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Kinesiology - Coaching

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Elevate Your Game with a Master's Degree in Coaching

Are you driven to inspire athletes and lead teams to victory? Prepare to do it in Troy University's Master of Science in Kinesiology program. Unlike other kinesiology graduate programs, TROY's master's in kinesiology offers a coaching concentration. In it, you'll gain the advanced skills, leadership strategies and practical experience to excel in coaching jobs across K-12 schools, collegiate athletics and professional sports. With thesis and non-thesis track options, you can tailor your master's degree in coaching to match your career goals — and find success in Alabama and the southeast United States, where schools actively seek out TROY-trained coaches and educators. In fact, our kinesiology master's programs boast a proven record of success, with 97% of graduates securing jobs they love within five years. Earn your master's degree in kinesiology with a coaching focus and prepare to make a lasting impact in the coaching world.

T-roy at the football walk in

A Master's in Kinesiology - Coaching Taught by Experts

At TROY, you'll learn from accomplished, research-driven faculty who bring both academic expertise and real-world coaching experience to the classroom. These professionals are committed to helping you develop the skills and knowledge to lead and inspire athletes. As you engage in their courses, you'll benefit from personalized mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare you for success in your career. For those selected for competitive graduate assistantships in teaching, research or lab work, you'll have the chance to deepen these relationships — and your own expertise — by collaborating closely with faculty on impactful projects. 

Leading-Edge Resources and Real-World Training

If you're looking for kinesiology graduate programs with a focus on coaching, TROY's online program provides access to state-of-the-art resources and practical learning experiences designed for your success. You'll engage in interactive lab-based coursework, have access to cutting-edge research tools and complete a capstone project or internship tailored to your career goals. From analyzing performance data to developing training programs, you'll gain the practical skills and experience needed to excel in coaching jobs — no matter where you are.
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Master's in Kinesiology - Coaching Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your coursework may include:
Academic Catalog Degree Map

Kinesiology Master's Programs Location

Get the flexibility you need by taking online courses for your master's in sports coaching. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756

TROY Online

A Master's Degree in Coaching with Two Tracks

TROY's kinesiology graduate program with a focus on coaching offers two distinct paths to help you achieve your career goals. If you're interested in research or pursuing a Ph.D., the thesis track allows you to take on an in-depth, research-based project that sharpens your analytical skills and prepares you for doctoral studies. If you prefer hands-on experience and want to pursue coaching careers in the field, the non-thesis track offers a practical internship where you'll work in your desired career area, gaining valuable real-world insights. Both tracks are designed to enhance your leadership, teaching and public speaking skills. Additionally, competitive graduate assistantships in teaching, research or lab work are available, with preference given to students aiming to pursue a terminal degree after completing their master's.
Chanda Rigby, TROY's Women's Basketball Head Coach.

Careers in Coaching

With a master's degree in coaching online from TROY, you'll be prepared for careers as a coach, athletic director or sports administrator in K-12 schools, colleges and professional organizations. TROY's program also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies, leading to opportunities in higher education, research and sports leadership.

Faculty Profiles

J. Brandon Sluder, Ph.D.

J. Brandon Sluder, Ph.D.

Dr. J. Brandon Sluder serves at Troy University as professor and department chair in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. He received his Bachelor's degree in Sport Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina in 2001 and his M.S. (2003) and Ph.D. (2008) in Sport Pedagogy from Auburn University. He resides in Troy, Alabama and enjoys spending time with family in his spare time.
Learn more about our faculty 334-808-6292 jbsluder@troy.edu
Tyler D. Martin, Ph.D., CSCS

Tyler D. Martin, Ph.D., CSCS

Dr. Tyler Martin earned a Ph.D. in Human Performance with an Exercise Physiology Emphasis from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), a M.S. in Human Performance with an Exercise Science Emphasis from USM, and a B.S. in the field of Physical Education with an emphasis in Fitness Management from Mississippi State University.
Learn more about our faculty 334-808-6291 tdmartin@troy.edu

Choose Your Path to Career Success

Customize your master's degree in kinesiology to match your coaching goals and career path. TROY offers two distinct tracks, allowing you to focus on research or gain hands-on experience:
Thesis Track

The thesis track is ideal if you're interested in research or pursuing a Ph.D. This option allows you to complete an in-depth research project, sharpening your analytical skills and preparing you for careers in academia, sports research or leadership roles. Potential paths include becoming a faculty member, research analyst or sports consultant.

Non-Thesis Track
The non-thesis track focuses on practical experience through an intensive internship in your desired career field. This option is perfect if you want to enter the workforce immediately. Career opportunities include K-12 athletic coach, athletic director, strength and conditioning coach or sports program administrator.

Graduate Assistantships Available

Fund Your Future and Advance Your Coaching Career 

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion offers competitive graduate assistantships in teaching, research and laboratory settings, with preference given to students planning to pursue a terminal degree upon completion of the master's in coaching.

Related Programs

Kinesiology - Sports PsychologyKinesiology - Exercise Science

FAQ About the Kinesiology - Coaching Program

Learn more about the field of kinesiology - coaching and our program.
Are there flexible options to complete the master's degree in coaching?
Yes, TROY offers a master's degree in coaching online, providing flexibility for working professionals who need to balance work, family or other commitments while pursuing their graduate studies.
How does TROY's master's in coaching stand out from other coaching master's programs?
TROY's program offers two tracks — a thesis option for research-focused students and a non-thesis option for hands-on experience. Unlike many other coaching master's programs, this flexible approach allows you to tailor your sports coaching master's degree to your career goals.
What kind of coaching jobs can I pursue with TROY's master's degree in coaching online?
With a sports coaching master's degree from TROY, you can pursue coaching careers in K-12 schools, collegiate athletics and professional sports. This program prepares you for roles like athletic coach, athletic director and sports program administrator.
Does TROY's program prepare me for further study beyond a coaching master's?
Yes, TROY's coaching master's program provides a solid foundation for doctoral study in kinesiology graduate programs and beyond. The thesis track is ideal for those planning to pursue advanced research degrees or teaching roles in higher education.
What are the benefits of earning a master's in sports coaching at TROY?
TROY's coaching-focused kinesiology graduate program equips you with leadership, research and hands-on skills needed for various coaching jobs. The program's nearly 100% job placement rate and competitive graduate assistantships make it a great investment in your future.

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