Strength and Conditioning (Academic Minor)

The College of Health Sciences offers a 24-credit-hour minor in Strength and Conditioning available only to students majoring in Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences (ESMS). This minor builds specialized knowledge in athletic performance, exercise technique, and program design, providing additional depth to the ESMS curriculum. The minor is designed to prepare students to pursue the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) once program accreditation is achieved. The University of Memphis is currently in the process of seeking accreditation with the NSCA. Students who complete this minor will be better equipped for careers in strength and conditioning, coaching, fitness, and human performance, as well as for advanced study in related graduate programs.

Coursework

ESMS 3050 - Emergency Medical Response (3)
Development of knowledge and skills related to recognition and management of acute health problems. Includes CPR, AED use, supplemental oxygen, first aid, and bloodborne pathogen training.

ESMS 3900 - Cooperative Education I (3)
Workplace residency providing applied exposure for students preparing for graduate study or professional certification. Requires 20–25 hours per week and a minimum of 240 hours per semester. Permission required.

ESMS 4000 - Exercise Testing Interpretation Lab (3)
Acquisition and practice of laboratory/clinical skills pertaining to measurement techniques, tools and interpretation of physical performance and fitness; introduces theoretical and functional techniques of graded exercise testing for functional and/or diagnostic assessment. 

ESMS 4603 - Advanced Methods in Strength and Conditioning (3)
Advanced study of strength and conditioning program design, training principles, and physiological bases for athletic performance. (F/Su)

ESMS 4703 - Strength & Conditioning Facilities Management with CSCS Exam Prep (3)
Covers facility design, equipment layout, safety considerations, and staff management for optimal performance outcomes. Includes conceptual review for the CSCS exam.

ESMS 4803 - Motor Control and Learning (3)
Explores behavioral and neurological processes involved in motor skill acquisition and performance; applications in sports and rehabilitation.

ESMS 4900 - Cooperative Education II (3)
Workplace residency providing applied exposure for students preparing for graduate study or professional certification. Requires 20–25 hours per week and a minimum of 240 hours per semester. Permission required.

ESMS 4010 (3)
Role of nutrition in optimizing performance and training adaptations; macro and micro nutrient intake, proper timing and amount of intake; analysis of validity of proposed ergogenic performance and/or structural adaptation.