Master of Science in Physical Education in Coaching of Sport

Shape Athletes’ Futures Through Coaching Excellence
100% Online
2 Years
34 Credit Hours
$570 Cost Per Credit
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Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Open Doors to New Coaching and Leadership Opportunities
- Apply By: 01/01/27
- Start Class: 01/11/27
Great coaches do more than teach skills—they inspire confidence, build character, and help athletes achieve their full potential. If you’re passionate about making a lasting impact through sport, the online MS in Physical Education: Coaching of Sport can help you transform that passion into advanced expertise.
Designed for current and aspiring coaches, this program equips you with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to guide athletes and teams in an increasingly competitive sports landscape. You’ll graduate ready to create positive, high-performing team cultures.
Program Details
- Choose from three starts per year
- Study at your pace in a fully online format
- Build experience through advanced practicums
- Take two classes per semester and finish in two years
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
Learn What It Takes To Elevate Athletic Performance
12 Courses
34 Total Credits
The master’s in physical education in sports coaching curriculum is designed to help coaches deepen their understanding of athlete development, leadership, and performance while building practical skills they can apply immediately. Through coursework that explores philosophy and ethics, coaching strategies, physical conditioning, performance psychology, and sports administration, you’ll gain a comprehensive perspective on what it takes to help athletes and teams succeed.
Discover the Benefits of the MS in Physical Education: Coaching of Sport Curriculum
Learn From a Team of Experts
Courses are team-taught by degree-holding professionals and working coaches. You’ll gain well-rounded insights into today’s coaching careers.
Hone Real-World Coaching Skills
Two advanced coaching practicums help you build in-depth, real-world experience by applying your knowledge and skills with athletes and teams.
Create a Career-Ready Coaching Portfolio
Finish the program with a portfolio showing how your skills align with the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) standards.
Admission Requirements
How To Apply for the Master’s in Physical Education in Sports Coaching
- Apply By: 01/01/27
- Start Class: 01/11/27
Great athletes never stop striving to improve—and great coaches don’t, either. If you’re ready to expand your expertise, elevate your leadership skills, and make a lasting difference in the lives of athletes, the master’s in physical education in sports coaching can help you get there. Take the next step by applying today.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30 waivable fee* |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 |
| Transcripts | Send official undergraduate transcripts |
| Additional Requirements | Provide two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and your résumé if your GPA is under 2.5 |
It’s always the right time to invest in your education with SMSU. Contact a Student Engagement Specialist by calling 1-800-201-2944 to get started today.
Admissions DetailsTuition & Aid
How Much Does the Online Master’s Program in Physical Education Cost?
Calculate your cost for attending SMSU Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Whether you’re applying to a graduate degree program for the first time or picking up where you left off in your education, SMSU’s tuition and aid packages can assist you. With scholarships available and competitive tuition, we can help make your degree program affordable. Are you ready to invest in your future?
| Cost per Credit Hour | $570 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 34 |
| Total Estimated Cost** | $18,224 |
| Other Costs to Budget For | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses |
Military Benefits
SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students. We accept the GI Bill™ and VA education benefits. Learn more by contacting a Student Engagement Specialist or by visiting our military benefits page.
Financial Aid Options & Support
Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of solutions to help you invest in your education. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, along with a variety of financial services, including military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying applicants.
Take your next step in financing your education by completing your FAFSA today. Use SMSU’s school code: 002375
Tuition Details
Open Doors to New Coaching and Leadership Opportunities
As athletic programs continue to seek knowledgeable leaders who can support and motivate athletes, foster team success, and navigate the evolving demands of sports, advanced coaching expertise can set you apart. Through the master’s degree in physical education in sports coaching program, you’ll build skills that can be applied across educational, amateur, and competitive athletic settings.
Whether you aspire to coach at the collegiate level, advance within your current organization, or take on greater leadership responsibilities, you’ll graduate with the confidence, knowledge, and credentials to pursue your goals and make a meaningful impact on athletes and teams.
Top Careers for MS in Physical Education: Coaching of Sport Graduates
Athletic Director $119,855 per year1
Youth Sports Director $85,689 per year2
What You’ll Learn
The master’s in physical education in sports coaching combines the science of sport with practical coaching strategies pertaining to the National Coaching Standards. You’ll also learn pertinent information about coaching through current content, meaningful, and useful assignments, and through discussions with peer coaches. Graduate with the following skills:
- Advanced coaching
- Athletic evaluation
- Ethical conduct and values
- Game preparation
- Injury prevention and management
- Instructional strategies
- Motivation
- Physical conditioning
- Practice planning
- Research methods, statistics, and analysis
- Sport program development
Program Outcomes
As a graduate of the master’s degree in physical education in sports coaching, you’ll be able to:
- Apply educational principles and appropriate ethics to your coaching practices
- Adhere to current sport laws
- Develop and promote your program
- Develop and evaluate your athletes’ mental and physical skills
- Use best practices concerning athletes’ conditioning, injury, and prevention of injury
Meet Our Faculty
SMSU employs a faculty of experts who are top-skilled in their fields. Our educators are fully committed to providing each student with personalized and thoughtful instruction to help you succeed academically and professionally.

Dr. Frankie Albitz
Professor of Physical Education; School of Education
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Frankie Albitz
Dr. Frankie Albitz is a Professor of Physical Education in the School of Education. After earning an Undergraduate and a Master of Science Degree in HPERD in Oklahoma, Frankie earned an ED.D in Curriculum and Instruction in South Dakota. Her experience was in teaching until she became a USA Volleyball player in International competition. She then became a coach for many years before returning to teaching.
Learn Online with Southwest Minnesota State University
Whether you’re enrolling in a degree program for the first time or completing a degree you previously started, learning online with SMSU provides the flexibility you need to be successful. Our online programs offer the same rigorous curriculum delivered on campus, plus the convenience of studying on your schedule from the location of your choice.
Discover SMSU OnlineSources and Disclaimers
- Salary.com. “Athletic Director Salary in the United States.” June 1, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/athletic-director-salary
- Salary.com. “Youth Sports Director Salary in the United States.” June 1, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/youth-sports-director-salary
*Contact our enrollment team for more details!
**Tuition costs and fees will vary based on semesters of enrollment and number of transfer credits accepted. Contact our enrollment team to learn more.