Strength and Conditioning, MS

33 credit hours

The Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning is designed to prepare students for advanced roles in the fields of athletic performance, fitness, coaching, and human movement science. This program provides a comprehensive scientific foundation in strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and sport performance, supporting students who aim to work in professional, collegiate, or high school athletics, corporate wellness, tactical performance, or other health and fitness-related professions. The program also prepares students for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) examination offered through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Coursework aligns with CSCS content domains, providing a structured foundation for students seeking professional certification in strength and conditioning.

The blended program offers flexibility and is designed to accommodate working professionals. While most coursework is completed remotely, students are periodically required to attend scheduled on-ground sessions for hybrid courses that include laboratory-based instruction, hands-on application, and practical assessment. These sessions take place in the Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory (EPNL), which supports advanced training in body composition, musculoskeletal fitness, cardiorespiratory function, and performance testing.

Designed for those with a background in exercise science or related fields, the program can be completed in as little as one year. Graduates are prepared for professional certification, advanced roles in strength and conditioning, or further academic study.

Requirements

Major Coursework

27 credit hours of coursework from the following options:

HS 51000 - Advanced Strength Training Credit Hour: 3
HS 51200 - Nutrition Strategies for Performance, Recovery, and Injury Management Credit Hour: 3
HS 52000 - Technology in Fitness and Wellness Credit Hour: 3
HS 52500 - Performance Psychology Credit Hour: 3
HS 53500 - Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription Credit Hour: 3
HS 54000 - Research Methods Credit Hour: 3
HS 54200 - Statistical Analysis Credit Hour: 3
HS 57200 - Exercise Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Biomarkers Credit Hour: 3
HS 57600 - Cardiorespiratory and Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology Credit Hour: 3

Elective Coursework

The following courses may be taken as electives to fulfill degree requirements if equivalent major courses were completed at the undergraduate level.

HS 51500 - Nutrition Education and Counseling Credit Hour: 3
HS 52100 - Optimizing Human Performance Credit Hour: 3
HS 53600 - Building Personal Resiliency Credit Hour: 3
HS 53700 - Contemporary Trends in Wellness Credit Hour: 3
HS 53800 - Employee Wellness Programming Credit Hour: 3
HS 56500 - CSCS Exam Preparation Credit Hour: 3
HS 58000 - Exercise Considerations for Aging and Metabolic Populations Credit Hour: 3

Culminating Experience Coursework

6 credit hours of coursework from either the Thesis Option Coursework or the Non-Thesis Option Coursework.

Thesis Option Coursework

6 credit hours of coursework from the following option:

HS 65001 - Thesis Credit Hour: 1-6

Non-Thesis Option Coursework

6 credit hours of coursework from the following options:

HS 54100 - Internships Credit Hour: 3-6
HS 58100 - Comprehensive Examination Credit Hour: 0
Only students in the Non-Thesis Option are required to complete HS 58100.