Growing demand fuels new master’s in exercise and sports science

During the recent Olympics, elite athletes garnered a lot of attention, but behind every competitor is at least one uniquely educated and experienced trainer and coach, guiding them through safe, tailored training programs with the ultimate goal of a gold medal.

A new master’s program at USCA may just lead some students to the Olympics, if not as an athlete, as one of Team USA’s strength and conditioning professionals supporting the quest for the gold. 

The exercise and sports science online master’s degree with a concentration in strength and conditioning equips USCA grads to design, implement and evaluate advanced strength and conditioning programs grounded in biomechanics, exercise physiology, data analytics and performance science.

While the Olympics action may have recently been in Italy, closer to home, some graduates of the newly minted master’s program may find themselves working with area schools’ sports programs, as strength and conditioning professionals are in demand. Local high schools are looking for professionals to fill gaps in their sports programs. School districts in South Carolina and Georgia recently announced not only the creation of more jobs in the field but also an increase in compensation.

According to Indeed, the median salary is approximately $71,000, but it can easily grow to six figures, depending on the employer and the location. 

During its January meeting, the Aiken County Board of Education voted to increase salaries for athletic trainers. Compensation will range from approximately $68,000 - $105,000 and will include a signing bonus of $5,000. As part of the 2025-2026 budget, the board approved hiring athletic trainers for Aiken, Silver Bluff and Wagener-Salley High Schools with the plan to transition other high schools in the district from contracted to in-house trainers during the 2026-2027 year.

“The workforce needs in the CSRA are growing, and we want to help fill those vacancies with our graduates,” said Dr. Andrew Hatchett, chair of the exercise and sports science department at USCA.
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“More educated specialists help create a better environment, a better community and help contribute to economic growth, particularly in more jobs, better pay and a better quality of life,” Hatchett said.

Hatchett and fellow faculty-athletes intentionally developed the program to meet critical workforce needs in the CSRA, across the Palmetto State and beyond. They collaborated closely with regional athletic programs, healthcare partners and national performance organizations to develop courses, practical experiential learning opportunities and research requirements that will position graduates – and their clients and employers – for success.
 
“Strength and conditioning and athlete performance are areas I’m passionate about, and I’m looking to continue building both my knowledge and hands-on experience through a graduate program,” said Julian Mendoza, an exercise and sports science major with a concentration in allied health, who is from Harrisburg, North Carolina, a Charlotte suburb.

“After learning more about this program, it seems like a great fit for my background and long-term career goals.”

He and others pursuing the degree have a lot of career paths to consider.

Once they’ve finished the program, students, like Mendoza, may work with collegiate and professional sports programs, like the NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB – perhaps even the Olympics. Additionally, some alumni may work as personal trainers in private, corporate or their own entrepreneurial training facilities. They might also work with the military and first responders or in healthcare and rehabilitation settings. 

“I believe everyone is an athlete who can benefit from well-educated strength and conditioning specialists who focus on injury prevention, guide effective recovery, and design appropriate progressive training regimens that enhance both performance and overall quality of life,” Hatchett said.

Historically, the university’s exercise sports science program has been one of the more popular majors on campus. Since its inception in 1995, the program has graduated more than 1,100 students. 

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to become a coach, and I saw UCSA as a place where I could begin building the knowledge and the experience necessary to achieve that goal,” said Mendoza, USCA ‘26.

“The program allows me to grow as both a cross country and track and field athlete and as a future professional in the field of strength and conditioning. Additionally, being from Charlotte, USCA was the perfect distance from home. It is close enough to stay connected with my support system but far enough to step outside of my comfort zone and grow independently. USCA felt like the right fit academically, athletically, and personally.”

Many exercise and sports science alumni pursue advanced degrees following graduation, which prompted USCA to consider adding the master’s program.

The USCA master’s program is completely online, giving students the flexibility to attend classes from anywhere and when it’s convenient, based on their individual lifestyles and other work and family commitments.

“While there is interest among our current students, the online program attracts prospective students from anywhere who will engage with the university, and it will help keep our local students here,” Hatchett said.
    
Students applying for USCA’s newest online master’s program in exercise sports science with a concentration in strength and conditioning will learn from accomplished faculty who compete on local, regional, national and international levels and have earned top awards in distance running, hurling, bodybuilding, powerlifting, triathlon, functional fitness and Olympic weightlifting. In addition to advanced degrees, USCA faculty also serve on numerous boards and in professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine and USA Masters Weightlifting. In addition, they have earned numerous professional certifications, such as Certified Exercise Physiologist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Olympic Weightlift Coach, and Certified Athletic Trainer.

“What is unique about our faculty is everyone walks the walk. Each one of us is a competitive, elite, disciplined athlete in our own sport,” Hatchett said. 

USCA is accepting applications now for the inaugural cohort, which begins in the fall.

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