What kind of student joins the program?

Students come to the Sport Coaching Leadership (SCL) program at Drexel because they have a genuine desire to become better coaches. Some of our students have no coaching experience and others are seasoned professionals. But all our coaches want to advance themselves and their careers so that they can contribute more to the organizations they belong to. The coaching profession is constantly changing and becoming more complex. Students in this program are preparing themselves for the future of coaching. Whether you are coaching at the high school level or at the highest level of your sport, if you are committed to improving yourself as coach, you will be learning with a group of like-minded individuals.

What types of jobs do graduates find when they complete their program?

Our graduates go on to find jobs in a variety of fields and areas in sports coaching leadership including head coaching positions, sports administration in both high school and higher education institutions and teaching in higher education institutions. In addition, our students and graduates are granted full access to Drexel's Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) which assists them with everything from resume critique to job search.

What content do you have in the program?

The SCL Program has room for coaches of all sports coaching backgrounds. The program also has a Custom Design Concentration where student can focus on various other aspects of SCL - including Sports Law, Leadership in Sport Management, Globalization of Sport, and Sports Economics . The program also offers customized sport-specific concentrations in rowing and lacrosse.

Is the Study abroad Italy trip is it required?

The Global Seminar course is a unique part of the program that allows students a great opportunity to see the world of coaching from many different perspectives. This program usually takes place in late week of June, but we understand that students have a lot going on and that it is not always possible to attend this course. While we recommend attending, if that is not possible, with discussion and consideration of past academic performance in the program, we can organize an alternative such as taking additional Graduate classes in place of the seminar.

What is the cost of tuition for the program?

The tuition rate for the academic year 2019-2020 is $978 per credit. This represents a 25% discount from Drexel's regular tuition rate. There are also special tuition rates available for Drexel University alumni, military members, and other members of our partner organizations (such as US Rowing) that could enable savings of up to 40%. 

What options do you offer for tuition reimbursement?

Drexel University's Employer Reimbursement Plan is designed for students whose employers offer reimbursement for tuition charges. It allows you to defer your tuition payments to Drexel until 30 days after the term has been completed. There are no late fee charges for the tuition deferred period. There is a non-refundable application fee for this service. The plan is available term by term. For more information, please visit Drexel Central.

What do you do in the practicum?

The MS in Sport Coaching Leadership program requires each student to complete three practicum experiences during the duration of the program. A practicum allows the student to work for a team or organization in order to get hands on experience and knowledge as a coach. The practicum experience will focus on the application of coaching theory and principles under the guidance of the current coaching and/or administrative staff. Your practicum should be related to the sport you are coaching or the sport you want to coach in the future. It is acceptable to do a practicum at your current coaching job or with an outside team.

What would I do differently in an online program instead of a face-to-face program?

Being an online student allows you to apply lessons learned in your coaching context right away. The Drexel SCL online program, like all online programs at Drexel University, are dedicated to being as close to on campus programs as possible so that you can apply your learning to real world challenges that you may be facing. Students maintain regular contact with faculty and students in their cohort and are in touch with what is happening in the program and across the university.

Is it hard to engage with faculty and other students in an online program?

The SCL online program offers multiple ways to engage with professors, students, and the program advisor. Live chats, office hours, and conference calls are all made available along with communication software that enables a student to stay well connected. The online environment allows you to share your real-life experiences with other coaches and learn from their contexts throughout the program.

Are there any face-to-face meetings?

The SCL program uses the majority of teaching and online coursework with asynchronous learning. This means that you can log in and participate daily during the times that are convenient for you. There may be instances when student groups will meet during a specific set of times. Professors also sometimes set up these meetings during classes online, but they are not mandatory. Students complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule.

Can I walk at graduation if I am online student?

Yes, students in the SCL program, like students in all Drexel programs receive the same degree and are invited to attend Commencement ceremonies. In addition to graduation, online students are offered the same privileges as on-campus students including access to the Drexel library and other academic facilities.

Why do students join the program?

• Practical application of the principles of coaching: This program offers students a unique experience as it offers sport coaching leadership content that will take their coaching to the next level.
• Access to best practices: Students will build communication skills and grow as a leader to their team, organization, and community.
• Quality faculty: Students will have access to top faculty from their respective fields. The SCL faculty have not only coached at the highest level but have the unique ability to share their experiences in a relatable way that will help you be a better coach.
• Integration of cutting-edge resources: Faculty are committed to sharing the application of well documented principles with the most up to date research in best practices in the sport coaching field.

Who are some of our Drexel Sport Coaching Leadership faculty?

• Cameron Kiosoglous, PhD is a faculty member and Program Director in the Sport Coaching Leadership Program at Drexel University’s School of Education. He has coached on the US Rowing National Team staff since 2002 including the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. He received a PhD from Virginia Tech in the area of reflective practices of successful coaches. He has presented at a variety of conferences and is a published author. His undergraduate studies were in Economics and Asian studies, and graduate research in education in Australia, and he has a master's degree in Human Performance Systems from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.
• Jen Valore, a native of Moorestown, New Jersey, is an adjunct professor for the Coaching Leadership and Sport Management programs at Drexel University. Valore is a graduate of James Madison University and assumed the position of head coach of the Our Lady of Mercy Academy girls lacrosse program in 2017 and also serves as the school's Dean of Academics & Leadership. From 2011-2014 she served as the top assistant coach at the University of Michigan, helping to build, shape, and develop Michigan’s first-ever Division I varsity women’s lacrosse program from the ground up as the recruiting and defensive coordinator. Her collegiate coaching experience prior to Michigan came as an assistant coach at Temple University and Widener University, respectively. Currently pursuing her EdD in Educational Leadership and Management, Valore continues to follow her passion for coaching, leadership, and lacrosse by focusing her dissertation research on sport leadership development for youth athletes. Coach Valore resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is helping to grow the sport of lacrosse in the city as a coach and camp director for Philly Girls in Motion, a volunteer-driven organization that engages girls in sports, fitness activities, and education that encourages healthy habits.
• Michael Rankin is an adjunct faculty member with the Sport Coaching Leadership program. He has been at Drexel since September 2002. He stared his career at the school as a graduate assistant after interning with Mike Boyle in the Strength and Conditioning department. He took over as the interim director in February of 2003 and was named the head strength coach shortly thereafter. Rankin is a 2002 graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. Rankin is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NSCA-Certified Personnel Trainer, and United States Weightlifting Federation Club Coach and Sports Performance Coach.
• Madeline Barlow, PhD is the Sport Psychology Coordinator on the sport performance staff with Drexel Athletics. Barlow works directly with teams and coaches to enhance performance and overall experience by teaching mental skills for peak performance, including goal setting, energy management, managing stress and emotions and increasing awareness and confidence. Barlow completed her doctoral degree at Temple University in 2019 in the Psychology of Human Movement with a specialization in Exercise and Sport Psychology. Barlow’s research, supported by a grant from the American Athletic Conference, focused on the transition out of collegiate sport and the physical and mental barriers to maintaining physical activity following this transition. She has also worked with Division I NCAA Top 10 Temple University Fencing from 2017-2018. Barlow, who earned her bachelor’s in psychology in 2013 from Bloomsburg University, where she was a four-year Division II collegiate swimmer and NCAA qualifier, has additional experience working with USA club and summer league swim team youth athletes for seven seasons.