Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science

Masters 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.

Become an Expert in Health & Fitness

Learn how our 100% online programs can help you get ahead in the exercise science field.

Application Deadline: Oct. 18, 2023
Classes Start: Oct. 23, 2023

Strength and Conditioning Master’s Concentration Details

Our 100% online MS in Applied Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning concentration, is designed for working adults, with asynchronous classes so you can learn anytime, anywhere. We keep class sizes small, so you can connect with your classmates and professors. Dual concentrations are also available.

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 prepares individuals for the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) exam.

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

#1 Master’s in Exercise Science in the US

#2 for Affordability in the US

No Pre-reqs

Admission Requirements

Free online application

Bachelor’s degree

2.85 minimum GPA

Objective statement

Letters of recommendation

Curriculum

Required Core Courses

Students will explore upper 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.

Application of mechanical principles to human movement with focus on the principles of kinematics and kinetics to the human body during movement. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6020 or AES-6030.

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.

Apply principles of kinematics and kinetics of the human body in movement and sport activities. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6040.

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.

Effects of exercise on the major systems of the human body, including cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular, glandular and digestive; with emphasis on optimizing human performance. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6050 or division chair consent.

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.

Culminating experience in the Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science degree. Experiences may include, but are not limited to, independent research that leads to an actual product such as a publishable journal article, professional field experience, conference presentation, advanced certifications, program or facility development, website, online course materials, curriculum development. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6380, AES-6460, AES-6560, AES-6660, AES-6780 or AES-6860.

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.

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.

Development and implementation of a strength and conditioning program through a case study with a member of the community. Justify your programming selection and assess program success. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6820 or AES-6830.

In-depth exploration and analysis of advanced topics in strength and conditioning. Evaluation of current industry trends and practices. Creation of personal strength and conditioning philosophy. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6820 or AES-6830.

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Free Webinar: Advance Your Career with a Master’s in Applied Exercise Science

Free Webinar: Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into Strength & Conditioning

Start Date

October 23, 2023

Deadline to Apply

October 18, 2023

Cost Per Credit

$575

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