About This Program

Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Graduate Recruiter and Admissions Coordinator
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Contact

Brian Thompson, PhD
Graduate Program Director for Strength and Conditioning
Department of Exercise Science Athletic Training
(413) 748-3495
bathomps@springfield.edu

Check out our outcomes.

Undergraduate prerequisites/competencies:

  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • Kinesiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Exercise Testing and Prescription
  • Statistics
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Selected Skills and Techniques

Certified Strength and Conditioning Exam Pass Rate

Our current NCSA exam pass rate is 96%.

Upcoming Events

In-person Information Session
Friday, March 24, 4:30 p.m. 
Register 

Virtual Information Session 
Wednesday, March 28, 7:30-8 p.m. ET
Register 

The MEd/MS in Strength and Conditioning at Springfield College prepares you to work with athletes as a strength and conditioning coach in secondary schools, collegiate and professional programs, and private settings. You will develop the skills and knowledge required to design physiologically sound programs that enhance athletic performance, as well as the coaching skills needed to implement the programs. To ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running when you graduate, you’ll complete multiple fieldwork experiences and study from a coursework that is relevant, practical, and based on research.

The strength and conditioning program is the first graduate program to receive accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Programs (CASCE). CASCE accreditation signifies a commitment to the highest standards of excellence, credibility, professionalism, and safety for strength and conditioning students, educational institutions, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) professionals, and their athletes.

CASCE Logo

Passion to Career

Strength and conditioning graduate student Simone Morin talks about how she turned a passion for the field into a career path.

Recently, Morin received a scholarship from the National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation’s Women’s Scholarship.

She currently serves as a graduate assistant in the Springfield College strength and conditioning room, working with various athletic teams and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Looking for an academic experience like Morin’s?

Strength and Conditioning Facility

Do you want to graduate with an experience-filled resume? Our strength and conditioning students apply their knowledge and gain experience at our strength and conditioning facility while they take classes.

A student works out with weights in the strength and conditioning facility.
Admissions Requirements

Complete the application form. No application fee.

Start your application process by completing the online application form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials outlined in this section. 

Graduate Admissions Essay

Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your essay.

In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 

Resume

Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your resume

Letters of Recommendation

This program requires two letters of recommendation. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

Official Transcripts from All Institutions Previously/Currently Attended

  • An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
  • Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
  • In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:

    Springfield College
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    263 Alden Street
    Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The staff in the Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

To submit materials:

After submitting your online application form you will receive user login credentials to access your student application portal. From that portal, you will be able to upload your graduate admissions essay and your resume. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload their letter to your application. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

Sequence of Courses

A. Core requirement (6 credits)


B. Research requirements (4-6 credits)


C. Program requirements (18 credits)


D. Field Experience (3 credits)


E. Selectives (3-5 credits)


Students who choose the Independent Study Option under Research requirements will need 5 credits.

Coureses are chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor from the following areas:

1. Applied Science


2. Coaching


3. Sport Administration


F. Additional Information


Candidates in the Strength and Conditioning track are eligible for an M.S. with the completion of a thesis.  Students completing a non-thesis option are eligible for an M.Ed and must complete a School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation poster presentation of their Independent Study (AEXS 692).

Each student must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours.

View the catalog.

APPLY ONLINE

The priority application deadline for applying for the fall semester is July 1.

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

AmeriCorps

Make a lasting impact on students' lives while helping to fund your education