Strength and Conditioning, Certificate
The emphasis of the exercise science program is designed to give students a scientific understanding of the body’s response to exercise and the ability to analyze the efficiency of human movement. Graduates in Exercise Science will have the knowledge to prescribe exercise to a wide variety of populations and instruct individuals on proper body mechanics and techniques of movement. Students explore exercise and motor behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective both from within the Exercise Science Program and across campus with courses in Innersole, Impedances of Human Motion, Exercise Physiology, Motor Learning, Exercise Prescription, Training and Conditioning, Nutrition, Chemistry, and Biology. Practical application of the curriculum is enhanced through lab assignments, an on-campus “Service Learning Program” and internship experiences.
SMSU is proud to partner with Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Normandale Community College, and North Hennepin Community College to extend the learning opportunities of our students. Click here to learn more about our Twin Cities Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science.
Intakes
- Jan
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) offers strong job opportunity potential across faculty, administrative, and staff roles. Openings include positions such as Assistant Professors in fields like Finance, Art, Social Work, Special Education, and Management. Staff roles include positions in financial aid, development, and IT support. SMSU also frequently hires adjunct faculty and student workers. The Social Work program is expanding with new faculty appointments starting Fall 2025, including online and remote teaching opportunities.
Applications are processed through the SMSU Career Site (Workday) or the PeopleAdmin portal. Required documents typically include a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references. Recruitment timelines can take several weeks to months, so timely application and follow-ups are recommended.
Employee reviews rate SMSU positively for its supportive culture, stable work environment, and good benefits. Some drawbacks include limited pay growth and communication challenges in management. Overall, SMSU provides a balanced and student-focused workplace, making it a good option for professionals seeking academic or administrative careers in higher education.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Secondary Education: Completion of high school (roughly 12 years) with a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Foreign transcripts require evaluation by services like WES, ECE, or TEC.
English Proficiency (IELTS minimum):
SMSU requires an overall IELTS score of 5.5 or higher for undergraduate admissions.
Other Accepted English Tests (with minimum scores):
TOEFL iBT: 61+
TOEFL PBT: 500+
TOEFL CBT: 173+
TOEIC: 600+
Duolingo English Test: 95+
Pearson PTE: 47+
Michigan Test of English Proficiency (MET): 64+
Cambridge English: B2 or higher
Completion of Level 109 at an English Language School also accepted.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
21836 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 20 USD