What You’ll Learn 

Vermont State’s Bachelor’s in Exercise Science is designed to combine a rigorous core curriculum with robust concentrations to give you a flexible degree that serves as a launching point for a variety of careers in areas ranging from strength and conditioning/personal training/exercise physiology to physical/occupational therapy.  

Your core courses will build your knowledge of the human body from the ground up, beginning with foundational subjects including chemistry, biology, kinesiology, and anatomy, and moving into applied topics like resistance training techniques and instructional methods. You’ll explore areas like psychology and nutrition that will give you a holistic approach to exercise for performance and/or rehabilitation throughout the lifespan.  

The program includes four concentrations designed to equip you for a particular career direction: Exercise Professional/Strength and Conditioning, Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Professional Physical Therapy, or an Individualized Program of Study. 

Alongside your coursework, you’ll have ample opportunities for practical experience, including multiple on-campus practicum courses and an internship. You may also choose to explore a question that interests you through an independent research project. 

Outside the Classroom, In the Community 

From early on in the program, you’ll be using what you’re learning to make an impact within the campus community and beyond. Opportunities to practice your skills and get involved include: 

• Serving as a Certified Personal Trainer in our campus fitness facilities 
• Working as a Strength and Conditioning Student Coach with Vermont State’s NCAA athletes 
• Helping older adults stay active in our Evidence-Based Exercise Program  
• Attending regional and national conferences in exercise science 
• Participating in internships with local clinics and organizations 

Special Facilities 

• You’ll have access to state-of-the-art exercise physiology facilities for measuring health metrics, including metabolic measurement systems, electrocardiography units, body composition, lung spirometer, and a biochemistry area with micro-assay capabilities for testing levels of key blood components like glucose and lactate.  
• Both Castleton and Lyndon campuses feature fully-equipped fitness centers where you can build your skills as a personal trainer and work on strength and conditioning with our NCAA athletes. 

Program Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (2009-present) in coordination with the American College of Sports Medicine. 

The program is also recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Education Recognition Program (2005-present).  

Minimum Expectations

To prepare competent entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Exercise Science Graduate Outcomes (Previous 6 Graduating Classes)

• Employed in the field: 53%*
• Attending graduate school: 47%*
• Total graduate placement: 100%*

*Based on graduates responding to 6-month post-graduation survey (Lyndon campus)