Online Master's in Strength and Conditioning Courses

This course familiarizes students with the scientific principles of comparative movement analysis. The students are introduced to the underlying physiological and bio-mechanical principles behind foundational training principles and how they can influence training and program design.

The physiological responses to exercise performance and the effects of physical activity on the body’s functions are examined in theory and application.

Psychology of sport and its applications for performance enhancement are examined. Special attention is given to theory and techniques for developing and refining psychological skills to enhance performance in the exercise science industry. Psychological aspects of exercise-related injury will also be explored within this course.

This course examines the various research methodologies used in the field of kinesiology. It provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies including research design, data collection and analysis, interviewing, case studies, and action science. The philosophy, ethics, and politics of research are introduced.

This course examines qualitative and quantitative elements and physics of human movement. Content areas include the structural mechanics of bone physiology, muscle mechanics, and connective tissue principles. Sport techniques and environmental conditions (e.g., friction, air, and water resistance) are also explored. Biomechanical implications of sport and fitness skill performance will be analyzed for mechanical efficiency and effectiveness.

This course focuses on the integration of nutrition with molecular and cellular biochemistry of metabolism. Major topics discussed in this course include the metabolic effects of diet composition, the interactions of macronutrients, and dietary modifications and their associated impact upon performance.

This course is designed to provide the student with advanced knowledge in the theory and practice of evaluating physical fitness. The course will cover a range of techniques for assessing cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition, as well as the selection and maintenance of the equipment or advanced technology used for these assessments. In addition to these advanced skills, the course will also delve into more specialized areas such as the assessment of special populations including athletes and individuals with disabilities.

This course is designed to give students an understanding of exercise principles and programming for special populations such as children, aging adults, and clients with temporary or permanent physical or cognitive conditions. The student will gain the knowledge and skills needed to design customized programs with modifications, progressions, and regressions based on individual needs. Additionally, students will learn how to evaluation tools and the resuling data to assess a program’s effectiveness. The guidelines for training special populations provided by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) will be highlighted in this course.

This course focuses upon the design of individualized exercise programs and prescriptions in health and disease. Knowledge of skills necessary for safe and effective application of these prescriptions for members of diverse populations as well as the prevention and maintenance of chronic disease will be emphasized.

This course explores the ethical and sociological issues in sport and exercise settings. Students will critically analyze problems and issues from an ethical and sociological perspective. Students will further examine contemporary case studies to think reflectively about the topics presented in the course in relation to present life experiences and future plans.

The capstone course provides the exercise science professional with the opportunity to synthesize the learning, which has taken place throughout the program. It further focuses upon the practical application of kinesiology concepts within the exercise science industry. The capstone will serve as an assessment of student learning within the Master of Science in Exercise Science program.