Online Master’s in Applied Exercise Science – CSCS Prep Included

Develop your strength and conditioning philosophy and prepare for the CSCS with the Strength and Conditioning concentration from Concordia University Chicago (CUC). Apply today!

Find Strength in Education

Application Deadline: August 19, 2026
Classes Start: August 24, 2026

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#1 Online Master’s in Sports Science

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#11 Best Online
College 2024

$575 Per
Credit

Online Master’s Degree Program in Applied Exercise Science

Earn your Master’s in Applied Exercise Science: Strength and Conditioning from Concordia University Chicago. Use your advanced knowledge to elevate athletic performance.

 

Earn your Master’s in Applied Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago. Use your advanced knowledge to elevate athletic performance.

Strength and Conditioning Master’s Concentration Details

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

Our strength and conditioning concentration program prepares graduates to serve others on their health and fitness journey.

Prepare to Advance Your Strength and Conditioning Credentials

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, but they will also learn how to apply strength and conditioning principles, fine-tune their programming skills and be prepared for advanced certifications.

Our Master’s in Applied Exercise Science 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.

Curriculum

Required Core Courses

AES-6020: 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.

or

AES-6040: 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.

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.

or

AES-6045: 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.

AES-6200: 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.

or

AES-6250: 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 or curriculum development. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6380, AES-6460, AES-6560, AES-6660, AES-6780 or AES-6860.

Required Program Courses

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. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6020, AES-6030, and AES-6250. Replaces: AES-6810.

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. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6815.

Identify and introduce the field of sports psychology, its role in athlete performance, and major issues in sport today by assessing various psychology topics. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6250.

This field experience course will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate the professional and ethical standards of strength and conditioning (S&C). Field Experience: 150 Hours Required. Fee: A one-time $100 fee is required with the first of either course AES-6845 or AES-6850. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6830 and AES-6835.

This field experience course will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate the professional and ethical standards of strength and conditioning (S&C). Field Experience: 150 Hours Required. Fee: A one-time $100 fee is required with the first of either course AES-6845 or AES-6850. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6830 and AES-6835.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 2.85 minimum GPA
  • Objective statement
  • Letters of recommendation


Learn More

The CUC Advantage

A Culture of Integrity

Integrity lies at the heart of CUC’s ethos. Our faculty, staff and students are dedicated to living authentically, guided by their faith. Within our programs, students are empowered to demonstrate resilience and unwavering commitment to their academic pursuits.

Cost-Effectiveness

CUC’s Strength & Conditioning Concentration is competitively priced and provides a high return on investment. More information on Tuition and Fees.

Esteemed Faculty

Exercise science courses are taught by experienced faculty with industry expertise. You can rest assured that you will be learning from the best.

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.

Strength & Conditioning Career Outlook

Concordia University Chicago’s Strength and Conditioning concentration is expertly crafted for current practitioners, aspiring strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers and athletic performance coaches. This comprehensive program not only meets but exceeds the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification requirements, equipping students for advanced certifications in a growing field. Students will delve into advanced topics in strength and conditioning theory while developing their own training philosophies. The field of strength and conditioning is rapidly expanding, offering exciting career opportunities as the demand for specialized training in athletic performance and injury prevention continues to rise.

Potential Careers

  • Strength and Conditioning Coach: Work with athletes at all levels, from amateur to professional, to improve their physical performance through customized training programs focused on strength, power, speed, agility and conditioning.
  • Athletic Performance Specialist: Provide specialized training and support to athletes in specific sports or activities, focusing on enhancing performance, reducing the risk of injury and optimizing recovery.
  • Personal Trainer: Work with individuals or small groups to develop personalized exercise programs aimed at achieving fitness goals such as weight loss, muscle gain or improved athletic performance.
  • Fitness Center Manager: Oversee the operations of a fitness facility, including staff management, program development, member engagement and facility maintenance.
  • Exercise Physiologist: Conduct fitness assessments, prescribe exercise programs and provide lifestyle coaching to individuals with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or obesity, to improve their overall health and quality of life.

Which Concentration Is Right for You?

Both paths are built on the same MS in Applied Exercise Science — here’s how they differ.

