Exercise & Sport Sciences
All NCAA institutions are now required to have a certified strength & conditioning coach on staff. Additionally, high schools nation wide are recognizing both the need and the benefit of having individuals trained in strength & conditioning. Harding's program is designed for those who are interested in assisting athletes at all levels to improve athletic performance and emphasis on primary prevention of injuries. Our graduates will be well-equipped to fill those influential roles with Christian professionals.
Start in: fall or spring
TWO TRACKS AVAILABLE
There are two tracks students may take to prepare for the Master of Science in strength & conditioning exam.
Accelerated – This accelerated dual degree curriculum makes it possible for qualified students to complete both a Bachelor of Science in strength and conditioning and a Master of Science in strength & conditioning in five years.
- Students will declare strength and conditioning as the undergraduate major, complete liberal arts credits and prerequisites during their first three years, and finish graduate school in years four and five.
- The two years of graduate school start in the fall (beginning Fall 2021) and conclude the following fall, totaling four semesters.
Traditional – Students follow a traditional four-year undergraduate track, ensuring that any required prerequisites are part of undergraduate curriculum.
- Interested applicants may apply for the graduate program as early as their final year of undergraduate study.
- The two-year strength and conditioning master’s program requires a secondary application process (the program opens Fall 2021).
Special opportunities
During year one of the program, students will prepare to take the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist exam from the National Strength and Conditioning Association at the conclusion of the year.
Hands-on experience:
Students will complete an internship and a practicum as part of the master’s curriculum, totaling 640 hours of supervised practice under a certified strength & conditioning coach. Upon completion of the practicum, students will qualify to sit for the Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified recognition offered by the College Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association. See Academic Curriculum below for further information.
