Strength and Conditioning Concentration
Program Mission and Goal
The mission and goal of the Strength and Conditioning Concentration of the MS in Kinesiology program in the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences at UNC Charlotte is to use an evidence-based curriculum and experiential learning to prepare students in the strength and conditioning industry standard knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to lead in the diverse strength and conditioning workforce.
Program Description
The Strength and Conditioning Concentration prepares students with the knowledge and skills essential for the Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Students apply industry standard, evidence-based guidelines to the administration of fitness assessments, the development and implementation of strength and conditioning programs, and the management and oversight of such programs. The Strength and Conditioning concentration requires 33 credit hours of course work. Experiential learning is achieved through 3 separate 1 credit hour field experiences, which students engage in over 600 hours of experiential learning under the supervision of an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Students are encouraged to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam.
Accreditation Status
The Strength and Conditioning Concentration of the MS in Kinesiology Graduate Program is currently seeking accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).
| Outcomes | Fall 2022 to Spring 2024 | Fall 2023 to Spring 2025 | Fall 2024 to Spring 2026 |
| Enrollment | 13 | ||
| Graduation | |||
| Retention | |||
| CSCS Pass Rate | |||
| Placement |
*First time pass rate
**Percentage of survey respondents positively placed in employment of continuing education 1 year post graduation
Curriculum and Plan of Study
The Strength and Conditioning curriculum is a blend of didactic, lab, and field experience instruction and application build upon the CASCE core knowledge, skills, and abilities.
| Fall | Spring | |
| 1st Year | KNES 5115 – Research Methods in Kinesiology KNES 6320 – Advanced Principles of Strength and Conditioning KNES 5100 – Organization and Administration for Strength and Conditioning | KNES 6280 – Advanced Exercise Physiology KNES 6151-002 – Exercise Testing in Methods for Strength and Conditioning KNES 5333 – Sport and Exercise Psychology KNES 6490 – Field Experience 1 |
| 2nd Year | KNES 6171 – Advanced Biomechanics KNES 6340 – Periodization KNES 6490 – Field Experience 2 Elective | KNES 6099 – Nutrition for Sports Performance KNES 6282 – Skeletal Muscle in Health and Disease KNES 6490 – Field Experience 3 |
Field Experiences
Students in the Strength and Conditioning Concentration will complete 3 field experiences under the direct supervision of an NSCA CSCS credentialed site supervisor. Our program has affiliations with professional, collegiate, high school, and private sector programs throughout the greater Charlotte area, including but not limited to:
Charlotte FC
UNC Charlotte Athletics
Queens University
Cannon School
Providence Day School
Charlotte Christian Academy
U.S. Performance Center
Students will accumulate a minimum of 200 hours in each field experience, resulting in 600 hours of hands on application of the CASCE knowledge, skills, and abilities. Together with our program’s didactic and lab instruction, our program will prepare students for the CSCS exam and to become leaders in the Strength and Conditioning discipline.
