Athletic Coaching
Florida State University’s online master’s degree in Athletic Coaching has been designed by coaches for coaches. Our goal is to provide current and future coaches and sports professionals with current knowledge and best practices that are based on experience and research. We want our students to be the most knowledgeable and successful in the profession.
Athletic coaching is an old profession, but a relatively new academic discipline. Coaching requires expertise across many kinesiology and pedagogy-based disciplines, such as exercise science, physical education and sport psychology. Knowledge and skills in this discipline are important to be successful in what is an increasingly demanding and complex role and within a competitive job market.
This program is housed in the Center for Athletic Coaching in the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems. The program is dedicated to using research and scientific knowledge to help coaches become better at what they do so that their athletes are more successful within and external to their sport.




The admissions committee will holistically review all application materials, including academic and professional credentials, for factors that merit an applicant’s admission to the program.
Master's Student Handbook 2026-2027
Content Knowledge (15 hours)
Intrapersonal Knowledge
PET 5769 3 Theory & Practice of Athletic Coaching
PET 5175 3 Philosophy & Ethics of Sport & Coaching
Interpersonal Knowledge
PET 5250 3 Sociology of Sport & Cultural Foundations of Coaching
PET 5856 3 Coaching the Athlete 360
Professional Knowledge
APK 5121 3 Sport & Exercise Psychology for Coaches
Research & Practice (6 hours)
PET 5530 3 Understanding & Conducting Research in Sports & Coaching
PET 5940 3 Athletic Coaching Mentorship
Electives (9 hours) – other electives may be approved by Program Director
PET 5855 3 International Perspectives of Coaching
PET 5392 3 Coaching for Human Performance
PET 5935 3 Seminar in Sports and Coaching
PET 5235 3 Motor Learning for Coaches
A master's degree in Athletic Coaching from Florida State can open up a variety of career opportunities in the coaching and sports professions. Examples include, but are not limited to: sport coach, performance coach, personal trainer, sport scientist, scout, athletic director, coach educator, and sport development officer.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment of coaches and scouts is projected to grow 12 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing participation in high school and college sports may boost demand for coaches and scouts."
Thank you for your support of the Athletic Coaching Program.
If you want to know more about our master’s degree and graduate certificate in athletic coaching, please join us on any of the following dates for a virtual Q&A session. These sessions will be delivered through the provided Zoom link. Anyone interested in learning about our online degrees are welcome!
All times are Eastern.
Virtual Q&A 1: October 12, 2026 at 11:45a eastern
Virtual Q&A 2: January 11, 2027 at 8p eastern
Virtual Q&A 3: May 3, 2027 at 11:45a eastern
https://fsu.zoom.us/my/drbuning