Program Information

The Strength and Conditioning program prepares students to work with secondary school, collegiate, professional and/or elite athletes developing and implementing exercise programs to support and enhance performance.  Coursework, both theoretical and clinical, is designed to prepare students to become leaders in the field of Strength and Conditioning and Sports Performance.  All students complete fieldwork experience.  Students who receive grades of C+ or lower in any three courses will be dismissed from the program.

Undergraduate prerequisites/competencies:

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• Kinesiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Exercise Testing and Prescription
• Statistics
• First Aid and CPR
• Selected Skills and Techniques

The basic program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit.

Degree Information

The candidate will be eligible for either a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree or a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Strength and Conditioning depending upon the selection made in consultation with the advisor.

Contact Information

Dr. Brian Thompson 
Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training
Telephone: (413) 748-3495
E-Mail: bathomps@springfieldcollege.edu

A. Core requirement (6 credits)

• RSCH 610 - Foundations and Methods of Research Credits: 3
• RSCH 620 - Educational and Psychological Statistics I Credits: 3

B. Research requirements (4-6 credits)

• AEXS 692 - Independent Study in Applied Exercise Science Credits: 2
• RSCH 625 - Independent Study Proposal Design Credits: 2

• or

• RSCH 612 - Proposal Design Credits: 2

• and

• RSCH 635 - Thesis Credits: 4-12

• (must be taken for 4 credits to meet program requirements)

C. Program requirements (18 credits)

• AEXS 540 - Sports Nutrition Credits: 3
• AEXS 601 - Management of Health/Fitness Programs Credits: 3
• AEXS 613 - Exercise for Special Populations Credits: 3
• AEXS 670 - Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
• AEXS 671 - Strength and Conditioning Applications Credits: 1
• AEXS 680 - Advanced Strength and Conditioning Credits: 3
• AEXS 681 - Internship in Strength and Conditioning Credits: 2-6

D. Field Experience (3 credits)

• AEXS 682 - Strength and Conditioning Fieldwork I Credits: 1
• AEXS 683 - Strength and Conditioning Fieldwork II Credits: 2

E. Selectives (3-5 credits)

Students who choose the Independent Study Option under Research requirements will need 5 credits.

Coureses are chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor from the following areas:

F. Additional Information

Candidates in the Strength and Conditioning track are eligible for an M.S. with the completion of a thesis.  Students completing a non-thesis option are eligible for an M.Ed and must complete a School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation poster presentation of their Independent Study (AEXS 692).

Each student must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours.