4 Degrees to Help You Channel Your Love of Athletics into a Career

Athletics is a multi-billion dollar industry that employs people with a wide variety of talents. The athletes themselves are but one part of the industry, and there are numerous ways you can turn your love of athletics into a career. Here are four degrees to consider if you are dedicated to pursuing a future in the field of athletics.
<h3>1. Athletic Training</h3>
Athletic trainers earn a median salary of over $40,000 and work directly with athletes to improve their performance and help them to maintain good health. Athletic training programs typically involve hands-on training through job shadowing, clinical work, and internships. Degree programs cover topics such as sports medicine, orthopedic injuries, conditioning, and strength exercises. This degree may also prepare you to be a fitness director.
<h3>2. Sports Journalism</h3>
Sports journalists get to indulge their love of athletics by following and reporting on teams and athletes. A sports journalism degree can equip you for a career as a sports announcer, commentator, or sports reporter. Coursework includes English, sports psychology, reporting, broadcasting, article writing, journalism, and other related classes. Sports reporters’ salaries average over $40,000 a year.
<h3>3. Coaching</h3>
Undergraduate coaching degrees typically require 130 hours of course work and cover topics ranging from injury prevention and physical conditioning to coaching theories and methods. Students will also learn about how athletic programs are organized and be trained in useful methods of communication and teaching.

Advanced degrees in coaching, such as the Ohio University Online Master of Coaching Education Program, are also available. Master's programs impart leadership skills to students, equipping them to enhance the performance of teams and build life-long coaching careers. <a href="http://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/masters-coaching-education/">Click here</a> for more information on these master’s programs.

Coaching salaries vary widely depending on level and sport. Head football coaches of college and professional teams can make millions, while part-time high school coaches may make only a small stipend. The median salary for sports coaches, however, is over $30,000, <a href="http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/sports-coach/salary">according to US News</a>. Many secondary school coaches supplement their coaching income by teaching.
<h3>4. Physical Education</h3>
A degree in physical education can prepare you to work with student athletes on the elementary, middle school, or high school level. P.E. degrees often allow for specialization in a particular area, such outdoor recreation or coaching. A B.A. in physical education will cover such topics as anatomy, psychology, and sports theory in addition to allowing you the opportunity to take athletic classes. The average starting salary for a full-time P.E. teacher is over $47,000.

These are but four of the many degrees you can obtain if you wish to pursue a career in the field of athletics. The athletics industry is bursting with opportunity.