The right education can make a huge difference in any strength and conditioning coach’s career. But determining which program is best for you can also be a huge challenge. The Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning program from Logan University seeks to offer the perfect plan for coaches. With online courses run by proven and active professionals in the field, it’s a great option for those looking to expand their expertise.
Logan’s Master in Strength & Conditioning program is meant for all levels of strength coaches, whether they are just starting out or already have experience in the field. Coaches who enroll can expect to learn about the scientific fundamentals behind strength and conditioning. Things such as the anatomy of how muscles function during movements and the recovery process after exercise. Students will also learn about nutrition and how to properly respond to injuries. More specific information about strength and conditioning is introduced later, with topics like technique, movement patterns, psychology and programming.
Dr. Brittany Ramirez, Program Director for Logan’s Master in Sports Science & Rehabilitation and Master in Strength & Conditioning, has this to say about the kind of information coaches will learn at Logan.
“This is evidence-based information that we are providing coaches,” says Dr. Ramirez. “We don’t instruct coaches about the style of their coaching, with their athletes. There is a lot of freedom in that for our coaches, but we want to make sure the scientific principles and the basis of these topics are taught to our coaches and they can build upon that to create their own style of coaching.”
The second part of Logan’s Master in Strength & Conditioning program is the field experience internship. This component provides coaches with the opportunity to complete hands-on experience in a real world setting under a well-seasoned strength & conditioning coach. For the last 2 semesters of the course, students choose a different strength coach each semester who will guide, educate, and challenge their students by working alongside them at their own facility. This is not only a great opportunity to get practical knowledge from an experienced strength coach, but it’s also a great opportunity to connect with others in the profession.
The Strength & Conditioning Field Experience Coordinator, Scott Bird, is one of the many accomplished strength coaches who teach at Logan. Bird has over 30 years of experience as a strength & conditioning coach and has participated in 22 championship and bowl experiences during his career. He has spent time at Mizzou, Kansas State University, University of Houston, Texas Tech University and The Ohio State University, among others. He is also an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach and a Mental Performance Mastery Certified Coach. He now oversees all field experience courses at Logan University’s Master in Strength & Conditioning program.
“It’s not always going to go the way that it’s taught in the book,” Bird says. “Actually, more times than not it’s probably not going to go the way it’s taught in the book. And so, I think to be able to have people that have had the experience and share that, to be able to teach it from the book, but then also show how that can be applied day-to-day in whatever setting that the student might be in, that’s a great thing too.”
Understanding the science behind strength training is necessary, but working within a real strength program is invaluable. The two field experiences include athletes of different demographics, such as age, gender and sport. Students are not limited to the high school or collegiate fields. They can choose clinical settings, working with special populations or collegiate private sector with individual clients. This ensures that you gain experience with multiple coaches who can challenge the way you think and open your mind to new concepts. The Logan program offers a fair balance of fundamental knowledge and practical experience to fully prepare coaches to run their own weight room.
Coaches are known for their busy schedules and limited timeframes, which is why the degree is available completely online. Each course follows an objectives based learning model, which allows students to complete smaller sections of the work at individual times, instead of all at once each week. Coaches are given readings materials, lectures to watch, and then assignments to complete each week. Additionally, instructors offer around-the-clock office hours to connect individually in a face-to-face virtual format. The online nature of the program allows for a lot of flexibility, which is essential for strength coaches. Coaches even have options to complete the field experience virtually or in their place of employment if they meet the requirements.
“There’s a wide variety of scenarios that our students are in, and that’s the neat thing about it as well,” Bird says. “It gives them an opportunity. We have some students that are just doing this, so they might spend all day at their internships. We have others that are working full-time, so they have opportunities to actually do it at their job.”
The Master in Strength & Conditioning program at Logan is a great choice for coaches looking to expand their knowledge and progress their careers. The online structure allows for coaches to complete the classes according to their own schedule and at their own pace. The information offered within the curriculum is essential and the field experience is invaluable. If that seems like a good fit for you, consider joining Logan’s Master in Strength & Conditioning program to enhance your coaching career.
To learn more about Logan University and the Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning degree program, please click the following link: Logan University Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning
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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.
