Exercise Science, B.S.

Empower others to reach greater levels of health, fitness and performance with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Vermont State University. You’ll build a foundation in core sciences like biology, kinesiology, anatomy and physiology while developing expertise in the dynamics of the body’s response to exercise. A choice of four concentrations lets you go in depth in the area that matches your career goals. With small class sizes and extensive opportunities for real-world learning, you can gain up to two years of professional work experience before you graduate. Each concentration area also includes one or more national certification preparation courses to set you apart while expanding your skills! You’ll be well prepared for further graduate education or to step confidently into positions in personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, coaching, fitness instruction, and many related areas.

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Justin Carlstrom, Ph.D.

Exercise Science Program Coordinator

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Why Study Exercise Science at Vermont State?

  • World-Class Facilities: Conduct your own research and experience hands-on learning in our state-of-the-art exercise physiology laboratory. The lab includes a military-grade treadmill with a harness, a force plate, metabolic carts, ECG machines, treatment tables, and more. You can also access well-equipped fitness facilities on campus and alumni-owned facilities off campus as you build your skills as a personal trainer and fitness coach. 
  • Intimate Learning Environment: Our lab courses are capped at 16 students, ensuring you’ll get the individualized attention you need to master concepts and build skills for exercise science jobs. 
  • Nationally Accredited Program: Vermont State holds national distinction as the 24th institution in the country to receive Accreditation by CAAHEP* (2009-present), the accrediting body for Exercise Science programs. We are also one of the 5% of undergraduate Exercise Science programs in the country that are both CAAHEP Accredited and NSCA* Recognized, out of approximately 550 applicable programs. Starting in 2027, students will be required to graduate from an accredited Exercise Science program, in order to sit for most national certification examinations in Exercise Science. Protect your educational investment by attending an accredited/recognized program!
  • Graduate Studies Success:  Our rigorous program provides a reliable pathway to postgraduate professional study. Our alumni have strong acceptance rates to physical therapy and athletic training programs.   
  • Valuable Certifications: Coursework is designed to aid you in preparation for nationally recognized certifications, including Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT), that will open doors to both graduate study and jobs in exercise science.  
  • Growing Job Opportunities: Sports, exercise, and fitness are all becoming increasingly important in our culture. Employment of exercise/health professionals is projected to grow by 20 percent through 2026, accounting for about 2.4 million new jobs. This projected growth is faster than any other occupational group according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a result, jobs with an exercise science degree, like Exercise Physiologist, Strength and Conditioning, and Personal Training are expected to see strong growth in the years ahead. 

*CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs works in coordination with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

*NSCA = National Strength and Conditioning Association

The ACSM and NSCA are the two largest, most prestigious, academically rigorous, and influential governing bodies in Exercise Science, worldwide.

Concentrations in Exercise Science, B.S.

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Sample Courses

  • Nutrition in Health & Performance 
  • Fitness Center Management 
  • Exercise for Health and Performance 
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology 
  • Physiology of Exercise 
  • Scientific Foundations of Strength & Conditioning 
  • Fundamentals of Personal Training 

Student Stories

“The high standards that the program held us to truly gave me a head start when I arrived at graduate school and has helped mold me into the professional that I now find myself to be.”

Amanda Martin

“In discussing my college experience with peers from other schools in exercise science programs, all of them are surprised by the amount of practical knowledge and experience I have from this program. I believe that my success outside of college is directly related to the practical knowledge I received.”

Calvin Sanderson
A woman in a purple shirt smiling in front of a wooden door.

“To be the first clinical exercise physiologist and to run a cardiac rehab program at Weeks Medical Center just two years after graduation is something I’m proud of, and I definitely owe it to the Vermont State faculty. The time we spent in the lab made me comfortable going into that right away in the workforce…I don’t think the education at Vermont State could have been any better than it was.” 

Erin Holt

Meet Our Faculty

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Exercise Science Program Coordinator

Assistant Professor, Health Science Co-Coordinator

  • Castleton Campus

Professor

  • Castleton Campus

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