Kristian Ferrell
There are many pathways to becoming a professional basketball player, and the educational requirements can vary depending on the league and the individual's circumstances. In the United States, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sets eligibility requirements for student-athletes wishing to play in Division 1 or 2 colleges. These requirements include completing a minimum of 16 core courses with a minimum GPA and obtaining amateurism certification. Some players opt to play in college to develop their skills and receive an education, while others choose to go overseas or straight to the professional leagues. The NBA, for example, requires players to be 19 years or older, and eligibility rules have changed several times throughout its history. While there is no specific degree requirement to become a basketball player, the most common degree among players is a bachelor's degree in business.
Characteristics and Values of a Degree to Get into Basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,862 per year |
| Salary Range | $24,000 - $109,000 per year |
| Degree Needed | Bachelor's degree |
| Common Major | Business |
| Experience Needed | 4-6 years |
| Certification | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) |
| Coaching Degree | Athletic Coaching Education |
| Coaching Experience | Working with basketball teams at many levels |
| Minimum Eligibility Age | 19 years old |
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What You'll Learn
No specific degree requirement to play basketball
While a college education is often associated with basketball players, there is no specific degree requirement to play the sport. In fact, some players have made it to the NBA without any college experience at all.
For instance, in the early days of the NBA, there were players who entered the league without having attended college. Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and Jermaine O'Neal are notable examples of high school players who went straight to the NBA and even became future MVPs and All-Stars. However, the league eventually established a rule that players had to wait eight years after high school graduation before becoming eligible for the draft. This rule has since been amended, and currently, players must be at least 19 years old to sign with the NBA.
Despite this, the path to becoming a professional basketball player often involves a combination of athletic talent, hard work, and academic pursuits. Many players do attend college and may even enrol in a certain college via athletic scholarship. While there is no specific degree requirement, players are expected to attend classes and maintain good academic standing to remain eligible for their team. This means that they are working towards a degree, and it is common for players to obtain bachelor's degrees in various fields such as psychology, business, or communications.
Additionally, players with a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification tend to earn higher salaries. This indicates that while a specific degree is not required, pursuing education and certifications related to athletic performance can be advantageous for basketball players.
For those interested in coaching basketball, a bachelor's degree is typically required to work at the high school or college level. Some schools offer degree programs that specialize in coach training, teaching students how to work with athletes, develop game plans, and implement conditioning and skills development programs. Alternatively, aspiring coaches can pursue teaching positions, as many schools prefer to hire coaches who are also certified teachers, ensuring they have the necessary skills to educate and communicate with young people.
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Bachelor's degree to coach at high school or college level
To coach basketball at the high school or college level, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree. The specific requirements may vary depending on the school and state, but a bachelor's degree in a field related to coaching is generally preferred.
For high school coaching positions, consider pursuing a degree in subjects like physical education, sports management, sports medicine, or kinesiology. Many schools will hire coaches who are already working as state-certified teachers, so obtaining a teaching credential in addition to your bachelor's degree can increase your employability. Some schools may also offer degree programs that specialize in coach training, teaching you how to work with athletes, develop game plans, and implement conditioning and skills development programs.
First-hand experience playing basketball or working as an assistant coach can also be beneficial and may even be required by some schools. This experience demonstrates your knowledge of the sport and can help you better communicate with your players. Volunteering with local schools, youth leagues, or basketball camps can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.
If you aspire to coach at the college level, a bachelor's degree is still the most common requirement, with 80% of college basketball coaches holding this degree. College basketball coaches often study kinesiology, communication, or psychology. However, gaining admission into college coaching positions can be more competitive, and you may want to consider pursuing a master's degree to increase your qualifications and earning potential.
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Master's/Doctorate degrees to advance in the field
While there are no specific degree requirements to become a basketball player, many athletes pursue higher education alongside their careers. For instance, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, who is known for his aggressive playing style and strength, pursued higher education and earned a master's degree in business. He then went on to obtain a doctorate in business and a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) in Human Resource Development/Organisational Learning and Leadership.
If you're looking to advance your knowledge and skills in the field of basketball, several institutions offer master's and doctoral programmes that can provide a strong foundation for career advancement.
