Fitness Specialist Certificate (12401.CN)

School of Athletics and Sport Sciences

The Fitness Specialist certificate program trains students for positions, entry-level or higher, in the growing fitness industry. The Fitness Specialist evaluates the physiological and psychological effects of physical activities and designs personalized exercise prescriptions. Program graduates will be qualified to be a strength and conditioning coach, personal fitness trainer, and/or group exercise instructor. Students in this program learn scientific principles of exercise and physical conditioning, techniques of strength training, and methods appropriate to establishing healthy behavior. This program also provides students with theory necessary to be effective in the health fitness industry (health clubs, corporate fitness, etc.). This program prepares candidates for National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Strength & Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) certification exams.

A Certificate of Achievement in Fitness Specialist will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the curriculum listed below, with a minimum grade of “C” (or P) in each course in the certificate and maintains a 2.0 GPA.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

A. Design fitness programs for a diverse population.

B. Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to pass national certification exams in personal training and group fitness instructor.

C. Demonstrate the core components of personal training including understanding nutrition, business, fitness, and strength training.

Visit the Program Mapper for more information on when to take classes and career information.

Program Requirements

Programs of Similar Interest:

• Kinesiology (AA-T)

• Nutrition and Dietetics (AS-T)

• Health Sciences (AA)

• Athletic Training (CN)