Application and Admission FAQ
What are the academic requirements for admission into the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership?
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and some level of coaching experience is required for admission.
How do I apply for admission?
Please see the Application Requirements and Checklist section of this webpage.
What are the application deadlines?
Spring enrollment – all materials due by December 1
Summer enrollment- all materials due by May 1
Fall enrollment – all materials due by July 1
Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on an individual basis.
What if I’m still finishing up my Bachelor’s degree?
Applicants who are undergraduate students in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree may be awarded a provisional acceptance to Loras’s graduate program based on receipt of their in-progress, unofficial transcript and all other application materials; with full acceptance contingent upon receipt of the final, official transcript(s) and the conferred undergraduate degree. If a program has a minimum GPA requirement, the student must meet the minimum GPA at the time the undergraduate degree is conferred for full acceptance.
Does the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership program require an undergraduate degree in a specific program? What are preferred undergraduate majors for admission into the program?
The Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership program does not require an undergraduate degree in any specific undergraduate degree identified. Having either a kinesiology, exercise science, or sports management degree may provide some insight as students enter the program.
How long will it take to receive a decision regarding my application?
Immediately following receipt of all application materials, your file will be reviewed by the Director of Admission for Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs and you will be notified of an admission decision via email within one week.
How will I be notified of the admission decision?
You will be contacted by email once a decision has been made. If the decision is favorable, you will be required to complete a background check.
Can I take some courses as a non-degree student?
Individuals who would like to take graduate classes for professional development, continuing education credits, or personal enrichment may take up to 9 graduate credits as a non-degree special student. Special students may not enroll in courses without approval from the program director.
In order to enroll in the course(s), students must complete the standard online application (select “Graduate Non-Degree or Licensure Student” as the Admit Type), and email unofficial copies of transcripts from each institution attended to the Director of Admission for Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs. The transcripts will then be evaluated by the program director to ensure that any necessary pre-requisite course requirements have been met. Please note that degree-seeking students have registration preference.
After the completion of 9 non-degree credits, a student must then apply for formal admission into the program in order to move forward and take additional courses.
Financial aid is not available to non-degree special students.
Is there an option for conditional admission?
A program director may require specific conditions be completed to meet the program requirements prior to full admission into a graduate program. A student may be awarded a conditional admission if the program director recommends the student complete additional undergraduate coursework to achieve a minimum GPA requirement of the program. If a student has not met all program requirements at the time of application, a student may be awarded a conditional admission per the discretion of the program director. Refer to the individual program policies and program directors for specific conditional admission policies. Not all graduate programs have a conditional admission policy.
How can I receive more information about the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership program?
For more information about the application and admission process, please contact Megan Henderson: Director of Admission for Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs, at megan.henderson@loras.edu or 563.588.7140. For more information about the Coaching Leadership curriculum, please contact Dr. Elaina Biechler: Program Director, at elaina.biechler@loras.edu.
Curriculum and Class Format
How many credits are required in the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership degree?
30 credits are needed to meet the course requirements for the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership.
What is the format of the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership classes?
All classes, with the exception of the internship/capstone course, are online in an asynchronous format. The internship/capstone course must occur with an athletic team under the direction of any of the Coaching Leadership faculty.
Is there a preferred entry point into the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership program?
There is no preferred entry point into the Coaching Leadership program; students may be admitted into either the Spring, Summer, or Fall terms.
Does the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership program accept transfer credits?
Students can transfer a maximum of 9 graduate credits into the program from a previous institution. The courses must be similar in content to coursework offered at Loras and approved by the Program Director.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Students can complete the program in 12 months if they choose. Students also may take 3-6 credits per semester and spread the program across 24 months.
What is a maximum course load per semester?
Typically 9, however students are allowed to take up to 12 depending on their program plan of study that they set up with their advisor.
What is the time commitment outside of class?
Time commitments vary depending on the course and individual’s specific skill set. As a general rule, students will spend 4 – 6 hours per week outside of classroom instruction on class-related work for each class.
Where are classes held?
All classes are held online through the learning management system, eLearn.
When do classes meet?
Classes are held online in an asynchronous format to allow for flexibility for working students.
Will there be an orientation prior to the first class?
Yes, students are required to attend the Graduate Student Orientation remotely prior to beginning coursework so they can become familiar with the faculty, services and their peers.
Does the program offer online courses?
The entire program, except the internship/capstone is held online.
Is Loras College accredited?
Yes, Loras College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Can I use my current coaching job towards the required internship hours?
Current coaching positions can be used to complete the internship/capstone project with the program director’s approval, however there will be additional requirements above and beyond someone’s normal coaching duties to fulfill this requirement, such as a special project within the related field.
If I’m interested in playing a sport at Loras while in graduate school, how many credits do I have to take?
Graduate students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking master’s program to be eligible to participate in NCAA athletics at Loras (please note that the Graduate Certificate in Applied Analytics does not qualify as a degree-seeking master’s program).
Student athletes enrolled in one of our degree-seeking master’s programs need to have full-time status (taking at least 6 credits per term) during the semester(s) they’re practicing or competing in the sport. Students also need to be making satisfactory progress towards their degree (as determined by Loras). If a student wants to participate in athletics while being enrolled less than full-time, they will need to work with their coaches to determine if they are eligible for a waiver.
Please note that while 6 credits per term is considered full-time for graduate students at Loras, students only need to take at least 3 credits per term in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.
Financial
What are current tuition rates for the Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership?
Visit the Graduate section of our Tuition & Fees page for detailed cost information.
Tuition and Fees are subject to change at any time.
Is financial aid available?
Students wishing to obtain a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan must complete the current year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and take at least 3 credits per term. For more information, please contact our Financial Planning Office at 563.588.7136 or financial.planning@loras.edu.
Loras College does not offer institutional scholarships for graduate students at this time.
