Students in this concentration take courses in human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, psychology, weight training, biomechanics, athletic training, sports nutrition, principles of conditioning the athlete, sports marketing, management and leadership in sports organizations, and more.
According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), there is growing interest in athletic development in youth athletes. Proper strength and conditioning programming is not just for elite-level professional and collegiate athletes, but also crucial for the development of youth athletics. This is not only for improving performance but for ensuring that the human body and musculature are developed efficiently so these sports are performed as safely as possible to lessen the risk of injury to these individuals.
Our graduates are prepared to sit for examinations with the NSCA to become a certified strength and conditioning specialists (CSCS) and to pursue employment as a strength and conditioning professionals, personal trainers, fitness/wellness center directors, sports marketing specialists, athletic coaches, facilities managers, and college recreation and intramural sports directors. In addition, our program prepares students for entry into graduate programs for health-related professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, athletic training, dietetics, nursing, and medicine.