Online
100% online with in-person field experience.
1 Year
Seven-week accelerated format, allowing students to complete in just one year.
Next Trimester Start
January 6, 2025
May 12, 2025
This is athletic performance at its best. This is Strength and Conditioning.
At Logan University, we know high-performing athletes deserve the most qualified, well-rounded athletic performance coaches. With a science-based, evidence-informed curriculum, our Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning is an industry-driven program developed and led by experienced coaches and leaders in athletic performance.
Graduates will be well-prepared to apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance—whether that’s conducting sport-specific testing sessions, designing and implementing safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, or providing guidance on nutrition and injury prevention. Upon graduation from this one-year, online program, students will be prepared to sit for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam (CSCS).
Experienced coaches can obtain a degree specific to the strength and conditioning field to advance their career opportunities.
The 100% online program allows the flexibility for coaches to continue working in the field, while completing their graduate degree.
Graduates from the strength and conditioning degree program will find many opportunities in the human performance field, including high school, college, semi-pro and professional athletics, training facilities and private gyms, rehabilitation clinics, education, research and more.
Admissions Requirements for the MSSC
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES: MASTER OF SCIENCE IN STRENGTH & CONDITIONING ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
An applicant must have:
- A baccalaureate degree or higher that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If the baccalaureate degree was earned at an unaccredited institution, an accredited post-baccalaureate degree is an acceptable alternative.
- An official transcript sent directly to Logan from the institution awarding the qualifying entrance degree. If the applicant attended multiple institutions, an official transcript must be sent from each institution.
- Earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in his or her qualifying bachelor’s degree. An applicant with qualifying post undergraduate coursework may have those courses and cumulative GPA (unweighted) reevaluated by Admissions Committee.
- Completed the prerequisite coursework listed below from an accredited institution with grades of C or higher in each course.
- Earned six semester credit hours of either physics, kinesiology, exercise science, biomechanics or statistics and six semester credit hours of biological science. Students not meeting course prerequisites may be probationally admitted. Probational students acknowledge that prerequisite courses prepare stronger candidates for success but still wish to pursue the degree. Probational students may be requested to take a reduced course load and meet regularly with their Academic Success Coach.
Students may be admitted through the Alternative Admissions Track Program (AATP). Students are encouraged to reach out to Admissions at Admissions@logan.edu or 636-230-1750 to discuss possible options.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for strength and conditioning coaches is expected to grow 20% by 2031, which is pacing much faster than the average for all occupations.
Career paths include:
- High school, college, semi-pro, and professional athletics
- Training facilities and private gyms
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics
- Education and research
- U.S. Military
- First Responders
What are the admission requirements for this program?
An applicant for this program must have:
- Earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If the baccalaureate degree was earned at an unaccredited institution, an accredited post-baccalaureate degree is an acceptable alternative.
- Requested that an official transcript be sent directly to Logan University from the institution awarding the qualifying entrance degree. If the applicant attended multiple institutions, an official transcript must be sent from each institution directly to Logan.
- Earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in his or her qualifying bachelor’s degree.
See Admission Requirements for full details.
Why should I choose Logan for my MS-SC?
Logan’s Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning is an athletic performance-based program where graduates are prepared to apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Learn more about successfully conducting sport-specific testing sessions, developing and implementing safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and providing guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention.
The program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as one year. Courses are seven weeks long. Learn more through courses in sport psychology, sports nutrition, program design, program administration and resistance training and conditioning.
Where can I complete my field experience?
Students will complete two field experiences, each seven weeks long and a minimum of 150 hours, for a total of 300 hours at a site of their choice. Students may complete the field experiences in a variety of settings under a CSCS strength and conditioning coach. Settings include but are not limited to professional and semi-professional athletics, collegiate athletics, club athletics teams, and/or private gym facilities. All sites and site supervisors must meet all requirements. Students may complete their field experience requirement at their place of employment if it meets all guidelines of the program.
