Strength and Conditioning Program Overview

Our PhD in Kinesiology, specializing in Strength & Conditioning, equips students for careers in academia and research. Graduates will be proficient in conducting and publishing original research, collaborating with fellow researchers, and teaching at the post-secondary level.

This PhD program emphasizes research more heavily than the EdD program, requiring 55 hours of coursework and 12 hours dedicated to dissertation research.

Generous Transfer Credits

CSP Global offers students generous transfer credit opportunities to expedite earning your degree.

100% Online

Our strength and conditioning program is fully online and designed for a flexible learning experience.

No GRE/GMAT, No Comp Exam

CSP Global doesn’t require students to take the GRE/GMAT or other comp exams.

Why Enter a Strength and Conditioning Program?

Entering a strength and conditioning program offers numerous benefits for those passionate about enhancing athletic performance and promoting overall fitness. Here are the top reasons to pursue this path:

1. Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue diverse careers, including roles as strength and conditioning coaches for professional sports teams, fitness trainers, and wellness consultants in various settings such as schools, gyms, and private practices.
2. Impactful Work: Strength and conditioning professionals play a critical role in improving athletes’ performance, preventing injuries, and promoting long-term health. This work can be highly rewarding as you witness the tangible results of your efforts.
3. Advanced Knowledge and Skills: The program provides in-depth knowledge of exercise science, biomechanics, nutrition, strength training, and psychology. You’ll develop advanced skills in designing and implementing effective training programs tailored to individual needs.
4. Research and Innovation: If you have a passion for research, a strength and conditioning program offers opportunities to contribute to the field’s body of knowledge. You can engage in cutting-edge research, explore innovative training techniques, and influence best practices.
5. Professional Development: The program prepares you for certification exams, such as the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), enhancing your professional credentials and marketability.
6. Networking Opportunities: You will connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, building a professional network that can support your career growth and provide opportunities for collaboration and advancement.
7. Personal Fulfillment: For those passionate about fitness and sports, working in strength and conditioning offers personal satisfaction from helping others achieve their athletic and health goals.

Overall, a strength and conditioning program provides a solid foundation for a dynamic and fulfilling career dedicated to optimizing physical performance and well-being.

Skills You’ll Learn

CSP’s Kinesiology PhD with a Strength and Conditioning emphasis equips students with a comprehensive set of skills necessary for advancing in both academic and professional settings. Here are some key skills you will develop in our program:

Advanced Research Skills

• Experimental Design: Learn to design and conduct rigorous research studies, including developing hypotheses, selecting appropriate methodologies, and controlling variables.
• Data Analysis: Master advanced statistical techniques and software tools to analyze and interpret complex data, ensuring accurate and meaningful results.
• Scientific Writing: Develop the ability to write clear, concise, and impactful research papers, grant proposals, and other scientific documents.

Biomechanics and Physiology

• Biomechanical Analysis: Gain expertise in analyzing human movement using sophisticated tools and techniques, understanding the mechanics behind athletic performance and injury prevention. Learn how to ensure athletes are using proper form when lifting weights or doing body weight exercises.
• Exercise Physiology: Deepen your knowledge of how the body responds and adapts to physical activity, including energy systems, muscle physiology, and cardiovascular function.

Program Design and Implementation

• Training Program Development: Learn to create effective strength and conditioning programs tailored to various populations, from elite athletes to recreational fitness enthusiasts. Help others build muscle mass in the major muscle groups through resistance training.
• Performance Testing: Acquire skills in conducting and interpreting a range of fitness assessments to monitor progress and adjust sport-specific training protocols accordingly.

Teaching and Leadership

• Educational Techniques: Develop teaching strategies for effectively conveying complex information to students and athletes, enhancing your ability to educate and inspire others through strength and conditioning workout programs.
• Leadership and Management: Gain experience in managing teams, leading research projects, and directing strength and conditioning programs in various organizational settings.

