Students, who hope to enter the growing field of athletic strength and conditioning can turn to the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and strength and conditioning Coach Jerry Handley to reach their goal.

Handley and CPASS Athletic Coaching Education faculty have created a new minor, Strength and Conditioning, for students interested in pursuing a career in sport and physical activity.

“This exciting minor is designed to prepare students for the competitive field of athletic strength and conditioning specialists,” said Handley, strength and conditioning coach for WVU and course instructor.

“Strength and conditioning is a growing field with career opportunities in health and fitness centers, recreational, scholastic, collegiate and professional sport,” said Dr. Valerie Wayda, chair, Coaching & Teaching Studies department.

Beginning in the summer of 2010, WVU students will be able to earn a minor in Strength and Conditioning through the ACE program. The minor consists of 21 credits and prepares students for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists exam. The CSCS is a nationally recognized certification that is the foundational requirement for most positions in the field.

In addition to extensive course work in applied exercise physiology, sports nutrition and training program design, students are required to complete a supervised internship that provides valuable hands-on experience. The ACE strength and conditioning minor is a part of the NSCA’s Educational Recognition Program.

The strength and conditioning minor joins the strong line up of Athletic Coaching Education minors, including include personal trainer, group fitness instructor, adventure sports leadership, and aquatic facilities management. Students can combine one or more minors with the Athletic Coaching Education major as area(s) of emphasis within the degree or they may take them as stand alone minors to complement other majors.

For more information about the minor, contact: Dr. Wayda, at 304-293-0830 or Valerie.Wayda@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-
kc/11/4/09

CONTACT: Kimberly Cameon, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
304-293-0827, Kimberly.Cameon@mail.wvu.edu