MS in Physical Education, Coaching Education

The quality of an athlete’s sport experience is directly dependent on the quality of coaching received. Over the past decade, there has been a shift around the world to address the training and development of sport coaches. The MS in Physical Education, Coaching Education program at BSU will bridge the gap between what is known about quality coaching and what is practiced by sport coaches on a daily basis. Graduates of the coaching education concentration will be prepared to meet their athletes’ needs and to effectively manage the central duties of coaching – organization, training, and competition.

Students also interested in tennis coaching can dual enroll in our Graduate Certificate in Professional Tennis Management with the USTA.

The MS in Physical Education, Coaching Education concentration is designed to support the training and preparation of sport coaches at all levels. Graduates of the coaching education concentration will be prepared to meet their athletes’ needs and effectively manage the central duties of coaching – organization, training and competition. This concentration provides students with a comprehensive introduction to principles, methods and theories of coaching practice which promote optimal athlete development and sport performance and support the psychological, emotional and physical well-being of athletes and coaches at all participation and performance levels.

The MS in Physical Education, Coaching Education can be completed 100% online or hybrid . Our program offers:

- Courses in the Adrian Tinsley Center, equipped with state of the art exercise physiology and biomechanics labs and equipment
- Courses offered in the late afternoon or evening and during the summer to accommodate working professionals
- When appropriate, individualized study can be provided through directed studies, theses or projects
- Opportunities to take elective courses outside the department or apply courses towards certificates
- Small classes facilitating a more personalized learning experience
- Benefits of a state institution that has been training teachers for more than 170 years
- Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state
  - Graduate assistantships available to minimize expense

Graduate Chair: Dr. Maura Rosenthal

Applicants must meet the criteria below in order to be admitted into the M.S. in Physical Education, Coaching Education concentration by the College of Graduate Studies and the College of Education and Health Sciences.

Admissions Requirements

- Completed graduate degree application and application fee
- Current resumé, including evidence of sport experience, including coaching background, participation, certifications, recognitions and awards, and/or other related experience
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
- A minimum 2.75 GPA based upon four years of work or a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA based upon work completed during the junior and senior years
- Evidence of current or past certification through sport-specific coaching education programs is recommended
- Evidence of current certification in Basic Life Support (Adult and Pediatric CPR & AED)
- Three appropriate letters of recommendation. One must be from a current or former coach, athletic director, or coaching colleague, and address the applicant’s coaching ability and potential for future success as coach
- Personal statement
- *GRE Scores are not required

Application Deadline

Rolling admission for Fall, Spring and Summer enrollment.
Applications that are not completed prior to the start of the semester will need to be moved to the next applicable semester.

Successful completion of following courses is required to earn the M.S. in Physical Education, Coaching Education:

PE Required (3 credits)

PHED 511 Research Methods in Physical Education (3 credits)

Exit Requirement: Culminating Experience (3-6 credits)

PHED 501 Physical Education Project (3 credits)
or
PHED 502 Thesis* (3-6 credits)

Coaching Education Core Courses (6 credits)

PHED 568 Foundations of Effective Sport Coaching (3 credits)
PHED 596 Planning, Implementation, & Evaluation for Sport Coaching (3 credits)

Elective Courses (minimum 18 credits)

PHED 504    Nutrition for Sports, Exercise and Weight Control (3 credits)
or
ATTR 510    Sports Nutrition Concepts (3 credits)
PHED 508    Motor Learning (3 credits)
PHED 526    Legal Issues & Risk Management for Sport Coaching (3 credits)
PHED 545    Physical Conditioning and Training in Sports & Exercise (3 credits)
or
PHED 557    Physical Conditioning for Sport Coaching (3 credits)
PHED 546    Applied Biomechanics and Movement Analysis (3 credits)
or
PHED 556    Movement Analysis for Sport Coaching (3 credits)
PHED 576    Performance Psychology for Sport Coaching (3 credits)
PHED 571    Social Issues in Sport & Physical Activity (3 credits)
PHED 517    Experimental Processes in Physical Education (3 credits)
or
PHED 579    Qualitative Data Analysis in Physical Education (3 credits)

Minimum credits: 30 credits

* Students choosing to complete a thesis (PHED 502) are also required to complete PHED 517 or PHED 579 as an elective.

***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog .

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the MS in Physical Education, students should be able to:

1. Critically read and evaluate research related to kinesiology.

2. Apply quantitative or qualitative competencies required to conduct and understand research related to kinesiology.

3. Apply evidence-based knowledge and skills for assessing client/student needs for designing and evaluating sport and physical activity programs.

4. Explain concepts of foundational sciences related to the study of kinesiology with a specific focus in a selected area.

5. Evaluate the psychological, physiological, or sociological strategies and forces that influence the sport/ physical activity experience to determine their impact on performance.

6. Apply appropriate verbal, non-verbal, and media communication techniques to enhance learning and engagement in physical activity and sport.

Funding Opportunities

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

The MS in Physical Education program is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.