Collaboration and Communication

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Learn to work effectively with professionals from various fields, such as sports medicine, psychology, and nutrition, to provide comprehensive care and support for athletes.
• Effective Communication: Enhance your ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including students, athletes, coaches, and the general public.

Innovation and Problem Solving

• Innovative Thinking: Foster creativity and innovation in developing new training methods, technologies, and approaches to improve athletic performance and health outcomes.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Build strong analytical and critical thinking skills to address challenges and solve problems within the field of strength and conditioning.

By mastering these skills, graduates of our PhD in Kinesiology with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning will be well-prepared to contribute to the field through research, teaching, and practical application, ultimately enhancing the performance and well-being of the individuals they serve.

Top Careers in Strength and Conditioning

A career in strength and conditioning offers a diverse range of opportunities across various sectors. Here are some potential career paths:

1. Strength and Conditioning Coach

• Professional Sports Teams: Work with athletes in professional leagues (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB) to optimize performance, enhance strength, and prevent injuries.
• Collegiate Athletics: Develop and implement training programs for college athletes, working closely with coaches to ensure peak performance during competitions.
• High School Athletics: Train young athletes, focusing on foundational skills, injury prevention, and long-term athletic development.

2. Personal Trainer

• Private Gyms and Fitness Centers: Design and deliver personalized fitness programs for clients of all fitness levels, helping them achieve their health and fitness goals.
• Corporate Wellness Programs: Develop fitness and wellness initiatives within corporations to improve employee health, productivity, and well-being.

3. Fitness Director

• Health Clubs: Oversee the fitness programs and staff within health clubs, ensuring high-quality services and member satisfaction.
• Community Centers: Manage fitness activities and programs in community centers, promoting health and wellness among residents.

4. Exercise Physiologist

• Rehabilitation Centers: Work with patients recovering from injuries or surgeries, designing exercise programs to aid in their rehabilitation.
• Clinical Settings: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop exercise plans for individuals with chronic diseases, enhancing their quality of life.

5. Researcher

• Academic Institutions: Conduct research on various aspects of strength and conditioning, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
• Sports Science Labs: Work in specialized labs, investigating new training methods, performance-enhancing techniques, and injury prevention strategies.

6. Professor or Lecturer

• Universities and Colleges: Teach courses related to exercise science, kinesiology, and strength and conditioning, mentoring the next generation of professionals.
• Continuing Education Programs: Provide professional development courses and workshops for current strength and conditioning practitioners.

7. Performance Analyst

• Sports Teams and Organizations: Use data analytics to assess and improve athletic performance, providing insights to coaches and athletes.
• Technology Companies: Develop and implement performance tracking technologies and software used in the sports and fitness industries.

8. Entrepreneur

• Fitness Business Owner: Start and manage your own fitness or strength and conditioning business, offering specialized services and programs.
• Product Development: Create and market fitness equipment, supplements, or training programs.

9. Consultant

• Sports Organizations: Offer expert advice on training programs, athlete development, and performance enhancement strategies.
• Corporate Wellness: Advise companies on the implementation of effective wellness and fitness programs for their employees.

10. Author and Speaker

• Publishing: Write books, articles, and blogs on topics related to strength and conditioning, sharing knowledge and insights with a broader audience.
• Public Speaking: Speak at conferences, seminars, and workshops, educating and inspiring others in the field of fitness and sports performance.

These career options highlight the versatility and impact of a Strength and Conditioning professional, providing numerous pathways to apply your expertise and passion for fitness and athletic development.

Earn a PhD in Kinesiology with an Emphasis in Strength and Conditioning

Our strength and conditioning program is designed with flexibility in mind. Balance work, school, and your personal life with CSP Global’s 100% online doctoral program. Advance your career in strength and conditioning by diving deeper into kinesiology education and graduate prepared for high-paying career opportunities. Interested in learning more about our Kinesiology PhD with a Strength and Conditioning concentration? Book a call today or apply online.