Franklin College has earned full initial accreditation for its Strength and Conditioning minor from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).

With this designation, Franklin College becomes the first institution in central Indiana to earn CASCE accreditation, joining just two other accredited programs in Indiana.

The accreditation is awarded for five years and represents the highest level of recognition for a strength and conditioning education program. Following a comprehensive review of the program’s self-study, site visit and supporting documentation, CASCE determined that Franklin College meets its Professional Standards and Guidelines for accredited programs.

Beginning in 2030, candidates seeking to earn the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS) credential, the profession’s industry-standard certification, must complete a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a CASCE-accredited strength and conditioning program. At Franklin College, students who complete the Strength and Conditioning minor, including the required field experience hours, satisfy the educational requirements for CSCS exam eligibility.

“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our faculty and reflects years of intentional work to build a program that prepares students for successful careers in strength and conditioning,” said Kyra L. Noerr, Ph.D., program director and professor of exercise science. “Most importantly, it assures our students that they are receiving an education that meets the highest national standards while preparing them to pursue the CSCS credential and make a meaningful impact in the health, fitness and performance professions.”

Franklin College’s Strength and Conditioning minor is supported by four faculty members who hold the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential, a distinction that reflects the depth of expertise available to students. In addition to Noerr, faculty members Lanie Deppe, Sam Linette and Ashley Pieroni are CSCS certified.

“The approval of our Strength and Conditioning minor by CASCE highlights the strength of integrating career-focused professional preparation with a liberal arts foundation,” said Franklin College Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Kristin Flora, Ph.D. “Students benefit from both a nationally recognized credentialing pathway and the communication, analytical, and ethical decision-making skills that are hallmarks of a liberal arts education. I’m grateful for the exceptional work of Dr. Noerr and our Exercise Science faculty to attain this recognition, which ensures students will be well prepared to meet the evolving expectations of the profession.”

The accredited Strength and Conditioning minor complements Franklin College’s Exercise Science program by providing students with specialized knowledge and practical experience in strength and conditioning principles, helping prepare graduates for careers in athletics, sports performance, fitness and related health professions.

Contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8189 for more information.