Strength and Conditioning
About This Program |
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Check out our outcomes. |
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ContactBrian Thompson, PhD |
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Undergraduate prerequisites/competencies:
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Certified Strength and Conditioning Exam Pass RateOur current NCSA exam pass rate is 96%. |
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The mission of the strength and conditioning graduate program is to prepare 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 recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program. The NSCA recognizes regionally accredited academic institutions for their educational programs that have met, and continue to meet, educational guidelines recommended by the association.
Admissions Requirements
This program enrolls students in the fall term only.
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. 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. 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.
Our Associate Director of International Admissions Nicholas Venn can answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Springfield College as an international student. You may email him at intladmissions@springfield.edu or via phone at (413) 748-3891.
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
Curriculum
A. Core requirement (6 credits)
- RSCH 610 - Foundations and Methods of Research Credits: 3
- RSCH 620 - Educational and Psychological Statistics I Credits: 3
B. Research requirements (4-6 credits)
- AEXS 692 - Independent Study in Applied Exercise Science Credits: 2
- RSCH 625 - Independent Study Proposal Design Credits: 2
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or
- RSCH 612 - Proposal Design Credits: 2
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and
- RSCH 635 - Thesis Credits: 4-12
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(must be taken for 4 credits to meet program requirements)
C. Program requirements (18 credits)
- AEXS 540 - Sports Nutrition Credits: 3
- AEXS 604 - Neuromuscular Physiology and Exercise Credits: 3
- AEXS 670 - Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
- AEXS 671 - Strength and Conditioning Applications Credits: 1
- AEXS 674 - Technology Use in Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
- AEXS 680 - Advanced Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
- AEXS 681 - Internship in Strength and Conditioning Credits: 2-6
D. Field Experience (3 credits)
- AEXS 682 - Strength and Conditioning Fieldwork I Credits: 1
- AEXS 683 - Strength and Conditioning Fieldwork II Credits: 2
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
- AEXS 602 - Exercise Biochemistry Credits: 3
- AEXS 603 - Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiology Credits: 3
- AEXS 607 - Pulmonary Physiology & Exercise Credits: 3
- AEXS 610 - Advanced Exercise Physiology Credits: 3
- AEXS 677 - Stress Management Credits: 3
- MOST 624 - Motor Learning and Control Credits: 3
- RSCH 618 - Guided Individual Study Credits: 1-6
2. Coaching
- AEXS 678 - Sport Psychology Credits: 3
- AEXS 679 - Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology Credits: 3
- MOST 624 - Motor Learning and Control Credits: 3
- PHED 613 - Advanced Level Coaching: Methods and Issues Credits: 3
- PHED 685 - Internship in Advanced Level Coaching Credits: 1-4
- PSYC 670 - Psychology of the College-Age Adult Credits: 3
- RSCH 618 - Guided Individual Study Credits: 1-6
3. Sport Administration
- HPER 645 - Marketing Issues in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
- PHED 633 - Athletic Administration Credits: 3
- RSCH 618 - Guided Individual Study Credits: 1-6
- SMRT 679 - Performance and Personnel Management for Sport Credits: 3
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.
Deadline
Master of Education or Science in Strength and Conditioning candidates must submit applications by March 15. Supporting materials are due by April 1. Applications received after April 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space allows.
Cost
Graduate Program Courses | $1,138 per credit |
Approximate total cost (36 credits) | $40,968 |
Graduate Student Fee* | $396 |
Enrollment Deposit | $300 |
All approximate costs above are based on 2022-23 academic year costs.
*The graduate student fee (full time) includes the following costs for the 2022-23 academic year.
- Student Government Fee: $21
- Community Engagement Fee: $36
- Recreation Fee: $324
- Class Dues: $15
The graduate student fee (part-time) is $87.50 per semester.