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Majors, minors & more

Strength and Conditioning

College of Education

Offered as:: Minor

Overview

The mission of the Strength and Conditioning minor is to give students invaluable hands-on experience to enhance and expand their knowledge in the field of athletic performance. Students with this education will be well-prepared to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam, the standard in certifications for strength and conditioning professionals worldwide.

Strengths of the program

The only program in Washington state recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association for meeting the educational guidelines recommended for strength and conditioning professionals

Students learn from Kinesiology faculty and professionals in the WSU Athletics strength and conditioning staff

Students work with NCAA Division 1 athletes from WSU and affiliated professionals in the community setting

Students obtain at least 400 hours of working experience in athletic performance enhancement

Featured courses

All students minoring in strength and conditioning will complete traditional coursework in the minor’s core classes. In addition, practicum requirements include three consecutive terms of three-credits (120-150 hours) in an approved sports performance site. Because of the limited space within athletics, a limited number of students are admitted to the minor.
Prerequisite courses:

Anatomy

Fitness Concepts

Strength Training

Core classes within the minor:

Advanced Strength Training

Nutrition Related to Fitness and

Sport

Exercise Physiology

Biomechanics

Practicums 1-3

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

Suggested strengths, interests, and preparation

Enjoyment of sports and working with athletes

A passion for the aspects of physical fitness

The desire to enhance classroom knowledge by having responsibilities within a practical setting

Career options in Strength and Conditioning

The strength and conditioning minor program at WSU has produced many quality and highly sought after Strength and Conditioning professionals and has been able to help place former students in a wide variety of settings, including the NFL, NBA and MLB, as well as many in collegiate athletic programs across the country.
In addition, this experience enhances non-traditional career routes. Some of the outside fields our students utilize their knowledge include: physical therapy, athletic training, personal training, sport coaching, physical education, and tactical (military, emergency personnel) training.