Applied Sport Coaching
Master of Education
The Applied Sport Coaching Master of Education (APSC MEd) is designed for professionals seeking to enhance both their knowledge and practical expertise in sport coaching. With an innovative curriculum that incorporates the latest trends in coaching and sports science, this program prepares students for leadership roles in athletic settings. It is ideal for current and aspiring coaches, teachers, athletic administrators, and other professionals in related fields.
This fully online, 30-credit degree program offers students the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace. While the program is typically completed in two years, students can choose to finish in one year or extend their studies over a period of up to six years. This flexible structure is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, making it possible to balance academic and professional commitments.
The APSC MEd program focuses on practical application, providing students with the tools and competencies necessary to advance their careers in sport coaching and related fields.
Students who complete this program will not earn a teaching license or physical education (PE) teaching endorsement. Some coursework from this program may apply toward endorsement requirements; however, students interested in obtaining a physical education teaching endorsement will need to complete additional coursework beyond the requirements of this program. Students should consult the Utah State Board of Education and/or their school district to confirm current license or endorsement requirements and develop an appropriate plan of study.
Students should review the Utah State Board of Education’s Physical Education website for information about educator endorsements and related requirements.
Potential Career Opportunities
The degree is designed to enhance professional knowledge and leadership skills for individuals interested in advancing their expertise in coaching, sport, and physical-activity related fields. The program does not lead to teacher licensure or physical education teaching endorsement.
Employment opportunities may be found in positions such as:
- coaching at youth, secondary, collegiate, or community levels;
- athletic administration or athletic program management
- sport program coordination and leadership; and
- leadership roles within sport and recreation organizations.
For additional program information, view the program details in the USU Catalog or USU Degree Finder.
Graduate Program Coordinator
Melissa Johnson
Program Coordinator II
Kinesiology and Health Science
Program Director
Travis Peterson
Associate Professor
Kinesiology and Health Science
Admissions
Prerequisite Requirements
Applicants to this program should have completed an undergraduate degree with good academic standing. While somestudents have degrees in physical education, teaching or other related field, there are no specific requirements or restrictions on the type of undergraduate degree. Students from a wide range of educational backgrounds are welcome.
Application Requirements
To enroll in the Applied Sport Coaching MEd program, students must be admitted to Utah State University’s School of Graduate Studies. When starting the application, students will create a login to save their progress and return later. The application has two parts: the initial application and supplemental materials. Students must complete the initial application and pay the application fee before accessing the supplemental items.
The supplemental materials require the following:
- Provide transcripts from all previously-attended colleges and universities to be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. USU alumni do not need to provide USU transcripts; the School of Graduate Studies have access and will pull them for you.
Transcripts sent by physical mail should be mailed to:
School of Graduate Studies
Utah State University
0900 Old Main Hill
Logan, Ut 84322-0900
Transcripts sent through the electronic clearinghouse should be emailed to graduateadmissions@usu.edu.
- Admission GPA of 3.0 or above. The admissions GPA is calculated based on the applicant’s cumulative undergraduate GPA.
- Applicants must submit three (3) letters of recommendation. Letters should come directly from the referees, not the applicants. Applicants will provide referee contact details in the application, and referees will receive instructions to submit their letters.
- Applicants within 5 years of completing their undergraduate program must provide one (1) letter from a faculty member. This can be from any faculty who taught you as part of your undergraduate program, not necessarily from our university.
- Applicants beyond 5 years of completing their undergraduate program may provide three (3) professional references if they are unable to have a faculty member write them a letter.
- Submission of a Statement of Purpose. Applicants are required to respond to all the following prompts in their statement of purpose. Each response should be no more than the specified word limit. Please begin each essay with the corresponding prompt (the prompt text does not count toward the word limit).
Note: Responses should be written in your own words, without the use of AI.
- Prompt 1 – Student Motivation and Goals: Explain why you are pursuing a graduate degree in Applied Sport Coaching. What are your personal or professional goals and aspirations, and how do you believe this program will help you achieve them? (250-word maximum)
- Prompt 2 – Student Background: Describe your academic and professional background. What experiences in coaching, teaching, sport, or related areas have prepared you for this graduate program? (250-word maximum)
- Prompt 3 – Online Readiness: This program is entirely online, including coursework, a project, and an internship. Please acknowledge that you understand the online format and delivery method of this program, and briefly explain how you are willing and capable of successfully participating in this format. (100 word maximum)
- International students have additional requirements to meet
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Certified English Translations of Transcripts
For more information visit the USU Grad School website, steps to apply.
