NSCA Recognizes Exercise Science Program

The exercise science program at Shenandoah has been recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP). The NSCA Education Recognition Program is the first step in laying the foundation to ensure excellence for students in the classroom, as well as long-term professional success after graduation.

The NSCA Education Recognition Program recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications.

This recognition is crucial as the NSCA is taking forward-thinking steps by modifying the requirements to attain the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification. There will be two principal changes to the certification process:

• Effective target date 2030, all CSCS exam candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a strength and conditioning-related field, or be enrolled as a senior in such a program.
• Effective target date 2030, candidates will need to obtain those degrees from a college or university that has a program accredited by an NSCA-approved accrediting agency.

“Because the Shenandoah exercise science program is recognized as an NSCA-ERP, students graduating from the program do so with the knowledge that they have received the education required by a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession,” said Department Chair and Assistant Professor Exercise Science Barry Parker, Ph.D. 

For more information on the exercise science program and benefits of certification, contact Dr. Parker at bparker2@su.edu.