Sports Coaching Master of Arts
Online Degree Program

Sports Coaching MA—Academic Program Coordinator

Mark Smith, Ph.D.
mark.smith@unco.edu
(970) 351-1736

This is a 30-credit-hour Master of Arts degree. Because of our innovative program design, you will be able to focus on one course at a time for much of the program and you can choose (along with your advisor) the focus of your internship work in year two. All courses are completed online, with many incorporating Dartfish Connect™ video analysis software and recorded video presentations into the course content.

Before the program begins, there is a short online orientation course to prepare you for success in the program.

Portfolio: In lieu of a comprehensive exam or thesis, all students must develop and present a portfolio that displays successful incorporation of the theoretical and foundational aspects of effective coaching. Note: there are no endorsements or licenses directly associated with this degree.

You may begin the Sports Coaching MA this Spring 2012 term (January). Applications are still being accepted for the Spring start. This schedule of courses is for the Spring 2012 start. Otherwise, future cohorts will begin in Fall terms and follow the course schedule below.

 

	Fall	Spring	Summer
Year 1	SES 587 Sports Coaching Principles and Perspectives (3) – 1st 8-week session	SES 588 Evaluation of Coaching using Technology (3) – 1st 8-week session	SES 585 Introduction to Sports Injuries for Coaches (2) – 16 weeks
	SES 583 International Perspectives of Sports Coaching (3) – 2nd 8-week session	SES 604 Teacher and Coach Action Research (3) – 2nd 8-week session	SES 582 Psychology for Sports Coaches (3) – 1st 8-week session
			SES 589 Bridging Theory and Practice in Sports Coaching (3) – 2nd 8-week session
Year 2	SES 586 Training and Conditioning Principles for Sports Coaches (3) – 16 weeks	SES 584 Sport Administration for Sports Coaches (3) – 16-weeks
	SES 692 Graduate Internship in Sport and Exercise Science (2) – 16 weeks	SES 692 Graduate Internship in Sport and Exercise Science (2) – 16 weeks

During the program (starting the second semester), students will make use of Dartfish Connect™ video analysis software. The software will be used for course projects, and through the perpetual license you can continue to use Dartfish to enhance your coaching efforts throughout your career.

More information about Dartfish Connect

Technical Requirements

Discounted Dartfish Software, Digital Video Camcorder and Firewire

A Sports Coaching package including Dartfish Connect, a digital video (DV) camcorder, and a firewire cable enabling you to link direclty to your computer will be made available through the UNC Bear Logic computer store at a discounted price. If you do already have a compatible camcorder, cable or copy of Dartfish, you will be able to work with program faculty to determine if those items will work for the Dartfish projects.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of college credit.
• If your undergraduate GPA (last 60 hours) is under 3.0, please contact the Academic Program Coordinator for advisement regarding your situation.
• Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for this program.
• International applicants: Official TOEFL or IELTS score reports sent directly to UNC from ETS (school code 4074). See the TOEFL/IELTS score requirements. If English is your native language or if you have completed a degree program from an accredited U.S. or other English-instruction institution within the last two years you will not need to provide TOEFL or IELTS score reports.

Eligibility by State

UNC has secured approval from almost every state, as required by new federal regulations, so that students are eligible to apply to online programs at UNC. However we are unable to accept applications at this time for our online programs from students residing in a few select states because their requirements, particularly application fees, for such approval are prohibitive. Please verify your Eligibility by State before applying.

Note: All international students residing outside of the United States are eligible to apply to our online programs. Students attending online while residing outside of the United States do not need student visas for admission.

Transferring Credit

Applicable graduate credit may be applied towards this academic program. In order for credits to be accepted toward a degree they must be graduate level credits, be approved by the Academic Advisor, and have a grade of A or B.  Once approved by the advisor, students must complete a Petition to Count Work in a Degree Program to have the credit approved by the Grad School.  Master’s degree students must complete a minimum of 24 credits at the University of Northern Colorado. All work counted in a master's degree must be completed within five years.  The time limit is calculated from the beginning of the first class transferred in and counted in the degree program.

 

Tuition

This program is offered through the UNC Office of Extended Studies, which means a flat per-credit tuition rate for all students in the program. There are no student fees. Certain courses may carry specific course fees for additional services and materials.

Tuition rates are set each academic year (which begin each Fall semester). The tuition rate for the 2012-13 school year for this program is $500 per credit hour.

Financial Aid

Students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA priority filing date for each academic year (which begins each August) is March 1. Late submissions of the FAFSA are still accepted but may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid.

Master’s degree students require a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full time enrollment is based on 9 credits.

To apply for federal financial aid assistance
Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Extended Studies degree seeking students may contact Aimee Rogers in Financial Aid for more specific help at (970) 351-2502 or visit UNC Financial Aid website.

Students can also find information in the Guide to Federal Student Aid at studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html

The Sports Coaching master's program accepts applications throughout the year. This program begins each Fall term.

Admission to this program is a two-part process:

1. Apply to the UNC Graduate School. Apply Now.
2. Concurrently submit the following items to the School of Sport and Exercise Science (SES) at:
   UNC School of Sport & Exercise Science
   Sports Coaching MA
   Campus Box 39
   Greeley, CO 80639
   • Two letters of recommendation
   • Current Resume
   • Personal Statement indicating your background and career goals relevant to the Sports Coaching MA degree

Once you apply to the UNC Graduate School and your application packet is complete, your application will be reviewed by the graduate school then sent to the faculty/program for an admission decision. A completed application typically takes four to six weeks to process.

Take the Next Step—Begin the Application Process