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The Strength and Conditioning minor provides students with the foundational knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional preparation needed for careers in the field of strength and conditioning. The minor 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.

Program Details

Delivery Method: On Campus, In-Person

Practicum InformationKHP 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

Strength and Conditioning Minor Requirements

This minor requires 20 credit hours as follows:

Prerequisite Information

  • KHP 205 CANNOT be used as a prerequisite for KHP 420G, KHP 350, or KHP 450.
  • Prerequisite for KHP 350 is ANA 209 and PGY 206, or ANA 109 and ANA 110, and KHP 120.
  • Prerequisite for KHP 420G is ANA 209 and PGY 206, or ANA 109 and ANA 110.
  • Prerequisite courses for KHP 450 is ANA 209 and PGY 206, or ANA 109 and ANA 110, and KHP 420G.
  • Prerequisite course for KHP 578 is KHP 350. 

Required Courses

  • KHP 240: Nutrition and Physical Fitness (3)
  • KHP 350: Strength and Conditioning for Sports (4)
  • KHP 420G: Physiology of Exercise (4)
  • KHP 450: Introduction to Exercise Testing and Prescription (3)
  • KHP 578: Practicum in Strength and Conditioning (6)

How to Apply

Incoming Students: Minors and certificates can be declared once you are an enrolled student at the University.  

Current students: To add a minor or certificate, follow these instructions: 

  • Log on to your myUKGPS
  • Under “My Program of Study” on the right side of the page, click the link “Request a major/minor/certificate change”.  
  • This will allow you to add, change, or remove any major or minor. 

If you have questions, please contact your academic advisor.

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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