Wittenberg’s B.S. in exercise science with a concentration in strength and conditioning recently received a big boost, becoming a nationally accredited program that demonstrates the University’s commitment to preparing students who wish to obtain certification as a strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) in this ever-evolving field.
Wittenberg began the accreditation process with the Council on Accreditation of the Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CASCE) in 2022. Now the program has become the first CASCE-accredited program in Ohio. As of now, 22 programs nationally have received CASCE accreditation with Wittenberg’s program becoming the 23rd overall program in the United States.
“Our Exercise Science program has a proven record of CSCS exam success,” said Hung-Sheng Hsu, associate professor of exercise science and director of the exercise science program in Wittenberg’s Department of Health and Sport Studies. “With our new CASCE-accredited Strength and Conditioning concentration, Wittenberg is committed to preparing students for excellence and to meeting the 2030 CSCS certification requirements in the evolving strength and conditioning field. This degree will have specific requirements tailored to the field of strength and conditioning, emphasizing its importance in professional practice.
“CASCE is a nonprofit accrediting agency dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession by providing accreditation to collegiate-level education programs,” Hsu added. “CASCE employs peer reviews by academic and industry professionals to ensure programs meet rigorous educational and practical standards.”
Beginning in the year 2030, individuals pursuing the CSCS credential must hold a degree from a CASCE-accredited program, highlighting the importance of this accreditation. CASCE accreditation confirms that Wittenberg's Strength and Conditioning Concentration program meets high educational and practical standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to design effective training programs while prioritizing athlete health and safety.
Wittenberg currently offers both a B.S. and a B.A. along with a minor in exercise science, which all provide a multi-disciplinary approach to the science of health and sport performance within a liberal arts curriculum.
To date, the University is home to 56 exercise science majors with 41 students enrolled in the B.S. in exercise science and 15 students in the B.A. in exercise science programs. According to Hsu, several students have expressed interest in the strength and conditioning concentration. The concentration allows students to pursue a career as a strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, fitness professional or other similar careers.
“This will give Wittenberg students a major advantage of coming from an accredited program by one of the largest certifying constituencies in the United States, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA),” said John Thistlethwaite, associate professor of health and sport studies at Wittenberg. “Students will have the advantage of a curriculum that aligns with requirements to become a certified strength and conditioning specialist.”
Exercise science deals with the study of acute and chronic effects of physical activity on the human body, focusing on how and why the body responds to a range of stimuli in a non-resting state. Wittenberg's program provides students with academic preparation and practical training required to be successful in various careers in the growing field and includes courses in gross human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and exercise testing and prescription.
In Wittenberg's program, students whose interests vary from nutrition to biomechanics to strength and conditioning find the flexibility to choose courses and internships/research that match their personal interests with their academic and professional goals.
Wittenberg’s program collaborates with the Bates Strength Center, part of the Health, Wellness & Athletics Complex, and other NCAA strength and conditioning programs to provide hands-on internship experiences. Each student in the strength and conditioning concentration must complete over 300 internship hours under the supervision of two or more CSCS-certified coaches across at least two semesters. Students will gain hands-on experience from these internships, which gives practical experience prior to obtaining a permanent position or entry into a graduate program. These internship sites will also include different areas of strength and conditioning and fitness ranging from other colleges and universities to commercial fitness industries.
“Students will be mentored by CSCS-certified strength coaches and gain practical experience training NCAA sports teams. Both Coach Seth Warren and Coach Nathan Phillips are CSCS-certified professionals who have been instrumental in mentoring student interns pursuing careers in strength and conditioning here at Wittenberg,” Hsu said. “They will provide valuable hands-on experience, bridging classroom knowledge with practical applications in the weight room. Their mentorship ensures students are well-equipped to support athletes in achieving their performance goals safely and effectively. We are actively seeking additional internship opportunities to further enhance student experiences.”
Wittenberg’s program will require a student to obtain 66 to 68 credits to complete the degree.
“At Wittenberg, we are known for having faculty who help students succeed through mentorship, innovative teaching, experiential learning, and strong academic programs,” said Jen Parsons, associate professor of health and sport studies and chair of the department. “This accreditation is just one more example of our faculty meeting the needs of our students.”
To learn more about Wittenberg’s program click here.
Additional information on the certification process can be found on the official website of the NSCA. This resource provides comprehensive guidance on the requirements, examination details, and application procedures necessary to pursue this prestigious certification in the field of strength and conditioning.
