Strength and Conditioning | Springfield College

Strength and Conditioning

Master of Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Senior Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions and Events
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact

Mary Kate Feit
Graduate Program Director for Strength and Conditioning
Department of Exercise Science
(413) 748-3600
mfeit@springfield.edu
Make an appointment

Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full time
  • Complete in 2 years
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
Certified Strength and Conditioning Exam Pass Rate

Over a 90% first attempt Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists passing rate.

Deciding between sport science and strength and conditioning programs? We can help.

Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Register

Strength and Conditioning Virtual Information Session
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Register

Strength and Conditioning Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Register

Springfield College Strength and Conditioning students in group huddle

The 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 MS in Strength and Conditioning program is the first graduate program to receive accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (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

What job can I get with a degree in Strength and Conditioning?

A master's degree in Strength and Conditioning from Springfield College opens up a variety of exciting career opportunities in the fitness and sports industries. Graduates often become strength and conditioning coaches, working with athletes to enhance their performance, prevent injuries, and achieve their fitness goals. You might also pursue roles as personal trainers, helping individuals improve their strength, endurance, and overall health.

 

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Coaches and Scouts
$45,910
Median Salary
9%
Job Projected Growth
26,900+
Job Projected Openings

Coaches teach amateur and professional athletes the fundamental skills of individual and team sports. They hold practice and training sessions to improve the athletes’ form, skills, and stamina. Along with refining athletes’ individual skills, coaches are responsible for instilling the importance of good sportsmanship, a competitive spirit, and teamwork.

Many coaches evaluate their opponents to determine strategies and to establish particular plays to practice. During competition, coaches call specific plays intended to defeat, surprise, or overpower the opponent, and they also may substitute players to get optimum team chemistry and success.



Athletic Trainer
$57,930
Median Salary
13%
Job Projected Growth
4,300+
Job Projected Openings

Athletic trainers work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes. Athletic trainers are usually one of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur on the field. They work under the direction of a licensed physician and with other healthcare providers, often discussing specific injuries and treatment options or evaluating and treating patients, as directed by a physician. Some athletic trainers meet with a team physician or consulting physician regularly.


How to Apply

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. 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

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required 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 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.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1
“Springfield College always strives to better the student experience, and this commitment to excellence is extremely apparent. Advisors are always checking in with their students, professors are always looking for feedback, and students know that their voices are always important.” Amanda Hanley '23, Graduate Class of 2026
Amanda Hanley - Springfield College
Strength & Conditioning Assistant, Miami Dolphins

Andrew Papirio ’19, G’22

“There are three things you want as a graduate student: To learn, to prepare yourself as a professional, and to become a better expression of yourself. Springfield College provides opportunities for all three of those things at a high level. Especially our strength and conditioning program. There is a reason we have the reputation that we do and you see so many of us leading and being sought after in the field—what we do is replicated in many places. How we do it is unmatched. If you want to change lives coaching, you are meant to be here. ”

Andrew Papirio
“Everyone was very helpful, including with resolving my visa process and guiding me through it. Everyone was just one email and one Zoom call away if I had any issues. The Springfield College community made me feel so welcomed. I found a new home away from home.” Ishani Bali, Graduate Class of 2025, India
Ishani Bali - Springfield College
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Dartmouth College

Olivia Indorf, G’21

“The classroom experience, hands-on coaching opportunities, and connections that I made in the strength and conditioning program were second to none. The opportunity to be a graduate assistant in this program gave me head coaching experience before I even graduated, and prepared me for the real world. I knew I would be ready when career opportunities came along.”

Olivia Indorf

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.

Fellowships & Scholarships

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

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.