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Strength and Conditioning Concentration

The master’s degree concentration in Strength and Conditioning is designed for individuals who are preparing for careers at high schools, universities, professional sport teams, sports medicine clinics, specialized sport performance clinics, and general fitness facilities. The program aims to enhance the students’ current level of knowledge in preparation for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. Internships are available at local high schools, within the university athletic department, and other sports-related organizations and agencies.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete all MSU and KIN requirements for the M.S. degree, including KIN 871-research methods, area of concentration, breadth requirement, and capstone (thesis, project, internship, or courses-only with certifying exam).

Students must complete all MSU and KIN requirements for the M.S. degree, including KIN 871 – research methods, area of concentration, breadth requirement, and capstone (thesis, project, internship, or courses-only with certifying exam). The exact program of study is specified in an individual program plan approved by the student’s guidance committee. The following courses in the Strength and Conditioning concentration include:

Required:

  • KIN 871 – Research Methods (3 credits)

Typical Concentration Course Selections (min. of 9 credits if no breadth requirement) – * symbol means the course currently requires an override:

  • KIN 855 – Psychosocial Bases of Coaching (3 credits)*
  • KIN 856 – Physical Bases of Coaching (3 credits)*
  • KIN 853 – Athletic Administration in Higher Education (3 credits)*
  • HNF 457 – Sports and Cardiovascular Nutrition (3 credits)
  • KIN 815 – Essentials of Strength and Conditioning (3 credits)
  • KIN 862 – Motor Learning (3 credits)

Frequently Selected Elective Courses:

  • KIN 813 – Neuromuscular Response to Exercise (3 credits)
  • KIN 810 – Metabolic Response to Exercise (3 credits)
  • KIN 858 – Issues and Techniques in Student-Athlete Development (3 credits)*
  • KIN 841 – Stress Management Techniques in Athletics (3 credits)
  • KIN 861 – Growth, Maturation, and Physical Activity (3 credits)
  • KIN 811 – Exercise Physiology Laboratory (2 credits)
  • KIN 890 – Independent Study (variable credit)
  • KIN 894 – Field Experience (variable credit)
  • KIN 461 – Neural Control of Movement

Capstone experience options:

  • KIN 893 – Internship in Kinesiology (4-6 credits)
  • KIN 897 – Project in Kinesiology (4 credits)
  • *KIN 899 – Master’s Thesis Research (6 credits)
  • Courses Only (Final Certifying Exam)

Additional Requirements for Plan A (thesis option)

  • * One additional research methods course at the 400-900 level approved by the student’s guidance committee (3 credits)

Students in the Strength and Conditioning concentration often complete field experiences or internships with youth, high school, or collegiate sports teams as part of their program of study. Consult the Academic Programs and Description of Courses catalogs for a full listing of academic programs and courses.