Strength & Conditioning Degree Accreditation

IUSCA Degree Accreditation

The International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA) is an international accreditation body in the Higher Education (HE) sector. We have the sole remit of enhancing HE standards and supporting universities in their mission to deliver the highest quality of education and outcomes for their students.

The IUSCA Degree Accreditation program is therefore designed to evaluate, recognise, and accredit exceptional academic programs in S&C, sports performance and exercise science.

The rigorous accreditation process ensures that the institutions we accredit consistently demonstrate excellence in curriculum, faculty, and resources, preparing their graduates for successful careers in the industry.

As the only fully embedded accreditation program available in S&C, the IUSCA Degree Accreditation program has established a profile of skills that employers will be able to recognise in graduates from accredited degrees.

These qualities include:

The ability to utilise scientific thinking in a variety of contexts
Breadth and depth of knowledge within S&C
The ability to write and communicate with clarity and effectiveness
Demonstrated technical abilities
Significant experience as a practitioner (750 hours or 1500 hours at master's Level)
The ability to review and evaluate their own and others' practice and performance

Benefits

Setting the global standard in Strength and Conditioning education. Here’s what makes IUSCA Accredited Degrees stand out.

Global Recognition and Quality Assurance

Degree curricula, teaching standards, assessments, and facilities are independently reviewed against gold-standard, internationally validated protocols. This gives students, institutions, and external stakeholders confidence in the quality, relevance, and global value of the degree.

The World’s Only Fully Embedded Practitioner Certification Pathway

Students gain international certifications, such as the IUSCA IQF Level 2 S&C Instructor and IUSCA IQF Level 4 S&C Practitioner within their degree. Directly upon graduation, they are eligible for Level 6/7 aISCP Accreditation, providing a seamless transition into employment and access to practitioner insurance in over 120 countries.

Enhanced Student Experience

Accredited courses guarantee extensive practical experience through IUSCA’s global network of elite partners. Students also receive unlimited access to over 100 hours of premium video content via IUSCA Video, plus five essential practitioner short courses, further enriching their applied learning journey.

"University of Salford prides itself on being one of the premier institutions for S&C in the UK, with the sole aim of developing scientifically sound and highly competent practitioners. Thus, the IUSCA degree accreditation is essential to enable us to ensure our graduates meet the required standards to be successful in the strength and conditioning field."

Dr. Paul Jones, Programme Leader for the MSc Strength & Conditioning
University of Salford

Benefits of Degree Accreditation

By pursuing an IUSCA Accredited Degree, students are assured that they will receive gold-standard education, have access to world-class facilities and teaching, and be guaranteed significant practical experience.

They will also benefit from unlimited free access IUSCA Video content and Short Courses, on the way to graduating with vocational qualifications and a full professional accreditation.

Benefits to Universities:

Confirmation of academic quality and integrity
Can provide students with access to IUSCA Video and Short Courses
Ability to award vocational qualifications at Level 2 and Level 4
The only way to award students with full practitioner Accreditation (aISCP status) upon graduation
Increased potential for student recruitment (+31% applications)
Enhanced student satisfaction (+11%) and attainment (+14%)
Links to a wide network of partners, employers, and students
External, independent review and feedback
Sharing of best practices
International recognition

Benefits to Students:

The only accreditation program that provides full industry certification at Level 6 directly upon graduation
Obtain vocational qualifications at Level 2 and Level 4 throughout the degree
Increased employability in a competitive job market
Confidently pursue a degree of the highest quality
Enjoy international recognition and the ability to work immediately after graduation
Attend online conferences, webinars, and events for free
Free Access to IUSCA Video featuring leading figures in the field (including Ron McKeefery, JB Morin, Brad Schoenfeld, Lorena Torres, Tim Suchomel, Richard Blagrove, and many more).
Unlimited access to On-Demand CPD Courses

Prospective Students:

Assurance that your intended degree course is fit for purpose and provides a competitive advantage in the job market
Guaranteed practical experience
Able to obtain vocational qualifications and industry accreditation during your degree
Access to quality internships and industry placements

Benefits to Employers:

Confidence in hiring high-quality applicants with specific, relevant experience in the field
Access to internationally qualified staff that fulfils best practice guidelines and health and safety requirements
The only accreditation that guarantees a degree, a practical assessment, and significant practical experience

View Accredited Institutions

Becoming an accredited program is a great way to showcase our program to potential students as well as employers who are looking to hire our graduates. This accreditation places us amongst leading international institutions, validating us against the highest professional standards.

