PhD in Strength and Conditioning

Careers in Strength and Conditioning

There are a plethora of avenues you can take with a PhD in strength and conditioning. Some popular career paths include:

• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Personal Trainer
• Sports Scientist
• Physical Therapist
• University Professor/Researcher
• High-Performance Director
• Athletic Administrator
• Corporate Wellness Coordinator

CSP Global’s Innovative Dissertation Approach

At CSP Global, the PhD program in strength and conditioning incorporates a distinctive dissertation approach inspired by the Carnegie Model for applied research. This methodology accelerates the dissertation process while focusing on projects pertinent to the industry.

The program is structured to integrate the dissertation independent research element early into the coursework rather than waiting until all courses are completed. This is facilitated through a series of four seminar courses:

• KHS7900 Seminar 1: Crafting the Dissertation Introduction
• KHS7901 Seminar 2: Developing the Dissertation Literature Review
• KHS7902 Seminar 3: Formulating the Dissertation Methodology
• KHS7903 Seminar 4: Perfecting the Written Dissertation Prospectus

Each of these one-credit courses is designed to engage you with your dissertation topic right from the start of your academic journey at CSP Global.

By the time you have finished all coursework and enrolled in the dissertation course KHD8000, you will already have significantly progressed in your dissertation work, paving the way to achieving your doctorate.

The Value of a PhD in Strength and Conditioning

CSP Global provides a specialized doctorate in kinesiology focusing on strength and conditioning, catering to those passionate about health sciences. This program features credit transferability from previous studies, entirely online coursework, no GRE/GMAT or comprehensive exam requirements and a gateway to diverse career paths. Doctoral students graduate with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for various professional roles.

The program’s distinctive dissertation process at CSP Global equips students for success from the outset, offering engaging and dynamic project opportunities. Earning a PhD in strength and conditioning from CSP Global enables graduates to conduct original research, work in healthcare environments, pursue athletic coaching careers, and much more.

Curriculum

Core (10 credits)

KHS7000 Issues and Trends in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7030 Professional Ethics and Program Management in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7900 Seminar 1: Drafting the Dissertation Introduction (1)
KHS7901 Seminar 2: Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review (1)
KHS7902 Seminar 3: Drafting the Dissertation Methodology (1)
KHS7903 Seminar 4: Finalizing the Written Dissertation Prospectus (1)

Strength & Conditioning Emphasis (27 Credits)

KHS7010 Medical Aspects of Exercise and Disease Prevention (3)
KHS7020 Exercise and Health Behavior Change (3)
KHS7100 Advanced Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise (3)
KHS7120 Advanced Exercise & Sport Nutrition (3)
KHS7200 Advanced Biomechanics (3)
KHS7210 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
KHS7513 Scientific Principles of Strength & Conditioning (3)
KHS7514 Exercise and Fitness Assessment (3)
KHS7524 Program Design for Special Populations (3)

Research Methods and Statistics (18 Credits)

KHS7820 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7830 Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7550 Qualitative Research in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7600 Quantitative Research in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7650 Mixed Methods in Research in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7700 Statistics in Kinesiology (3)

Dissertation (12 Credits)

KHS8000 Dissertation (12)

Total Credits for PhD = 67

Program Information

PhD in Strength and Conditioning Course Descriptions

​​KHS7000: Current Issues and Trends in Kinesiology: This course prepares students to analyze current problems, issues and trends impacting kinesiology professions. The emphasis is on selecting and discussing emerging and controversial topics from research and everyday experiences that lead to action. Leadership principles will be examined as students develop and identify leadership strategies, tools and applications to successfully implement a personal mission and vision statement.

KHS7010: Medical Aspects of Exercise and Disease Prevention: This course utilizes an epidemiological approach to examine the relationship between physical activity and health and/or disease outcomes. Emphasis is on the role of exercise in preventative medicine. Topics include the impact of exercise on various diseases, and the effect of various medical conditions on the ability to participate in vigorous exercise and competitive sports.

KHS7020: Exercise and Health Behavior Change: Advanced analysis of theoretical health behavior models and their application to physical activity behavior. Includes practical techniques, tools and interventions (e.g., counseling skills, motivational interviewing) to enhance exercise adherence and motivation across the lifespan.

KHS7030: Professional Ethics and Program Management in Kinesiology: This course examines ethical and socio-cultural issues that kinesiology students will face during their training and professional practice emphasizing conceptual frameworks needed to articulate concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. Topics include the application of ethical program management, financial management, legal issues and evaluation and planning.

KHS7100: Advanced Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise: This course examines the effects of acute and chronic exercise on the cardiovascular system, with an emphasis on understanding the regulatory mechanism that controls the cardiovascular system at rest and in response to aerobic and resistance exercises.

KHS7120: Advanced Exercise & Sport Nutrition: This course examines the role of nutrient selection, metabolism and timing play in supporting and improving health and human performance. Topics include nutrient bioenergetics, optimizing nutrient timing, micronutrients and macronutrients, ergogenic aids, thermoregulation, fluid balance and weight management.

