Graduate Certificate
Sports Nutrition Graduate Certificate
Prepare for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam and grow your career with a Graduate Certificate in Sports Nutrition from Concordia University Chicago (CUC). Apply today.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Classes Start: May 5, 2025
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Online Sports Nutrition Graduate Certification
Online Sports Nutrition Graduate Certification
Earn your Sports Nutrition Graduate Certificate from Concordia University Chicago to open new doors in the Sports Nutrition industry and prepare for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam.
Sports Nutrition Certificate Program Details
Our 100% online Sports Nutrition certificate is designed for working adults, with classes that can be completed anytime, anywhere. We keep class sizes small, so you can connect with your classmates and professors. This Sports Nutrition certification requires students to complete 15 credit hours of relevant coursework and prepares them for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam.
Help Individuals Live Healthier with a Sports Nutrition Certificate
The Sports Nutrition certificate is designed for individuals who aspire to provide sound sports nutrition information to athletes and physically active individuals. The program focuses on using evidence-based principles in designing and implementing exercise and nutrition programs and interpreting research in the field of exercise and sports nutrition.
This certificate program prepares individuals for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam from the International Society of Sports Nutrition. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job outlook for dietitians and nutritionists will be rosy, increasing by 7% in the next decade. Additionally, those who take the exam can open doors in personal training and the food, beverage and supplement industry.
Learn more about studying sports nutrition and athletic performance online in our Q & A with Professor Anna Turner. You can also read our article, Is Sports Nutrition the Right Path for You.
The Value of Earning a Certificate in Sports Nutrition
Earning a Certificate in Sports Nutrition holds substantial value for professionals in the fitness and health industry. This specialized credential equips individuals with advanced knowledge and skills essential for optimizing athletic performance and promoting overall health. Here are some key benefits of obtaining a Certificate in Sports Nutrition:
1. Enhanced Knowledge and Expertise
A Sports Nutrition Certificate program delves deep into the science of nutrition as it applies to athletes and active individuals. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, supplementation, body composition and the metabolic demands of various sports. This knowledge enables professionals to provide nutritional evaluation and design effective nutrition plans that enhance performance, recovery and overall well-being to ensure athletes are at a healthy body weight.
2. Career Advancement Opportunities
Holding a certificate in sports nutrition can significantly boost career prospects. It opens doors to a variety of roles, such as sports nutritionist, dietitian, fitness coach and wellness consultant. Employers in sports organizations, fitness centers and healthcare facilities often prefer or require candidates with specialized training in sports nutrition, making this certification a valuable asset in the job market.
3. Improved Client Outcomes
For fitness trainers, coaches and health practitioners, a Sports Nutrition Certification enhances their ability to provide holistic and tailored guidance to clients. By integrating nutrition expertise with training programs, professionals can help clients achieve their fitness goals more effectively, whether to enhance athletic performance or focus on weight management and overall health.
4. Professional Credibility and Trust
A recognized Certification in Sports Nutrition signifies a commitment to professional development and adherence to industry standards. This credential helps build trust with clients, athletes and employers, demonstrating that the professional has undergone rigorous training and possesses the necessary expertise to provide accurate and reliable nutrition advice.
5. Staying Updated with Industry Trends
The field of sports nutrition is continually evolving with new research and trends. Certification programs often include the latest scientific findings and best practices, ensuring that professionals stay current with the most up-to-date information. This continuous learning process helps practitioners offer cutting-edge advice and stay competitive in their field.
6. Networking Opportunities
Sports nutrition programs provide opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, instructors and experts in the fitness industry. Networking can lead to valuable collaborations, mentorships and career opportunities, enriching one’s professional journey.
7. Personal Fulfillment
For many, the decision to pursue a Sports Nutrition Certificate stems from a personal passion for fitness and health. Acquiring this specialized knowledge not only enhances professional capabilities but also provides personal satisfaction. Helping others achieve their health and performance goals as a sports nutrition coach can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Skills You’ll Learn
Throughout this comprehensive curriculum, you will develop a wide array of skills essential for a successful career in sports nutrition.
- Nutritional Analysis: Ability to evaluate and analyze dietary intake to optimize athletic performance and prevent food and weight obsessions.
- Micronutrient Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of vitamin and mineral status in athletes and clients.
- Dietary Recommendations: Formulate precise dietary recommendations to prevent deficiencies and ensure optimal health.
