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About This Online Master's Degree Program in Coaching and Athletic Development
Combine your passion for the science of sports performance with the knowledge needed to manage a sports or fitness business. The Master of Science in Coaching and Athletic Development from American Public University (APU) combines coursework in exercise science, sports business management, and coaching strategies.
You will learn about coaching philosophy and the science of training athletes for optimal performance in small and large groups. The program also examines best practices for managing a sport-specific training facility or private coaching business. Online coaching and athletic development coursework builds skills in managing finances and marketing campaigns as well.
You will become knowledgeable in nutrition, sport psychology, and coaching techniques as you learn how to train and develop athletes for competitions and lifetime sport involvement. In addition, the sports entrepreneurship will challenge you to develop a plan for a private coaching business.
What You Will Do When You Pursue This MS in Coaching and Athletic Development
- Analyze sport movements and design movement-oriented exercise prescriptions
- Illustrate the potential for enhancement of muscle strength, muscular endurance, power, flexibility, and motor performance during anaerobic training
- Assemble protein, carbohydrate, and fat recommendations for athletes, and discern between dietary recommendations for disease prevention and recommendations for performance
- Evaluate best practices to measure selected parameters related to athletic performance, and explain how to administer field tests appropriately
- Apply management theory and managerial leadership concepts to contemporary sports industry practices
- Integrate economic decision-making and advance finance theory and concepts to sports and sports-related enterprises as it relates to sports in contemporary society
Degree at a Glance
Number of Credits
36
Cost Per Credit
$470 | $250*
$399.50** | $423***
$399.50** | $423***
Courses Start Monthly
Online
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Want to Learn More?
Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 4235
|
Designed for learners involved in the fields of health and exercise science, this course surveys and critically evaluates the basic principles of human physiology with direct application to acute and chronic exercise. Particular attention is paid to lifestyle risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4234
|
An evaluation of the physical, physiological, and psychological factors that affect motor skill acquisition, performance, retention, and transfer. With a focus on voluntary movement, topics include nervous system control of movement, sensory and perceptual contributions to motor learning, information processing, optimal conditions for learning motor skills, preferred modes of feedback delivery during learning, and individual variability in motor skill acquisition. Students will apply the principles of motor learning to coaching, fitness, and rehabilitation settings. Additionally, they will analyze motor learning settings and determine adjustments to be made in those settings to foster motor skill acquisition for a variety of populations.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4233
|
Nutrition plays an integral part of our daily lives. It becomes even more important for athletes, who push the physical limits of their body. Providing adequate fuel is essential and can make a difference between success and failure. Yet most athletes and coaches lack basic nutrition knowledge important for enhancing strength, speed and endurance. This class will focus on the nutritional needs and requirement of athletes. First, the student will recognize and establish sound nutrition principles and the nutrients that play a role in determining these principles. Nutrients and other food constituents are integrated into the human body. These affect the athlete's metabolism, health, and performance. The student will trace the metabolic fate of dietary components and recognize how each nutrient and/or food constituent affects metabolism, health and performance. Using this knowledge, the student will design several healthy diets that optimize performance. (Prerequisite: SPHS502)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4237
|
Sport Psychology is the scientific study of how individuals behave in sport and exercise, and the practical application of that knowledge to performance enhancement strategies. Students in this course will investigate human behavior patterns in sports and exercise settings. Human behavior is complex, dynamic, and social. There are no easy answers when you try to determine why people behave in a certain fashion. However, this course will focus on interpreting and applying fundamental behavioral tendencies related to biological and psychological models of personality structure, motivational orientations, psychological interventions, and social dynamics. In addition, students will create useful psychological interventions that demonstrate their ability to distinguish the need for normal sport enhancement strategies from serious psycho/physical behaviors that require other professionally trained experts. Psycho/social relationships to sport performance will be analyzed. Behavior management strategies, modeling, aggression, and group dynamic models will be critiqued as students design philosophies that guide training and intervention strategies.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4239
|
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an understanding, appreciation, and ability to analyze human movement using a biomechanics approach. This course will expose the student to the laws and principles governing human motion. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of exercise and sport movements. Research with applications to a variety of sport, exercise, and clinical settings will also be included to provide the student with knowledge of current topics of interest in the field.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4241
|
