Kinesiology—Strength and Conditioning

Kinesiology—Strength and Conditioning

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Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Strength and Conditioning

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Equips you with the scientific knowledge and applied skills needed to optimize human performance in athletic, tactical and recreational populations

02

Prepares you to coach athletes, implement evidence-based training regimens and support physical preparedness across sport and occupational settings

03

Gives you a strong foundation in both theory and application

04

Provides you with practical experience in laboratory and performance settings

05

Positions you for employment or advanced study in areas such as collegiate athletics, professional sport, performance consulting and more

Core
Skills

  • A deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as they relate to strength development, power production and athletic performance
  • Insight into how the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine systems respond and adapt to resistance training and high-intensity exercise
  • Practical knowledge of exercise programming, periodization and technique instruction for athletic and general populations

Sample
Jobs

  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Athletic Development Coordinator
  • Fitness Director
  • Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Sports Science Analyst

Successful Career Outcomes

MSU kinesiology students have a 95% successful career outcome rate 2023-24 First Destination Survey Report

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Sport, tactical and fitness performance environments
  • Coaching and education fields

Brag
Points

  • Our program is one of the region’s most comprehensive undergraduate pathways for aspiring performance professionals.
  • Courses are aligned with the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS) certification exam domains and support development in both coaching and scientific competencies.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

- Practical experience in laboratory and performance settings using free weights, velocity-based training tools, force platforms and wearable technology
- Kinesiology Student Ambassadors
- Internships with Division I athletic programs, high school teams, private performance facilities or tactical strength units
- Professional conferences and preparation for respected credentials such as the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist®

Kinesiology—Strength and Conditioning

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Strength and Conditioning

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

General Ed Curriculum
MA 1313 - College Algebra
BIO 1134 - Biology I
KI 2304 - The Science of Health, Fitness, and Sport
EP 2013 - Fundamentals of Kinesiology

2nd Year

General Ed Curriculum
BIO 3004 - Human Anatomy (Fall)
CH 1213/1211 - Chemistry I/Investigations in Chemistry I *concurrent courses* (Fall)
BIO 3014 - Human Physiology (Spring)
EP 3233 - Anatomical Kinesiology 

3rd Year

Emphasis Area Courses
EP 3304 - Exercise Physiology 

4th Year

Internship

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Join organizations like Kinesiology Ambassadors or Exercise Science Honors Society. Get involved in community physical activity events like MSU Adapted Swim Camp, parks and recreation, and Boys and Girls Club. 

2nd Year

Reach out to MSU Athletics for possible internships and volunteer opportunities. Get involved in kinesiology research.

3rd Year

Look for leadership roles in organizations.

4th Year

Choose an internship related to future career goals and interests. Continue serving in leadership and volunteer roles.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Shadow professionals in your career choice. Get involved in community physical activity events like MSU Adapted Swim Camp, parks and recreation, and Boys and Girls Club.

2nd Year

Continue volunteering in the community.

3rd Year

Join professional organizations (ex: American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength & Conditioning Association). Attend professional school preview days.

4th Year

Join LinkedIn groups. Meet with recruiters when they're on campus.

Explore the World

1st Year

Explore study abroad opportunities at MSU. Attend a study abroad fair or self-enroll in the free Study Abroad 101 Canvas course.

2nd Year

Study abroad through Global Game Changers.

3rd Year

Study abroad through Global Game Changers. Consider an international internship.

4th Year

Complete an international internship.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Meet with your advisor for guidance and identify your Career Center liaison. Explore the Career Center website. Job shadow professionals in potential career paths to begin developing the skills needed for success.

2nd Year

Connect with professionals and alumni to learn from their experiences. Schedule a meeting with your advisor or the Career Center for additional support and guidance. Attend Career Center events, workshops and information sessions. Create/update your resume tailored to your accomplishments and skills.

3rd Year

Work with your advisor to identify potential field experience opportunities. Build transferable skills by taking on leadership roles in student organizations and other activities. Develop an action plan for post-graduation goals. Participate in mock interviews. Begin researching/applying to graduate schools.

4th Year

Finalize plans for graduate school and/or employment. Collaborate with your advisor to fine-tune a strong resume and participate in workshops to enhance your interview skills. Meet with your Career Center liaison about job search strategies, navigating job offers, etc. Apply for jobs or graduate schools.

Alumni
Success

Our alumni hold positions as strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists, personal trainers and fitness professionals across collegiate, professional and private performance settings. Graduates design and implement training programs that enhance fitness and athletic performance and frequently earn professional certifications, including the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist®.

Student
Testimonial

"The kinesiology program at MSU has allowed me to turn my passion for training into a deeper understanding of human movement and performance. It has prepared me to think critically, adapt to evolving research and pursue a meaningful career in strength and conditioning."
—Weston Phillips
Strength and Conditioning | Corinth, MS

Learn More

CurriculumPlan of StudyDepartment of Kinesiology WebsiteCollege of Education WebsiteApply to MSU