Sport and Exercise Physiology Program Earns Prestigious National Accreditation
The Strength and Conditioning track of the Sport and Exercise Physiology program at DeSales has achieved a landmark milestone, receiving full accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE), a recognized authority in quality strength and conditioning education. This accreditation demonstrates the University’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence in our strength and conditioning program. Our curriculum, faculty, and facilities have undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure that we provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in the field of strength and conditioning and keep athletes safe.
"This accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, students, and the entire department," said Dr. Carrie Ellis, DPT, PT, OCS, CSCS*D, associate professor and chair of the Sport and Exercise Physiology department. "It validates the high standards we hold ourselves to every day in the classroom and beyond, and it ensures that our graduates are entering the field with an elite, nationally recognized education."
CASCE is a nonprofit accrediting organization that evaluates and recognizes higher education programs in strength and conditioning for their academic rigor and practical excellence. The accreditation signals that a program fully complies with CASCE's Professional Standards and Guidelines, distinguishing it as a leader in preparing students for careers in the field and represents the highest level of recognition for a strength and conditioning program,
The decision followed a rigorous multi-stage review process that included an in-depth evaluation of the program's Self-Study, a Site Visit Report, and the program's formal Response to the Site Visit Report.
The accreditation carries meaningful benefits for current and prospective students. Graduates of CASCE-accredited programs gain automatic eligibility to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam, one of the most respected credentials in the profession, giving them a competitive advantage in the job market. The credential signals to employers that graduates have received a rigorous, standardized education aligned with industry demands.
The timing of this achievement is especially significant. Beginning in 2030, only candidates holding a bachelor's degree or higher from a CASCE-accredited program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam in the United States, with that requirement extending to international candidates by 2036. By earning accreditation now, the program positions its graduates ahead of this industry-wide shift.
For the broader field of strength and conditioning, CASCE accreditation helps ensure a consistent pipeline of well-qualified professionals capable of meeting the evolving demands of athletic performance, occupational wellness, and clinical settings.
The accreditation also strengthens the program's visibility and prestige through its connection to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the field's premier professional organization and the body that established CASCE.
"Achieving this accreditation is a momentous milestone that speaks directly to the exceptional quality of our faculty and curriculum,” said Michael Ducey, P.H.D, dean of the College of Sciences. “It solidifies our regional partnerships and elevates DeSales' visibility as a signature program for students seeking to become strength and conditioning specialists. It also stands as the first accredited program within the College of Sciences, setting a new benchmark for academic excellence."