Lynette Austin, Dean, College of Health Sciences
Matthew D. Ruiz, Chair, Department of Kinesiology
Laurel Littlefield, Director, Graduate Studies in Exercise and Human Performance
Core Faculty
Zachary Droll, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Laurel Littlefield, Associate Professor of Kinesiology
Andrew Mauldin, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Matthew D. Ruiz, Professor of Kinesiology
The exercise and human performancen(EXHP) certificate in strength and conditioning is a 12-credit program investigating advanced studies in strength and conditioning. It is designed for individuals who hold a Bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing a career in strength coaching, are looking to become certified as an strength and conditioning specialist, or who are seeking continuing education credits to meet standards for current credentials.
For more information, visit https://lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/strength-and-conditioning-graduate-certificate-online
Key Strengths
- Program flexibility - 100% online with 2 core courses and 2 elective courses for customization
- Preparation for Strength and Conditioning certification exams
- CEC credits for current credential holders
- Accessible for professionals from diverse backgrounds
Career Opportunities
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Health/Wellness coaching
- Exercise and fitness practitioner
- Wellness/fitness/health care manager or administrator
- Community health departments and agencies
Admission Policies and Procedures
Applicants must submit the following:
- Application with $50 nonrefundable fee ( https://grad.lipscomb.edu/apply/ .)
- Bachelor’s degree, including prerequisites of 12 or more credit hours from anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry, and/or biochemistry
- Official Transcript(s): An official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.
- Undergraduate GPA: 2.75 cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate work (the average GPA of accepted students is 3.60). A higher science GPA is desirable.
- Resume: A resume detailing the applicant’s work and academic experience.
- References: Two recommendations, including at least one academic and one professional reference.
- Essay: An essay (no more than 750 words) including reflections on 1) personal philosophy of exercise/human performance, 2) career aspirations, and 3) purpose, passion, faith, etc.
Academic Policies
Academic Standing
See graduate academic standing policy.
Degree Completion Requirements
Residency
No period of formal residency is required for a degree in a certificate program.
Statute of Limitations
All requirements for the certificate in exercise physiology must be completed within a 2-year period from the time of initial matriculation.
Certificate Requirements
- Complete all required undergraduate deficiencies if admitted on condition.
- Complete 12 hours including 2 core and 2 elective courses.
- Maintain a 3.00 GPA on all courses taken toward the requirements for the certificate with no incomplete grades.
- File an academic plan with the director of the EXHP program. The degree plan must be filed during the first semester of graduate work in the program.
Minimum Credits
The certificate in exercise physiology requires 12 semester hours. This requirement does not include hours accumulated to satisfy academic deficiencies. These credits must be accured over no more than 24 months.
Minimum GPA
The minimum cumulative grade-point average for all graduate education programs is 3.00 for all graduate courses taken for graduate credit while pursuing the certificate. No grade below a “C” is acceptable. Such grades will not apply toward degree completion.
Appeals
Any exceptions to the above stated requirements would require approval by the Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Studies in collaboration with the Dean of the College and the Program Director.
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees for 2025-26
| Tuition |
|
| Tuition per credit hour |
$700 |
| Tuition to audit |
50% of tuition |
| |
|
| Fees |
|
| Application fee |
$50 |
| Returned payment fee |
$30 |
| Payment plan enrollment fee (per semester) |
$60 |
*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*
Program of Study Requirements
Certificate in EXHP: Exercise Physiology
https://lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/strength-and-conditioning-graduate-certificate-online