Accreditation Awarded to Master’s in Exercise & Sport Science Program

SHU’s program and faculty recognized as industry-leading educators in the field of exercise & sport science

Sacred Heart University’s Master of Science (MS) in exercise & sport science program has been awarded with the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA) degree accreditation status.

This prestigious accreditation reflects SHU’s dedication to delivering top-tier education in exercise & sport science, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared for success in the field.

The IUSCA degree accreditation is the only accreditation that allows universities to embed a professional certification into their degree, providing a direct pathway for students to graduate with industry-leading qualifications. This rigorous process ensures that graduates possess the dynamic skills necessary to succeed in the industry including:

• The ability to apply scientific thinking across diverse contexts
• Comprehensive knowledge in exercise & sport science
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced technical proficiency
• Significant practical experience, including over 1,500 hours of hands-on training
• The ability to critically evaluate and improve their own and others' performance

Christopher Taber, director for the MS in exercise & sport science program at SHU, expressed his enthusiasm for securing the accreditation.

“We are excited that the IUSCA has accredited our program. Passing through their review process certifies that our program meets the highest standards in the industry. This quality control process will improve outcomes for our students, the field and the athletes we are trying to improve. This accreditation highlights the strength of our program and aids students as they prepare for future employment in the field,” said Taber.

The IUSCA’s review process is internationally recognized for its thoroughness, evaluating programs based on curriculum, faculty expertise, student resources and opportunities for hands-on practitioner experience. With this accreditation, SHU joins an elite group of institutions whose exercise & sport science programs are recognized for meeting the highest global standards.

All enrolled students at an IUSCA accredited degree also get free access to IUSCA video content and short courses, which helps them excel during their studies and places them at a competitive advantage for employment opportunities.

Andrew Langford, director of the IUSCA, commented on SHU’s achievement.

“It is great to recognize the high-quality education, world-class facilities and hands-on practitioner development opportunities in place for students at Sacred Heart University. We are currently working to recognize the very best programs in the U.S. and worldwide for strength and conditioning and exercise science, and Sacred Heart has demonstrated itself as a leader in the field,” Langford said.

The MS in exercise & sport science program at SHU has built a reputation for providing students with a dynamic and comprehensive education that combines academic rigor with practical experience. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship from experienced faculty, and now IUSCA accreditation, students and graduates alike are poised to thrive in careers ranging from strength and conditioning to sport science research.

Interested in learning more about SHU’s MS in exercise & sport science?

Visit the program website and/or contact Lea DiStasio at 203-371-7884 or distasiol2@sacredheart.edu for information on applying.