Dr. Chris Fahs is an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences at Logan University. He entered the field of strength and conditioning like most — through the weight room. A former football player turned competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter, Fahs channeled his passion for lifting into graduate research focused on exercise physiology, biomechanics, and human performance. Now, he teaches biomechanics and guides graduate students toward certification, career transitions, and deeper mastery at Logan University’s Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program. The program provides streamlined, research-driven education — designed by professionals who practice what they preach.
“I’ve never stopped training,” Dr. Fahs says. “It’s still something I love to do every day. It’s what led me up to this point, combining my personal interests with my current career. Which is fantastic. I love doing what I do.”
Teaching what he lived
Fahs’ credibility doesn’t come solely from research papers — it comes from years spent in weight rooms. His competition background in both bodybuilding and powerlifting shapes how he teaches load management, tapering, stress response, and long-term athletic development.
“When you get into powerlifting and you’re doing 90% plus of your Max lifts, any kind of deviation in form or technique breakdown could cause injury,” says Dr. Fahs. “It really taught me to focus on my movement. I did a lot of video analysis of myself. It’s something I incorporate in my biomechanics course. You want to look at a lifter from the side, from the front. There’s specific checkpoints you want to look for.”
His graduate school case study — where his wife, a fellow scientist, tracked the physiological toll of a 12-month bodybuilding prep — is still considered one of the most in-depth analyses of the body’s response to bodybuilding. The paper logged drastic hormonal shifts, a resting heart rate drop to 27 bpm, and changes in mood state that mirror clinical fatigue. It’s insight from grounded experience and peer-reviewed data that separates the Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program from other programs.
“When it comes to bodybuilding, it’s all about physique,” says Dr. Fahs. “It’s not really a performance sport. It’s about reducing your body fat levels. It taught me a lot about the importance of nutrition and how to manipulate body fat levels.”
A structure built for working coaches
The Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program at Logan meets coaches where they’re at — in terms of skills and logistics. The program is 42 credit hours total, with 10 online courses and two six-credit in-person field experiences. Each course lasts seven weeks, allowing participants to complete the program in just one year, without disrupting their coaching responsibilities.
“It’s designed to be completed in one year if students take it in an accelerated format,” says Dr. Fahs. “If they want to take a little bit more time, they can do it over 2 years. Students can take it at their own pace, doing either one or two classes at a time.”
Courses span exercise testing, program design, movement analysis, and corrective strategies. The curriculum is updated continually with cutting-edge research and delivered by faculty with professional and academic pedigrees. Faculty includes experts like Eric McMahon from the NSCA and Dr. Curtis Wildes, who has worked with Cirque du Soleil. The instructors cover everything from sport psychology to athlete nutrition and recovery — all tied to real-world application.
“Students get a wealth of experience from other professionals,” Dr. Fahs says. “Within the courses, they mix with other students from other areas of the world, other areas of the country. Students can contribute and participate in group discussions about certain topics. So they’ll learn from both the instructor and the other students in the courses.”
Applied biomechanics
Fahs’ passion for the science of movement is most evident in his course on biomechanics. His course is rooted in coaching application, refining the way coaches see and correct athlete movement in real time.
“We look at things like how joint torque can be manipulated through different exercises,” says Dr. Fahs. “I have students go through movement analysis with a client. They look at areas of movement dysfunction and come up with potential solutions through corrective exercises that may help movement patterns. It’s designed for students who are going to get the CSCS. Even if a student already has that, I think it’s a great program to expand and refresh knowledge.”
Career mobility and longevity
A stand-out feature of the Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program is the in-person field experience. Each student works with field experience coordinator Scott Bird, a legendary strength and conditioning coach with over 30 years of experience, to find an internship that matches their goals. Whether it’s inside a university athletic department or a private performance lab, the program offers a shot at professional development that’s both relevant and validating.
“If students are getting into the field or if they want to transition into a different position, Scott Bird is a great resource for them to expand their professional network,” says Dr. Fahs. “I can’t say enough positive things about him.”
Elevating S&C Coaching
Chris Fahs is someone who chose the path of the weight room and now equips others to follow their own path. His story from athletics to academics reflects the goals of Logan University’s Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program. It’s about being practical, research-driven, and purpose-built for those working to shape the next generation. Fahs and the team at Logan connect passion, practice, and profession to help coaches grow their impact, deepen their knowledge, and future-proof their careers.
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At Logan University, we know high-performing athletes deserve the most qualified, well-rounded athletic performance coaches. With a science-based, evidence-informed curriculum, our Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning is an industry-driven program developed and led by experienced, active leaders in athletic performance.