KHS7200: Advanced Biomechanics in Exercise Science: This course examines qualitative and quantitative elements and physics of human movement. Content areas include the structural mechanics of bone physiology, muscle mechanics and connective tissue principles. Sport techniques and environmental conditions (e.g., friction, air and water resistance) are also explored. Biomechanical implications of sport and fitness skill performance will be analyzed for mechanical efficiency and effectiveness.

KHS7210: Advanced Exercise Physiology: The physiological responses to exercise performance and the effects of physical activity on the body’s functions are examined in theory and application.

KHS7513: Scientific Principles of Strength and Conditioning: This course focuses on the scientific principles of exercise physiology, biomechanics and motor behavior behind foundational training principles and how they can influence performance for athletic populations and individual exercisers. Students will critically analyze scientific literature to develop evidence-based training and program design to enhance sport performance and fitness.

KHS7514: Exercise and Fitness Assessment: Students will learn how to select appropriate physical fitness tests and conduct physiological assessments on members of diverse populations and varying levels of work capacities. Topics covered will include muscular strength and endurance testing, cardiovascular endurance testing, flexibility assessments, body composition analysis and posture assessments.

KHS7524: Program Design for Special Populations: This course provides in-depth study on a variety of special populations, including older adults, individuals with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, individuals with disabilities and individuals who are recovering from injury. Topics will include an overview of the health conditions and physical limitations associated with each special population, as well as the best practices for designing safe and effective exercise programs.

KHS7550: Qualitative Research in Kinesiology: This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative research, including research designs, data collection strategies, analysis, interpretation and evaluation methods.

KHS7600: Quantitative Research in Kinesiology: This course provides an overview of quantitative research, including research designs, data collection strategies, analysis, interpretation and evaluation methods.

KHS7650: Mixed Methods Research in Kinesiology: This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the advantages and limitations of different research methods in kinesiology, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. This course will cover the principles of research design and data analysis, with a focus on the development and implementation of mixed methods research studies.

KHS7700: Statistics in Kinesiology: This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of statistical analysis techniques and their application in the field of kinesiology. This course will cover a range of topics, including descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, regression analysis and non-parametric methods. Students will learn how to apply these techniques to analyze data from various kinesiology studies, including studies of physical activity, exercise and sport performance. They will also gain experience using statistical software to perform data analysis and interpret results. Throughout the course, students will work on real-world data sets and case studies, and will engage in interactive discussions and group projects that encourage critical thinking and problem solving.

KHS7820: Research Methods in Kinesiology: This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the research process in the field of kinesiology. Emphasis will be placed on real-world examples of how research is effectively accessed, interpreted and used in professional kinesiology settings.

KHS7830: Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology: This course builds on the previous course, but with an intentional focus on the dissertation topic of interest for each student.

In-depth research strategies, data reliability and credibility, and the IRB process are discussed and completed during this course. Students schedule the dissertation proposal during this course.

KHS7900 Seminar 1-Drafting the Dissertation Introduction: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Special focus on selecting the dissertation topic, forming the committee and drafting an introduction.

KHS7901 Seminar 2-Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on an annotated bibliography drafting the literature review.

KHS7902 Seminar 3-Drafting the Dissertation Methodology: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on drafting the methodology.

KHS7903 Seminar 4-Finalizing the Written Dissertation Prospectus: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on drafting a dissertation prospectus.

KHS8000 PhD Dissertation: The dissertation is an independent, scholarly work of research completed by the doctoral candidate, under the guidance of a dissertation committee. The dissertation will create knowledge and/or test a theory through the demonstration of scientific inquiry, investigative skills, methodological and analysis skills, scientific writing and presentation skills and ethical behavior.

Accreditation

Concordia University St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

No Comprehensive Exam

As part of our doctoral program, you will not have to take a comprehensive exam.

No GRE/GMAT Testing Requirement

There is no testing requirement to apply for our doctorate in kinesiology program. We consider your past performance as the best indicator of your future success. We’ll look at your prior college transcripts and request a writing sample showing that you can complete college-level writing.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost of the doctorate in kinesiology with an emphasis in strength and conditioning is $690 per credit hour. The PhD requires 67 credits.

CSP Global offers a variety of sources to help you pay for your education, including state and federal loans, payment plans and scholarships for those who qualify. Many students also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers.

Application

1. Online Application

• Create an account and submit our online application. Once submitted, you can follow your application process through the application portal.

2. Official College Transcripts

• Submit official transcripts from an accreditor recognized by the US Department of Education stating the conferral of a Master’s degree or higher with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 system.
• To be considered official, transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from the institution or through secured electronic delivery.

3. Writing Sample

• Those seeking admission into the doctorate in kinesiology program should submit a master’s level scholarly work that includes APA in-text citations and references. A sample of work from a previous master’s program and/or professional doctorate will be acceptable.

4. Letters of Recommendation

• Students seeking admission to the doctorate in kinesiology program should arrange to have two letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can speak to their greatest strengths and successes. It is recommended that these letters speak specifically to the applicant’s work ethic, disposition and academic ability.

5. Current Resume and Professional Goal Statement

• Provide a copy of your resume and a brief statement detailing your motivation for pursuing a doctorate in kinesiology and your persistence toward achieving long-term goals.