1. Is there any time throughout the program that I will need to travel to Ball State University?
   No.  The program is delivered copletely on line.  We do, however, really like seeing our graduates at the ceremony.
2. What is the tuition rate and are there any other additional expenses (e.g., books, online materials, etc.)?
   You may find the current tuition structure at http://www.bsu.edu/distance/tuition/.  Tuition is set annually by the Ball State University Board of Trustees and is subject to change.  There are additional costs for required books and software.
3. Are there opportunities for financial aid and who should be contacted about receiving financial aid?
   

   Information regarding available Financial Aid for Graduate Students can be found at: http://www.bsu.edu/gradschool/financialaid/

   To speak directly with a financial aid officer call or e-mail:

   Scholarships & Financial Aid
   Lucian Hall (LU)
   Phone: (765) 285-5600
   http://www.bsu.edu/finaid

4. What are the requirements to apply to the program (GRE scores, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.)?
   

   There is a two part application process for the Graduate Coaching Program.

   First a complete application must be made to The Graduate School. Information about the application process for The Graduate School can be found at:

   http://www.bus.edu/gradschool/admissions/
   
   While the Graduate School information suggests applying at least 4 weeks prior to the semester in which you intend to begin course work, applications to the Graduate Coaching Program received after February 1^st will only be considered for the waiting list.

   The Graduate Coaching Program is one of the graduate degree programs that requires a additional application directly to the School of Physical Education, Sport, & Exercise Science. One important note – Applications for the Graduate Coaching Program are only accepted between October 15^th and February 1^st for the cohort that will begin the following Summer Semester. A complete Coaching Program application includes:

   (a) Complete SPESES Graduate Application Form available on-line at: http://www.bsu.edu/webapps/spegradapp/Default.asp

   (b) Official copies of transcripts from ALL previously attended post-secondary institutions.

   (c) Three letters of recommendation

   (d) Coaching Resume

   (e) 1,000 word (minimum) Letter of Intent specifying how the prospective student's interest and goals match the mission and philosophy of the program.
5. Are there any exceptions to the 2.75 undergraduate GPA requirement (e.g., above a 3.0 in another master's program or credential program)?
   Please review the admission requirements of the Graduate School at: http://www.bsu.edu/gradschool/article/0,,12039--,00.html.
   
   A prospective student who fails to meet either of the minimum GPA options may still be considered for probationary admission the Graduate Coaching Program if he or she presents Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores at or above the 50th percentile in both verbal and quantitative sections. 
6. Are there any exceptions to the five year coaching minimum requirement?
   To be considered for the Graduate Coaching Program, Prospective students must be actively coaching in a stable position.  Admission preference is given to those coaches who will have a minimum of 5 years coaching experience by the end of the program.
7. Is there a waiting list for the upcoming term beginning in May, and if so what are the chances of getting accepted if you are on the waiting list?
   Successful candidates and those selected for the waiting list will be notified during the month of March.  Typically, there are a few openings created after the initial admission decisions are made.  However there is no set percentage of students elevated from the waiting list.
8. Is it possible to transfer credits from another university to this program?
   Yes, there is a procedure for having previously completed courses evaluated for transfer credit.  Ball State University allows up to nine credits to be transferred in.  However, due to the coaching specific nature of the required courses, substitution have been rare.  Prospective students that would like to have a preliminary evaluation of possible transfer courses should contact the Program Coordinator directly.
9. What is the accreditation of this program?
   Ball State University is fully accredited by the North Central Association. 
   
10. Will I be certified to teach physical education after completing this degree?
    In most cases this degree will not certify you to teach physical education, however, the requirements for eligibility to teach physical education at the K-12 level are determined by the Department of Education in each specific state.  For information as to how the Graduate Coaching Program fits with the requirements, please contact the DOE in the state which you are interested in teaching.
    
11. How long does it typically take to finish the program and is there a set course timetable for the completion of the degree?
    Typical time to completion is 2 to 2 1/2 years.  A student that begins in May 2006 and follows the suggested course of study should be finished by July 2008.
12. Do the online courses start and end with the semester of Ball State?
    Yes, the Graduate Coaching Program follows the same academic calendar.
13. What are the minimum amount of hours required in the fall and spring semesters and the maximum amount of hours allowed in the summer sessions?
    The maximum amount of courses allowed in any semester is two.  The suggested course of study calls for one or two courses per semester.
14. Is the program designed only for individuals looking to advance coaching careers?

          Absolutely, the Graduate Coaching Program consists of advanced study in    
          the field of coaching and will provide valuable networking opportunites
          with leading professionals accross the country.