Strength & Conditioning
Standard Concentration 		Professional Strength
& Conditioning
Professional Concentration
Best For Students pursuing certification pathways — specifically those preparing for the CSCS exam. Professionals focused on applied practice who want to advance without a certification-focused pathway. Likely already certified.
Ideal For Recent graduates or career changers entering the strength & conditioning field. Current practitioners seeking to deepen expertise in performance training and program design.
Designed For Those who want comprehensive preparation aligned with industry certification standards. Those who want to apply advanced strength and conditioning principles directly in their current or future roles.
Approach Structured, foundational knowledge with standardized competencies and certification readiness. Flexible, real-world application with development of an individualized training philosophy.
Focuses On Building knowledge and skills with the CSCS certification in mind. Refining programming strategies, athlete development, and performance optimization across populations.
Best For
S&C Concentration
Students pursuing certification pathways — specifically those preparing for the CSCS exam.
Professional S&C
Professionals focused on applied practice who want to advance without a certification-focused pathway. Likely already certified.
Ideal For
S&C Concentration
Recent graduates or career changers entering the strength & conditioning field.
Professional S&C
Current practitioners seeking to deepen expertise in performance training and program design.
Designed For
S&C Concentration
Those who want comprehensive preparation aligned with industry certification standards.
Professional S&C
Those who want to apply advanced strength and conditioning principles directly in their current or future roles.
Approach
S&C Concentration
Structured, foundational knowledge with standardized competencies and certification readiness.
Professional S&C
Flexible, real-world application with development of an individualized training philosophy.
Focuses On
S&C Concentration
Building knowledge and skills with the CSCS certification in mind.
Professional S&C
Refining programming strategies, athlete development, and performance optimization across populations.

Both concentrations advance your expertise in strength and conditioning — they differ in focus. The Strength and Conditioning concentration emphasizes certification preparation and foundational development, while the Professional Strength and Conditioning concentration is built for applied practice and real-world performance settings.

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!

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Master’s in Applied Exercise Science with a concentration Strength and Conditioning is a graduate-level program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of exercise science, specifically focusing on strength training, conditioning and sports performance enhancement. This degree program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, sports psychology and injury prevention.

Graduates of our Master’s in Applied Exercise Science often pursue careers as strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, athletic performance specialists or exercise science researchers in various settings such as professional sports teams, collegiate athletics programs, fitness centers or rehabilitation clinics.

A master’s degree with a concentration in strength and conditioning opens up several career opportunities in the fields of sports performance, fitness and rehabilitation. Here are some potential career paths:

  1. Strength and Conditioning Coach: Work with athletes at all levels, from amateur to professional, to improve their physical performance through customized training programs focused on strength, power, speed, agility and conditioning.
  2. Athletic Performance Specialist: Provide specialized training and support to athletes in specific sports or activities, focusing on enhancing performance, reducing the risk of injury and optimizing recovery.
  3. Personal Trainer: Work with individuals or small groups to develop personalized exercise programs aimed at achieving fitness goals such as weight loss, muscle gain or improved athletic performance.
  4. Fitness Center Manager: Oversee the operations of a fitness facility, including staff management, program development, member engagement and facility maintenance.
  5. Exercise Physiologist: Conduct fitness assessments, prescribe exercise programs and provide lifestyle coaching to individuals with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or obesity, to improve their overall health and quality of life.
  6. Sports Scientist: Conduct research and apply scientific principles to optimize athlete performance and enhance training methods, including data analysis, biomechanical assessments and physiological testing.
  7. Wellness Coordinator: Develop and implement workplace wellness programs aimed at improving employee health, reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity through exercise, nutrition and lifestyle interventions.
  8. Rehabilitation Specialist: Work with individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries to restore mobility, strength and function through tailored exercise programs and rehabilitation techniques.

Yes, we offer financial assistance to students in our Applied Exercise Science MS program. Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

Established in 1864 as Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary, Concordia University Chicago has evolved into a comprehensive institution with nearly 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 Master’s in Applied Exercise Science. Stand tall with Concordia University Chicago.

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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.”

Dallas Grato, Former Student at CUC

“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.”

Emily, Former Student at CUC
“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.”

Renee Balconi, Former Student at CUC

“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”

Nicole, Former Student at CUC

Elevate Your Career in Strength & Conditioning Today

Discover how CUC’s Master’s in Applied Exercise Science with a Strength and Conditioning concentration can empower you to excel in the growing field of athletic performance and fitness. Unlock your potential and take the next step toward advanced certifications and career success.

Deadline to Apply

August 19, 2026

Start Date

August 24, 2026

Cost Per Credit

$575