Meet Your Team
Meet Logan grad Brittany Ramirez, DC, MS, LAT, ATC, CCSP, Program Director for Logan’s Master in Sports Science & Rehabilitation and the new Master in Strength and Conditioning. Dr. Ramirez served as the team chiropractor for MIZZOU Athletics, making her one of the few female chiropractors to work SEC football. Her passion for sports medicine is evident by her active work in expanding and growing sports-related degree programs nationally with unique concentrations, diverse field experience opportunities, and well-connected faculty who have a global understanding of body and functional biomechanics.
Expert in the field of sports medicine psychophysiology, with experience working for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Cirque du Soleil, and the Baltimore Orioles, to name a few. Dr. Wildes is a member of the U.S. Air Force 58th RQS Human Performance Optimization team at Nellis AFB in Nevada.
Armed with a PhD in Applied Psychophysiology, Dr. Wildes developed an eclectic, multidisciplinary approach to sports performance medicine, holistic wellness, and integrative mind-body therapies he uses clinically and lectures on daily as an adjunct faculty member for Logan.
Former pro football player, veteran strength and conditioning coach and associate athletic director for student-athlete health and performance at the University of Louisville. With a Doctorate of Sport Psychology, Dr. Ivey has helped tens of thousands of athletes reach their performance potential using his expertise, research, and experience. Working with Logan University, Dr. Ivey shares his knowledge with students, preparing them for careers that deliver the highest standard of care in athletics, health and wellness.
Director of the Human Performance Program and Supervisor of the Clinical Rehab Services-Forum at MIZZOU. Jacob has managed strength and conditioning for most sports, including football, baseball, track & field, swimming, men’s and women’s basketball and women’s golf. As a subject matter expert for Logan University, Jacob extends his knowledge of implementing performance enhancement systems with an emphasis on strength and power enhancement, injury risk reduction strategies, and technological monitoring on a daily basis.
Athletic Performance Coach with more than 30 years of collegiate experience in implementing speed, strength and conditioning programs for multiple sports. Scott is a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Certified Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach. He has led more than 20 sports teams to championships, tournaments and bowl games. Partnering with Logan, Scott provides expertise on speed, strength and conditioning programs for Logan’s Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning program, launching in summer 2022.
One of the top strength & conditioning pros in college athletics and a certified strength & conditioning specialist through the NSCA. He holds the Performance Enhancement Specialist and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Recently, he has completed Level 1 certifications in both Functional Movement Screen and Reflexive Performance Reset. Smith educates students on developing comprehensive training programs that put a major emphasis on movement training, explosive power development, foot speed and agility, linear and lateral speed, proper resistance training techniques, functional strength, injury reduction, and energy system development.
Dr. Chris Fahs earned his PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Oklahoma. His dissertation focused on the muscular adaptations to blood flow restricted resistance exercise. Dr. Fahs has held the CSCS certification since 2006 and is an active member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). He has published numerous articles on the acute and chronic effects of resistance exercise in journals such as Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Dr. Fahs is a former professional natural bodybuilder and currently competes in drug-free powerlifting through USA Powerlifting (USAPL) and the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA).
Eric McMahon is the Coaching and Sport Science Program Manager at the NSCA Headquarters in Colorado Springs. He joined the NSCA Staff in 2020 with over 15-years of coaching experience, including roles with the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the MLB Europe Programs. McMahon has spoken both in the U.S. and internationally on strength and conditioning topics, including on the use of “Velocity Based Training” and technology to guide and monitor the training process. From 2009-19, McMahon was a Strength and Conditioning Coach in the Texas Rangers Organization. He served as the Assistant Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coordinator from 2016-17, and was promoted to Major League Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach in 2018-19.
Ryan Jackson is a sports dietitian and strength and conditioning coach with over 12 years of experience working at the college level in addition to consulting with athletes of all levels. Ryan has worked with athletes at the University of Missouri, University of Tulsa, Arkansas State University, and now Southern Methodist University. Ryan has three degrees from the University of Missouri, a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Fitness, a master’s degree in Health Education and Promotion, and a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. Ryan is a registered and licensed dietitian (RD/LD), certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), strength and conditioning coach certified (SCCC), and is Flex Diet Certified. He is currently the Director of Performance Nutrition at the University of Central Florida.
