Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you.
College of Education, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion Kinesiology (Strength and Conditioning) (B.S.)
What can you do with this degree?
With a degree in Kinesiology: Strength and Conditioning, students gain the foundational knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional preparation needed for careers in the field of strength and conditioning. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice in exercise science, program design, movement analysis, and coaching techniques, while offering practical experiences that prepare students for the demands of working with diverse athletic populations. Students gain the knowledge and confidence to sit for industry-recognized certifications such as the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and are well-prepared for entry-level positions in collegiate, professional, or private sports performance settings. As part of the program, students complete a 300-hour practicum that provides valuable real-world experience in the field.
Program Details
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
Delivery Method: On Campus, In-Person
Scholarship Information: Student Scholarships and Awards
Practicum Information: KHP 578
Accreditation: The Kinesiology: Strength and Conditioning major and minor in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE), a recognized authority in quality strength and conditioning education. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence in our strength and conditioning program. Our curriculum, faculty, and facilities have undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure that we provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in the field of strength and conditioning and keep athletes safe. Please visit the data dashboard for more information on student enrollment, graduation, retention rate CSCS pass rate, and graduate placement rate.
CSCS Certification Requirements: You must meet the following requirements to sit for the CSCS exam:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree
- Have a current CPR/AED certification
IMPORTANT: Effective January 1, 2030, U.S. candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a CASCE-accredited program to be eligible for the CSCS exam. This does not affect candidates with a Bachelor’s degree from outside the U.S. until January 2036. Current degree requirements are effective through December 31, 2029. More information on eligibility requirements can be found here.
Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion
What You'll Study
Year 1
Semester 1 (17-18 course hours)
- UK Core- Composition & Communication I: CIS or WRD 110 (3)
- UK Core- Quantitative Foundations: MA 109- College Algebra (3) or MA 123- Elementary Calculus and Its Applications (4)
- CHE 104- Introductory General Chemistry (3) or CHE 105- General College Chemistry I (4)
- PSY 100- Introduction to Psychology (4)
- UK CORE- Humanities (3)
Semester 2 (16 course hours)
- UK Core- Composition & Communication II: CIS or WRD 111 (3)
- UK Core- Global Dynamics (3)
- KHP 120- Weight Training (1)
- BIO 103- Basic Ideas of Biology (3) or BIO 148- Introductory Biology I (3)
- CHE 108- Intro to Inorganic, Organic and Biochemistry (3) or CHE 107- General College Chemistry II (3)
- General Elective Course (3)
Year 2
Semester 3 (17 course hours)
- UK Core- Arts and Creativity (3)
- ANA 209- Principles of Human Anatomy (3)
- PSY 323- Development Psychology (3)
- PHY 211- General Physics (5)
- STA 210- Statistical Inferential Reasoning (3) or STA 296- Statistical Methods and Motivations (3)
Semester 4 (15 course hours)
- UK Core- Community, Culture and Citizenship in U.S. (3)
- KHP 200- The History of Philosophy of Physical Education and Sport (3)
- KHP 300- Psychology and Sociology of Physical Education and Sport (3) Graduation Composition and Communications Requirement
- DHN 101- Human Nutrition and Wellness (3)
- PGY 206- Elementary Physiology (3)
Year 3
Semester 5 (16 course hours)
- KHP 230- Human Health and Wellness (3)
- KHP 445- Introduction to Tests and Measurement (3)
- KHP 350- Strength and Conditioning for Sports (4)
- KHP 240- Nutrition and Physical Fitness (3)
- KHP 415- Biomechanics of Human Movement (4)
Semester 6 (15 course hours)
- KHP 420G- Physiology of Exercise (4)
- KHP 210- Introduction to Fitness (2)
- KHP 473- Management of Sport (3)
- Exercise Science Elective (3)
Year 4
Semester 7 (14 course hours)
- KHP 578- Practicum in Strength and Conditioning (3)
- KHP 450- Introduction to Exercise Testing and Prescription (3)
- KHP 340- Athletic Training (2)
- Exercise Science Elective (3)
- General Elective Course (3)
Semester 8 (12 course hours)
- KHP 190- First Aid and Emergency Care (2)
- KHP 578- Practicum in Strength and Conditioning (3)
- Exercise Science Elective (4)
- General Elective Course (3)
Complaints
For student complaints or concerns regarding CASCE accreditation, contact the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).
Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE)
1885 Bob Johnson Dr
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone: 719-632-6722 x 164
E-Mail: accreditation@nsca.com
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