Program Overview
The strength and conditioning concentration builds upon the B.S. in exercise science to prepare students for careers in athletic performance. Through advanced coursework, practical laboratory experiences, sport science technology, coaching practice, and supervised field experiences, students learn to assess performance, teach exercise technique, design evidence-based training programs, monitor athlete development, and communicate effectively with athletes and other professionals. The concentration is designed for students pursuing careers in high school, collegiate, or professional strength and conditioning, private sport-performance facilities, athlete testing and monitoring, sport science, and related coaching or human-performance roles.
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Curriculum and Admission Information
The B.S. in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Strength and Conditioning is a structured academic pathway that combines the full Exercise Science major curriculum with specialized coursework and applied experiences in strength and conditioning. Students complete all required Exercise Science major coursework, including foundational coursework such as EXS 250 - Strength and Conditioning, along with the 24 credits of coursework specific to the Strength and Conditioning Concentration.
Students intending to complete the Strength and Conditioning Concentration must declare the B.S. in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Strength and Conditioning by the end of their sophomore year so they can remain on the required course sequence and complete the necessary prerequisites, practicum, and field experiences.
The 24-credit concentration builds upon the Exercise Science major through advanced coursework in strength and conditioning, sport science technology, applied coaching, nutrition, sport psychology, and two supervised field experiences. Concentration-specific coursework includes:
- EXS 251 – Advanced Strength and Conditioning - 4 credits
- EXS 252 – Data and Technology in Sport Science - 2 credits
- EXS 253 – Strength and Conditioning Practicum - 2 credits
- EXS 497 – Strength and Conditioning Field Experience I - 4 credits
- EXS 498 – Strength and Conditioning Field Experience II - 4 credits
- EXS 375 – Sports Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids - 4 credits
- COA 310 – Psychology of Coaching OR PSY 255 – Sport Psychology - 4 credits
Because several concentration courses are sequential, students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure prerequisites and course sequencing are completed on schedule.
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Applied Learning and Field Experiences
Following their on-campus practicum experience working with Mount Union athletes, students complete a structured sequence of supervised field experiences that move learning beyond the classroom and into authentic strength and conditioning settings.
Across EXS 497 and EXS 498, students apply coaching, testing, program design, exercise technique, athlete monitoring, and professional skills while receiving direct supervision and feedback from qualified strength and conditioning professionals.
Field experience requirements include:
- 300 total supervised field experience hours
- At least 2 substantially different field experiences
- At least 2 different qualified field experience supervisors
- At least 75 supervised hours in each individual field experience, with all field experiences combined totaling a minimum of 300 hours
- At least 1 field experience lasting a minimum of 6 weeks
For example, two 150-hour field experiences would meet the hour requirement, as would a 75-hour experience and a 225-hour experience.
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Program Mission and Goals
Mission
The strength and conditioning concentration at the University of Mount Union prepares students to become knowledgeable, ethical, and effective strength and conditioning professionals through a rigorous education grounded in science, applied practice, and meaningful field experience. The program develops students’ ability to integrate evidence-based knowledge in exercise science, coaching, testing and evaluation, program design, and athlete development while serving diverse populations. Through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and supervised field experiences, students are prepared to lead with professionalism, communicate effectively, use current methods and technology, and contribute to the health, performance, and long-term development of athletes and physically active individuals.
Goals
The strength and conditioning concentration seeks to:
- Provide students with a strong evidence-based foundation in the scientific principles that inform strength and conditioning practice.
- Prepare students to apply strength and conditioning knowledge and skills in coaching, testing and evaluation, exercise technique instruction, and program design for athletes and physically active individuals.
- Develop students who demonstrate professionalism, ethical judgment, effective communication, and safe practice in classroom, laboratory, and field experience settings.
- Provide meaningful supervised field experiences that allow students to integrate and apply program knowledge, skills, and abilities in authentic strength and conditioning environments.
- Prepare graduates for entry into the strength and conditioning profession and for success in roles that require evidence-based decision making, reflective practice, and continued professional development.
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Program Outcomes
Outcome Current Information Student Enrollment 4 students currently enrolled in the Strength and Conditioning Concentration Retention Rate Not yet calculable because the first cohort has not reached the University's first retention measurement point. Graduation Rate Not yet calculable. The first cohort enrolled in the Strength and Conditioning Concentration is expected to graduate in 2028. CSCS Examination Pass Rate Not yet calculable because the concentration has not yet produced graduates. A three-year aggregate CSCS examination pass rate will be reported when sufficient data are available. Graduate Placement Rate Not yet calculable. The first cohort enrolled in the Strength and Conditioning Concentration is expected to graduate in 2028. The program will report graduate placement outcomes at 12 months as data become available. Program outcome data are reviewed and updated annually as part of the Strength and Conditioning Concentration's formal assessment process.
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Accreditation Status, Complaints, and Grievances
Accreditation Status
The University of Mount Union B.S. in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Strength and Conditioning is currently applying for accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). The program is not currently CASCE accredited.
CASCE Complaints
Individuals wishing to register a complaint with CASCE regarding the program’s compliance with the CASCE Professional Standards and Guidelines may contact the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education directly using the information below:
Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE)
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Email: accreditation@nsca.com
Phone: 719-632-6722 ext. 164University Student Grievances
Students with complaints or grievances related to their University experience have access to the University of Mount Union's established student complaint and grievance procedures. University policies, reporting procedures, and appeal processes are available through:
- University Student Handbook
- University Catalog
- Office of Student Affairs
- Title IX Office