National Accreditation
Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology Accreditation
All necessary accreditation standards mandated by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) were met by SIUE's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (Clinical Concentration) programs in the fall of 2013. Both programs were subsequently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the summer of 2014. The undergraduate Exercise Science program is one of only two CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Science programs in Illinois. The graduate Exercise Physiology (Clinical Concentration) program is the only CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Physiology program in Illinois and one of 30 accredited programs worldwide.
Both programs report outcomes to CoAES. Over the last 5 academic years, the B.S. in Exercise Science Program reported a 98% retention rate and a graduate placement rate of 82%. Over the last 3 academic years, the graduate M.S. in Exercise Physiology (Clinical Concentration) reported a 95% retention rate and a 94% graduate placement rate.
The American College of Sports Medicine endorses the Exercise Science program as matching the goals of the Health/Fitness Instructor level of certification.
The American College of Sports Medicine endorses the Exercise Physiology program as matching the goals of the Clinical Exercise Physiologists level of certification.
Strength and Conditioning Track Accreditation
The undergraduate Strength & Conditioning Track within SIUE's B.S. in Exercise Science is currently applying for accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). The Strength & Conditioning Track is not currently accredited by CASCE.
Nutrition and Dietetics
The Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND(R) ), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040 ext 5400. More information about accreditation can be found at the ACEND website.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics at SIUE and acquire a master’s degree will be able to take the CDR credentialing exam.
