In an exciting milestone for the College of Health Professions and Sciences (CHPS), the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Strength and Conditioning track achieved accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). The accomplishment is significant as the UCF program is the first strength and conditioning program in Florida to receive this prestigious distinction.
“This accreditation will enhance our ability to bring talented students to UCF, continue to elevate the reputation of what is already a very strong program and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in the strength and conditioning industry,” said CHPS Founding Dean Christopher Ingersoll. “I’m grateful for the many faculty and staff members who do an exceptional job each day to promote academic excellence and prepare students for careers in the strength and conditioning sector.”
CASCE is a nonprofit accrediting agency established by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and devoted to advancing the strength and conditioning profession. The path to accreditation is a rigorous, two-year process that demands an in-depth self-study followed by an onsite review conducted by a team of seasoned accreditors. To obtain accreditation, the Strength and Conditioning track in the Division of Kinesiology demonstrated compliance with a multitude of standards in critical areas such as curriculum design, faculty qualifications and facility resources. The comprehensive review process also provided a thorough evaluation of the program’s strengths and areas for improvement.
During their onsite visit in February, the CASCE assessors interviewed 28 individuals, including UCF administrators, faculty, staff, students, preceptors and industry partners. The accreditors complimented the program for its strong leadership, experienced faculty members, state-of-the-art laboratories, effective communication and promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations.
“CASCE accreditation demonstrates UCF’s commitment to ensuring that students from the Division of Kinesiology are beyond prepared to step into the workforce as strength and conditioning professionals,” said David Fukuda, professor and chair of the Division of Kinesiology
The Division of Kinesiology introduced the Strength and Conditioning track in 2022, anticipating the NCSA’s mandate effective in 2030 which will require students to graduate from an accredited program to be eligible for the National Strength and Conditioning Certification exam. The 120-hour program comprises 71 credit hours of content-specific courses in strength and conditioning and 49 credit hours of general education coursework.
Achieving CASCE accreditation, the highest level of recognition in the field, is a testament to the program’s quality and commitment to ongoing improvement. Accreditation status lasts for five years, during which the program must submit annual reports to maintain its standing.
