Strength and Conditioning Minor
where Science Athletic Performance
The Strength and Conditioning minor at Saint Xavier University is designed for students who are interested in sport performance, coaching, fitness, rehabilitation, and human movement sciences. This minor complements the exercise science major by providing students with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in evidence-based training, injury risk reduction, and athlete development. Students gain practical skills in program design, coaching communication, and performance enhancement, preparing them for entry-level roles in fitness and sport performance settings or for continued study in graduate and professional programs.
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
21 Credit Hours
Additional Requirements
Must be an Exercise Science major
About the Program
The Strength and Conditioning minor provides students majoring in exercise science with a solid foundation in the scientific principles, techniques, and methodologies used to develop and implement strength and conditioning programs. This interdisciplinary minor prepares students to design training regimens that improve physical performance, reduce injuries, and promote overall health and fitness for athletes and general populations alike. Students will gain practical experience through hands-on training, coaching, and fitness assessments, integrating evidence-based practices into real-world applications.
b. Students will be trained on and have access to the following technologies:
1. Force plates;
2. Full gym within the classroom;
3. Velocity-based training;
4. Full VALD technology suite (dynamo, force plates, force frame, and speed gates);
5. and more.
c. Preparation for the National Strength and Conditioning Certification (CSCS).
d. The program is NSCA-supported as an educational program giving students discounts from the NSCA.
- Apply scientific principles of exercise physiology and biomechanics to design effective strength and conditioning programs.
- Conduct fitness assessments and evaluate athletes' or clients' physical performance.
- Use coaching techniques to teach proper exercise form, movement patterns, and injury prevention strategies.
- Develop an understanding of sport-specific training and how to tailor conditioning programs for different sports or individual needs.
- Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and addressing common training-related injuries and implement injury prevention strategies.
- Critically evaluate and integrate research-based practices and emerging trends into training methodologies.
- Communicate effectively with athletes, clients, and other fitness professionals to ensure client health, safety, welfare and motivation.
- Saint Xavier University combines classroom learning with experiential learning to produce well-rounded graduates.
- Students have the opportunity to work with technology that they will use in their careers.
- Our faculty have over 50 years of strength and conditioning coaching experience, helping students understand what it takes to work within the field.
- Students will have the opportunity to complete research that is meaningful to the field and athletes they work with.
- Students will have the opportunity to work in field experiences that will prepare the m for work.
EXSC 130: Introduction to Exercise Science
SACC 210: Strength and Conditioning Techniques
SACC 280: Internship
SACC 350: Recovery and Regeneration in Sport and Exercise
SACC 360: Current Topics in Strength and Conditioning
P: EXSC 130, SACC 210, EXSC 327, EXSC 319, EXSC 295 and EXSC 275
SACC 400: CSCS Exam Prep
EXSC 380
Contact the Office of Admission
Quick Links
Request Information
Want to know more about graduate programs at Saint Xavier University? Please fill out the form below!
Director of Health Sciences Division
Brad Leshinske
Director of Health and Sciences Division
Phone: 773-298-3720
Email: leshinskeFREESXU
Meet the Faculty
Joe Eisenmann
Dir - Grad. Exercise Science
Phone: 773-298-3625
Email: eisenmann@sxu.edu
Jatrele Irons
Field Experience Coordinator
Phone: 773-298-3626
Email: irons@sxu.edu
Eric Krasich
Assistant Professor
Phone: 773-298-3628
Email: krasich@sxu.edu
Anne Kuziela
Program Manager
Phone: 773-298-3813
Email: eastmankuziela@sxu.edu
Brad Leshinske
Divisional Director
Phone: 773-298-3720
Email: leshinske@sxu.edu
Josemaria Mitra
Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3626
Email: mitra@sxu.edu