Strength and Conditioning Minor

The purpose of the strength and conditioning minor is to provide students with an understanding of the principles of physical training in an effort to improve athletic performance. Students in this program will acquire knowledge that will enable them to perform sport-specific testing, design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs, and provide recommendations with regards to improvement of functional movement patterns in an effort to improve performance and prevent injury. Students completing this minor will not only gain beneficial skills that can carry over into other educational programs including athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, chiropractic care, research and education. but will also be prepared to take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) examination from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The NSCA is the leading organization for strength and conditioning and is well respected in professional, clinical and educational settings alike. Credentialing as a CSCS will give students the ability to apply for strength and conditioning positions in graduate school, high school, college, university and clinical settings.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• describe the basic physiological and biomechanical factors associated with strength and conditioning programs;
• prepare for the National Strength and Conditioning Association certification exam;
• critically evaluate and discuss current events related to strength and conditioning to a group peers; and
• plan, implement, and administer effective strength and conditioning strategies, intervention, testing, and programs.