Sports Science and Performance Programming (Strength and Conditioning), BS
Are you interested in helping others reach their full potential? Learn how to support athletes, tactical professionals and individuals of all backgrounds in overcoming challenges, recovering stronger and achieving their goals.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 170 Precalculus
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Program description
The Bachelor of Science program in sports science and performance programming with a concentration in strength and conditioning is designed to align with the accreditation standards required for eligibility to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® exam available through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This program offers you a powerful combination of scientific foundations, practical application and technological innovation.
You learn by doing --- working in sport and performance settings where you apply advanced technologies and evidence-based strategies to assess, train and elevate performance. The curriculum emphasizes not only the ability to design and implement effective training programs, but also the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that distinguish elite coaches from automated or AI-driven solutions.
You are prepared with the competencies, confidence and experience necessary to succeed on the CSCS exam and enter the profession as a qualified strength and conditioning specialist.
This program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education, https://www.nsca.com/education/casce/.
Why specialize in strength and conditioning at ASU?
Train with the same technology that collegiate, professional and tactical organizations rely on: force plates, velocity-based training systems, motion analysis tools, and athlete monitoring equipment used to measure and sharpen human performance. You learn to apply each of these tools from faculty who bring decades of hands-on experience across strength and conditioning, sport science, athletic performance and sports medicine.
Because ASU sits in one of the nation's fastest-growing sports markets, you can turn coursework into practice through volunteer roles, internships and applied learning inside a Power Four athletic department and across the Greater Phoenix sports and performance ecosystem.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| KIN 101 Introduction to Kinesiology |
| KIN 348 Psychological Skills for Optimal Performance |
| SSP 142 Sports Performance Practical Training |
| SSP 242 Resistance Training Foundations for Performance |
| SSP 275 Fundamentals of Sports Science |
| SSP 315 Exercise and Sport Physiology |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply coaching strategies to maximize efficiency and performance of individuals and reduce the risk of injury under high stress during performance training.
- Explain the concepts of adaptation and movement optimization necessary to properly construct advanced performance programs.
- Create evidence-based sports performance programs designed to improve individual and/or team performance and reduce the risk of injury potential during their participation in their activities.
- Create specific assessment and training programs to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury by applying an understanding of sport requirements and athlete health.
Apply coaching strategies to maximize efficiency and performance of individuals and reduce the risk of injury under high stress during performance training.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Sports science and performance programming students work to push the limits of peak sports performance. When participating in a Global Education program, they gain valuable skills in leadership, communication and critical thinking, which they can use to push the limits of their personal knowledge and experience as well. Study abroad experience enables students to stand out in a competitive field and leads to cultural enrichment and competency.
The College of Health Solutions recommends these programs for students majoring in sports science and performance programming.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer | 12.7% | $62,520 | Learn more |
| Coach | 6.1% | $47,320 | Learn more |
| Exercise Physiologist | 12.8% | $59,460 | Learn more |
| Fitness Instructor | 7.3% | $47,160 | Learn more |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinator | 6.2% | $69,770 | Learn more |
| General Manager (GM) | 5.0% | $105,770 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this strength and conditioning concentration prepares you for
Graduates are well positioned to enter a field that continues to grow, even in times of economic uncertainty. As the demand for improved athletic performance, tactical readiness and evidence-based training strategies increases, so too does the need for professionals who bring both scientific expertise and applicable skills to their work.
Graduates have the competencies required to sit for the challenging Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® exam, widely recognized as the gold standard in the profession, as well as the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator credential. By earning these credentials, graduates distinguish themselves for higher-level and higher-paying opportunities across the sports and performance industry.
Career options include roles in sports performance training at the high school, collegiate and professional levels, and in the private sector. Graduates also pursue tactical performance positions with local, state and federal government agencies, supporting police officers, firefighters and military personnel. They are also prepared to enter the emerging sports science and consulting fields, applying advanced technologies and data-driven insights to athlete development and performance optimization.
Potential career options include:
- athletic trainer
- fitness center director
- gait analyst
- movement consultant
- performance center director
- scout
- sports data technician
- sports engineer
- sports scientist
- sprint coach
- strength and conditioning coach
- tactical performance coach
Some positions require additional education.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Human Performance and Lifespan Health
|
HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
