University of Denver Sport Management Degree Program
The University of Denver appears in our ranking of the 20 Best Online Masters in Sports Coaching.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coaches and scout positions are expected to grow by 11 percent over the next ten years with an average salary of $33,780 per year. Positions as athletic trainers are expected to grow by 19 percent over the next decade with an average salary of $47,510 per year. Although positions often only require a bachelor’s degree, there are some that require graduate degrees. The University of Denver offers three graduate degree programs designed to prepare individuals for careers in coaching or athletic training.
Master of Arts in Sport Coaching
The Master of Arts in Sport Coaching provides students with the skills they need to coach sports at all levels. They also gain an understanding of strength and conditioning in order to enhance athlete, team or client performance. The program is comprehensive, flexible and individualized. The program is a blend of coursework in sport science and psychological, sociological and ethical aspects of coaching. Students learn in a unique team-taught practicum that helps students gain problem-solving skills. During the practicum, students are paired with a mental skills consultant or coach-mentor.
Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching – Strength and Conditioning/Fitness Coaching
The Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching with a focus on Strength and Conditioning/Fitness Coaching provides students with the skills necessary to improve athlete and client performance. Students develop an understanding of strength and conditioning, sport psychology, coach education, online learning, and student success. Students engage in meaningful projects, discussions and apply their coaching or fitness context to learning. They also take internationally recognized certifications which may include National Strength & Conditioning Association’s CSCS, CPT or TSAC-F.
Sport and Performance Psychology
The Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology prepares those who wish to enter leadership positions dealing with sports, performing arts, health and fitness, or mental health. The program gives them the skills they need to enhance the performance of clients and athletes. It is designed to improve training, principles of performance, practice and learning, as well as coaching, leadership, team development and consulting. Students apply their knowledge in the Center for Performance Excellence, a non-profit consulting organization that serves the community. They have the opportunity to work with high school and collegiate athletes, performing arts schools and other health-related industries.
About University of Denver
The Colorado Seminary was founded in 1864 near Denver City when the town was nothing more than a mining camp. Evans hoped that an institute of higher learning would civilize the town. The school, a Methodist institution, struggled initially and was forced to close for a few years due to financial difficulties. In 1880, after being closed for several years, it reopened as the University of Denver although the name was never officially changed on its charter. On official documents, it is still known as the Colorado Seminary.
Despite Evans’s wishes, the school did not tone down the rough-and-tumble nature of downtown Denver. Land was donated by a potato farmer, Rufus Clark, outside of town and the University relocated to that location. As Denver grew, the University grew with it.
The University of Denver established one of the first business schools in the country. They also established the first school of social work west of the Mississippi. Enrollment dropped significantly after the start of World War II but grew by 30 percent when the war ended due to soldiers returning to take advantage of the GI Bill.
Today, the University of Denver is ranked among the Top 100 universities in the country by US News & World Report and is one of the top five in the nation for study abroad participation. It is also ranked by the Carnegie Foundation as a high-volume research institution.
University of Denver Accreditation Details
The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, indicating that the university meets the highest standards for universities in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission sets standards that determine accreditation status. The criteria are based on the academic mission, strategy, resources, teaching effectiveness and other criteria that indicate excellence in education. The University undergoes periodic peer review as part of the accreditation process to confirm programs offered continue to meet the criteria and if any areas are identified as needing improvement, the school addresses them as quickly as possible. In addition to regional accreditation, programs at the University of Denver are accredited by the following institutions:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- American Bar Association
- American Chemical Society
- American Library Association
- American Psychological Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Council on Social Work Education
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Music
University of Denver Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Master of Arts in Sport Coaching, the Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching and the Master of Arts in Sport & Performance Psychology must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. The minimum GPA required is 2.5 or higher.
The University of Denver Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the Master of Arts in Sport Coaching, Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching or the Master of Arts in Sport & Performance Psychology is $1,320 per credit hour.
Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as 84 percent of all undergraduate students receive some type of assistance. Some aid is merit-based while others are need-based. Graduate students are offered loans to cover the cost of tuition but are encouraged to apply for grants and scholarships at outside organizations. They may also be offered assistantships or fellowships if they attend on campus.
The University of Denver provides students with outstanding education and has for more than 100 years. Students are able to achieve their higher education goals and programs at the University of Denver help students move into new careers or advance in a current career. Many programs offered at the University of Denver are available in flexible online, evening or weekend formats that benefit working adults.
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