M.S. in Strength and Conditioning FAQs

No, you are not required to complete an entrance exam to pursue your master’s in strength and conditioning online with CSP Global. To view the complete program requirements, visit our admissions page.

The first step is to start your application.

No, prior work experience is not required. The program requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA but does not explicitly require prior coaching experience for admission. However, the curriculum is designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in strength and conditioning, so having some background in athletics, fitness, coaching, or related areas will help you maximize the program’s value. Whether you’re an entry-level professional or an experienced coach, the advanced coursework will deepen your expertise in exercise programming, biomechanics, assessment, and performance enhancement strategies. Learn more about this program’s requirements on our admissions page.

Yes, the master’s in strength and conditioning program accepts transfer credits for up to 50% of the coursework. Learn more about this program’s requirements on our admissions page.

To apply to CSP you need a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and official transcripts from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education showing conferral of a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is no GRE or GMAT requirement and no application fee. Learn more on the admissions page.  

Those who earn a master’s in strength and conditioning degree online can pursue an array of careers, such as sports performance coach, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and sports specialist. Demand for fitness trainers and instructors is rising, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment will grow 19% from 2021 to 2031. During that period, coach and scout hiring is expected to grow by 20%. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.

Yes, the curriculum is specifically aligned with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam. The coursework also prepares students for the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization exam and other certifications from ISSA, CSCCa, and NCFS. The program covers exercise physiology, functional anatomy, sports nutrition, risk management, biomechanics, program design, fitness assessment, and other content areas tested on these professional certifications. This alignment ensures you’re well-prepared to pursue industry-recognized credentials that enhance your career prospects.  Learn more about how our online master’s program prepares you for strength and conditioning careers by visiting our careers page.

Yes, the program is designed specifically for working professionals. The 100% online format provides flexibility to continue your coaching or training career while earning your degree. The asynchronous coursework creates a structured learning path, and you can access all coursework online without any clinical placement requirements. Many students in the program are currently working as coaches, personal trainers, or in related athletic performance roles, making it practical to balance work and graduate studies. 

Yes, this degree program follows a cohort model. Learn about the curriculum by visiting the courses page.

No, this program does not have a residency requirement. To learn about the curriculum, please visit the courses page.

CSP Global offers an ethics course founded on traditional values, and the syllabus for each course contains our mission statement:

The mission of CSP Global and Concordia University, St. Paul, a university of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity, for enlightened care of God’s creation, all within the context of the Christian Gospel.
To learn about the curriculum, please visit the courses page.

You’ll complete 11 courses to complete the master’s in strength and conditioning program. The 33-credit program includes 11 courses completed over eight-week terms. Core courses include: Scientific Principles of Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Research Methods in Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Human Movement, Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism, Fitness Evaluation and Assessment, Advanced Program Design for Special Populations, Advanced Exercise Prescription, Ethical and Sociological Issues in Kinesiology, and a Capstone in Kinesiology. Learn more on the courses page. 

This program costs $475 per credit hour for a total of 33 credit hours, making the total estimated tuition $15,675 (not including fees, books, and supplies). With our generous transfer credit policy, your tuition could be reduced by as much as 50%. Financial aid options include federal student aid, private loans, institutional tuition discounts for online students, transfer student awards of $2,000 or more, and military benefits through the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program. CSP is a Military Friendly school offering active-duty tuition discounts and spousal/family benefits. Learn more on the tuition and financial aid page.