Admission Deadlines
Fall semester (August start date)
July 1
Spring semester (January start date)
December 1
Estimated Cost of the Program
$15,698.30*
*Tuition and fees vary based on factors such as residency, student location (zip code), number of credits taken, and student level (undergraduate vs. graduate). Rates also change each year. This estimate assumes a Utah resident studying in the Logan area, completing the program in two years (four semesters), based on the current year’s tuition and fees.
USU Registrar Tuition & Payment 2026-2027 Tuition and Fee Table
Assistantships
The KHS Department offers graduate assistantship (GA) opportunities for students in Logan, Utah, who have been accepted into a KHS graduate program. To be considered for a GA position, students must complete both the GA application (submitted directly to the department) and the Graduate School admissions application by March 1. Assistantship positions are awarded for the Fall and Spring semesters.
More information: KHS Graduate Assistantships
Program Requirements
New Student Orientation
The MEd program hosts an orientation session for all incoming students. After being accepted, students will receive an email from the program director with the date and important details about the event.
Advising
Students in the KHS department receive guidance from both the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) and their Major Professor (faculty advisor/mentor). Together, these advisors help students meet program and graduation requirements, offering support throughout their progress toward earning a degree.
Graduate Program Coordinator
Graduate Program Coordinators (GPCs) are an important connection between graduate students, their departments, and the School of Graduate Studies. GPCs assist with graduate school paperwork, registration issues, deadlines, and degree completion requirements. They are often the first point of contact for student questions or concerns. If you're unsure who to contact, start with the GPC.
Major Professor/Faculty Advisor
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor by the program director when they enter the program. The advisor helps guide course selection, supports career planning, and assists with completing program requirements such as the internship. Advisors typically work with students throughout the program, though changes can be made if needed. Until an advisor is assigned, students can reach out to the program director with any questions.
Practicum Experiences
As part of the culminating experience in the Applied Sport Coaching MEd program, students will complete both a internship. This experience is designed to provide meaningful professional engagement and hands-on learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Internship -
KIN 7550 (3 credits)
The internship is a required part of the MEd program. It gives students a structured opportunity to observe and engage in professional settings - helping bridge learning with real-world experience.
What is the internship?
- Internships provide hands-on experience in physical education, coaching, or related fields.
- Students develop professional skills, expand networks, and apply program knoledge in practical contexts.
- A total of 3 credit hours (150 contact hours) is required. You may spread these hours across multiple terms with approval from your instructor and faculty advisor.
Examples of internships include:
- Observing teaching or coaching in school or camp settings.
- Supporting sport or physical educaiton programs.
- Attending and assisting with professional events or clinics.
Getting Started
- Plan Ahead - Begin exploring internship ideas before registering. Students are responsible for identifying potential opportunities. Meet with your faculty advisor to discuss career goals and internship options.
- Secure an Internship - With your advisor's guidance, contact sites to confirm your placement. Once confirmed, register for credits in Banner.
- Approval from your faculty advisor and site supervisor is required before starting.
Completing the Internship
- Engage Fully - Follow the expectations in your internship plan, including logging your hours, maintaining professionalism, and actively participating in your assigned role.
- Report and Presentation - After finishing your internship hours, submit a written report and complete a presentation about your expereince.
All hours and deliverables must be completed by the end of the semester in which you intend to graduate.
General Program Requirements
To complete the program, students must fulfill all required courses and credit hours. In special cases, the student’s committee may approve elective courses outside the listed curriculum. Students with prior preparation who have completed elements of the core curriculum may substitute a required core course with another course that offers relevant content in physical education teaching.
- At least 15 credits must be at the 6000 level or above.
- Coursework below the 5000 level should be outside the student's graduate field and must be approved.
- Undergraduate or prerequisite courses are not included in the POS.
- Up to 12 transfer credits earned before starting at USU may count toward the program with approval and must be reported to the GPC.
- Credits in foreign languages, continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses below the 5000 level are not accepted.
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Minimum GPA* | 3.0 |
| Minimum Grade* | C |
| Completion of Internship | |
| Completion of all required Graduate School forms | |
*To earn a 3.0 GPA or higher, students must maintain a B average or better. While grades of C are allowed, they lower the overall GPA. To offset a C grade, students must earn A grades in two other courses with equivalent credits.