This program is eligible for international students requiring an F-1 visa.
What is an In-Person Plus program?
Program-required courses are taught through a combination of in-person and remote delivery. Remote learning may require meeting at a specific time or may not have a specific class time; all weekly interactions and assignments for remote courses are completed through a learning site.
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.
We understand that the cost and value of your education is important to you. That's why we're committed to being one of the most affordable colleges in Vermont and why more than 80% of our students receive aid. We're here to help you fit this program into your unique financial picture. Contact this program's Admissions Counselor any time to discuss what types of financial aid are right for you.
Better Together Scholarship
This renewable, merit-based scholarship awards up to $5,000 for out-of-state students and up to $2,000 for in-state students.
Out-of-state students enrolling in the 2025-26 academic year who will live on campus are eligible for a $5,000 scholarship for select programs on select campuses.
Combined with scholarships and aid, a Vermont State education is within reach for students from all financial backgrounds. Speak with our Admissions Counselor to estimate what your true out-of-pocket costs might be for this program.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for Exercise Science, B.S.
$10,704 Full Time Annual
$446 /credit
$21,408 Full Time Annual
$892 /credit
Total Mandatory Fees
Undergraduate (In-Person / In-Person Plus)
$1,656 Full Time Annual
$69 /credit
Housing and Food
Standard Housing
$8,388 Full Time Annual
Standard Food Plan
$5,506 Full Time Annual
For complete information on tuition and fees across all programs and locations, as well as indirect costs of attendance, visit the complete tuition and fees page.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
“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.”
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Privacy Policy
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_ga
Allows Google Analytics to collect anonymized data to help us better understand how people use our website.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.