrate competencies in:
- Leadership and organizational development in sport settings.
- Ethical decision-making and sportsmanship
- Developing safe, positive, and inclusive sport environments.
- Sport safety and injury prevention.
- Strategic planning and program management.
- Critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making.
- Technology integration in kinesiology and coaching.
- Professional growth and reflective practice.
Faculty & Online Learning Environment
- The program is delivered via a robust online platform that facilitates excellent communication between students and instructors.
- Faculty bring both academic expertise and practical experience in coaching, education, leadership, and sport performance
- “Being a 100% online student, I found the communication excellent… I love, love, love the teachers in this program.” — Elena Villa Gomez, Alumna
Student Stories
“If you are considering a degree in coaching, I would strongly consider and look further into Southern Arkansas’s program… Being a 100% online student, I found the communication excellent.”
Curriculum
The 33-hour curriculum emphasizes the major responsibilities and competencies expected of effective coaches and athletic leaders:
- Vision & Standards: Goal setting and program leadership.
- Ethics: Principles of sportsmanship and integrity.
- Relationships: Building professional and interpersonal bonds.
- Safety: Creating and maintaining safe sport environments.
- Inclusivity: Fostering positive team cultures.
- Competition Prep: Conducting practices and tactical preparation.
- Continuous Improvement: Ongoing professional development.
Specific Degree Requirements (33 Hours)
- KINE 6243 – Advanced Exercise Physiology
- KINE 6323 – Sport Administration
- KINE 6363 – Workshop in Kinesiology
- KINE 6423 – Instructional Strategies and Techniques in Coaching
- KINE 6433 – Sport Safety and Injury Prevention
- KINE 6813 – Psychology of Athletics Coaching
- KINE 6823 – Scientific Analysis of Sports Skills and Motor Learning
- KINE 6833 – MS in Kinesiology – Coaching Capstone Portfolio
- KINE 6923 – Statistical Methods in Kinesiology
- KINE 6933 – Methods of Research in Kinesiology
- KINE 6943 – Legal Issues in Kinesiology
Admissions
- Prerequisites: Students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds may apply. Applicants must meet the School of Graduate Studies admission requirements.
- Licensure Note: This is a non-licensure program.
- Admission to the School of Graduate Studies does not guarantee admission to online MS in Kinesiology-Coaching degree program. Students who are seeking entrance into this program must also meet all the requirements listed below prior to enrolling in graduate courses.
- Make contact with the program director.
- Complete and return the application for acceptance into the Online MS in Kinesiology-Coaching Program packet which includes the following:
- Cover letter and resume including a minimum of three references
- “Acknowledgement of Program Requirements” form
- The Cooperating Agency / Mentor Approval Form
- If required by the cooperating agency, you may be required to provide a copy of your Criminal History background check. You must complete one for acceptance to the program when required by the cooperating agency.
Procedure for Criminal History Check
- The ASP form 122, Individual Record Check Form, must be completed in its entirety.
- A check or money order in the amount of $25 made payable to the Arkansas State Police must be included for an Arkansas record check. An additional check or money order for $19.25, made payable to the Arkansas State Police, must be included for the FBI (national) record check.
- The signature on the ASP form 122 or approved agency form must be notarized.
- Return form and fingerprint card to:
Arkansas State Police, Identification Bureau
#1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209
To contact the Identification Bureau, you may call 501.618.8500.
The ASP form 122 and the fingerprint card are available by contacting the Program Director.
- Purchase a LiveText™ subscription
It is the responsibility of each student to read and understand the Student Handbook for the Online Master of Science in Kinesiology-Coaching Degree Program and the Portfolio Guide for the Online Master of Science in Kinesiology-Coaching Degree Program
Criteria for Selection into Online MS in Kinesiology-Coaching Program
To ensure quality on-line instruction, the class size for each course is set at twenty students. In the event we receive more than twenty applicants to start each rotation the following criteria will be used to determine who will be selected:
- Undergraduate degree area/GPA
- Graduate Assistantship at SAU
- Coaching experience
Only those applicants who have completed all admission requirements will be considered for selection into the program.
Career Outcomes
An M.S. in Kinesiology-Coaching prepares students for leadership roles in:
- Athletic Coaching
- Athletic Administration
- Sport Program Leadership
- Athlete Development
- Recreation and Sport Management
- Collegiate Athletics Support Positions
- Professional Scouting or Player Development
By completing the degree in two years while working, students maximize their ROI through immediate application of skills and upward mobility in the education and sports industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program entirely online?
How long does it take to finish?
Is this a licensure program?
Can I work full-time while enrolled?
What background do I need to apply?
Accreditation
Southern Arkansas University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
