Oct 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

HERS - Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences - Strength & Conditioning (ERSC) - BS Major


HERS - Strength & Conditioning Program Image


74-80 credits (no minor required)

2.5 GPA required (major and overall).

C grade or better required in major courses.

Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences


A student choosing to major in Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences may choose from the following:

  • Clinical Exercise Science
  • Exercise Science
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Movement Science

Each of these programs leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

The programs in Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences have been designed in accordance with the requirements of the leading national organizations: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

  • Students interested in working with patients having chronic conditions (such as cardiac, pulmonary) in a clinical setting should choose Clinical Exercise Science.
  • Students interested in exercise and health programming in a variety of settings such as fitness centers, worksite settings, or older adult programs should choose Exercise Science.
  • Students interested in working with athletic populations in strength and conditioning for performance enhancement should choose the Strength and Conditioning option.
  • Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in exercise or rehabilitative sciences (such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic medicine, physician’s assistant, kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology) should choose Movement Science. Additional information on exercise science career opportunities can be found online through the following organizations: American College of Sports and Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and American Society of Exercise Physiologists.

Academic Requirements


For a checklist of the University’s graduation requirements, see the Academic Policies & University Requirements  section of this catalog. Specific academic requirements for Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences majors are described within each major.

Core Requirements (41 credits)


Note


  • HERS 560 may count as HERS 460 for students accepted into MSAT and PAMS programs.
  • HERS 568 may count as HERS 468 for students accepted into the MSAT program.

Statistics (3 credits)


Choose one:

Required Courses (18 credits)


Focus Area - Choose one


Strength and Conditioning Focus (12 credits)


The Strength and Conditioning focus of the major is designed to prepare a student to become a Strength and Conditioning professional and is designed to meet the program accreditation standards set forth by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and are currently seeking accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) which establishes the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to meet industry standards. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of performance-based locations including universities, high schools, private performance enhancement facilities, and professional teams. Through coursework and practical experiences, students will learn how to design and administer programs that will safely and effectively facilitate athletic development in a wide range of clients. During their academic program, students will be provided opportunities to work directly with Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) to enhance their professional skills and development. A student may declare ERSC as a major at any time; however, in order to complete their practicum, internship, and graduate, the student must attain a C grade or better in all required major courses and attain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Performance Analytics Focus (18 credits)


The Performance Analytics focus of the Strength and Conditioning major is designed for individuals planning to complete the Master’s of Science degree in Performance Analytics. The focus prepares students to work as sports scientists, breaking down data from all aspects of physical performance, injury prevention, and preparation for return to play. The Performance Analytics focus contains additional course work in biomechanics, physiology, and fitness programming which are all focused on optimizing athletic performance. Students will apply to the Performance Analytics Master’s program (PAMS) during their third year. Acceptance to PAMS is required to complete HERS 580, HERS 581, HERS 582, and HERS 583 (see graduate catalog).

  • (6-12 credits) (min. 6 credits required)
  • HERS 580 - Exercise Physiology for Performance Analytics (3 credits)
  • HERS 581 - Performance Analytics in Biomechanics (3 credits)
  • HERS 582 - Innovation and New Technologies in Human Performance (3 credits)
  • HERS 583 - Advanced Programming for Peak Performance (3 credits)

Legend


◎ = Oral Intensive

◆ = Math/Critical Analysis Intensive

△ = Writing Intensive

✽ = Physical Development and Wellness Graduation Requirement