New online program allows coaches to obtain master’s degree in kinesiology

November 27, 2006

Time is a precious commodity for coaches at all levels.

In-season practice sessions and off-season training programs leave very little spare time for coaches who want to further their own educations.

To address this issue, the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Georgia Southern University has created a new program that will allow coaches to obtain an advanced degree at their own convenience via the Internet.

The online Master’s of Science Degree in Kinesiology with an Emphasis in Coaching program will begin in May 2007.

The coaching emphasis is designed for experienced coaches who are seeking to improve their knowledge and skill base, and for individuals who are preparing to enter the coaching profession.

One of only two online master’s degree programs for coaches in the entire country, the Georgia Southern program is set up so that participants can earn the degree in just four semesters.

‘Considering the number of hours they spend coaching, it is extremely difficult for many of these men and women to find the time to drive to a university campus and take classes,” said Dan Czech, the director of graduate programs in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. ‘This is especially true for coaches who live and work in rural areas.

‘The great thing about this online program is that it lets the coaches do the course work whenever they want to. They can access the work at any time of the day or night, seven days a week.”

The program curriculum follows National Coaching Standards for Level 5 Coaching status. The courses include athletic training, coaching administration, coaching effectiveness and performance enhancement.

As a capstone experience, each participant will prepare a supervised coaching practicum project.

To be admitted to the program, a participant must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a GPA of at least 2.5. The screening process for applicants will begin on Feb. 1 and the registration deadline is April 1.

For more information, including the complete list of admissions requirements, visit http://chhs.georgiasouthern.edu/health/m_coaching.html or contact coaching education program director Drew Zwald at dzwald@georgiasouthern.edu or (912) 681-0091.