Exercise Science and Sport Management - Strength and Conditioning Specialist - D
Composite Major
Major
The program of study in the Strength and Conditioning Specialist concentration is primarily designed to prepare students for careers in the strength and conditioning field. Students choosing this major will find their learning enhanced by exposure to state of the art equipment and a new exercise physiology lab housed in the Health, Wellness and Physical Education Center. The program of study in Strength and Conditioning aims to develop an understanding of the concepts and theories of program design.
Students will acquire the skills necessary to develop training and conditioning regimens for athletic and fitness populations. In addition to a curriculum led by a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), students complete field experiences where they will be mentored by professionals in the field. Students who complete this program of study will be prepared to seek employment in the sport and fitness industry.
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR MAJOR
The Exercise Science Club provides students in the fitness, exercise science, and wellness fields opportunities to discuss current topics in the profession and provide community outreach programs. Students in this major are also encouraged to attend local conferences led by professionals who are recognized in the area of sports performance.
“The Strength and Conditioning Concentration at VCSU is more than sitting in a classroom. The staff truly cares about the success of their students and engage with them to pursue opportunities. My opportunity came with a strength and conditioning field experience with the United States Air Force Academy football team, and after graduation I was able to secure a strength and conditioning internship at the United States Olympic Training Center. At VCSU, I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime and have gained an education that has accelerated my career for years to come.” —Phil Reuer ’14, Kintyre, N.D; strength and conditioning intern at US Olympic Training Center and SDSU
“Valley City State University’s strength and conditioning program has provided me with the professional skills and knowledge to succeed in my field. The staff strives to see you succeed; they engage in your education. The strength and conditioning program offers hands on experience which has greatly improved my skill set and prepared me for my future career.” —Dylan Boyle, Elbow, Saskatchewan, Canada
General Education Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English Composition | ||
| Select one of the following: | 6 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| College Composition II 1 | ||
or ENGL 125 | Introduction to Professional Writing | |
| or | ||
| College Composition II 1 | ||
or ENGL 125 | Introduction to Professional Writing | |
| College Composition III | ||
| Speech Communication | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Lab Science | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Concepts of Biology | ||
| General Biology I | ||
| General Biology II | ||
| General Zoology | ||
| Introductory Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science | ||
| The Earth Through Time | ||
| Concepts of Physics | ||
| Introductory Astronomy | ||
| Introductory College Physics I | ||
| Introductory College Physics II | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| University Physics II | ||
| Technology, Engineering, and Design | ||
| Wellness | ||
| HPER 100 | Concepts of Fitness and Wellness | 2 |
| Technology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Computer Information Systems | ||
| Introduction to Programming in Java | ||
| Introduction to Structured Programming I | ||
| Discovering Computing | ||
| Humanities | ||
| Literacies | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Literature | ||
| Introduction to Film | ||
| World Literature I | ||
| World Literature II | ||
| American Literature I | ||
| American Literature II | ||
| Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage | ||
| 1st Year Spanish I | ||
| 1st Year Spanish II | ||
| 2nd Year Spanish I | ||
| 2nd Year Spanish II | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Arts | ||
| Acting One | ||
| Art and Music | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts | ||
| Fine Arts and Aesthetics | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Music Fundamentals | ||
| History of Rock and Roll | ||
| Social Science | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Understanding Media and Social Change | ||
| Human Communication | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Human Geography | ||
| United States to 1877 | ||
| United States to Present | ||
| World Civilizations to 1500 | ||
| World Civilizations since 1500 | ||
| Women in America | ||
| Environmental History | ||
| Native American Studies | ||
| American National Government | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Introduction to Psychology 2 | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| Additional Humanities or Social Science | ||
| Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following: | 2 | |
| Design | ||
| Drawing I | ||
| Ceramics I | ||
| Survey of Geography | ||
| Group Piano for Non-Majors | ||
| Group Piano for Non-Majors | ||
| Valkyries | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Athletic Band | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Planetarium Science | ||
| Theatre Practicum | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
| 1 | Required ENGL 125 |
| 2 | Required |
Major Requirement
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HPER 208 | Introduction to Physical Education | 2 |
| HPER 209 | Sport Nutrition Concepts | 3 |
| HPER 210 | First Aid & CPR | 1 |
| HPER 350 | Sport Ethics | 2 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Concentration D - Strength & Conditioning Specialist
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HPER 109 | Exercise Techniques and Program Design | 3 |
| HPER 207 | Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries | 2 |
| HPER 220 | Practical Application of Fitness Education | 3 |
| HPER 258 | Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Performance | 3 |
| HPER 259 | Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Performance | 3 |
| HPER 300 | Drug Education and Information | 2 |
| HPER 384 | Fitness Assessment and Prescription | 3 |
| HPER 388 | Outdoor Pursuits for the Physical Educator | 2 |
| HPER 405 | Advanced Topics in Strength and Conditioning | 2 |
| HPER 410 | Organization and Adminstration of Physical Education and Sport | 2 |
| HPER 444 | Exercise Physiology of Peak Performances | 3 |
| HPER 487 | Field Experience | 2-4 |
| MGMT 330 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| MRKT 305 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| COMM 414 | Social Media Management | 3 |
| BUSI 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| Directed Electives | 20 | |
| Corporate Communication | ||
| Gender Communication | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Group Dynamics | ||
| Sports Information | ||
MGMT 335 | ||
| Foundations of Leadership | ||
| Elements of Accounting I | ||
| Elements of Accounting II | ||
| Business Data Solutions | ||
| Field Experience | ||
| Field Experience | ||
| Contemporary Health Issues | ||
| Sociology/Psychology of Sport | ||
| 1st Year Spanish I | ||
| 1st Year Spanish II | ||
| Total Credits | 62-64 | |
Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirements 50-52 Hrs
Total Concentration Requirements 20 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional Coursework | ||
| Students may add the following Spanish concentration as additional coursework for the major | ||
| SPAN 101 | 1st Year Spanish I | 3 |
| SPAN 102 | 1st Year Spanish II | 3 |
| SPAN 201 | 2nd Year Spanish I | 3 |
| SPAN 202 | 2nd Year Spanish II | 3 |
| SPAN 215 | Spanish Conversation | 2 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.
Plan of Study
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| English Composition (Gen Ed) | 3 | ENGL 125 (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| HPER 100 (Gen Ed) | 2 | HPER 207 | 2 |
| Lab Science (Gen Ed) | 4 | HPER 220 | 3 |
| Mathematics (Gen Ed) | 3 | Lab Science (Gen Ed) | 4 |
| Technology (Gen Ed) | 3 | Speech Communication (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| UNIV 150 | 1 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Art and Music (Gen Ed) | 3 | BUSI 214 | 3 |
| Directed Elective | 3 | HPER 109 | 3 |
| HPER 258 | 3 | HPER 208 | 2 |
| Literacies (Gen Ed) | 3 | HPER 259 | 3 |
| PSYC 111 (Gen Ed) | 3 | HPER 287 | 1-2 |
| Social Science (Gen Ed) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15-16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Directed Elective | 3 | COMM 414 | 3 |
| Directed Elective | 3 | Directed Elective | 3 |
| HPER 300 | 2 | HPER 209 | 3 |
| HPER 350 | 2 | HPER 210 | 1 |
| MGMT 330 | 3 | HPER 384 | 3 |
| MRKT 305 | 3 | HPER 388 | 2 |
| HPER 405 (even years) | 2 | ||
| 16 | 17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Directed Elective | 3 | Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed) | 2 |
| Graduation Elective | 3 | Directed Elective | 3 |
| Graduation Elective | 3 | Directed Elective | 2 |
| HPER 387 | 1-2 | Graduation Elective | 2 |
| HPER 410 | 2 | HPER 405 (even years) | 2 |
| HPER 444 | 3 | HPER 487 | 2-4 |
| 15-16 | 13-15 | ||
| Total Credits 122-126 | |||
Please note: This plan is intended for general information only. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop safety procedures in the fitness venue.
- Students will be able to perform fitness evaluations and exercise testing to assess physical condition.
- Students will design, implement and/or modify safe and effective exercise prescriptions to improve health and performance.
- Students will create projects that demonstrate their understanding of communication, managerial, fiscal and leadership concepts.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to relate concepts of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to movement activities.