Advance Your Career in Strength and Conditioning
Prepare to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based training programs through the Strength and Conditioning concentration in Concordia University Chicago’s Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science program.
The curriculum emphasizes exercise science, advanced strength and conditioning principles, program design, performance assessment, injury risk reduction and professional practice. Coursework aligns with the knowledge and skills expected of strength and conditioning professionals and supports preparation for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, or CSCS, examination.
Academic coursework is delivered fully online through accelerated eight week courses, giving students the flexibility to complete coursework from any location. Students also complete 300 hours of supervised, in person field experience across two substantially different strength and conditioning experiences at approved sites with qualified CSCS certified supervisors.
Program Snapshot
Build advanced strength and conditioning knowledge online, then apply your skills through supervised, hands-on field experience.
- Degree: M.S. in Applied Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning Concentration
- Length: 33 credit hours; approximately 18 months to complete
- Format: Online, asynchronous coursework in accelerated eight-week courses
- Hands-On Experience: 300 in-person field experience hours across two distinct strength and conditioning settings, supervised by qualified, CSCS-certified professionals
- Certification Preparation: Coursework designed to prepare you for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam"
- Accreditation: The Strength and Conditioning concentration’s application for accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) has been submitted and is under review.
Build Advanced Strength and Conditioning Expertise
Develop the scientific knowledge, applied skills and professional experience needed to work with athletes and physically active, healthy populations.
Apply Exercise Science to Human Performance
Build advanced knowledge in kinesiology, exercise physiology, sport nutrition, research methods and sport and exercise psychology while learning how those disciplines inform strength and conditioning practice.
Develop Advanced Strength and Conditioning Skills
Study advanced principles of strength and conditioning, performance assessment, exercise technique, program design, periodization, speed and agility training, plyometrics and other methods used to support athletic performance.
See What You’ll Learn
Gain Extensive Professional Field Experience
Complete at least 300 hours of supervised, in-person experience across two substantially different strength and conditioning settings. Work with qualified CSCS certified supervisors and apply classroom knowledge in authentic professional environments.
Who This Program Is For
The Strength and Conditioning concentration is designed for graduate students who want advanced preparation in exercise science, athletic performance and strength and conditioning practice.
The program combines flexible online coursework with extensive in person professional experience and may support students preparing for work in areas such as:
Strength and Conditioning Concentration Statistics For 2024-2027*:
- Student enrollment: 150 as of August 2026
- Retention rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 100%
- First-time CSCS examination pass rate: 100%
- Graduate placement rate: 100% employed within 12 months
*Data in progress
Frequently Asked Questions
The Strength and Conditioning concentration is part of Concordia University Chicago’s Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science program. It prepares students to design, implement and evaluate evidence based training programs for athletes and physically active, healthy populations.
Academic coursework is delivered fully online in an asynchronous format through accelerated eight week courses. The required field experiences are completed in person at approved professional sites.
The Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science with a Strength and Conditioning concentration requires 33 credit hours.
The expected program completion time is approximately 18 months.
Yes. Students complete at least 300 total hours of supervised, in person field experience through two substantially different strength and conditioning experiences.
Each experience must be completed under a qualified CSCS certified Site Supervisor. Students must complete their two experiences under different supervisors.
Field experience competency areas include exercise technique, spotting, Olympic style lifting, program design, testing, speed and agility development, plyometric training, periodization and aerobic and anaerobic program design.
Students become eligible for internship experiences after successfully completing AES 6825 Principles of Strength and Conditioning II with a grade of B or higher. The field site must also be approved and an affiliation agreement completed before field experience hours begin.
The curriculum aligns with knowledge and skills expected of strength and conditioning professionals and supports preparation for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist examination.
Admissions & Requirements: Take the Next Step
Admission requirements for the Strength and Conditioning concentration are the same as those established for Concordia University Chicago’s Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science program.
Tuition & Affordability
Tuition for the Strength and Conditioning concentration is the same as the tuition established for the Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science program.
Students also pay a one-time $100 fee directly to Typhon Group for access to the system used during the two required field experience courses.
