B.S. in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Strength & Conditioning

Mission and Goals

The Exercise Science Program (ESP) Strength and Conditioning Concentration is designed to provide an environment conducive to the goals and missions of the college as well as the Health and Sports Sciences Department.

The ESP Strength & Conditioning concentration combines a liberal arts education with professional field experience necessary to qualify a student to sit for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam (CSCS). The field experiences will involve but not be limited to assignments from the collegiate, high school, and general adult settings. The inclusiveness of these experiences is designed to help produce a well-rounded strength and conditioning specialist; one who is genuinely concerned about the health and well-being of many different types of physically active individuals.

It is the objective of the entire Exercise Science staff to instill the importance of effective knowledge of the 10 content areas of strength and conditioning education as established by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning (CASCE), along with appropriate field experience:

  1. Human Anatomy and Physiology
  2. Exercise Physiology
  3. Kinesiology/Biomechanics
  4. Sports Nutrition
  5. Psychology of Sport and Exercise
  6. Scientific Principles of Strength and Conditioning
  7. Resistance Training and Conditioning (Practical/Laboratory)
  8. Exercise Testing/Exercise Prescription with Emphasis on Anaerobic Exercise
  9. Program Design as Related to Strength and Conditioning
  10. Program Organization, Administration, and Oversight
  11. Field Based Experience

It is also the aim of the Exercise Science staff to instill the importance of scholarship, leadership, service and personal growth throughout the entire educational process of the ESP.

The Exercise Science staff and support staff strive to develop an educational experience that celebrates diversity and promotes a sense of collegiality among all members of the program. In addition, we will strive to cultivate the need for a life-long appreciation for continuing education and research in the vast changing arena of exercise science and strength and conditioning.

Program Director
Dr. Emily Post, PhD, CSCS, ACSM-EP

Field Experience Coordinator
Dr. Christopher Torres, PhD, CSCS, TSAC-F

Program Outcomes

Our Strength and Conditioning program outcomes are rooted in the 10 core content areas defined by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) and specific field experience in strength and conditioning. These content areas ensure students gain comprehensive competencies in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, program design, and exercise technique. These outcomes are mapped across the curriculum to ensure vertical integration from foundational knowledge to applied skills.

Field Based Experience

All Strength and Conditioning students complete a structured field experience designed to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities developed throughout their didactic and laboratory coursework. This is scheduled during their senior year through the course EXSC 4500 (Practicum in Strength and Conditioning). Students work directly with the Field Experience Coordinator for placements that best fit their interests and career goals. This hands-on experience allows students to demonstrate professional competence and ethical standards in real-world strength and conditioning settings.

  • Students work under the supervision of at least two different professionals, with each experience requiring a minimum of 75 hours and one lasting at least six weeks. All primary supervisors have their NSCA CSCS and are trained in strength and conditioning.
  • This immersive experience covers essential practice areas such as:
    • warm-up procedures
    • flexibility training
    • exercise technique
    • spotting
    • Olympic-style lifting with progressions and regressions
    • test selection and administration
    • program design
    • speed
    • agility
    • plyometric training
    • anaerobic and aerobic programming
    • periodization

Through these experiences, students reinforce their academic learning, build confidence in professional settings, and develop the practical competencies needed to succeed in the field of strength and conditioning. Students also gain professional development and responsibility through this experience. They acquire an appreciation for the skills, morals and values that a strength and conditioning specialist must possess to enhance the profession as a whole.

BS in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Strength & Conditioning – CASCE Accreditation

Otterbein University’s Health and Sport Sciences BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning has applied to the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE), a recognized authority in quality strength and conditioning education. This effort of application to accreditation reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence within our Strength and Conditioning program.

Enrollment
The concentration in Strength and Conditioning within the BS in Exercise Science will begin in Fall of 2026.

Retention Rates
As of fall 2025, there have not yet been any graduates of the BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning. As a result, retention rates related to graduation cannot be calculated.

Graduation Rates
As of fall 2025, there have not yet been any graduates of the BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning.

Graduate Placement Rates
As of fall 2025, there have not yet been any graduates of the BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning.

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Pass Rate
Students generally take the CSCS exam after graduation. Since there have not yet been any BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning graduates, no CSCS pass rates can be calculated for this group.

