Strength and Conditioning Concentration

Program Description

The Strength and Conditioning certificate within the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island prepares students to become evidence-based and effective strength and conditioning professionals. Through a combination of scientific coursework, applied coaching experience, and professional development, graduates are equipped to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and promote lifelong fitness across diverse athletic populations. 

 Student Learning Outcomes 

  1. Demonstrate scientific knowledge in strength and conditioning including  physiological adaptations to resistance training such as the role of muscle physiology, bioenergetics, metabolic specificity, hormonal responses, and gender and individual differences in the development of strength and conditioning programs.
  2. Design evidence-based strength and conditioning programs for developing strength, power, speed, conditioning and flexibility; including the ability to critique and apply various periodization models.
  3. Coach and instruct with competency and safety and properly critique athletes during performance of a variety of resistance training, medicine ball, balance, plyometric, speed, agility and linear and lateral movement exercises.
  4. Apply injury prevention and risk management strategies. 
  5. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct. 
  6. Achieve professional readiness and certification success oversight.

Accreditation Status

The Kinesiology Department in the College of Health Sciences is seeking accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education for its Strength and Conditioning Concentration.

Required coursework

The certificate program consists of 12 credits of specified coursework (KIN243, KIN414, KIN482 and NUT360) and completion of 300 hours of field experience with two different supervisors (minimum of 75 hours per experience) through either KIN484 (12cr) or KIN391 Independent Study (3cr) under Dr. Disa Hatfield or Professor Nathan Crawford or a combination. Successful Completion of this certificate program will allow individuals to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Certification exam from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Program Outcomes

Fall 2025Spring 2026Summer 2026

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