The Master of Arts in Sport Coaching (MASC) program offered by the University of Denver is the only Master’s level degree program in coaching from a school of psychology in the country. Housed in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology and capable of being completed fully online, the MASC program was built with student and coach success in mind.
Both well established and aspiring coaches all across the country are finding out just how transformative the MASC program is. Here, they share their stories about what made the MASC so valuable for them, and why it is the perfect option for any coach who is interested in pursuing their master’s degree.
First up, Mike Farrell, assistant director of football sports performance at the University of Tennessee, explains how his relationships with the University of Denver faculty made all the difference for him.
“The level of feedback provided by the professors was key to improving my skills,” he says. “I apply the lessons I learned to my daily work as a coach, and I’m grateful for how this degree has accelerated my career. ”
Next up, Lizzie Orman shares how the MASC program helped her to evaluate her behaviors and thoughts, while learning how to become a much more effective communicator. She explains how the program has helped her to understand what it takes to communicate effectively with various individuals in ever-changing environments:
“I’ve learned that in order to be a successful coach, the key for progression is keeping an open mind because the moment you decide your way is the only way, you, and the athletes you coach have lost. Working with coaches from different fields and with different coaching styles has also strengthened my ability to remain culturally conscious. From the discourse between professors and students within the courses, I have improved the way I cue athletes, speak to parents and coaches, and changed the way I coach overall.”
Scott Caulfield is as well-known and respected as they come in the strength and conditioning coaching community. Scott served as the Head Coach at the NSCA headquarters in Colorado Springs for 9 years, and has now moved on to become the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Colorado College. He also adds his perspective on the MASC:
“The content, program structure, professors, & online format make this a program I highly recommend to anyone looking to become a better coach no matter what setting.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Jaimee Springer is just getting started in her coaching career. She has a unique perspective on the MASC program, stemming from the challenges that come from transitioning from track and field athlete to a coaching professional. “Instead of coaching to build my resume, I now make more conscious decisions to grow my relationship with my athletes and to be a more transformational coach, not just win,” she says.
Will Ruth, a 2019 alum and the founder of RowingStronger.com says his coaching style as a rowing strength coach changed dramatically thanks to the lessons he learned in the University of Denver MASC program. “I learned how to be a more intentional coach through [the guidance of] Dr. Gearity & Dr. Kuklick,” he says. “I now think about my goals and the best way to achieve them.”
Arlando Brown graduated from the MASC program in 2018. With three Division I internships under his belt and coaching experience at both the high school and college level, Brown feels more ready than ever to take the lessons he has learned and apply them in the next chapter of his career. “The most valuable aspect of the Sport Coaching program was being able to learn hands-on,” he explains. “It added extra confidence to my presentation and excitement to keep learning. I’m now an efficient coach on the field and in the weight room.”
Finally, Lindsay Kibler, the head women’s lacrosse coach at Linfield College, expresses her appreciation for the confidence that comes with being a University of Denver alum. “I’m so grateful for the experience and knowledge I gained from completing this program,” she says. “It has prepared me for the situations I face in my coaching every day.”
As these coaches all attest, the University of Denver’s MASC program truly does prepare coaches for real-world coaching environments, while allowing them the unique latitude to individualize their education. The MASC program caters to both aspiring and established coaches, and anyone serious about being a better coach will benefit greatly from the comprehensive curriculum.
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Details
The Graduate School of Professional Psychology within Denver University offers several online graduate certificates, which will help advance your career in as short as one year or less.
