USCA Launches Online Master’s in Strength and Conditioning

USCA will launch an exercise and sports science master's degree program with a focus on strength and conditioning in fall 2026. This 30-credit-hour program stands as the only fully online offering of its kind in South Carolina.

Students move through five eight-week sessions. Coursework covers exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, movement analysis, injury management, and nutrition for athletic performance.

Andrew Hatchett, department director, said the program fills a gap that has sent students elsewhere. "That is one of the reasons why we created the program is to give our existing students a chance to further their education in an environment that they're already comfortable with, that is, with the instructors… potentially we were losing our students to other universities for programs that we felt that we could host," Hatchett said, per the Aiken Standard.

Graduates will be ready to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam. This certification represents the gold standard within the industry.

The program will help students gain experience with USCA athletes as well as other regional colleges and universities. The program also has ties with area high school and competitive athletic programs. Practicum opportunities will give students the ability to tach proper techniques to prevent injuries, much like athletic trainers do after they occur.

Strength and conditioning is a rapidly growing field with a projected national job growth of 9 to 13%. Strength and conditioning specialists are seeing a rise in demand from schools, colleges, and sports academies as well as from the military, police and fire departments.

Advertisements and recruitment efforts for the program will begin soon. The first cohort will enroll in fall 2026.