HSU’s Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Program Gains National Recognition

(ABILENE, Texas) HSU’s Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSPR) program received recognition for their exercise science and human performance concentration. The award from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP) distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning curriculum designed to prepare students for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certifications. The recognition was also given to HSU’s undergraduate Exercise Science program in 2015 and renewed in 2018.

Prepared for the Future

“Our program provides our students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are recognized by a well-known national organization in the exercise science and human performance world,” said Dr. Lindsay Edwards, graduate program director for the KSPR program and associate professor of kinesiology.

The ERP recognition lasts for three years. During this time, the program director and professors will continue to meet the requirements and reapply. The ERP is an international program, recognizing schools from Australia to Taiwan to Scotland. HSU is currently the only Christian school in Texas to receive this recognition for their graduate program.

Edwards says the recognition will help grow the program and prepare students for their field. “We want to attract more students to our program,” she said. “This is the way students can recognize that we have a quality program.”

In addition to being assured of the program’s excellence, students who graduate from a program in the ERP receive a discount on their CSCS certification exam. The CSCS exam is necessary for most strength and conditioning careers in high school, collegiate, and professional sports. It is one of two certification options that the NCAA requires.

KSPR students practice their skills

A Quality Program

To receive the recognition, the program needed specific course content and experiences to best prepare students for their certification exam and careers. HSU’s curriculum includes the required courses in Advanced Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, Research Methods and Statistical Analysis, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Sport Nutrition and Biomechanics. Students in the KSPR program also have professional field experiences where they receive hands-on learning.

The ERP requires at least one faculty member to be a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Dr. Chuck Ruot, Professor of Kinesiology, Health, and Recreation, has obtained this certification. He and the other KSPR faculty regularly contribute presentations and publications at national conferences, including the NSCA.

A Versatile Certification

CSCS is not only used in exercise science and human performance careers. The certification is also needed for anyone interested in fitness and performance professions, such as the military, firefighters, and police.

“This recognition helps us to stay current in the industry. We want to attract people who want to do exercise science and human performance, but we also want students to have different professional opportunities,” said Ruot.

To learn more about HSU’s KSPR Program, click here.