Kinesiology: Coaching (MA, MS)

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Gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience in exercise, sports management, sports psychology, coaching philosophy, leadership, and related subjects, as you prepare for an impactful coaching career with the Kinesiology (Coaching) MA and MS program at Indiana State.

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Program Availability

The Master’s in Kinesiology (Coaching) at Indiana State University is offered in a fully online format, providing flexibility for students to balance their education with professional and personal commitments. The program is open to both U.S. and international applicants who meet the admission requirements, making it accessible to aspiring coaches worldwide. 

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology (Coaching) at Indiana State?

The Kinesiology (Coaching) Master’s program at Indiana State University equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in sports coaching, performance training, and athlete development. Our program emphasizes practical applications of human movement science, coaching strategies, sport psychology, and leadership, preparing you to make a lasting impact in athletics.

Transform Lives Through Coaching

This graduate program integrates the latest research and evidence-based practices in coaching, sport psychology, performance optimization, and sports management. You’ll explore key areas such as athlete development, training program design, coaching ethics, and leadership strategies. The curriculum combines engaging coursework with real-world coaching applications to help you master the art and science of coaching athletes across diverse sports.
 

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

Our expert faculty bring a wealth of knowledge in kinesiology, exercise science, sport psychology, sport management, and sports coaching. Through personalized mentorship, small class sizes, and collaborative projects, you’ll gain hands-on experience and develop a strong foundation in coaching principles. Faculty members also support you in engaging with local and regional organizations, connecting you with opportunities to coach, mentor, and lead.

What You’ll Learn in the Kinesiology (Coaching) Graduate Program

The MA and MS in Kinesiology (Coaching) totals 30 credit hours combining research with practical experience in subjects including human performance, applied sports psychology, administration and management, coaching and training elite athletes, advanced coaching philosophy and ethics, and a variety of other specialized topics. The program culminates in either a thesis project or an internship, both designed to provide practical and professional growth. If you choose the thesis option, you will complete an oral defense at least seven weeks before the degree conferral date. Alternatively, the internship option allows you to gain hands-on career experience in areas such as adult fitness, wellness, or sports programming.

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Financial Assistance and Scholarships

Most students accepted into the Kinesiology (Coaching) graduate program receive some form of financial assistance, which is renewable each year. Students may also apply for graduate assistantships. Scholarship awards that waive tuition and fees, exclusive of building and student service fees, are also available.

Career Possibilities for Kinesiology (Coaching) Graduates

Graduates of the Kinesiology (Coaching) program at Indiana State University are uniquely equipped for careers in coaching, athletic performance, and sport leadership. With a curriculum that integrates cutting-edge knowledge in motor learning, sports psychology, strength and conditioning, and sport management, potential career paths include roles such as sports coaches, athletic performance specialists, strength and conditioning coaches, sport administrators, and community wellness consultants.

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Higher Learning Commission

Admission Requirements and Instructions

All students seeking admission to the Kinesiology (Coaching) graduate program must apply to be accepted as a graduate student by Indiana State University. Enrollment is accepted for Fall and Spring semesters. To be assured of consideration, all materials must be submitted by August 1 for fall admission and by December 1 for spring admission. Students are selected based on academic background and the review of additional application materials specifically required by the Kinesiology (Coaching) graduate program.

Application Instructions

The following are application instructions and deadlines for the Kinesiology (Coaching) graduate program.

How to Apply 

Complete your online application for program admission at apply.indstate.edu/portal/apply?tab=overview.

Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from the college attended to: Graduate Admissions, Indiana State University, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. E-transcripts should be sent to admissions@indstate.edu.  

Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $45.00 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) or $65.00 (international students) payable by Visa, MasterCard, or check or money order payable to Indiana State University. Submit payment to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809.

Submit the following as part of the online application process https://apply.indstate.edu/apply/.

  • Three formal letters of recommendation with reference names, emails, and phone numbers 
  • A personal statement essay describing your research interests, academic career goals, experience in the field of kinesiology and coaching, and how graduate school will help you reach your career goals. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for Graduate Assistantship funding and a tuition fee waiver.
  • A current curriculum vitae 

International applicants must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or provide equivalent evidence of language proficiency. Submit scores to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. If studying in the United States, a copy of your current I-94 card, F-1 or J-1 visa, and 1-20 or DS2019 are required. If currently in the United States but not studying, a copy of the applicable visa must also be submitted. Finally, all international applicants to Indiana State University must complete an affidavit of financial support. You can upload the affidavit of financial support and other required documents to your online application. For important information, see Instructions for International Students.

To be assured of consideration for admission, all application materials must be submitted by August 1 (for fall entry) or December 1 (for spring entry). All materials must be received by the deadlines. Applications and application materials received after the deadlines will not be considered for admission.

Next Steps

Once admitted, students receive notification from the University as well as their University ID number needed to activate their University Username on the MyISU Portal. The Portal offers access to online registration, University records, and other important University services, including email and University announcements.

Note: Returning ISU students must apply for re-admission if they have not attended Indiana State University for more than two calendar years.