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M.S. in Strength, Conditioning,
& Human Performance
Complete this short form to learn more about our MSSCHP program. ACU’s Office of Graduate Programs will reach out shortly to discuss your interests and answer your questions.
Mission
The Master of Science in Strength, Conditioning, and Human Performance fits within ACU’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership. The program provides students with in-person academic coursework, summer coursework opportunities, small cohorts, eligibility to sit for NSCA and CSCCa exams, and diverse internship experiences, all while reinforcing Christ-centered values.
Program Structure
What To Expect
These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan.
Upon graduation, be prepared to step into an influential career as a hands-on mentor, guide and coach for athletes, students and people seeking lifestyle changes through movement.
Required Hours
Program Length: 24 months
Credit Hours: 36
2024/2025 tuition per credit hour: $1,100
Example Coursework
Strength & Conditioning in Rehabilitation
Ethics in Sport
Seminar in Strength & Conditioning
Department
Kinesiology and Nutrition
Application Deadlines
Summer start: May 1
Fall start: August 15
Spring start: December 15
Possible Employment Settings
- Professional sports clubs
- University athletic departments
- National sporting associations, governing bodies and other related sporting agencies
- Private health and fitness clubs, spas, and public sports and recreation facilities
- Student health clubs at schools, further education and higher education institutions
Admission Requirements
In order to gain admission to the Master of Science in Strength, Conditioning, and Human Performance, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university. Applicants must submit official transcripts for review. Admissions are made on the assumption that applicants earn the bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation, and if not, the program admission is void. The GRE is not required.
- Prerequisite Coursework: All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation. Prerequisite courses include:
| Human Anatomy (or A&P I) (ACU Equivalent: BIOL 291 & 293) |
3-4 hours |
| Human Physiology (or A&P II) (ACU Equivalent: BIOL 292 & 294) |
3-4 hours |
| Exercise Physiology (ACU Equivalent: KINE 372 & 373) |
3 hours |
| Kinesiology/Biomechanics (ACU Equivalent: KINE 498) |
3 hours |
| Math (college algebra or higher) (ACU Equivalent: MATH 109 or higher) |
3 hours |
- GPA: An overall GPA of 3.0 is suggested to apply. Prerequisite and general science course grades will be reviewed.
- Resume
- Letters of Recommendation: Each applicant must obtain three letters of recommendation completed by individuals with expertise in the field, such as: (a) supervisors of volunteer or paid coaching work; (b) previous or present instructors and/or advisors; (c) previous or present employers; and/or (d) current or past coaches.
- Letters of recommendation should remark on the applicants: (a) willingness to learn; (b) integrity; (c) perseverance; and (d) ability to interact with patients/clients. Letters of recommendation are submitted online through the ACU application.
- Personal Statement: A written statement (600-800 words) describing professional goals, interests, and how your personal journey led you to applying to the Master’s of Strength, Conditioning, and Human Performance Program.
Our program director works with you to find an internship that suits your interests and moves you toward achieving your career goals. Here are some of the internship opportunities readily available to you on or near campus:
- NCAA DI
- NCAA D3
- University Student Gyms
- High Schools
- Privately Owned Gyms
The program prepares its graduates to:
- Apply knowledge and skills in assessment and analysis of client needs.
- Design and initiate interventions for the purpose of optimizing strength, conditioning and human performance.
- Demonstrate competency in evaluating, designing and conducting research.
Course Requirements
- PSYC 542- Applied Sports Psychology
- NUTR 635- Nutrition for Exercise and Sport
- MATP 613- Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
- MATP 621- Research Methods
- MATP 651- Strength & Conditioning in Rehabilitation
- KINE 503- Ethics in Sport
- KINE 580- Training Program Design
- KINE 601- Essentials of Human Performance
- KINE 602- Advanced Strength & Conditioning
- KINE 603- Seminar in Human Performance
- KINE 604- Internship 1
- KINE 605- Internship 2