Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science

Master’s in Strength and Conditioning

Develop your strength and conditioning philosophy and prepare for the CSCS with the Strength and Conditioning concentration from Concordia-Chicago. Apply today.

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Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Classes Start: May 6, 2024

Strength and Conditioning Master’s Concentration Details

Our Strength and Conditioning program has earned programmatic accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). It is also recognized by the NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP), which recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification.

Why Pursue a Strength and Conditioning Degree?

The Strength and Conditioning concentration was designed for current practitioners, aspiring strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers and athletic performance coaches. Our comprehensive program exceeds the requirements for the standard National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification and will prepare students for advanced certifications.

Students will study advanced topics such as strength and conditioning theory as well as gain the skills and knowledge to develop a strength and conditioning philosophy of their own. Not only will students be prepared for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam they will learn how to apply strength and conditioning principles, fine tune their programming skills and be prepared for advanced certifications.

Our Strength and Conditioning program is recognized by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association. The NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification.

Institutional Accreditation

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

Industry Certification

This program has earned programmatic accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) and prepares individuals for the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) exam.

Industry Experience in the Field

Once all foundational and concentration courses are passed with a B or better, students can seek approval for two in-person field experiences of their choice. Upon CUC approval, students will complete 300 hours on site with CSCS staff in areas of warmup, flexibility training, exercise technique, spotting, and Olympic-style lifting.

Strength and Conditioning Career Outlook

Graduates of our master’s in exercise science go on to serve in a variety of capacities in fitness, wellness, sports management and leadership careers. Many of our students pursue careers in exercise science such as:

  • Athletic Performance Coach
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Sports Performance Specialist
  • Speed & Strength Coach

#3 Online Master’s in Sports Science

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College 2024

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No Pre-reqs

Admission Requirements

Free online application

Bachelor’s degree

2.85 minimum GPA

Objective statement

Letters of recommendation

Curriculum

Required Program Courses

Explore the foundations of strength and conditioning as established by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Design and critique strength and conditioning programs based on NSCA guidelines. Designed to prepare students interested in becoming Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6020 or AES-6040, and AES-6030 or AES-6045, and AES-6050, or division chair consent.

Students will explore trunk and lower extremity musculoskeletal anatomy with emphasis on systems that enable the human body to maintain proper stabilization and produce efficient movements. Students will develop human movement analysis techniques through assessment and evaluation of biomechanical movement patterns.

Selected research techniques and designs utilized in exercise science research with emphasis on general statistics, interpretation of data, research ethics, scientific writing and library use.

Advanced study of energy metabolism and the primary physiological systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular) in the context of exercise and performance. Advanced topics related to mechanisms and adaptations relating to physiology during exercise. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6050.

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.

This course will discuss the scientific principles of physical conditioning through resistance and cardiovascular training. The application of physiological principles to developing specific conditioning and training methods will be analyzed. There will be an emphasis on anatomy, metabolic energy systems, and specific physical adaptations to exercise.

This course is designed to develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to design and implement strength and conditioning programs and is for individuals interested in becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Identify and implement the dynamics and training principles of strength and power development based on appropriate research. Replaces: AES-6820. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6810.

Identify and introduce the field of sports psychology, its role in athlete performance, and major issues in sport today by assessing various psychology topics.

This field experience course will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate the professional and ethical standards of strength and conditioning (S&C).

This field experience course will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate the professional and ethical standards of strength and conditioning (S&C).

Start Date

May 6, 2024

Deadline to Apply

May 1, 2024

Cost Per Credit

$575

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