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On-line Certificate Program in CoachingOverview | FAQ | Course Descriptions | Related Links
FAQ’s and Answers:
1. For whom is this program intended?
The Online Coaching Education Certificate Program was created to meet the needs of coaches and educators who currently hold a Bachelor’s degree and are not currently enrolled at MSU. However, we do attempt to accomodate as many MASU students as is logistically possible. Current MSU graduate students may apply for enrollment to any of the 3-credit courses, and they may be admitted on a space-available basis. Decisions regarding enrollment of non-Lifelong Education Students are made during the two-week period leading up to the beginning of each course.
2. What is the cost for each on-line course?
Lifelong Education students are assessed tuition at the Lifelong Education rate. Regular Lifelong Education tuition rates are set at a “per credit” amount, and are subject to change. Current tuition rates are available via the MSU Registrar Office. There is also an "Online Course fee associated with these courses. For 2005-06, these are $150.00 per CR/Hr. for Lifelong Education students." Students already enrolled in a Master's program at MSU will pay their regular credit hour fees.
3. Must I be enrolled in a master's degree program at Michigan State University in order to enroll in one or more of the courses in the on-line coaching education series?
No, enrollment in a master's degree program is not required to take the KIN coaching education courses. The courses can either be taken independently, or as part of the certificate program. In some cases, they may be accepted as part of a master's degree program, e.g., MSU's Online M.A. degree in Education or the M.S. degree in Kinesiology. Individuals who are not seeking a master's degree can enroll in the courses through Lifelong Education at Michigan State University.
4. Where can I obtain materials for enrollment? Am I able to enroll via the Internet, via surface mail, or must I be present on the Michigan State University campus?
Enrollment in the courses will be possible through any of the avenues listed above. Information about enrolling in the Lifelong Education courses is available on the website of the Office of the Registrar (link opens a new window).
5. How can I obtain the required texts and course packet of readings? Can I pay for them and have them sent to me or do I have to pick them up on the MSU campus?
Required textbooks may be ordered directly from the publisher or through bookstores on or near the MSU campus.
6. What type of tools must I have in order to gain access to the readings, graphics, video clips, etc., provided in the on-line coaching series?
Every MSU Virtual University (VU) course requires a minimum of the following set of tools. Many VU course have other specialized technical needs as well. Be sure to check the course preview page to read about particular needs for that course. At a minimum, each Virtual University student needs access to:
- Either: An Intel-based Pentium II 233 MHz PC; 64MB or more of RAM (128MB recommended); Netscape 4.5 or higher, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 or higher; and Windows NT, 95, 98, ME, XP or 2000 operating system
OR: A Macintosh compatible G3 233 MHz, with System 7.5 or higher (System 8.5 recommended); 64MB or more of RAM (128MB recommended); and Netscape 4.06 or higher, or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.- Minimum screen resolution of 800X600 (1024X768 recommended); color monitor; 4Mb videoRAM (8 Mb recommended). 56K modem or high-speed connecdtion to internet.
Don't think you have it? This would be a good time to call us and ask about it. Call VU Help Desk at 1-800-500-1554 (North America including Hawaii) or (517) 355-2345 (East Lansing and International). As with all computing situations involving the Internet or other file sharing, VU recommends that you practice safe computing - install and use a virus detection and repair software package, and back up your work regularly. The technical requirements differ for each course in this series, depending on the amount of graphics, video clips, and photos that are required as instructional materials. The technical requirements for taking each of the on-line series courses will be listed on the preview page for each course.
7. What is the timetable for the KIN on-line coaching courses? Are they available on a semester basis? If I enroll, must I go through the course as a cohort or can I progress on my own time schedule? If there is a timetable, how much flexibility is there within the time limits?
The on-line coaching courses are offered as traditional semester-long courses. Students generally will go through the course as a cohort so that they can benefit from chat rooms and other interactive activities. However, students will be able to proceed at their own rate within blocks of time as specified in the schedule for each course. Students can take these courses in any order. Upon successful completion of all three on-line courses, students will receive their certificate.
8. Example: "I expect to be away from my job for two weeks during the fall semester. Will this absence prohibit my enrollment or my progress through the course?"
Ordinarily, a scheduled two-week absence should not prevent you from enrolling, or progressing successfully, through the course. However, it is best to contact the instructor for your specific course to determine if the time you plan to be absent interferes with major deadlines for the course.
9. Is there some type of certification associated with completion of a course or a combination of courses in the KIN on-line series? Are these courses equivalent to the existing Coaches Advancement Program (CAP) now being offered through the Michigan High School Athletic Association?
Successful completion of the three-course sequence will result in a
Certificate of Completion signed by the Chair of the Department of
Kinesiology and the Director of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports. Completion of the three-course sequence will include most of content in the CAP program: Level 1 and 2, now offered by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, with one exception: In order for coaches to receive a Level 2 CAP certification, they must also attend the 1.5 hour MHSAA CAP workshop entitled, ³Coaches Make the Difference². They must also attend all of the Level 3 courses as this content is unique to the MHSAA CAP program. More information on these workshops is available through the MHSAA. (www.mhsaa.org).
10. How frequently will the courses in the Coaches Education on-line series be offered?
Current plans are to offer these courses once each year. However, the schedule of offerings will be determined by the demand for the courses.
11. Who should I contact for additional information about Coaches Education on-line courses?
For enrollment questions:
For specific information about one of the courses, contact the instructor of the course, using the email address listed above.
Emily Fink, Online Master of Arts in Education program
email: onlineed@msu.edu
For general information about the content of these courses:
Dr. Bob Benham, Intitute for the Study of Youth Sports
email: bbenham@msu.edu
