Sports Performance Certificate

The certificate in Sports Performance is designed as a stand-alone program, but students can also complete the certificate while in the Master of Science in Integrative Exercise Science program.

The mission of the Sports Performance Certificate at Cedar Crest College is to provide a diverse intellectual environment for students to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to succeed in sports performance career opportunities within an evolving health care landscape.

The Sports Performance Certificate program provides the following:

• Foundational didactic coursework in applied exercise science, sports performance program design and application, leadership and business principles
• Laboratory and classroom experiences in the development of crucial exercise testing and programming skills for all active populations
• Diverse fieldwork experiences instructed by professionals currently working in the field
• Opportunities to obtain specialized training within sports performance topics
• Education and practical experience to serve as preparation to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) examination

Course Descriptions

Curriculum (18 credits)

Advanced Exercise Science in Sports Performance (3 credits)

This course expands on principles of exercise science including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and bioenergetics in application to sports performance programming. The relationships between the structure and function of systems of the body and their adaptations to training are examined to understand how to prescribe exercise and performance programs.

Sports Performance Program Design and Application (3 credits)

This course examines the intricacies of sports performance program design including conducting a needs analysis and testing, warm up and flexibility training, anaerobic and aerobic exercise, and injury prevention and reconditioning. The concept of periodization is applied to incorporate these program design principles to synthesize sport specific program prescription.

Leadership and Business Principles in Sports Performance (3 credits)

This course focuses on the leadership skills and business principles that are crucial to the success of a sports performance coach. These skills include, but are not limited to, communication skills, teamwork, relationship development, goal setting and decision-making. This course will encourage students to view their role as a sports performance coach from a business perspective, integrating leadership skills with concepts such as business planning, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, market research and competitive analysis.

Sports Performance Field Work Experience I (3 credits)

This course provides students with a practical experience to engage in a work-based learning environment—an extension of the knowledge acquired during the didactic courses in the Sports Performance Residency Program. Students will rotate through various settings to learn how to effectively create programs for sports performance.

Sports Performance Field Work Experience II (3 credits)

This course is a continuation of the sports performance fieldwork experience and provides advanced, individualized experiences for the sports performance coach based on personal objectives and professional goals.

Applied Sports Nutrition (3 credits)

This course provides guidance for optimal nutrition for training and sports performance. Course topics include energy balance, macro- and micro-nutrient needs, hydration, timing and composition of pre- and post-activity meals, body composition and ergogenic aids. Learning will address macronutrient and micronutrient needs in general and cover unique needs in various sports.

Application Process

In order to be considered for admission, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited college or university in a health-related field (e.g. exercise science, kinesiology, health science, etc.)
• GPA of at least 2.5 (3.0 in major) on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework, or a graduate degree
• Two letters of recommendation attesting to the student’s abilities to successfully engage in graduate level studies
• Written Statement of Intent
• For international applicants, official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 79, or at least 6.5 on the International English Testing System (IELTS)

*Background checks, immunization, and medical clearances will be required to complete the clinical internship course.

Tuition/Fees

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