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.

Pursue Your Vocation with CUC

Application Deadline: December 30, 2024
Classes Start: January 6, 2025

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.

Institutional Accreditation

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Industry Certification

This Sports Nutrition program prepares individuals for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam from the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Earning your sports nutritionist certification gives you a leg up on the competition.

Sports Nutrition Certificate Career Outlook

Graduates with our Certificate in Sports Nutrition go on to serve in a variety of capacities in fitness, wellness, sports management and leadership careers. Many of our students pursue careers such as:

  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Performance Nutrition
  • Virtual Health Coach
  • Wellness Coach

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

CUC’s Graduate Certificate in Sports Nutrition is priced competitively so you can rest assured you will receive a high return on your investment. Click here for more information on tuition and fees.

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.

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.

Don’t miss out on our Tuition Guarantee – enroll today!

Accelerated

Fewer Breaks, Finish Faster

100% Online

Anytime, anywhere learning on your schedule

Tuition Guarantee

Your tuition is locked in while continuously enrolled

Admission Requirements

Curriculum

Explores the relationships between nutrition, energy metabolism, and exercise and sport performance, with an in-depth analysis of dietary and nutritional supplementation. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6050, and AES-6200 or AES-6250.

Examination of the role and function of vitamins and minerals from physiological and clinical perspectives. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6300.

Examines nutrition and exercise strategies for weight management with an emphasis on metabolic, physiological and psychological factors. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6320.

This course examines the planning and implementation of a sports nutrition program. Students are required to complete a nutrition assessment and planning case study on a member of their community. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6340.

In-depth study of selected advanced topics in sports nutrition. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6340.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we offer financial assistance to students in our Sports Nutrition certificate program. Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

Earning a Certificate in Sports Nutrition can enhance your career by:

  • Expanding your knowledge and expertise in the field
  • Opening up new job opportunities in sports organizations, fitness centers and healthcare facilities
  • Increasing your credibility and trust with clients and employers
  • Providing networking opportunities with professionals and experts in the field

No, sports nutrition coaching is beneficial for anyone engaged in physical activity, from professional athletes to recreational sports participants and fitness enthusiasts. It can also help individuals seeking to improve their general health and achieve specific fitness or weight management goals.

While it is possible to offer sports nutrition coaching without a graduate certificate, having this certification demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to professional standards. It can enhance your credibility and attract more clients or employers who value specialized training.

Established in 1864 as Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary, Concordia University Chicago has evolved into a comprehensive institution with over 6,000 full-time students pursuing undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. The university is an integral part of the nationwide Concordia University System, which encompasses six colleges and universities.

Concordia-Chicago continues to prepare the next generation of leaders to live a life fulfilled by purpose and meaning. With Christ at the Center of all it does, the University inspires students through the Gospel, which lives and forms them as God’s calling takes root.

Concordia University Chicago offers students online higher education courses in various kinesiology and health sciences related fields. Graduate coursework is completed fully online for our programs and helps prepare students for successful careers.

 

Apply today to start pursuing your graduate certificate. Stand tall for health with Concordia University Chicago. 

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Start Date

January 6, 2025

Deadline to Apply

December 30, 2024

Cost Per Credit

$575