Strength and Conditioning Minor

Strength and Conditioning Minor

Prepare for a Career in Strength and Conditioning

The Strength and Conditioning Minor at Southern Nazarene University (SNU) prepares students to pursue careers in strength and conditioning, sport performance training, and athletic development. The program combines sport science coursework with hands-on coaching experience to help students develop the knowledge and practical skills required to train athletes safely and effectively.

Students learn how to design strength and conditioning programs, conduct performance testing, coach resistance training techniques, and apply sport nutrition and sport psychology principles. Coursework is grounded in the evidence-based guidelines of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the leading professional organization for strength and conditioning coaches.

Graduates are well prepared to pursue careers in athletic performance training, sport science, personal training, and tactical strength and conditioning.

CSCS Certification Preparation

The Strength and Conditioning Minor prepares students for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, widely considered the gold standard credential for strength and conditioning coaches.

Students complete coursework aligned with NSCA professional standards, including:

• Strength and conditioning program design
• Performance testing and athlete assessment
• Resistance training technique and coaching
• Sports nutrition for performance
• Sports psychology and motivation
• Athlete monitoring and training load management

Students are strongly encouraged to sit for the CSCS certification exam after completing the program.

Hands-On Strength and Conditioning Experience

A major advantage of the SNU program is its extensive hands-on training experience. 

• The Strength & Conditioning Field Experience courses provide students with hands-on professional experience in collegiate, high school, private sector, and sports performance settings.
• Students complete a minimum of 300 hours of practical field experience designed to enhance professional preparation in strength and conditioning, athletic performance, sport science, and coaching.
• Field experience supervisors are highly qualified and experienced professionals in good standing with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and hold a current Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. Supervisors also participate in annual or biennial field experience training and maintain compliance with all program supervision policies.
• To ensure broad professional development, students complete experiences under the supervision of two different approved site supervisors and participate in two unique strength and conditioning settings. Students may receive compensation for one of the two required field experiences.