Strength and Conditioning Practitioner

The Strength and Conditioning Practitioner concentration is a non-thesis track within the Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology program. The Strength and Conditioning Practitioner concentration is only offered residentially. This concentration is designed for students seeking advanced knowledge in strength and conditioning principles, human performance optimization, and applied sport science. Students will gain expertise in exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport nutrition, and program design, preparing them to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risk across diverse populations.

Graduates of this program develop the skills necessary to design and implement evidence-based training programs for athletes, tactical professionals, and active individuals. Many pursue careers as strength and conditioning coaches, performance specialists, or fitness professionals in collegiate, professional, and private training settings. Additionally, this concentration provides a strong foundation for those seeking industry certifications, such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), or further study in doctoral or allied health programs.

Why Choose UF for Strength & Conditioning?

• Accreditation & Certification Advantage: UF’s program is on track for Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) accreditation by 2026, making graduates eligible for the CSCS exam.
• Be ahead of the curve: By 2030, only graduates from accredited programs can take the CSCS exam.
• Exclusive Hands-on Training & Practicum Opportunities: Potential to complete required practical training with strength and conditioning staff members from UF athletic teams, elite sports facilities, military training centers, and high-performance environments.
• Expert Faculty with Industry Experience: Learn from seasoned professionals with extensive experience in sports performance, tactical strength, and human physiology.
• Flexible Career Paths: Graduate can pursue careers in professional sports, high school coaching, tactical strength (military, law enforcement, fire rescue), and private performance training.

Career Outcomes

JOB PROSPECTS

• Strength & Conditioning Coach (Professional, Collegiate, High School)
• Tactical Strength Coach (Military, Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue)
• Performance Coach in Private Training Facilities
• Athletic Training & Rehabilitation Specialist (with further credentials)

INDUSTRY DEMAND

• The U.S. Army is the largest employer of strength coaches.
• Strength & Conditioning is growing in tactical and corporate wellness sectors.
• The demand for certified professionals is increasing as regulations tighten.
  
  

Who Should Apply?
Ideal for students passionate about athlete performance, sports science, and tactical training.

Requirements

The 30-credit hour curriculum for the Strength and Conditioning Practitioner concentration requires students to complete:

• One course from each of the six fundamental topic areas – 18 credit hours
• Elective courses – 12 credit hours
• Comprehensive Final Examination
• Per UF Graduate School policy, students are required to pass a comprehensive final exam in their intended graduation semester. Students in the MS-APK Strength and Conditioning Practitioner Concentration are highly encouraged to complete the NSCA CSCS Exam in their final semester. Students who successfully pass the CSCS exam by the end of the comprehensive exam schedule are permitted to substitute this exam for the MS-APK comprehensive exam.

Curriculum

Students will complete the 9 courses listed below to satisfy the degree requirements and become eligible to take the CSCS exam.

Fundamentals in Exercise Physiology

• APK5XXX Anatomy & Physiology for Sports & Exercise Practitioners (3 credits)
• APK6116c Physiological Bases of Exercise & Sport Sciences (3 credits)

Fundamentals in Research

• APK5702 Applied Sport Science (3 credits)

Fundamentals in Exercise Conditioning

• APK5177 Strength and Conditioning for Beginning Practitioners (3 credits)
• AOK6611 Tactical Strength and Conditioning (3 credits)

Fundamentals in Assessment

• APK6226 Biomechanics of Human Motion (3 credits)

Fundamentals in Behavioral Aspects of Performance

• APK5404 Sport Psychology (3 credits)

Fundamentals in Sports Nutrition

• APK6167 Nutrition Aspects of Human Performance (3 credits)

Approved Elective Courses

• APK6940c Advanced Practicum in Exercise and Sport Science (6 credits)

Recommended Prerequisites

Undergraduate coursework in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology are recommended. However, there are no required pre-requisite courses to be considered for admission to the program. Admission criteria include a minimum GPA of 3.0 across all undergraduate coursework, minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate STEM-specific coursework (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), a written personal statement effectively describing why the applicant is seeking a career in strength and conditioning and their career goals, and three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources.

Faculty Advisors

• Blain Harrison, Ph.D, CSCS*D
• Ben Gordon, Ph.D, CSCS, ACSM CEP
• Anna Gardner, Ph.D.
• Max Adolphs, Ph.D.
• Paul Borsa, Ph.D.

Application Process

• Master of Science in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology
• Deadlines: There is a rolling admissions process, so you can apply at any time. For international students, to initiate visa-related paperwork you must be accepted into the program by the following dates:

Fall Enrollment: May 15
Spring Enrollment: October 1

Have questions?
Reach out to Blain Harrison, Ph.D., CSCS*D.