Mason Melancon, a former NCAA Division I collegiate athlete, is pursuing his Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning (MS-SC) at Logan University with the goal of transitioning from athlete to coach. Originally from Houston, Melancon competed as a sprinter in the 100-meter and 200-meter events and was an integral part of the 4×100-meter and 4×400-meter relay teams at Louisiana Tech University and the University of New Orleans (UNO). He completed his undergraduate degree in human performance and health promotion at UNO in May 2023.
“After graduation, I worked in the private sports performance sector, where I soon realized my passion for collegiate athletics and decided to further my education,” he said. “The Logan master’s program was one of the most focused programs on strength and conditioning, and the accelerated format appealed to me.”
Drawn to the program’s rigorous and specialized curriculum, he began in January of 2024, taking two courses during every seven-week session.
“The program has been both challenging and rewarding,” Mason said. “The online format provides flexibility but maintains a high level of accountability and practical application. The faculty is incredibly engaging and goes above and beyond in responsiveness.”
One of Mason’s primary goals is to obtain his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, an important credential for working in collegiate athletics.
Beyond academic coursework, Mason is gaining hands-on experience as an intern with the University of Tennessee’s football team. The 14-week internship, requiring 300 hours of practical experience, allows him to work closely with injured athletes, assisting in their return-to-play journey. His role includes supporting weight training and collaborating with veteran coaches, including Scott Bird, M.Ed, RSCC*E, CSCS, MSCC, SCCC, field experience coordinator for the MS-SC program, who provides valuable feedback and mentorship.
Mason advises those in pursuit of a master’s degree to remain focused and committed.
“This degree program offers a direct, effective route for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches and gives the flexibility of completing the program in one or two years depending on your course load,” he said.