This course is designed to provide an understanding of postural assessment and integrated performance profile as it relates to human performance. This course will focus on identifying and correcting musculoskeletal abnormalities and performing integrate performance assessments. The student will develop appropriate techniques used to recommend exercise prescription for individuals post assessments. This course incorporates advanced sports performance assessments and exercise techniques utilizing the Optimum Performance Training Model (OPT Model) and prepares students for the Performance Enhancement Specialist examination offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM-PES). (Prerequisite: SPHS501)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5389
|
This course focuses on the study of historical, cultural, and sport policy variables within athletic development management. Students will evaluate the relationships between athletes and stakeholders through the theoretical concepts of sociology, physiology, and kinesiology, psychology, sport management, business, and coaching. They will analyze the role of specific sports policies and play from the perspective of an athlete, coach, and stakeholder. Nuances of specific sports are examined through historical sporting events, athletic achievements, and national and international governance of amateur and professional sport.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2721
|
Students in this course will use analytical techniques to examine coaching strategies. Methods, practices, and approaches that apply across a number of sports disciplines will be discussed. Students will study several issues related to coaching preparation. Students will research, strategize, and reflect on past, present, and future coaching strategies. Course topics will address coaching philosophy, technique, time management, character, teaching, nutrition, and physical training. Methods for learning will include critical thinking, decision making, and analytical skills necessary to form an effective coach.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2768
|
This course focuses on the marketing, promotions, public relations, and communications involved in the multi-billion dollar sports industry. The course provides research, case analysis, and other opportunities to learn of the effective principles, theories, practices, and methods involved with all aspects of sports communications.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2769
|
The main thrust of this course is the application of principles and practices of financial management, as it applies to organizations in the sport industry. This course seeks to develop the financial skills necessary to gain an understanding of an array of financial concepts that impact sport managers. Students will examine financial strategies related to sport entities and organizations and will be introduced to current economic and financial issues that impact the sport industry. Included in the course are the basics of accounting, budgets and budgeting systems, performance measures creation, and financial statement evaluation for the purpose of cost analysis and planning. Other topics include budget development, funding, capital projects, economic impact, and supply and demand in the sport industry.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2772
|
This course focuses on the entrepreneurial opportunities in the sports industry, to include sports management, sports franchise, sports agency, and small sports business management professions and programs. The course focuses heavily on the business plan, financial, and planning issues associated with entrepreneurial and small business ventures. Students will develop their own entrepreneurial sports plan as an independent research project for this course.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Choose 3 credit hours from this section.
Course ID: 4688
|
This course requires students to complete a culminating research project based from theories, research methods and analytical skills, and substantive knowledge obtained through their master's curriculum in sports and health sciences. Research options involve concepts and applications covered throughout the student's learning experience in the master's curriculum; including bioenergetics of exercise and training, techniques in exercise, program design and prescription, and administration of testing and assessment of fitness, health, and wellness.
NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2779
|
The experiential or practical component of the course aims to apply learning in an aspect of interest related to the degree and concentration in Sports Management. The Masters of Science in Sports Management requires students to complete a cumulative hourly requirement of volunteering their services in a specific industry work environment. It is understood to be a supervised practicum which requires approval by APUS before entering into the relationship with the organization. The selection of an organization or site for the practicum must relate to the content of the student’s course work and/or concentration. Students will be involved with the experiential learning process through volunteering and completing an Integration process which describes concepts and skills developed through the experience. This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Admission Requirements
- All APU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®) or its international equivalent. If you have a non-U.S. transcript, please view our International Admissions page for more information.
- Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation including a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or official JST or CCAF transcript (military students).
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
CHEA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Materials Cost
Technology fee: $85 per course
Need Help?
Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or info@apus.edu.
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1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
*Cost Per Credit Hour
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.
