MSES in Strength and Conditioning | Accelerated
ADVANCING strength and conditioning for peak performance
Envision yourself on the fast-track to a career in strength and conditioning with
the online Accelerated Track Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSES). Our program
builds on your undergraduate academic degree with the opportunity for completion in
one year.
The Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSES) with a focus on strength and conditioning
is designed for individuals who are interested in advancing their knowledge and practical
skills in the area of strength and conditioning. The program is grounded in evidence-based
practice, decision-making and leadership across health, fitness and sports performance
settings. The curriculum is designed to increase and expand the knowledge and skills
needed for the 21st century.
Format
OnlineProgram Length
One yearCredit Hours
36 to 39 Credit Hours*Depending on the student's choice of a scholarly project
Important Dates
Next Start Date:Fall I - August 24, 2026
(Priority Deadline: July 31)
ONLINE INFO SESSIONS
Cost
Tuition Per Credit Hour: $530Credit Hours to Complete: 36-39
Approximate Cost: $19,080
Why Earn Your MSES?
This advanced degree will help those seeking to further their knowledge in sport science and strength and conditioning and set themselves up for employment and job security. A master's degree, along with the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification (NSCA-CSCS), are the minimum requirements for careers in collegiate and professional sports, health and wellness, tactical (military, police, fire) and clinical rehabilitation. Many strength and conditioning coaches also perform teaching duties, for which a master's degree is a minimum qualification.

About the Program
The MSES program with a focus on Strength and Conditioning engages you in the scientific
principles and practical application of health, fitness and athletic performance.
The courses cover exercise and sport science, nutrition, strength and conditioning,
coaching and leadership, sport psychology and motor learning, research methods and
applied statistics, and more. Courses are taught by experts with a unique blend of
research and practical experience in the field. The program adheres to the NSCA principles
and prepares students to take the NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certification).
While the MSES program is online, classes foster collaboration and SXU's faculty are
always available to ensure your success through phone, email, video conference, or
in person for those who can stop by campus.
Students enrolled in the MSES will have access to the Human Performance Lab located in Saint Xavier's Center for Health and Wellness. This lab is dedicated to bringing our students the most up-to-date exercise and sport science technology, including:
- Full Weight Room
- GPS Tracking Technology
- Portable Force Plates
- Velocity-Based Technology
- In-Body Body Composition System
- VO2 Analysis System
- VALD Performance Technologies, including Dynamometer, Jump Mat, Laser Timing Gate System
- Dashr Laser System

The Master of Science in Exercise Science was created by expert scholars and practitioners for students and practitioners looking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
- Courses are taught by knowledgeable and experienced scholar-practitioners who provide a dynamic online learning environment.
- Coursework includes current evidence-based guidelines and best practices along with the opportunity to apply research and theory to real-world settings.
- Students will have access to our state-of-the-art High-Performance Lab and Train Heroic program design software.
- Regular seminars and a two-day onsite session will allow students to network, learn, share and grow.
- Students will conduct an applied project, gaining hands-on practical experience while developing scientific research skills.
Learning objectives are matched to certification exams and feedback from experts in the field. Within the master's program, students will:
- Effectively design and implement training programs for athletes, the general population, the military, and post-rehabilitation using current research and evidence-based techniques.
- Demonstrate appropriate evaluation methods for program design of strength and conditioning protocols.
- Use critical thinking skills to identify and prescribe recovery and regeneration techniques for both the athlete and non-athlete.
- Demonstrate appropriate testing, measurement and evaluation methods, including test selection, test administration, data management and reporting.
- Demonstrate an evidence-based approach to practice utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Apply best practices in coaching, leadership and ethics to practice and decision-making.
Why study Strength and Conditioning at SXU?
- Experienced faculty who have more than 50 years of strength and conditioning experience.
- Access to the Human Performance Lab throughout the summer.
- The opportunity to network with various professional organizations within strength and conditioning.
- Students will have an educational experience that will prepare them for the CSCS exam upon graduation.
Quick Links
Request Information
Want to know more about Master of Science in Exercise Science
program at Saint Xavier University? Please fill out the form below!
Contact the Office of Admission
- 773-298-3050
- Toll Free: 844-GOTO-SXU (844-468-6798)
- Fax: 773-298-3076
- Email: admissionFREESXU
- M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.



