Earn your Master’s in Strength and Conditioning 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.

Required Program Courses

• AES 6020 - Kinesiology I
• AES 6030 - Kinesiology II
• AES 6050 - Research Design and Methods of Exercise Science
• AES 6250 - Advanced Exercise Physiology
• AES 6300 - Exercise and Sport Nutrition
• AES 6815 - Principles of Strength & Conditioning I
• AES 6825 - Principles of Strength & Conditioning II
• AES 6830 - Applied Advanced Strength Conditioning
• AES 6835 - Psychology of Sport & Exercise
• AES 6845 - S&C Field Experience I
• AES 6850 - S&C Field Experience II

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

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.

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.