| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-05-13 | - |
| 2024-08-26 | - |
| 2025-01-13 | - |
| 2025-03-17 | - |
Program Overview
The University of Mount Union's Online Master of Education in Athletic Coaching program equips working professionals with leadership, nutrition, and skill development expertise. Delivered in a hybrid format, the program combines online learning with in-person experiences, preparing graduates for leadership roles in athletic administration and coaching. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in P-12 and college sports, professional sports, and athletic management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Overview
The Online Master of Education in Athletic Coaching program at the University of Mount Union allows working professionals to gain essential knowledge and practical skills in leadership, nutrition, skill development, and other areas of athletic administration. The program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of athletics, while balancing their ongoing commitments.
Objectives
- Gain expertise and practical experience in athletic coaching
- Develop a deep understanding of leadership, nutrition, skill development, and strength training and conditioning
- Learn to use technology and ethics to lead effectively
- Spearhead organizational change
- Guide community engagement
- Establish foundations in essential coaching competencies
Program Description
The Online Master of Education in Athletic Coaching program is structured for two, seven-week classes per term for five semesters, for a total of 30 credit hours. The program can be started in the fall, spring, or summer term.
Outline:
Program Content
- Psychology of Coaching
- Pedagogy of Skill Development
- Athletic Coaching Capstone
Course Schedule
The program is offered in a hybrid format, which combines online learning with in-person experiences. The following is a sample course schedule:
- Term 1: Psychology of Coaching, Pedagogy of Skill Development
- Term 2: In-person residency, Athletic Coaching Capstone
Individual Modules with Descriptions
Psychology of Coaching
This course examines the influence of psychology on athletic performance and participation. Students will explore the nature and responsibilities of the coaching profession with a focus on the psychological aspects of competitive sports. Topics include self-esteem, motivation, stress, and imagery.
Pedagogy of Skill Development
This course examines various pedagogical approaches to continued sport skill development in individual athletes and team sports. Through case studies, students will develop strategies for creating athletic task mastery environments, encouraging adaptability, and identifying and manipulating constraints to learning.
Athletic Coaching Capstone
This course is the culminating experience of the program. Students will plan, implement, evaluate, and report a continuous improvement project through their practicum placement. In effecting real-world change, students will engage in reflective practice on the roles and responsibilities of an athletic coach.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Written assignments
- Discussion boards
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Presentations
- Projects
Criteria
Students will be evaluated on their:
- Understanding of the course material
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations
- Communication skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods
The program is delivered using a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Online lectures
- Discussion boards
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Projects
Faculty
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are experts in their field. Faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.
Unique Approaches
The program offers a unique approach to learning by combining online learning with in-person experiences. This approach allows students to learn from anywhere in the world while still getting the benefits of face-to-face interaction with faculty and classmates.
Careers:
Career Paths
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including:
- P–12 Sports Coach
- College Sports Coach
- Professional Sports Coach
- College Sports Scout
- Sports Executive
- Athletic Director
Opportunities
The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a variety of career opportunities in the field of athletics. Graduates will be prepared to lead and manage athletic programs, coach athletes of all ages and abilities, and develop and implement athletic programs.
Outcomes
The program has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers in the field of athletics. Graduates have gone on to work at a variety of colleges, universities, and professional sports organizations.
University of Mount Union
Overview:
The University of Mount Union is a private, four-year liberal arts institution located in Alliance, Ohio. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and continuing education options. The university is known for its strong academic programs, personalized attention from faculty and staff, and vibrant campus life.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Admission & Aid:
Assistance with the application process, financial aid options, and scholarships.Academics:
Access to a variety of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, online education, continuing education, centers, departments, general education, honors program, library resources, student success services, study abroad opportunities, and summer courses.Campus Life:
Opportunities for student involvement, diversity and inclusion initiatives, health and wellness services, on-campus housing, safety and parking information, spiritual life programs, and student organizations.Arts & Culture:
Access to a variety of arts and cultural events, including theatre, music, art, and lectures.Athletics:
Participation in NCAA Division III athletics, access to athletic tickets, event streaming schedules, and recruiting information.Alumni:
Resources and support for alumni.Parents and Family:
Information and resources for parents and families of students.Current Students:
Access to current student resources.Faculty and Staff:
Information about faculty and staff.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Mount Union can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for student involvement, including over 90 student organizations, athletic teams, and various arts and cultural activities. The campus is also home to a diverse and inclusive community, with a strong emphasis on student well-being and success.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Personalized Attention:
Mount Union provides a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty who are committed to student success.Strong Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including strong programs in nursing, education, and the arts.Vibrant Campus Life:
Students have access to a variety of opportunities for involvement, including student organizations, athletics, and arts and cultural events.Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Mount Union offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students afford their education.Beautiful Campus:
The university is located on a beautiful campus with modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.Academic Programs:
Mount Union offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate degrees in fields such as nursing, education, business, the arts, and sciences.Graduate Degrees:
Mount Union offers graduate degrees in fields such as education, business, and nursing.Other:
The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on community engagement. Mount Union also has a rich history and heritage, dating back to 1848.
Entry Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Undergraduate Achievement: Possess an undergraduate cumulative grade point average equal to or greater than a 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or a grade point average equal to or greater than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) with a minimum of 12 credit hours of graduate study.
- Experience: Provide a curriculum vitae or résumé.
- Essay and Writing Ability: Applicants will submit an essay of approximately 250-500 words which outlines the applicant’s career aspirations and rationale for applying to the program. This piece will demonstrate the candidate’s ability to write at the graduate level.
- Professional Recommendations: Provide one recommendation from an employer or former professor who is in a position to judge the applicant’s potential for graduate-level study and research, as well as suitability for educational leadership.
Consideration for Conditional Admission:
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria will be judged on a case-by-case basis and will be asked to submit additional documentation in an attempt to gain conditional admission.
Personal Interview:
Applicants may be selected for an interview to be conducted using phone/video conferencing. Applicants who successfully complete the interview will be admitted into the Master of Education program.
