Prepare to Lead. Perform. Inspire.
If you’re passionate about helping athletes reach their full potential—or fascinated by how the body and mind work together in sport—the University of Denver (DU) offers pathways that turn passion into purpose. Whether you’re a student starting your journey or an experienced coach looking to elevate your career, DU’s sport coaching and performance programs provide flexible, research-driven education designed for real-world impact.
This guide answers common questions about DU’s Master of Arts in Sport Coaching (MASC), Coaching Certificates, and Kinesiology & Sport Studies (KINE) programs—all built to help you thrive as a leader in sport and performance.
What Sport and Performance Programs Does DU Offer?
The University of Denver provides several educational pathways tailored to your stage of development and career goals:
Graduate-Level Options
- Master of Arts in Sport Coaching (MASC) – A 100% online graduate degree that blends science, reflection, and real-world practice to help coaches at all levels strengthen their leadership and athlete development skills.
- Coaching Certificates – Short, focused programs offering advanced credentials without a full master’s commitment:
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Strength & Conditioning and Fitness Coaching (SCFC):
Choose between a 24-credit or 16-credit option.- The 24-credit SCFC includes a structured course sequence and internship, and—upon meeting accreditation requirements—will be accredited by the NSCA’s Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). This path provides the accredited education required to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.
- The 16-credit SCFC offers a flexible, customizable course plan without an internship, ideal for those seeking targeted learning.
Both options allow students to transfer into DU’s online Master of Arts in Sport Coaching (MASC) degree.
- Psychology of Coaching: Master communication, motivation, and mental performance strategies to enhance coaching effectiveness.
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Undergraduate Options
The Kinesiology & Sport Studies (KINE) major or minor examines the science, culture, and psychology of human movement, preparing students for careers in sport science, wellness, and coaching. Students can also pursue DU’s 4+1 Dual Degree program—earning both a bachelor’s and the MASC in just five years.
Are These Programs Online or In-Person?
MASC and Coaching Certificates are offered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to continue working or coaching while advancing your education.
The KINE major and minor are on campus in Denver, where students engage in hands-on lab work, applied research, and internship experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world practice.
What Will I Learn?
Each program has its own focus, but they all share one big goal: helping you understand what drives performance—physically, mentally, and socially.
In the MASC program, you’ll explore leadership, sport psychology, communication, and training design. You’ll also work with a coach mentor, applying classroom concepts directly to your own coaching context.
If you take a Coaching Certificate, you’ll focus on the areas that matter most to you. The Strength & Conditioning and Fitness Coaching Certificate emphasizes exercise science, injury prevention, and program design, while the Psychology of Coaching Certificate dives into motivation, team dynamics, and athlete development.
In Kinesiology & Sport Studies, you’ll study biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, the social and cultural aspects of sport, and choose from a variety of electives to address your area of interest. You’ll also complete an internship to gain real-world experience—and if you’re in the 4+1 Dual Degree program, you’ll begin taking graduate-level MASC courses as part of your senior year. This integration helps you move seamlessly from undergraduate study into graduate-level coaching leadership in 5 years.
Who Are These Programs For?
Current coaches seeking to deepen their expertise and apply evidence-based research in practice.
Professionals and educators looking to strengthen credentials through focused, online coaching certificates.
Undergraduate students passionate about sport, performance, and wellness who want a strong scientific and leadership foundation.
What Makes DU’s Approach Stand Out?
The University of Denver’s sport coaching and performance programs stand out for their personalized mentorship, flexible formats, and evidence-based curriculum aligned with the:
- United States Center for Coaching Excellence (USCCE)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
You’ll learn from professors who actively coach, research, and lead in elite sport environments—connecting theory to practice and helping you grow as both a professional and a person.
How Long Do the Programs Take to Finish?
The Master of Arts in Sport Coaching can be finished in as few as five quarters, though many students complete it in about two years while balancing work or coaching.
Each Coaching Certificate can be completed in about a year or less, depending on your pace and chosen track.
The Kinesiology & Sport Studies major follows the standard four-year undergraduate timeline, and the minor easily fits alongside another major.
How Do I Apply?
For the MASC and Coaching Certificates, you’ll complete a simple online application that includes transcripts, a resume, and a short personal statement. Some programs ask for letters of recommendation as well.
Applications are accepted every quarter—Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer—so you can start when it fits your schedule.
For the Kinesiology & Sport Studies major or minor, you can declare your program after admission to DU. Students interested in the Dual (4+1) MASC pathway should talk with an academic advisor early—ideally by junior year—to ensure they’re on track to begin graduate coursework during senior year.
Visit psychology.du.edu for detailed program information, course lists, and upcoming webinars.
You can also explore:
Master of Arts in Sport Coaching
Coaching Skills Certificate
Kinesiology and Sport Studies
Admissions representatives are happy to answer questions about applications, tuition, and scholarships.
Key Takeaway
At the University of Denver, sport education is about more than just the game—it’s about leadership, integrity, and lifelong growth. Whether you’re starting your journey in Kinesiology & Sport Studies or advancing your career through DU’s online coaching programs, you’ll join a community dedicated to helping others perform at their best—on and off the field.
