Program Overview

Strength and Conditioning, M.S.

The Strength and Conditioning (S &C) major is designed to prepare students for careers in athletic performance enhancement through evidence-based training methodologies. This program integrates exercise science, biomechanics, and sports performance principles to develop highly skilled professionals in the field.

Students engage in advanced coursework and hands-on training, including strength and power development, conditioning strategies, athlete monitoring technologies, and program design. The curriculum emphasizes scientific analysis, data-driven decision-making, and practical coaching applications, ensuring graduates are prepared for careers in collegiate and professional athletics, tactical strength and conditioning, private sports performance facilities, and applied research.

This major is ideal for individuals seeking CSCS certification and aiming to work as strength coaches, high-performance specialists, or applied sports scientists within all sports settings. Additionally, the program provides a strong foundation for those pursuing advanced education in athletic training, physical therapy, or other healthcare professions, equipping them with the knowledge and experience necessary for success in rehabilitation, injury prevention, and return-to-play protocols.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet the minimum criteria listed below to be considered for admission to the program:

• Admission to Marshall University Graduate School,
• Declare a Health and Movement Sciences major of biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports science, or strength and conditioning,
• An Undergraduate Grade Point Average of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all previously completed undergraduate university work,
• An appropriate undergraduate/graduate background that includes human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, and physics,
• Three letters of reference;
• Personal statement; and
• A scholarly writing sample.

Acceptance into the M.S. Health and Movement Sciences program is competitive and not guaranteed.

Students are restricted to twelve semester hours of transfer credit from other institutions and limited to a maximum of nine semester hours taught at the 500 level.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of one of the following approved by your academic advisor:

1. ESS 681 Thesis
2. Oral presentation of ESS 660 Internship & pilot research project
3. Graduate project

Course Requirements

Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours
---|---|---
DTS 671| Sports Nutrition| 3
ESS 601| Adv Exercise Testing| 3
or HS 566| Biomechanical Analysis
ESS 621| Adv Exercise Physiology I| 3
ESS 642| Devise Train & Cond Prog| 3
ESS 650| Drug and Sport| 3
ESS 670| Research Meth in Kinesiology| 3
ESS 692| Strength & Condit Clin Fld Exp| 3
HS 505| Sport Psychology| 3
HS 510| Org and Admin in Kinesiology| 3
HS 564| Professional Development (Pathomechanics)| 3
or HS 566| Biomechanical Analysis
STA 518| Biostatistics| 3
ESS 681 Thesis or ESS 660 Internship| 6
Total Credit Hours| 39

Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid First Year

First Semester| Credit Hours
ESS 670 | Research Meth in Kinesiology | 3
ESS 621 | Adv Exercise Physiology I | 3
HS 564 Pathomechanics or HS 566 Biomechanical Analysis | 3
| Credit Hours| 9
Second Semester
DTS 671 | Sports Nutrition | 3
HS 505 | Sport Psychology | 3
ESS 642 | Devise Train & Cond Prog | 3
STA 518 | Biostatistics | 3
| Credit Hours| 12
Second Year
First Semester
ESS 601 | Adv Exercise Testing | 3
HS 510 | Org and Admin in Kinesiology | 3
ESS 692 | Strength & Condit Clin Fld Exp | 3
| Credit Hours| 9
Second Semester
ESS 681
or ESS 660 | Thesis
or Internship | 6
ESS 650 | Drug and Sport | 3
| Credit Hours| 9
| Total Credit Hours| 39