UK launches strength and conditioning educational programs for undergraduates
The University of Kentucky is offering students a new opportunity to specialize in strength and conditioning as part of a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. Housed within the College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, this new option in Strength and Conditioning also includes an undergraduate minor for students in other majors. The programs earned accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) in July 2025.
“Out of 40 total accredited programs nationally, the University of Kentucky now proudly is recognized for rigorous academic standards and effectiveness in preparing students for strength and conditioning careers,” said Rosie Lanphere, Ph.D., associate professor and program director.
Designed to prepare students for careers in sport performance and fitness, the program aligns with the standards of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and prepares graduates to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.
“Strength and conditioning coaches are the unseen heroes of elite athletic performance,” Lanphere said. “They ensure athletes have the endurance, strength, agility and recovery strategies needed to stay safe and succeed. No matter how skilled an athlete may be, optimal fitness is key to success.”
Students pursuing the Kinesiology: Strength and Conditioning major or minor will complete a 300-hour practicum experience under the supervision of certified professionals.
“In practicum placements, students progress from observation to hands-on responsibilities like setting up and breaking down workouts, coaching, testing athletes, tracking progress and even designing training programs,” Lanphere said.
The curriculum integrates exercise science principles with applied training methods. Although it shares core coursework with UK’s Kinesiology: Exercise Science option, this track emphasizes performance coaching and includes a transcript designation in “Strength and Conditioning” to highlight the student’s specialized focus. The degree awarded remains a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.
Certification through a nationally accredited organization is required for strength and conditioning coaches at the NCAA Division I level, and the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential is often preferred — or even required — for positions such as assistant, associate or head strength and conditioning coach or coordinator; performance coach; sports performance coach; director of sport or high performance; and director of strength and conditioning. Many practitioners in physical therapy settings also attain the CSCS credential.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2030, individuals in the U.S. must hold a degree from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education to be eligible to take the CSCS exam. Until that time, a bachelor’s degree in any field remains sufficient for exam eligibility. Requirements for candidates outside the U.S. may vary and are available on the NSCA website.
Current UK students, as well as incoming first-year and transfer students, interested in the major or minor are encouraged to contact Nate Hibbitts, director of academic advising in the UK College of Education, for more information.