Fully Online Master of Education in Athletic Coaching Program Welcomes its First Graduates Thursday, May 9, 2019
"I have no doubt that the education I have received will elevate my coaching methodology. Also, having this degree will enhance my credibility and provide opportunities that may not have been available otherwise."
The first cohort of fully online Master of Education in athletic coaching students recently graduated from Point Park University.
“We are extremely proud of our first cohort. The students came to the program with varied experiences in the field of coaching and athletics. A few of our students were already coaching at the collegiate level, while the others focused their coaching at the K-12 level. Each student demonstrated a high degree of knowledge and dedication to the coaching profession,” explained Virginia Chambers, Ed.D., assistant professor of education and coordinator of the M.Ed. athletic coaching program.
“Throughout the courses, the students were able to share best practices of coaching and together create a support network of fellow coaches. During the practicum course, the students also worked with a mentor coach to share ideas on effective coaching strategies related to the National Standards for Sports Coaches,” Chambers added.
The 30-credit M.Ed. program is recognized by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association as one of only four universities in Pennsylvania — and the only one in Western Pennsylvania — to offer PIAA approved courses.
Graduate Feedback
Meet some of Point Park University's 2019 M.Ed. in athletic coaching graduates.
Shane Conley
Assistant baseball coach
Point Park University
"My favorite course was the Practicum because it let us implement everything we learned throughout the program. We interacted with a mentor on a weekly basis to help us grow as coaches.
In this program, the faculty pushed us to all limits to get the best out of us. They challenged us, but it was very rewarding. We dissected a lot of information from each member of the faculty based on his or her coaching experiences."
Todd Fitch
Health and physical education teacher and varsity soccer head coach
Wellsboro Area School District
"I was interested in the opportunity to further my education as a high school varsity soccer coach. I was attracted to Point Park's athletic coaching program because of its fully online option and the positive experience I had interacting with the Graduate Office.
I have no doubt that the education I have received will elevate my coaching methodology. Also, having this degree will enhance my credibility and provide opportunities that may not have been available otherwise."
Travis Hardman
Teacher and varsity baseball assistant coach
Waynesboro Area Senior High School
"I received a flier about the athletic coaching program at Point Park University in my mailbox, and I was very interested. After reading more about it, I realized it would be perfect for me. I have been coaching for over 15 years. It is one of my passions and I enjoy learning as much as I can to better my coaching ability.
My favorite class was the Practicum course because it required us to put together an electronic portfolio that will be beneficial to me in the future. This degree program better prepares and qualifies you to be a higher-level coach — and it looks good on your resume!"
George Wehrle
Health and physical education teacher and varsity cross country/track and field head coach
Punxsutawney Area School District
"I enjoyed all the classes for different reasons, but the most valuable for me were the Safety and Physical Condition of Athletes I and II classes and the Communication Skills for Athletic Coaches course.
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