FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science Strength and Conditioning Program became the first in Indiana to be accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).
Starting in 2030, candidates taking the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam must first hold a completed bachelor’s degree from a CASCE-accredited institution.
The CASCE accreditation demonstrates Saint Francis’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence in its strength and conditioning program. The curriculum, faculty and facilities have undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure that the university provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills and practical experience. CASCE is a recognized authority in quality strength and conditioning education.
“We are honored to be recognized and to be a leader in advancing the field of strength and conditioning,” Saint Francis Health and Exercise Science Program Director Janet Smith said. “We look forward to facilitating an understanding of this certification—beyond traditional thoughts of strength training—and the uniqueness of our program. Our goal continues to be to prepare and connect students for professional opportunities that meet their individual goals and aspirations. Our program allows students to navigate and explore various settings for training and preparing athletes.”
CASCE accreditation is part of an initiative by the globally recognized National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to elevate and advance the strength and conditioning profession. The CSCS certification, established in 1985, is the leading credential for strength and conditioning coaches. Earning this certification, along with extensive field experience, allows students to pursue a career as a strength and conditioning coach to work across diverse training environments.
“This accreditation brings validation and additional credibility to our program, enhancing our ability to attract and attain talented students to Saint Francis,” Smith said. “Our health and exercise science program will continue to develop and prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in strength and conditioning, human performance and rehabilitation.”
The Saint Francis Health and Exercise Science curriculum ensures a foundation of knowledge in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and psychology that is foundational to careers in rehabilitation and movement science. Students develop interpersonal skills as they assess, program, and train individual clients and sport specific teams in practicum and field experience settings.
Students in the strength and conditioning program further develop techniques of teaching, cueing, and motivating to lead developmentally appropriate, safe and effective sessions for optimal athletic performance.
Saint Francis introduced the Strength and Conditioning track in 2023, anticipating the mandate effective in 2030 to be eligible for the CSCS exam. The 120-credit hour program comprises didactic coursework and practical application. Students gain at least 300 hours of experience with our local partners including Parkview Sports Performance, Optimum Performance Sports, Purdue Fort Wayne, Mad Apple Sports Performance, and Ruoff Health and Wellness.
Achieving CASCE accreditation, the highest level of recognition in the field of strength and conditioning education, is testament to the Saint Francis program’s dedication to quality and continuous program evaluation and improvement.
“We are proud to be the first university in Indiana to receive CASCE Accreditation,” said Saint Francis Division Director of Movement Science Valerie Powers. “This achievement reflects our program’s and faculty’s strong dedication to student success through exceptional teaching and mentoring, preparing our students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.”
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 20 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,800 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.