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Point Park University's Athletic Coaching and Administration program ranks among the best online master's in coaching programs in the U.S., according to Best Value Schools. 

The Best 20 Online Master's in Coaching in 2021 list evaluated schools based on a variety of categories, including tuition rates and total online enrollment. Point Park's 30-credit program, which utilizes a fully online cohort model with 10 courses, was ranked at #11 and recognized as the only program in Pennsylvania to offer courses approved by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

"The program provides students with in-depth analysis and knowledge of the administration side of athletics, as well as the practical and technical aspects of coaching," said John Ashaolu, director of athletics at Point Park. "Similar programs provide a deep dive into the administration side but neglect the coaching aspect. The coaching aspect goes hand in hand with the administrative role, especially at the high school and college levels. Young coaches typically start their coaching careers without formal training and rely on what they see on TV or from their former coaches. This program provides students and future coaches with a fundamental base on how to be a well-rounded coach."

Point Park's program is based on the National Standards for Sports Coaches. Specifically, Point Park's program focuses on the eight domains of coaching:

  • Philosophy and ethics
  • Safety
  • Physical conditioning
  • Growth and development
  • Communication
  • Sports skills
  • Administration
  • Evaluation

Instructors with a wide range of experiences in coaching and athletics teach the courses, including two of the head coaches at Point Park, as well as Ashaolu.

"Our students begin with an introductory course on coaching and athletics," said Virginia Chambers, Ed.D., coordinator of the M.Ed. in Athletic Coaching and Administration. "We have a course in safety and physical conditioning, and we just added a new course to the program which focuses on marketing and branding in athletics. We also have a research course focusing on the issues and concerns in the coaching and administration profession."

Students complete a practicum course as their final course, which allows them to reflect and analyze best practices of coaching and administration with one another. Students also choose a mentor coach or athletic administrator and discuss the eight domains of coaching as it relates to their own experience and sport or age group. The culminating project for the practicum course is an electronic portfolio based on the National Standards of Sports Coaches that students can use in the field and when they are candidates for new positions in coaching and administration.

Graduates are prepared for opportunities in various settings including: 
  • K-12 schools 
  • Colleges and universities 
  • Recreational, club and travel sports programs 
  • Professional sports teams 

Learn more about our Master's of Education in Athletic Coaching and Administration on our website.


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