The undergraduate emphasis in Strength & Conditioning is embedded in our B.S. in Health & Movement Sciences degree and provides students with evidence-based knowledge in human performance, injury prevention, and program design. It is ideal for students planning to become strength coaches, performance specialists, or enter graduate school in athletic training, physical therapy, or kinesiology.
Program Highlights:
- Prepares students for the NSCA-CSCS certification
- Courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and strength and conditioning principles
- Hands-on experience in our Strength & Conditioning Lab
- Diverse field experiences in collegiate, high school, tactical, and private settings
- Emphasis on both performance optimization and athlete safety
Careers & Certifications:
- Strength Coach
- Personal Trainer
- Graduate School (PT, AT, etc.)
- NSCA-CSCS, ACSM, and other national certifications
Admission Requirements:
B.S. in Health & Movement Sciences: Strength & Conditioning Emphasis
Students intending to enroll in the Marshall University Strength & Conditioning program must meet the following requirements. The field experience course is intended to be taken during the second to last semester at Marshall, after the majority of classes have been completed. The guided application of strength and conditioning skills is designed to prepare students for their internship.
Prerequisites for the BS Strength and Conditioning program are
- Application and acceptance into the Strength and Conditioning Major.
- Completed the following courses with a “C’ or better; Major classes with a “B” or better
- BSC-227: Human Anatomy (+ Lab)
- BSC-228: Human Physiology (+ Lab)
- ESS 215: Introduction to Exercise Science
- ESS-345: Exercise Physiology
- ESS 442: Strength and Conditioning (+ ESS 443 Lab)
- HS 222: Health Provider First Aid/CPR/AED
- HS 365: Functional Kinesiology (+HS 365 Lab)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better; 3.0 in major classes.
- Current First Aid/CPR/AED credentials (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
Program Requirements
B.S. Health & Movement Sciences – Required Courses 40
ESS 345 Exercise Physiology 3
ESS 442 Princ Strength Conditioning 3
ESS 443 Princ Strength Conditioning Lab 1
HS 200 Comprehensive Medical Terminology (CT) 3
HS 222 Healthcare Provider First Aid/CPR/AED 3
HS 365 Functional Kinesiology 3
HS 365L Functional Kinesiology Lab 1
HS 369 Motor Learning 3
BSC 227 Human Anatomy 3
BSC 227/L Human Anatomy Lab 1
BSC 228 Human Physiology 3
BSC 228/L Human Physiology Lab 1
DTS 210 Nutrition 3
PSY 201 Introductory Psychology 3
PSY 225 Statistics 3
HS 405 Sports Psychology 3
Major in Strength & Conditioning 34-36
ESS 215 Intro to Exercise Science 3
ESS 375 Fitness Assessment and Prescription 3
ESS 442 Strength and Conditioning 3
ESS 443 Strength and Conditioning Lab 1
ESS 478 Exercise Metabolism 3
ESS 492 Internship 3
HS 410 Organization and Administration 3
PSY 440 Physiological Psychology 3
CHM 100 or 200 level 3-4
2024-2025 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees:
B.S. in Health & Movement Sciences: Strength & Conditioning Emphasis
| Tuition | Fees | ||
| Resident of WV | $3,784.00 | $1,115.00 | $4,899.00 |
| Metro Residents | $5,787.00 | $1,367.00 | $7,154.00 |
| Non-Resident of WV | $9,374.00 | $1,381.00 | $10,755.00 |
Programmatic Outcomes: B.S. in Health & Movement Sciences: Strength & Conditioning Emphasis
| Outcomes | AY 2024/2025 | AY 2025/2026 | AY 2026/2027 |
| Enrollment | |||
| Graduation | |||
| Retention | |||
| CSCS Pass Rate | |||
| 1st Time | |||
| Overall | |||
| Placment | |||
| 1 Year | |||
| 5 Year |
Accreditation Status
TBD
Remediation Policy
If a student earns a grade in a strength & condition program course that does not meet the required passing grade, the instructor may require remedial work to achieve the required score. The instructor of record and Program Director will review each student on a case-by-case basis. Students may be required to provide remedial work. Options include, but are not limited to, retaking a course, remedial work, and independent study. Refusal to engage in remediation may result in probation and/or dismissal from the program.
Grievance Policy for the Strength & Conditioning Program
Purpose: The Strength & Conditioning program is committed to fostering an educational environment where students can express concerns and seek resolutions in a fair and systematic manner. This grievance policy provides a structured process for addressing academic and non-academic issues that may arise during a student’s tenure in the program.
Scope: This policy applies to all students enrolled in the Strength & Conditioning program and encompasses grievances related to academic matters, faculty or staff conduct, program policies, and other concerns impacting the student experience.
Grievance Procedures:
- Informal Resolution:
- Students are encouraged to first address their concerns directly with the involved party (e.g., student, faculty member, staff) to seek an informal resolution.
- If the issue remains unresolved, the student should consult their academic advisor or the Program Director for guidance and mediation.
- Formal Grievance:
- If an informal resolution is unsuccessful or deemed inappropriate, the student may file a formal written grievance.
- The written grievance should include:
- A clear statement of the issue.
- Relevant facts and documentation.
- A description of prior attempts at resolution.
- The desired outcome or resolution.
- The formal grievance must be submitted to the Program Director within 10 business days of the incident or the conclusion of informal resolution attempts.
- Review Process:
- Upon receipt, the Program Director will acknowledge the grievance and initiate a review, which may involve:
- Meeting with the student to discuss the grievance.
- Consulting with involved parties.
- Reviewing relevant documentation.
- A written response detailing the findings and any proposed actions will be provided to the student within 15 business days.
- Appeal Process:
- If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the first step, they may appeal the decision to the Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science.
- The appeal must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of receiving the Program Director’s decision and should include:
- The original grievance documentation.
- The Program Director’s response.
- A statement outlining the grounds for appeal.
- The Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science will review the appeal and issue a final decision within 10 business days.
- If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome from the Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science, they may appeal the decision to the Dean of the College of Health Professions.
- The appeal must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of receiving the Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science’s decision and should include:
- The original grievance documentation.
- The Program Director’s response.
- The Chair of the School of Health & Movement Science response.
- A statement outlining the grounds for appeal.
- The Dean will review the appeal and issue a final decision within 10 business days.
Confidentiality: All grievance proceedings and records will be handled confidentially, with information disclosed only to individuals directly involved in the process.
Non-Retaliation: Students filing a grievance in good faith are protected from retaliation. Any retaliatory actions should be reported immediately and will be addressed promptly.