Dawn Malone spent the last six years as the Associate Director of Athletic Performance at the University of Missouri. Her primary role was to designs and implement the strength and conditioning program for the women’s soccer, women’s basketball, and the men’s and women’s diving. Previously, she has spent time with direct oversite of the women’s tennis, men’s and women’s throws programs while also providing assistance with the remaining Olympic sport teams.
Prior to Mizzou, she served as a Strength and Conditioning intern at Coastal Carolina University. While at CCU Malone directed the athletic performance program for the men’s tennis team, and worked directly with the volleyball, softball, and football programs. In 2014, Malone served as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at D1 Training and Therapy where she trained a diverse group of athletes and adults.
Malone began her career in athletics at Meredith College as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Assistant Softball, and Assistant Volleyball Coach. Her duties included player development, planning and implementing team practice sessions, game day preparation, and recruiting. Additionally, Malone served as an Adjunct Professor in the department of Exercise and Sports Science.
Malone received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning from Appalachian State University. In addition, she was a three year letter winner for the Mountaineers’ softball team. She earned her Master of Science in Health, Education, and Sport Science from The Citadel.
Malone is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (RSCC) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, USAW Level 1 Sports Performance Coach, Titleist Performance Institute – Level 1 Performance Coach, Functional Range Conditioning & Assessment Certified, and completed the Rehabilitation Prague School of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Course (Level 1).
Brianna joined Logan in 2021 as the Health Professions Education Resident. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. She completed her Master of Education with an emphasis in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership from the University of Missouri. While working on her master’s degree, Brianna worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the University of Missouri track & field and cross-country programs. She holds a state licensure as a Certified Athletic Trainer and a National Certification as an Athletic Trainer. Prior to joining Logan University, Brianna worked as an athletic trainer in several settings including collegiate, high school, and at a physical therapy clinic. Brianna currently resides in Sycamore, Illinois. She loves to run, read, bake, and spend time outdoors.
Strength and Conditioning Degree Program Learning Outcomes
Logan’s Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning (MS-SC) is an athletic performance-based program that aims to produce qualified and educated Strength & Conditioning Coaches who obtain the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Graduates are prepared to apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance, and can successfully conduct sport-specific testing sessions, develop and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention.
- Develop and implement exercise programs to support and enhance athletic performance.
- Recognize deficits in athletic performance to evolve and modify strength and conditioning programming.
- Employ Scientific literacy to construct needs analysis for optimal sport-specific programming
- Demonstrate effective communication skills to reinforce positive motivation, instructional feedback for lifts and exercises, and provide nutritional guidance for athletes
- Assess biomechanical movement patterns and interpret physiological adaptations to resistance training and exercise.
In honor of the late Kenneth Evan Leistner, DC (’80), world-renowned chiropractor and strength and fitness coach—“Dr. Ken” to those who knew him—Logan University has established the Dr. Ken Leistner Memorial Scholarship, which will award $1,000 to one strength and conditioning student every trimester.
Additional Resources
Academic Degree Plan
Academic Schedules
Course number, title, time, instructors and more- find everything you need to enroll in classes for upcoming trimesters.
Program Guide 2023-2024
The Master of Science in Strength in Strength and Conditioning Program Guide. All information outlined in the Program Guide will be included in the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog.
Stories and Features: Master's in Strength and Conditioning
From College Athlete to NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach: Zane Fakes
A lifelong athlete, Zane Fakes played high school and college football and knows the importance of injury prevention and strength and...
Learn MoreLogan MS-SC Graduate Helps Athletes Achieve Their Best Sports Performance
**As of August 2024, Sam Roome is now serving as Director of Strength and Conditioning at Emory and Henry University. As a high school...
Learn MoreEric McMahon Uses Professional Baseball Coaching Experience to Elevate MS-SC Program
Eric McMahon, MEd, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, RSCC*E is the coaching and sport science program manager for the National Strength and Conditioning...
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