The mission of the B.S. in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning concentration program at Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ University is to equip students for successful careers in enhancing human athletic performance and pursuing advanced studies in graduate programs.
Our comprehensive curriculum, enriched by hands-on laboratory experiences and student-led research, cultivates critical thinking skills and their practical application in diverse contexts. By integrating liberal arts principles, our program fosters well-rounded graduates who are committed to lifelong learning. Rooted in the Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ motto of 'having light,' our graduates are prepared to share their knowledge and skills with others.
Aligned with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Curricular Guidelines and the Council of Accreditation in Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) Standards and Guidelines, the program's goals and learning objectives ensure that Exercise Science graduates are well-versed in strength and conditioning, meeting nationally recognized standards. This enables our graduates to acquire the knowledge, skills, and assessments necessary for success upon program completion.
In January 2025, the Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ University Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science with a Strength and Conditioning Concentration Program became the first program in Ohio to be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). This achievement underscores our commitment to meeting rigorous educational and practical standards, ensuring that our graduates are prepared to design effective training programs while prioritizing athlete health and safety.
Starting in 2030, candidates pursuing the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential will be required to hold a degree from a CASCE-accredited program, reinforcing the significance of this accreditation for professional practice. To learn more about the CSCS certification, visit the . There, you will find detailed information on certification requirements, exam details, and application procedures.
Program Outcomes
- Apply knowledge, skills, and competencies to assess the requirements of athletic development for optimal performance and design exercise regimens for individuals wishing for peak athletic potential.
- Apply knowledge, skills, and competencies to select and administer tests, and evaluate collected data for training programs for diverse demographics, including all ages, genders, and sports.
- Prepare Exercise Science students for careers in entry-level strength and conditioning positions, as well as for advanced graduate education in athletic performance.
- Prepare Exercise Science students for obtaining advanced professional certifications or licenses from nationally recognized bodies or organizations.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of the anatomical and biomechanical bases of human movement across all types of strength and conditioning activities and sports.
- Recognize and interpret cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and metabolic changes that occur during exercise in strength and conditioning activities and sports.
- Design and implement strength and conditioning programs safely and effectively to enhance athletic performance for individuals of all ages, genders, and sports.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of diet and exercise in body composition, weight control, and the health of athletes.
- Conduct and interpret common tests for strength and conditioning programs and athletic performance.
- Develop safe and effective policies, procedures, and guidelines for strength and conditioning programming in accordance with national standards.
- Acquire and understand relevant information from peer-reviewed scientific literature related to strength and conditioning, and effectively communicate this information both orally and in writing.
B.S. in Exercise Science with a concentration in strength and conditioning (66-68 credits)
Required Courses in Health & Sport Studies – 22-24 credits
- EXSC 170: Introduction to Exercise Science. 4 credits
- Anatomy courses: (8 credits or 10 credits)
- EXSC 350: Gross Anatomy. 4 credits AND EXSC 351: Human Physiology. 4 credits
OR - BIOL 325: Anatomy & Physiology I. 5 credits AND BIOL 326: Anatomy & Physiology II. 4 credits AND BIOL 327: Anatomy & Physiology II Lab. 1 credit
- EXSC 350: Gross Anatomy. 4 credits AND EXSC 351: Human Physiology. 4 credits
- EXSC 370: Exercise Physiology. 4 credits
- EXSC 473: Exercise Testing and Prescription. 4 credits
- EXSC 470: Senior Capstone. 2 credits
Required Courses in Related Departments – 24 credits
- BIOL 170: Concepts in Biology I. 5 credits
- BIOL 180: Concepts in Biology II. 5 credits
- CHEM 121: Models of Chemical Systems I. 5 credits
- CHEM 162: Models of Chemical Systems II. 5 credits
- One statistics course – 4 credits from:
- BUSN 210. Business and Economic Statistics. 4 credits
- DATA 227. Introductory Statistics. 4 credits
- PSYC 201. Statistics. 4 credits
Group I Electives for B.S. in Exercise Science with Strength and Conditioning Concentration – 8 credits from:
- ENGL 335TF: Narrative Medicine. 4 credits
- ENGL 352TA: Reading the Body. 4 credits
- PHIL 110: Logic and Critical Reasoning. 4 credits
- PHYS 201: Physics I. 5 credits
- PHYS 202: Algebra-based Physics II. 5 credits
- PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology. 4 credits
- PSYC 202: Experimental Design. 5 credits
- PSYC 212: Health Psychology. 4 credits
- PSYC 213: Psychopharmacology. 4 credits
- PSYC 230: Lifespan Development. 2-3 credits
- PSYC 251: Abnormal Psychology. 4 credits
- PSYC 252: Child Abnormal Psychology. 4 credits
- PSYC 280: Psychology of Cultural Diversity. 4 credits
- RELI 213: Religion and Medicine. 4 credits
Group II Required Course for B.S. in Exercise Science with Strength and Conditioning Concentration – 12 credits
- EXSC 250: Nutrition. 4 credits
- EXSC 255: Resistance Training Methods. 2 credits
- EXSC 377: Strength and Conditioning. 4 credits
- EXSC 491: Internship. 2 credits
The field experiences in the Strength and Conditioning have to meet the following requirements:
- A Minimum of 300 hours of contact time with a minimum of two substantially different experiences that include two or more of the following categories: sport, gender, age range, or other.
- Two different supervisors (does not require experiences at two different sites).
- Minimum of 75 hours per experience.
- One experience must be at least 6 weeks in length.
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist Exam
The CSCS passing rate by the graduates in BS in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Strength and Conditioning.
2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 3- year aggregate | |
Graduates | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Graduates taking exam | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Graduates 1st attempt passing rate | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
First attempt pass rate | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Overall pass rate | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Retention rate | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Student graduation rate | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Graduate placement rate | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
For enrolled or prospective students, if you would like to register a complaint with CASCE accrediting agency, please send an email to: accreditation@nsca.com.