Degree Title and Name:  Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Sciences

Program Name and Number:  Coaching Education (Athens-based) – MS8141

Department/Unit:  Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy

Delivery Mode:  Athens Campus

Term(s) of Entry:  Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Overview:  The Coaching Education program provides students with cutting-edge information and practical experience to pursue a coaching career in youth sports, interscholastic or intercollegiate athletics, and Olympic or professional sports. Students in the program will learn current practices in coaching methodology, sport psychology, administration of sport programs, care and prevention, physiology of exercise, including strength and conditioning and application of research. While in the program, many students are hired as graduate assistants in a variety of intercollegiate athletic teams at Ohio University.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Establish an effective coaching foundation in coaching principles, coaching theory and methodology.
• Instill the coaching qualities needed for successful leadership and management of athletes and sports programs.
• Introduce latest strategies for effectively utilizing technology to enhance player development.
• Help coaches improve sport skills and tactics and develop effective strategies to make important adjustments during practice and competition.
• Provide coaches with current practices in injury prevention, recovery, fitness development, hydration, nutrition and other player development concepts.
• Improve organization, planning, evaluation and other administrative skills required to be an effective coach.
• Develop perspectives and strategies for developing and training novice and advanced level players.
• Present a framework for developmentally appropriate and athlete centered practices that will lead to long-term player development, beginning with our youngest players.
• Become a consumer of current research and its application to coaching and player development.

Link to Program:  https://www.ohio.edu/education/recreation-sport-pedagogy/coaching

Graduation Requirements:  Students who pursue a master’s degree in Coaching Education will be required to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours to fulfill degree requirements. The information that follows outlines the specific curriculum components of the program and highlights the available options students have for completing their capstone experience. 

Complete the following core courses (24 hours):

• COED 6110 - Foundations of Coaching I (3 cr)

• COED 6120 - Management and Leadership in Sport (3 cr)
• COED 6140 - Psychology of Coaching (3 cr)
• COED 6150 - Injury Prevention and Risk Management (3 cr)
• COED 6160 - Performance and Conditioning for Coaches (3 cr)
• COED 6170 - Ethics and Diversity (3 cr)
• COED 6230 - Reading, Writing and Applying Research in Coaching (3 cr)
• COED 6400 - Coaching Performance Evaluation (2 cr)
• COED 6920 - Practicum (1 cr)

In addition, complete 12 credit hours of elective coursework selected in consultation with your academic advisor.

Culminating Experience:

Complete one of the following options:

• Thesis Option.
• Non-thesis Option: Students who elect to complete the non-thesis option must complete comprehensive exams, a practically oriented professional project, or a mentored writing project in lieu of the thesis.

Admission Requirements:  In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of Ohio University, applicants must provide the following materials before being considered for admission into the master’s program in Coaching Education:

1. Completed application for admission.
2. Official transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required if your overall undergraduate GPA is less than 2.9 (or less than 3.25 for the last 60 hours of study) on a 4.0 point scale.
4. A two-page typed essay that includes information about your background and prior experience, your professional purpose and career goals, and how the Coaching Education program can help you to fulfill your goals.
5. A resume of your educational background and professional work experience.
6. Three letters of recommendation using the recommendation form provided on the Forms page of the Graduate College website. At least one reference must be from someone who can attest to your qualifications in your chosen field and at least one must be from an academic faculty member who can support your ability to produce successful academic work at the graduate level. Please be certain to identify your intended concentration before giving the form to the person providing the reference.

Applications are accepted year-round. Typically, applications for both admission and financial aid for the next academic year should be received by February 15. International students also must present TOEFL scores (minimum of written 575, computer 233, and online 79 for consideration) and apply by February 1.

Requirements for admission into Ohio University can found on the Graduate College website. Note: You must request official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) be sent directly from the testing agency. Student supplied photocopies are not accepted as official, but may be included for review and to assist with official score matching. The Ohio University reporting code is 1593.

International Students:  This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.