Strength & Conditioning Degree Accreditation

What is Degree Accreditation?

The International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA) Degree Accreditation program is designed to recognize and endorse exceptional academic programs in sports performance and exercise science.

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

"Elevating Excellence: Recognizing the Pioneers in Sports Performance and Exercise Science Education."

Degree Accreditation is acknowledgement by an external body that a university degree program meets a defined set of overarching criteria.

Accreditation by the IUSCA recognises and supports the advancement of skills and education in Strength and Conditioning (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)
The ability to review and evaluate their own and others' practice and performance

Benefits of Accreditation

By pursuing an IUSCA-accredited degree, students gain access to cutting-edge education and resources, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in sports performance and exercise science. Accredited programs offer:

Comprehensive Curriculum: Our accredited programs provide a well-rounded education, covering a wide range of topics in sports performance and exercise science, including strength and conditioning, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, sports psychology, coaching, and more.
Expert Faculty: Learn from leading professionals and researchers in the field who are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise, providing students with valuable insights and practical guidance.
State-of-the-Art Resources: Gain access to top-tier facilities, equipment, and technology, ensuring that you develop the hands-on skills necessary to succeed in sports performance and exercise science careers.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow students, faculty, and industry professionals, expanding your network and opening doors to future career opportunities.
Competitive Edge: Graduating from an IUSCA-accredited program demonstrates your commitment to excellence, giving you a competitive advantage in the job market.

Benefits to Students:

Gain professional accreditation in your specific field of study
Increase 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
Access IUSCA Video featuring leading figures in the field
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
Access to quality internships and industry placements

Benefits to Universities:

Confirmation of academic quality and integrity
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 and the ability to award graduates Accredited status

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 significant practical experience

Benefits to Students

Benefits to Universities

Benefits to Employers

We are very proud to have the BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Sport accredited by the IUSCA. The opportunity for students to work towards the IUSCA’s Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP) status provides a tangible industry qualification that evidences academic achievement (2.1 degree) and a depth of recorded practical experience

Dr. Thomas Gee, Senior Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Lincoln

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, 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 feedback from students, faculty, and industry partners.

Get Your Degree Accredited:
If you represent a university or academic program interested in pursuing IUSCA Degree Accreditation, please contact us for detailed information on the process and requirements. We look forward to partnering with you in fostering excellence in sports performance and exercise science education.

International Recognition

The IUSCA Accreditation Board awards Degree Accreditation, which is globally recognized due to our status as an Accredited International Awarding Body. We use standardized course levels rated on the International Qualification Framework (IQF) to ensure that stakeholders understand the requirements and competencies of suitably qualified individuals.

Graduates of our partner degree programs are awarded Accredited Practitioner (aISCP) status at IQF Level 6, which is equivalent to NSCA, UKSCA, and ASCA certifications.

Additionally, institutions have the option to embed an IQF Level 2 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning within the first or second year of study and an IQF Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning within the second or third year of study. This gives current students an entry-level certification that enables them to gain employment within the sector.

International Qualifications Framework IQF 1200dpi.jpg

Learn about IQF

The emphasis on experiential learning requires more work for the students pursuing the IUSCA Accreditation, but the pay-off is well worth it, and is a great investment in their 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 at Western Illinois University

Accreditation Committee

The IUSCA Accreditation Board (IAB) develops and oversees Accreditation on behalf of the IUSCA. The IAB is responsible for assessing all applications, carrying out site visits to the HEIs, and is authorised to award accreditation to qualifying programs.

Enquire now about Degree Accreditation

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Degree Accredited Institutions and Recent Partners