MS in Kinesiology (Strength, Conditioning, and Fitness)

1. Culminates in certification by one of three national organizations
2. Coursework involves academic and hands-on work; no thesis required
3. Two-year program for those with an exercise science background
4. Access to well-equipped research laboratories and a working fitness center

This flexible program accommodates a variety of interests and career goals, and also prepares you to pass the national certification exams. These encompass:

• Foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies in exercise science
• Physical fitness assessment and development
• Strength, conditioning, and fitness program design
• Nutrition

Through your coursework and practicum experiences, you will learn to:

• Administer appropriate tests and assessments
• Design and implement safe and effective training and conditioning programs
• Provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention

You will work with strength and conditioning or fitness programs, whether through the university, a professional team, high school, or private club, as part of required practicum or internship experiences.

As part of the program's required 36 credit hours, all students are required to take coursework in:

• Research methods
• Practicum and/or internship (in the United States or through study abroad)
• Seminar in strength, conditioning, and fitness

Note that our students, prior to admission, must have a bachelor's degree in a kinesiology-related field and have taken two semesters of anatomy / physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.

You will work with your faculty advisor to select electives based on your career goals and the competencies required for certification. Elective areas include:

• Motor learning and control, and exercise and sport psychology for those interested in sport skill development and improvement of athletic performance
• Neuromuscular exercise physiology for those interested primarily in strength development
• Motor development, therapeutic exercise, and instructional strategies for those interested in working with children and people with special needs
• Metabolic and cardiorespiratory aspects of exercise, clinical exercise physiology, advanced exercise prescription of individuals with chronic diseases, and exercise epidemiology for those interested in personal training and improving health and fitness

Successful completion of any of the following certification exams while enrolled as a student will exempt you from a final oral exam.

• National Strength and Conditioning Association, as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist or Certified Personal Trainer
• National Academy of Sports Medicine, as a Certified Personal Trainer
• American College of Sports Medicine, as a Certified Personal Trainer, or Certified Health-Fitness Specialist

We recommend that you do not take these certification exams prior to admission.

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

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The program is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in athletic training, exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education. You are also required to have taken undergraduate coursework in anatomy and physiology.

Admission to the program is competitive and considers a number of factors. At a minimum, you must have a recommended GPA of 3.0. The GRE is not a requirement for admission to the MS non-thesis program specializing in Strength, Conditioning, and Fitness.

International students must score at least 80 on the Internet Based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, with at least 20 on the speaking and writing portions.

March 1

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• Program Description (Non-Thesis)
• Instuction Packet (Non Thesis)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• American College of Sports Medicine