Dr. Mary-Kate Feit, Associate Director of S&C
Springfield College

Which courses are eligible?

The IUSCA grants Degree Accredited status to BSc (Hons) and MSc degrees in the UK, or BS and MS degrees in the USA, or equivalent, depending on the country.

While specialized courses in Strength and Conditioning may make it easier to meet all the necessary criteria, the IUSCA Degree Accreditation is suitable for any course related to Sports Science, Exercise Science, Performance Coaching, or other related fields.

For instance, a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science (SES) would likely satisfy most of the criteria, but students may need to be proactive in obtaining the required practical experience hours and submitting a substantial portfolio.

Accreditation Process:
The IUSCA Degree Accreditation process evaluates academic programs based on the following criteria:

Curriculum: Comprehensive coverage of essential topics in sports performance and exercise science.

Faculty: Highly qualified and experienced educators with a strong background in research and/or professional practice.

Resources: Access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and technology to support hands-on learning and skill development.

Student Support: Effective academic and career support services to foster student success and growth.

Continuous Improvement: Ongoing efforts to enhance program quality, incorporating

It is a matter of importance to us as an institution that we have accreditation by leading professional bodies, such as the IUSCA. This is a mark of assurance that industry standards are met. Having a degree that is peer-reviewed and founded on the judgement of professionals within the industry says that our programme addresses the needs of employers and students.

Nathan Evans, Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning University of South Wales

Internationally Accredited
and Independently Regulated

The IUSCA Accreditation Committee (IAC) awards Degree Accreditation, which is globally recognised due to our status as an international accreditation body. As the leading accreditor of strength and conditioning (S&C) provision within Higher Education (HE), we utilise standardised course levels rated on the International Qualification Framework (IQF) to ensure stakeholders understand the requirements and competencies of suitably qualified individuals.

Oversight and External Validation by IQF-IRC

To enhance credibility and global recognition, the IQF Independent Regulatory Council (IQF-IRC) serves as the independent regulatory body overseeing and externally validating the entire accreditation process. This ensures that the evaluations and accreditations conducted by the IAC adhere to rigorous international standards.

Degree Program Accreditations

Undergraduate Degree Programs:
Graduates of our partner undergraduate degree programs (who attain a 2:1 or 3.0 GPA, complete 750 hours of practical experience, and maintain a practitioner portfolio) are awarded Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP)® status at IQF Level 6. This level is designed to align with globally recognised standards such as those set by organizations like the NSCA, UKSCA, and ASCA, ensuring international comparability and recognition.

Master’s Degree Programs:
Graduates of accredited master’s degree programs are awarded aISCP*m status, signifying their advanced attainment through a higher degree. This is rated at IQF Level 7, reflecting a higher level of expertise and specialization.

Embedded Certification Options

Educational institutions have the option to embed the following IQF certifications within their degree programs:

IUSCA IQF Level 2 Certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor®: Can be integrated within the first or second year of study. This entry-level certification enables students to gain foundational skills and seek employment in the sector early in their academic journey.

IUSCA IQF Level 4 Certified Strength and Conditioning Practitioner®: Can be integrated within the second or third year of study. This certification provides students with advanced skills and knowledge, enhancing their employability and practical competence.

IUSCA IQF Level 6 Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP)®: This can be awarded directly upon graduation from an undergraduate program to students who meet the relevant criteria.

IUSCA IQF Level 7 Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner by Masters (aISCP*m): This can be awarded directly upon graduation following a master's program.

By embedding these certifications, institutions provide students with valuable credentials that align with industry standards and improve their career prospects.

International Qualifications Framework IQF 2025 v2.png

Learn about IQF

The IUSCA Accreditation is a great investment in our students' future successes. With students pursuing a broad range of Exercise Science careers, the IUSCA Accreditation will set our students apart from others. From the field, to therapy, back to the field, the IUSCA Accreditation will help out students be best prepared for the next steps into their careers.

Dr. Timothy J. Piper, Program Leader for Exercise Science
Western Illinois University

Contact US

To learn more about the IUSCA Degree Accreditation, please contact us at courses@iusca.org or click the link below to request the Degree Accreditation Handbook.

Download Degree Accreditation Handbook