MSES in Strength and Conditioning | Traditional
Mastering Strength and Conditioning for Peak Performance
The Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSES), with a focus on strength and conditioning, is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field who are interested in advancing their knowledge and practical skills. The program is grounded in evidence-based practice, decision-making and leadership across health, fitness and sports performance settings. The curriculum is designed to increase and expand the knowledge and skills needed for the 21st century.
Format
Online
Program Length
Two years
Credit Hours
36 to 39 Credit Hours
*Depending on the student's choice of a scholarly project
Important Dates
Next Start Date:
Fall I - August 25, 2025
(Priority Deadline: July 31)
Cost
Tuition Per Credit Hour: $530
Credit Hours to Complete: 36 - 39
Approximate Cost: $19,080 - $20,670
Why Earn Your Master's in Strength and Conditioning?
This advanced degree will help those seeking to further their knowledge in sports science, strength and conditioning, and set themselves up for employment and job security. A master's degree along with the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification (NSCA-CSCS) are the minimum requirements for careers in collegiate and professional sports, health and wellness, tactical (military, police, fire) and clinical rehabilitation. Many strength and conditioning coaches also perform teaching duties, for which a master's degree is a minimum qualification.
About the Program
The MSES program focusing on Strength and Conditioning engages you in the scientific principles and practical application of health, fitness and athletic performance. The courses cover exercise and sport science, nutrition, strength and conditioning, coaching and leadership, sport psychology and motor learning, research methods and applied statistics and more. Courses are taught by experts with a unique blend of research and practical experience in the field. The program adheres to the NSCA principles and prepares students to take the NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification), NSCA's Certified Performance and Sport Scientist certification (NSCA-CPSS), and the Functional Movement Systems' FMS Level 1 certification.
While the MSES program is online, classes foster collaboration and SXU's faculty are always available to ensure your success through phone, email, video conference, or stopping by the campus for those who can. Students will also have a two-day onsite intensive to apply all the theory taught in the program into practical application within the lab. This takes place at our Human Performance Lab, located inside Saint Xavier's Center for Health and Wellness, one of the most technologically advanced labs in the Midwest.
Students enrolled in the MSES will have access to the Human Performance Lab located in Saint Xavier's Center for Health and Wellness. This lab is dedicated to bringing our students the most up-to-date exercise and sport science technology, including:
- Full Weight Room
- GPS Tracking Technology
- Portable Force Plates
- Velocity-Based Technology
- In-Body Body Composition System
- Bluetooth VO2 Analysis System
- FMS
- VALD Performance Technologies, including Dynamometer, Jump Mat, Laser Timing Gate System.
- Dashr Laser System, and more.

The Master's degree in Exercise Science was created by expert scholars and practitioners for students and practitioners looking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
- Courses are taught by knowledgeable and experienced scholar-practitioners who provide a dynamic online learning environment.
- Coursework includes current evidence-based guidelines and best practices along with the opportunity to apply research and theory to real-world settings.
- Students will have access to our state-of-the-art High-Performance Lab and Train Heroic program design software.
- Regular seminars and a two-day onsite session will allow students to network, learn, share and grow.
- Students will conduct an applied project, gaining hands-on practical experience while developing scientific research skills.
Learning objectives are matched to certification exams and feedback from experts in the field. Within the Master's program, students will:
- Effectively design and implement training programs for athletes, the general population, the military and post-rehabilitation using current research and evidence-based techniques.
- Demonstrate appropriate evaluation methods for program design of strength and conditioning protocols.
- Use critical thinking skills to identify and prescribe recovery and regeneration techniques for both the athlete and non-athlete.
- Demonstrate appropriate testing, measurement and evaluation methods including test selection, test administration, data management and reporting.
- Demonstrate an evidence-based approach to practice utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Apply best practices in coaching, leadership and ethics to practice and decision-making.
- Experienced faculty who has more than 50 years of strength and conditioning experience
- Access to the human performance lab throughout the summer
- Ability to observe with athletes in various populations
- The opportunity to network with various professional organizations within strength and condoning
- You will have an educational experience that will prepare you for the CSCS exam upon graduation
Admission Requirements and Process
Request Information
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program at Saint Xavier University? Please fill out the form below!
Graduate Admission
- 773-298-3053
- Email: graduateadmissionFREESXU
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student testimonial
“I chose to continue my education and pursue a graduate degree from SXU because of the institution’s immense resources and a desire to sharpen my skills. The faculty care and are very personable, and what I am learning in my classes – like how to design a needs analysis or program information – is helping me to prepare for successful execution.”