ASHLAND – Ashland University’s master of science in applied exercise science degree program has been accepted into the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP).
“This news means that our program is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as meeting all of the NSCA requirements in strength and conditioning,” said Dr. Randy Gearhart, program director for the undergraduate exercise science program and the Master of Science program at Ashland University. “Most importantly, we are the only MS degree program in the state of Ohio to hold this recognition.”
While this is the third time the program has been evaluated for recognition by the NSCA, Gearhart notes this is the first time it was evaluated as an M.S. degree. “Previously, the program was part of the master of education degree program under the College of Education,” he said.
“Our program is now part of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and is designed to concentrate on the strength and conditioning aspects of exercise science,” he said. “This NSCA recognition will be a tool to help us recruit more students and we already are seeing real growth in this program.”
Ashland University is completing its first year of admitting students to the M.S. degree and the NSCA recognition will be valid for a three-year period ending Dec. 31, 2019.
Coverage of Ashland University Eagles athletics is produced in partnership with OhioHealth, the official sports medicine provider for Ashland University and dozens of high schools and universities throughout Ohio.
