M.S. in Health & Movement Sciences: Strength & Conditioning Emphasis

Advance Your Knowledge. Lead in Performance.

The graduate-level Strength & Conditioning emphasis within the M.S. in Health & Movement Sciences degree is designed for students who want to enhance their understanding of athlete development, sports science, and long-term programming. This two-year program is ideal for aspiring collegiate strength coaches, sports scientists, and those preparing for doctoral studies.

Program Highlights:

• Rigorous coursework in biomechanics, research, and applied sport science
• Prepares students for NSCA-CSCS and higher-level coaching careers
• Applied experience in our Strength & Conditioning Lab and performance facilities
• Option to complete a Comprehensive Project or Internship
• Hands-on coaching and programming for diverse populations

Career Opportunities:

• Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Dual Credential Healthcare professional
• Sport Scientist
• Performance Coach
• Research & Data Analyst
• Preparation for Doctoral Study

Admission Requirements:

M.S. in Health & Movement Sciences: Strength & Conditioning Emphasis

Students intending to enroll in the Marshall University Strength & Conditioning program must meet the following requirements. The field experience course is intended to be taken during the second to last semester at Marshall after the majority of classes have been completed. The guided application of strength and conditioning skills is designed to prepare students for their internship.

Prerequisites for the M.S. Strength and Conditioning program are

Graduate

Prerequisites for the MS Strength and Conditioning program are

• Application to the MS Strength and Conditioning program
• An overall GPA of 2.75 or better
• Personal statement relating interest in Marshall’s MS Strength and Conditioning program and how the degree fits into the intended career
• Scholarly writing sample
• A B.S. degree in exercise science, biomechanics, health science or athletic training, or
• A B.S degree with the following equivalent required courses: BSC 227, BSC 228, HS 222, HS 365/HS 365L, ESS 345, ESS 442/443 and ESS 478.

 

Program Requirements for the M.S. in the Health & Movement Sciences: Strength & Conditioning Emphasis 

M.S. in Health and Movement Sciences – Required Courses                      21

ESS 670 Research Methods in Kinesiology                                                   3

ESS 621 Adv Exercise Physiology                                                                 3

HS 566  Biomechanics or HS 564 Pathomechanics                                       3

STA 518 Biostatistics                                                                                     3

ESS 660 Internship                                                                                         6

ESS 692 Clinical Field Experience                                                                3

Strength and Conditioning Major Required Courses                                15

ESS 601 Exercise Testing                                                                               3

ESS 642 Devis Train & Cond Prog                                                                3

ESS 650 Drug in Sport                                                                                   3

HS   505 Sports Psychology                                                               3

HS 510 Org & Admin                                                                                     3

 

2024-2025 Graduate Tuition & Fees:

M.S. in Health & Movement Sciences: Strength & Conditioning Emphasis 

	Tuition	Fees
Resident of WV	$3,958.00	$1,214.00	$5,095.00
Metro Residents	$7,204.00	$1,512.00	$8,716.00
Non-Resident of WV	$10,299.00	$1,531.00	$11,830.00

 

Programmatic Outcomes: M.S. in Health & Movement Sciences: Strength & Conditioning Emphasis

Outcomes	AY 2024/2025	AY 2025/2026	AY 2026/2027
Enrollment
Graduation
Retention
CSCS Pass Rate
1st Time
Overall
Placment
1 Year
5 Year

 

Accreditation Status

TBD

 

Remediation Policy

If a student earns a grade in a strength & condition program course that does not meet the required passing grade, the instructor may require remedial work to achieve the required score. The instructor of record and Program Director will review each student on a case-by-case basis. Students may be required to provide remedial work. Options include, but are not limited to, retaking a course, remedial work, and independent study. Refusal to engage in remediation may result in probation and/or dismissal from the program. 

 

Grievance Policy for the Strength & Conditioning Program

Purpose: The Strength & Conditioning program is committed to fostering an educational environment where students can express concerns and seek resolutions in a fair and systematic manner. This grievance policy provides a structured process for addressing academic and non-academic issues that may arise during a student’s tenure in the program.

Scope: This policy applies to all students enrolled in the Strength & Conditioning program and encompasses grievances related to academic matters, faculty or staff conduct, program policies, and other concerns impacting the student experience.

Grievance Procedures:

1. Informal Resolution:

• Students are encouraged to first address their concerns directly with the involved party (e.g., student, faculty member, staff) to seek an informal resolution.
• If the issue remains unresolved, the student should consult their academic advisor or the Program Director for guidance and mediation.

 

2.Formal Grievance:

• If an informal resolution is unsuccessful or deemed inappropriate, the student may file a formal written grievance.
• The written grievance should include:
  • A clear statement of the issue.
  • Relevant facts and documentation.
  • A description of prior attempts at resolution.
  • The desired outcome or resolution.
• The formal grievance must be submitted to the Program Director within 10 business days of the incident or the conclusion of informal resolution attempts.

 

3.Review Process:

• Upon receipt, the Program Director will acknowledge the grievance and initiate a review, which may involve:
  • Meeting with the student to discuss the grievance.
  • Consulting with involved parties.
  • Reviewing relevant documentation.
• A written response detailing the findings and any proposed actions will be provided to the student within 15 business days.

 

4.Appeal Process:

• If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the first step, they may appeal the decision to the Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science.
• The appeal must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of receiving the Program Director’s decision and should include:
  • The original grievance documentation.
  • The Program Director’s response.
  • A statement outlining the grounds for appeal.
• The Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science will review the appeal and issue a final decision within 10 business days.
• If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome from the Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science, they may appeal the decision to the Dean of the College of Health Professions.
• The appeal must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of receiving the Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science’s decision and should include:
  • The original grievance documentation.
  • The Program Director’s response.
  • The Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science response.
  • A statement outlining the grounds for appeal.
• The Dean will review the appeal and issue a final decision within 10 business days.

Confidentiality: All grievance proceedings and records will be handled confidentially, with information disclosed only to individuals directly involved in the process.

Non-Retaliation: Students filing a grievance in good faith are protected from retaliation. Any retaliatory actions should be reported immediately and will be addressed promptly.