Point Park University Athletic Coaching Graduate Program One of Only Four in the State to Offer PIAA Approved Courses Tuesday, November 27, 2018
“Our 30-credit graduate program in athletic coaching offers a wealth of valuable benefits for teachers and other professionals. Not only do our graduate students fulfill both Act 48 and PIAA coaching requirements, they also earn a Master of Education degree."
Point Park University’s fully online Master of Education in athletic coaching program recently was recognized by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association as one of only four universities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — and the only one in Western Pennsylvania — to offer PIAA approved courses.
Coaches throughout Pennsylvania who are employed by a PIAA member school must complete two courses in coaching education.
At Point Park, the two courses that meet PIAA coaching requirements are The Art and Science of Athletic Coaching (EDUC 505) and Safety and Physical Conditioning of Athletes II (EDUC 507).
Additionally, all of the graduate courses offered in Point Park’s athletic coaching program satisfy Pennsylvania teachers’ Act 48 Continuing Professional Education Requirements, which include completing 24 post-baccalaureate credits needed for an Instructional II certificate.
“Our 30-credit graduate program in athletic coaching offers a wealth of valuable benefits for teachers and other professionals. Not only do our graduate students fulfill both Act 48 and PIAA coaching requirements, they also earn a Master of Education degree," explained Virginia Chambers, Ed.D., assistant professor of education and coordinator of the M.Ed. athletic coaching program.
According to Chambers, Point Park’s athletic coaching program focuses on athlete-centered coaching that is based on the National Standards for Sport Coaches. The program also follows a cohort model, which allows students to work closely with one another to improve their knowledge and skills in effectively coaching athletes.
Chambers added: “Our faculty have diverse backgrounds in the field of athletics which allows them to provide a comprehensive, quality program to our students while preparing them to pursue various career opportunities in coaching.”