SMSU Exercise Science Program Receives Accreditation
Published Tuesday, June 14, 2022
The Southwest Minnesota State University Exercise Science program has received its initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as of May 20, 2022.
The Exercise Science program was added in Fall 2010 as an academic offering at SMSU. The accreditation means the program complies with nationally established standards for Exercise Science programs.
“In 2020, the American College of Sports Medicine announced that accreditation would be a requirement by 2027 for students to sit for their certification exams. Many of our students seek those certifications so it was a priority for us to complete the accreditation as soon as the pandemic would allow,” explained Dr. Kris Cleveland, Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Program Director.
“Our program is already very popular among students. With the growing focus on health and wellness, the demand for graduates with an Exercise Science degree will only continue to increase,” Cleveland said. “Students are educated enough to know to look for an accredited program and we are excited to meet their search criteria.”
“It is an exciting time for the Exercise Science program at SMSU. The accreditation elevates the prestige and recognizes the quality of the program we offer,” said President Kumara Jayasuriya. “It also confirms our dedication to providing students with a curriculum that meets the national standards for Exercise Science Programs.”
SMSU is the second university in the State of Minnesota and the first institution in the Minnesota State System to earn this accreditation. The program will be submitting annual reports to CAAHEP and will be reviewed for reaccreditation in 2027.
The Exercise Science baccalaureate program at Southwest Minnesota State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee of Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 9355 - 113th St. N, # 7709, Seminole, FL 33775-7709, 727-210-2350, www.caahep.org.
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