TECH, for instance, offers a 12-month Professional Master's Degree in Professional Basketball. This programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of basketball and help graduates become specialised basketball coaches. The curriculum covers various aspects of the sport, including individual offensive and defensive techniques, physical preparation, scouting, game preparation, and team management strategies. The programme is taught by professionals with experience in the basketball industry, ensuring that graduates gain practical knowledge and skills that can be directly applied in their careers.
Additionally, pursuing a master's or doctoral degree can open doors to career opportunities beyond being a basketball player. For example, with a master's in business, like Shaquille O'Neal, individuals can explore roles in sports management, sports marketing, or even business consulting within the sports industry. A doctorate in education can lead to roles in academic research, curriculum development, or sports psychology, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field of basketball and sports more broadly.
Furthermore, for those interested in the business aspects of basketball, a master's or doctorate in business, such as the one earned by Shaquille O'Neal, can provide a strong foundation for a career in sports management, sports consulting, or even entrepreneurship within the sports industry.
In conclusion, while a degree is not a requirement to play basketball professionally, pursuing a master's or doctorate degree can significantly enhance one's knowledge, skills, and career prospects within the basketball industry. These advanced qualifications can open doors to specialised roles, such as coaching, as well as provide a strong foundation for a variety of careers related to the business and management aspects of the sport.
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Athletic Coaching Education degrees
While there is no specific degree requirement to become a basketball player, a bachelor's degree with a business major is the most common degree among players. Additionally, players with a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification tend to earn higher salaries.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in basketball coaching, several educational institutions offer Athletic Coaching degrees. For instance, Point Park University offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Athletic Coaching and Administration, which is a 30-credit graduate program. The program is designed for individuals who aspire to inspire, teach, and mentor athletes while developing their skills and character. It is based on the National Standards for Sport Coaches and covers the latest research in the field, preparing graduates for coaching opportunities in various settings. The program is fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals, and includes courses such as "The Art and Science of Athletic Coaching" and "Safety and Physical Conditioning of Athletes II".
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) also offers an undergraduate certificate in Athletic Coaching. This program provides students with the education and training necessary to pursue a career in coaching.
Additionally, pursuing further education, such as a master's or doctoral degree, can enhance your knowledge and qualifications in the field of basketball coaching. This could involve teaching at a middle or high school, offering to coach their basketball team, and working your way up.
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Any degree subject to teach and coach in schools
To teach and coach basketball in schools, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree, with 68% of basketball coaches holding this qualification. While a degree in education is preferred, you can major in a variety of other fields, such as physical education, exercise science, sports medicine, business, kinesiology, or health education. Obtaining a master's degree can also increase your earning potential as a basketball coach.
In addition to a degree, you will likely need to obtain teaching credentials or a teaching certificate, as many schools prefer their coaches to also be teachers. You may also need to obtain certifications specific to coaching, such as Certified Personal Trainer or Master Certified Coach (MCC). Most states require public junior high and high school coaches to earn certification, which may include completing courses in coaching, CPR, and first aid, and passing an examination.
Beyond formal education, having experience as a basketball player or coach is highly beneficial. This can include playing for your school or college team, forming teams with neighborhood kids, or volunteering as an assistant coach for local schools or youth teams. This experience can help demonstrate your knowledge of the game and your ability to teach and lead others.
It is important to note that requirements may vary depending on the level of coaching (elementary, high school, college, or professional) and the specific regulations of your state or country. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your local authorities to ensure you meet all the necessary qualifications and certifications.
Lastly, while not a formal requirement, networking and building connections in the field can greatly increase your chances of securing a coaching position. This can include exploring volunteer opportunities, working as a team manager, or reaching out to local schools or sports leagues to offer your services as a secondary basketball coach.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific degree requirement to become a basketball player. However, it is common for players to have a bachelor's degree with a business major.
The average salary for a basketball player is $51,862 per year, with salaries ranging from $24,000 to $109,000 per year.
To be eligible for the NBA draft, a player must be 19 years or older and cannot sign with the NBA until they meet this age requirement.
While it is not necessary to go to college to become a professional basketball player, many players do choose to pursue a college education while also playing basketball. This can provide an opportunity to develop skills and gain experience before entering the professional league.
The NCAA eligibility requirements for student-athletes include completing a minimum of 16 core courses with a minimum GPA average. Additionally, students must obtain final amateurism certification and meet specific academic standards set by the NCAA.
