Certification and Career Advancement: How Trevecca’s Human Performance and Fitness Master’s Degree Helps You Get Certified
In fields like human performance, strength and conditioning and fitness, getting certified can be a game-changer when it comes to advancing your career.
If you're looking to stand out, pursuing a Master of Science in human performance and fitness (HPF) is a great way to gain the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to earn these certifications. At Trevecca, the HPF is designed to help students earn these credentials and use them to take their careers to the next level.
Why Are Certifications Important in Human Performance and Fitness?
Certifications demonstrate competence and employers–whether in collegiate athletics, professional sports, corporate wellness or clinical settings–often prioritize candidates who can prove their expertise. Here’s why they matter:
- Professional Credibility: Certifications demonstrate a high level of knowledge and commitment to the field, making candidates more attractive to employers.
- Higher Earning Potential: Many fitness and human performance jobs offer higher salaries to certified professionals.
- Expanded Career Opportunities: Certifications open doors to positions in athletic training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, rehabilitation and sports science.
- Legal and Ethical Standards: Many organizations require certification to ensure adherence to industry best practices and safety protocols.
Key Certifications in Strength & Conditioning
NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
The CSCS is one of the most sought-after certifications for strength and conditioning professionals. Earning it demonstrates an awareness of the latest strength and conditioning research and best practices to push athletes to their potential. This credential is essential for those working with athletes at all levels, from high school to professional sports.
Trevecca’s curriculum aligns with National Strength and Conditioning Association guidelines, ensuring students gain knowledge in exercise science, biomechanics and program design and have the foundational knowledge necessary for the CSCS exam.
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)
The ACSM-EP certification is designed for professionals working in clinical settings, corporate wellness and rehabilitative environments. It verifies the readiness of practitioners to conduct and interpret physical fitness assessments and developing exercise prescriptions for those who are healthy and those with diagnosed conditions.
HPF classes take time to focus on clinical exercise physiology and biomechanics, which are key components of the ACSM-EP certification exam. Students engage in research-based projects and practical assessments, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and applied skills. They can also learn from faculty members who provide mentorship, ensuring students are ready to succeed in certification testing.
Career Advantages for Fitness Certification
A master’s degree combined with professional certification provides a competitive edge in the job market. Graduates from Trevecca’s program find career opportunities in:
- Strength and Conditioning Coaching: Certified professionals can work in collegiate and professional sports settings, helping athletes optimize performance.
- Corporate Wellness and Health Coaching: Companies are increasingly investing in employee wellness programs, creating demand for qualified exercise physiologists.
- Rehabilitation and Clinical Exercise Science: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers and physical therapy clinics seek certified professionals to develop recovery-focused exercise programs.
Preparing for Certification at Trevecca
A master’s in human performance and fitness from Trevecca gives graduates the knowledge, practical experience and certification preparation necessary for career advancement. No matter what direction you take your career in this field, the combination of your advanced degree and professional certification will have you ready to excel and make an impact.