Course Checklist/Four Year Plan

Careers

There are numerous opportunities for Exercise Science in Strength and Conditioning degree program graduates as new health initiatives are developed and tested. MS Exercise Science – Strength and Conditioning graduates are in high demand at private health agencies and foundations, non-profit research centers, college-level athletics programs, and educational institutions. Graduates with an MS Exercise Science – Strength and Conditioning degree find careers in teaching, research, and coaching.

Graduates of the Exercise Science in Strength and Conditioning program have a wide range of career opportunities, particularly as new health initiatives continue to emerge and evolve. Individuals with an BS in Exercise Science that specializes in Strength and Conditioning are highly sought after by athletic programs training all age ranges, private health organizations, research organizations, and educational institutions. Many go on to build successful careers in coaching, teaching, and research.

Resources

Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
Students will be able to identify, describe, and apply foundational anatomical and physiological principles of the human body, especially the skeletal, muscular, and integumentary systems, as they relate to health, fitness, and integrated body function. Knowledgeable
Students will demonstrate an integrated understanding of major organ systems, including nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive, by identifying structures, explaining physiological functions, and applying this knowledge to health, fitness, and human performance contexts. Knowledgeable
The student applies both oral and written communication skills and organizational abilities when discussing peer-reviewed literature within the Exercise Science field. Additionally, students synthesize and summarize information from a variety of sources to inform the project/topic at hand. Multi-literate; knowledgeable; Inquisitive
The student demonstrates the knowledge and skills of a health and fitness practitioner regarding knowledge of appropriate testing and prescription for clientele. Knowledgeable; Multi-literate
Students will demonstrate knowledge of skeletal and neuromuscular systems by identifying anatomical structures, explaining movement mechanics, and applying principles of muscle function and body mechanics to assess and enhance physical performance. Knowledgeable
Students will analyze human movement using biomechanical principles, applying kinematic and kinetic concepts, mathematical reasoning, and observational techniques to evaluate and improve motor performance through scientific inquiry. Knowledgeable; Multi-literate
The student practices their decision-making and critical thinking and analysis skills in practical opportunities within nutrition and dietetics. Engaged, Responsible
Students will demonstrate the ability to create behavior change related to physical activity and diet. Multi-literate
Students will demonstrate the ability to critical evaluate current nutrition supplements and recommendations. Multi-literate
The student assesses the needs and wants of individuals or groups in order to determine priorities for health and fitness programming; specifically, groups of individuals with special or different needs. Multi-literate; Engaged

Students will apply psychological principles and mental performance strategies, such as energy regulation, attention control, goal setting, and imagery, to help athletes enhance focus, build resilience, and optimize performance under pressure.

 Multi-literate; Engaged
Students will demonstrate appropriate strength and conditioning program design and implementation based on needs and population; specifically plyometric training, speed and agility training, and aerobic endurance training. Knowledgeable
Students will demonstrate effective hands-on application of general strength and conditioning testing; specifically plyometric training, speed and agility training, and aerobic endurance training. Multi-literate. Engaged

Students will learn to select, administer, and interpret valid and reliable fitness and performance tests to assess athletic ability, monitor progress, and inform individualized, evidence-based training programs.

 Knowledgeable; Inquisitive
Students will demonstrate appropriate strength and conditioning program design and implementation based on needs and population; specifically plyometric training, speed and agility training, and aerobic endurance training. Knowledgeable
Students will demonstrate effective hands-on application of general strength and conditioning testing; specifically plyometric training, speed and agility training, and aerobic endurance training. Multi-literate. Engaged
The student plans effective physical activity/exercise and nutritional programs for individuals/groups for several populations of individuals. Multi-literate
Effective and appropriate exercise facility program organization, administration, and oversight. Knowledgeable. Multi-literate.
Students will be able to design, organize, and manage strength and conditioning facilities by applying principles of facility layout, equipment arrangement, policy development, legal and ethical standards, and emergency planning. Knowledgeable. Multi-literate.
Students will apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting, demonstrating professional competence, critical thinking, and self-directed learning through supervised fieldwork, reflective practice, and portfolio development. Engaged; Multi-literate; Responsible; Inquisitive; Engaged

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.

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