Elevating Coaches | ACU Online

ACU understands the importance of preparing sports professionals for their next career move. Whether you’re aiming to become a coach, athletic administrator, or sports executive, we want to guide and support you in achieving your goals. Led by ACU faculty members and industry practitioners, we are committed to investing in sports leaders like you for a fulfilling and impactful career.

One of America’s Best Colleges

For the fifth straight year, Newsweek and Statista Inc. have named Abilene Christian University one of America’s Top Online Colleges. ACU Online blends academic excellence with unmatched flexibility, so you can earn a world-class degree on your terms, wherever life takes you.

Master of Science in Sports Leadership

Program Description

ACU’s online Master of Science in Sports Leadership program offers K-12 coaches, administrators, and aspiring sports leaders the opportunity to learn the multiple facets of the sports industry while gaining exposure to the principles, theories, and practical skills essential for effective leadership. You will have the unique ability to take courses with seasoned professionals, current NCAA athletes, and aspiring athletic administrators. This master’s degree allows you to focus on one of three concentrations:

Coaching – The Coaching concentration prepares aspiring and current K-12 coaches to optimize athletic performance through effective leadership and holistic athlete development. Emphasizing core principles such as focus, goal setting, and athlete organization, this concentration equips you to enhance athlete injury care, prevention, and psychological dynamics. Graduates are poised for roles as Sports Coaches, Fitness Trainers, and Fitness Professionals, leveraging their expertise to maximize athletic potential while prioritizing athlete well-being.
Athletic Administration – The Athletic Administration concentration focuses on developing skills and competencies essential for effective leadership in sports programs and athletic organizations. Through a comprehensive curriculum, you will learn about change management, conflict resolution, and athletic finance, preparing you for roles such as Athletic Director, Facilities Manager, and Sports Information Director. Graduates excel in public relations, managing financial obligations, and team marketing efforts.
Analytics – Designed for both seasoned executives and emerging leaders, the Analytics concentration equips you with the ability to analyze and assess data for effective decision-making in sports. Whether it’s working with sports brands, teams, or leagues, this concentration prepares you to make a significant impact in the business of sport.

Program Format

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the M.S. in Sports Leadership consists of 30 credit hours with a completion timeframe of 20 months. ACU’s program produces the next generation of sports leaders, coaches, and staff, influenced by Christian values and dedicated to improving their administrative strategies and impacting their teams.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of ACU’s Master of Science in Sports Leadership gain the advanced skills needed to serve as influential leaders and role models within your schools and broader K–12 community. The program prepares participants to address the multifaceted challenges of modern sports leadership, with outcomes that include:

Proficiency in managing the physical, psychological, financial, and human resource components of coaching and athletic administration.
The ability to navigate ethical and legal challenges commonly faced by sports leaders in school settings.
Competence in evaluating, designing, or conducting research that informs and improves athletic programs and leadership practices.

Program Cost

ACU offers a 10% tuition discount for current educators in partner districts who are seeking to earn their master’s degree and enhance their professional careers.

	Regular Student	Participating ISD Teachers and Educators
Credit Hours	30	30
Cost Per Credit Hour	$650	$585
Resource Fee	$200	$200
Total Cost	$21,500	$19,550

Other financial aid may apply. Please speak with an admissions advisor to learn more.
Partners that enroll 20+ students in a term will receive a discount of up to 20% off tuition.

WHY GET AN ONLINE DEGREE FROM ACU?

For the fifth year in a row, ACU is the highest-ranking university in Texas in the U.S. News & World Report “Programs to Look For” benchmarks focused on student success – placing in five of eight categories this year. Combine this educational excellence with the flexibility of an online format and it’s easy to understand why earning your degree from ACU Online makes sense. Whether you’re married and juggling work and kids, or a single professional meeting the demands of a growing career, ACU Online can fit into your busy life.