Sports Science and Performance Programming (Strength and Conditioning) ,BS
Athletic Performance, Athletic Training, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Fitness Training, Performance Coach, Performance Enhancement, Sports, Strength Coach, Tactical Performance Specialist, fitness, speed
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.
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/.
- College/school:
College of Health Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First
required math course:
MAT 117 - College Algebra
or MAT 170 Precalculus - Math
intensity: Moderate
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
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.
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.
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
11.1%
|
$62,520
|
|
|
6.4%
|
$47,320
|
|
|
9.5%
|
$59,460
|
|
|
11.9%
|
$47,160
|
|
|
6.5%
|
$69,770
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$105,770
|
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
College of Health Solutions
|
HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Program term definitions
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.