- Customized Program Design: Create tailored weight management programs for diverse populations, including athletes and those with specific health conditions.
- Research Analysis: Enhance skills in critically analyzing and interpreting scientific research in sports nutrition.
The CUC Advantage
As a Christian-based institution, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders to live a life fulfilled by purpose and meaning. Because we aim to model Christlike behavior, our doors are open to all. So, bring your curiosity, your personality and your values. Be a living example of what it means to serve a cause greater than yourself by pursuing an education where ideas inspire you, the Gospel lives and forms you and God’s calling takes root. Show the world what it means to stand tall.
A Dedication to Integrity
Integrity forms the cornerstone of CUC’s principles. Our faculty, staff and students are committed to living genuinely, guided by their faith. Within our programs, students are encouraged to exhibit resilience and unwavering dedication to their academic endeavors.
Cost-Effectiveness
Esteemed Faculty
Tap into the knowledge of experienced faculty members in the realm of sports nutrition. Be assured, you will receive top-notch education from leaders in the industry.
Institutional Accreditation
Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Industry Certification
This program prepares individuals for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam from the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2.85 minimum GPA
- Objective statement
- Letters of recommendation
Sports Nutrition Career Outlook
The Sports Nutrition concentration is designed for individuals who aspire to provide reliable nutrition information to athletes and physically active individuals. This program emphasizes evidence-based principles in designing and implementing exercise and nutrition programs while interpreting relevant research in the field. By helping athletes reach their peak performance, understanding the science behind nutrition and exercise, promoting overall health and well-being and contributing to sports and exercise research, graduates will play a vital role in enhancing athletic performance and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, this degree offers flexibility in career choices, allowing graduates to explore diverse paths, including consulting, nutrition education and writing for sports publications, while gaining professional recognition in a competitive job market.
Potential Careers
- Sports Nutritionist: Work with athletes and active individuals to develop customized nutrition plans that enhance performance, improve recovery and support overall health.
- Dietitian for Professional Sports Teams: Collaborate with coaches and medical staff to design and implement nutrition programs that optimize athletes’ performance and endurance during training and competition.
- Performance Nutrition Consultant: Provide expert nutritional advice to sports organizations, fitness centers and individual clients, helping them achieve specific fitness goals through targeted dietary strategies.
- Researcher in Sports Nutrition: Conduct research on the effects of diet and supplementation on athletic performance, body composition and recovery, contributing to the advancement of sports nutrition science.
- Corporate Wellness Nutritionist: Design and deliver nutrition programs within corporate wellness initiatives, focusing on improving employee health, productivity and overall well-being through balanced diets and healthy eating habits.
Student Testimonials
“The professors are super helpful. Two of my professors who were very meaningful to me were also athletic trainers. They would meet every few weeks and talk about the coursework and my job.Get to know your professors. They can help you with day to day or even land a job. Send an introductory email so stand out as a student. You can get to learn about how they are experts in their field.”
“Make that commitment that once you’re going to start the program that you are going to be dedicated to completing it and finishing it.”
“Be committed to see it through and give 100% because that’s really how you’re going to be able to take what you learn and apply it into a career setting.”
“It’s hard to get your masters and be a mom, to be working full time. But it’s a great sense of ‘yeah I did that, while working a full time job, it’s rewarding”.I would say Concordia and getting my masters was the jumpstart of what made me great today.”
“CISSN I passed with flying colors and I got over a 90%.” Getting your Masters degree prepares you to be an auto mechanic. When you get your Masters you learn how to build the car so it teaches you how to understand the scientific principles very deeply that surround these certifications.
I will tell you that it improved my practice a hundred times over just having a really strong grip on the scientific foundations that builds the certification. I was balancing 5 kids and owning a gym. The professors are good at working with adults who are working. The program is entirely doable and designed for working adults and that’s why you choose asynchronous online education.
A big thank you to all the amazing professors I had in my time at Concordia, I will tell you I really got my money’s worth out of that program. You are going to get out what you put in. If you put in the work you will reap the reward. You will make the connections you need to make. You will learn what you need to learn to be a better practitioner”
Lock in Your Tuition!
As long as there are no interruptions in your course of study, we guarantee your tuition will remain the same and never increase while earning this degree. This guarantee ensures a stable and predictable investment in your education.
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