University of Mary Joins Elite Ranks with One of Only Eight Accredited Graduate Strength and Conditioning Programs in the Nation

Alicia Wells named 2025 Secondary Schools Athletic Trainer of the Year for seven-state region, as demand surges for certified specialists across U.S.

BISMARCK, ND — The University of Mary continues its national ascent as a premier center for health sciences with a new milestone: the university’s Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in strength and conditioning has received full accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE)—making it one of only eight accredited graduate-level programs in the United States.

The announcement not only places Mary in elite academic company but also comes on the heels of another accolade: Alicia Wells, the University of Mary’s strength and conditioning coordinator and an instructor in athletic training, biomechanics and kinesiology, has been named the 2025 Secondary Schools Athletic Trainer of the Year for District 5, which includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Filling a Critical National Need

As athletic performance, injury prevention, and fitness optimization become increasingly science-based and essential at all levels of competition, the need for certified strength and conditioning professionals has soared. From high school and collegiate athletics to public and private fitness centers and clinical rehabilitation, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®) are now in high demand.

“This is an exciting and necessary step for our program and our students,” said Wells, who played an instrumental role in developing both the undergraduate and graduate strength and conditioning concentrations at Mary. “We are excited to see our students achieve this nationally recognized certification. With this on their resume, they will be able to set themselves apart in today’s job market. Being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist will allow them to take their career to the next level.”

The CASCE accreditation means students graduating from Mary’s strength and conditioning program are now eligible to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification exam—required for most positions in the field. Effective 2030, all exam candidates must graduate from a CASCE-accredited program, whether at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

“Our new graduate concentration started in 2024 creates a vital on-ramp for career changers, professionals with a bachelor’s degree who don’t want to start over, and those seeking to advance their education while continuing to work,” said Dr. Rachel Johnson Krug, chair of Athletic Training and Kinesiology at the University of Mary. “It’s fully online with some short residency courses, practical, and designed for immediate workforce readiness.”

Accredited to Lead

The CASCE Board unanimously granted Mary’s graduate program a full five-year accreditation after reviewing its self-study, site visit, and program responses—praising its academic rigor, commitment to standards, and real-world application.

“This accreditation represents the highest level of recognition for a strength and conditioning program,” stated Colin Wilborn, CASCE chair. “It demonstrates compliance with the CASCE Professional Standards and Guidelines, and affirms the exceptional education University of Mary provides.”

The accreditation builds on momentum from Mary’s undergraduate biomechanics-strength and conditioning program, which in 2024 became the first in North Dakota and one of only 18 in the U.S. to be accredited at the undergraduate level. The program uses advanced training labs, high-speed motion capture systems, and performance-based data to prepare students with specialized and measurable skills that translate directly into success in the field.

“This market is expanding across the country,” added Krug. “Many schools and organizations are hiring these professionals to help athletes get ready for their sport or activity. In addition, many people are seeking out certified specialists to help achieve personal health and performance goals. We’re proud to lead the way in offering both undergraduate and graduate pathways into this profession.”

Professionals in this field enjoy competitive pay. According to the NSCA’s 2022 salary survey, the average annual salary for strength and conditioning coaches is approximately $60,500 to $84,600, with top collegiate and professional coaches earning well into the six figures. These figures underscore the value of pursuing an accredited graduate program—early-career specialists may already earn well above the national median, with strong potential for growth.

Celebrating a Standout Educator

Wells’ recent award from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) further affirms the quality of education Mary students receive. She was selected as Secondary Schools Athletic Trainer of the Year for District 5, recognized for her outstanding service, care for athletes, and professionalism in the high school setting.

“Alicia has been a dedicated athletic trainer at Bismarck High School for many years, building athletic training as a respected profession among athletes, parents, and coaches,” said Krug, who nominated Wells for the honor. “She is much deserving of this award. I’ve seen firsthand how she treats the athletes, and the deep respect she’s earned. I’m proud she’s continuing her career with us at the University of Mary, teaching future athletic trainers.”

Wells’ insight into the profession extends into a growing trend nationwide. “With competition for athletic scholarships and opportunities through NIL (name, image, and likeness), high school athletes and coaches are relying on certified strength and conditioning specialists more than ever,” she added. “They’re not just improving performance—they’re protecting athletes and reducing injuries through science-based training.”

Enrollment Open for Fall 2025

The University of Mary is currently accepting students for its online Master of Science in Kinesiology with the strength and conditioning concentration. Other concentrations include Health and Performance Leadership, Bioethics, Research, Human Resources Management, Virtue and Sport, and Virtuous Leadership.

For more information visit the Master of Science in Kinesiology website, email enroll@umary.edu, or call (701) 355-8030.