Strength and Conditioning Certificate

The mission of this post-baccalaureate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning is to offer transformative student experiences combined with science-based education in order to meet the evolving needs of the strength and conditioning profession while enhancing the regional workforce

The post-baccalaureate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning provides both the scientific and hands-on knowledge to build participants’ skills at planning, organizing, implementing, and modifying science-based exercise training programs to meet the needs of high performers (e.g., athletes, military, first responders, theatre performers). The purpose of this post-baccalaureate certificate in strength and conditioning is to prepare individuals to successfully design and lead science-informed training programs for athletes across performance contexts. This 15-credit certificate includes 300 hours of practicum experience under an approved Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) professional.

The certificate is designed for students with an interest in pursuing professions in strength and conditioning, physical therapy, sport performance science, physical education or performance coaching. Upon completing the certificate program, graduates are prepared to take the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the post-baccalaureate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning, a student must have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a minimum grade of B in the following undergraduate courses: 

  • Anatomy & Physiology (either as a standalone course or as a two-part series)
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics

Graduate students enrolled in graduate degree programs, such as MS in Kinesiology or Doctorate of Physical Therapy, may choose to use their electives to complete this certificate.

Curriculum and Course Descriptions

Successful completion of the 15 credits hours is required to obtain a graduate certificate in Strength and Conditioning. Coursework included in the certificate program must be completed with a 3.0 GPA or better. Students need to meeting good academic standing in accordance with the ECU Graduate School guidelines. No courses may be repeated to earn the certificate and receiving a grade of F in any required certificate course is an automatic dismissal.

Courses include:

  • KINE 6445 – Sport Psychology (3 h) (required)
  • KINE 6610 – Essentials of Strength and Conditioning (3 h) (required)
  • KINE 6660 – Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3 h) (required)
  • KINE 6990 – Practicum in Kinesiology (3 h) (required)
  • KINE 6991 – Practicum in Kinesiology (3 h) (required)

KINE 6445 – Sport Psychology (3 h) (Fall)

Theories and psychological principles that may influence sport involvement and performance. Emphasis on practical application of psychology in order to improve quality of performance and meaningfulness of participation.

KINE 6610 – Essentials of Strength and Conditioning (3 h) (Fall)

This course is designed to give students exposure to the field of strength and conditioning and is one of a two-course sequence to prepare students to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.

KINE 6660 – Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3 h) (Spring)

 Advanced theory and application of strength and conditioning training with an emphasis on the development of an annual plan for various sports; and facility design and organization.

KINE 6990 – Practicum in Kinesiology (3 h) (Spring, Fall)

150 contact hours for the 3 credit practicum; 100 contact hours for 2 credit practicum; and 50 contact hours for 1 credit practicum are required. Students are assigned to an on- or off- campus mentor to gain fieldwork and/or research experience. Emphasis is placed on the application of theory into practice.

KINE 6991 – Practicum in Kinesiology (3 h) (Spring, Fall)

150 contact hours for the 3 credit practicum; 100 contact hours for 2 credit practicum; and 50 contact hours for 1 credit practicum are required. Students are assigned to an on- or off- campus mentor to gain fieldwork and/or research experience. Emphasis is placed on the application of theory into practice.

For further information, contact:

E. Whitney G. Moore, PhD, CSCS*D, FAASP
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Program Director: Strength and Conditioning Certificate
Graduate Program Director: MS Kinesiology
Department of Kinesiology
College of Health & Human Sciences
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Phone: 252-325-0001
Email: mooreer22@ecu.edu