Program Overview
Exercise Science Program
The Exercise Science program at the University of Vermont is designed to provide students with the practical skills and real-world experience needed to excel in the field of exercise science. The program prepares students for successful careers in sport and fitness centers, employee wellness programs, community rehabilitation clinics, and other health settings.
Program Overview
The program focuses on evidence-based science and practical experience, providing students with an in-depth understanding of the theory and application of exercise to health, fitness, and the prevention of disease. Students will develop an understanding of the physiological impact of physical activity on the human body, evaluate physiological function and structure, and integrate and apply exercise science principles in the implementation of preventative and prescriptive exercise and performance-enhancing interventions.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes a range of courses, such as:
- Applications to Health
- Intro to Public Health
- Foundations of Exercise and Health in Active Populations
- Fundamentals of Nutrition
- Principles of Biology
- Intro to Psychological Science
- Evidence-based Practice in Exercise Science
- Written Expression
- General Chemistry
- Catamount Core Electives
In the second year, students will take courses such as:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Sports Nutrition
- Exercise and Sport Psychology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Applied Kinesiology
- Elements of Statistics
- Catamount Core Electives
In the third year, students will take courses such as:
- Adapted Physical Activity
- Biomechanics of Human Movement
- Exercise Physiology
- Evaluation and Prescription
- Motor Skill Learning and Control
- Exercise Science Professional Seminar
- Human Performance and Ergogenic Aids
- Catamount Core Electives
In the fourth year, students will take courses such as:
- Human Performance and Conditioning
- Exercise in Chronic Conditions
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Senior Capstone Experience
- Communicating Exercise Information
- Certified Exercise Physiologist or Science of Strength Training and Conditioning
- Lifestyle Medicine
Popular Minors
Students can also opt to include a minor or certificate in their program, with popular options including:
- Emergency Medicine
- Integrative Health
- Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching
Human Performance Labs
The University of Vermont is home to state-of-the-art exercise science facilities, including the Exercise Physiology Lab, Human Motion Analysis Lab, Adapted Physical Activity Lab, and Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Research Lab. These labs provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to apply classroom skills in real-world settings.
Admissions
Requirements for admission to the Exercise Science program are the same as the general university requirements, with the addition that applicants must have taken high school biology, mathematics through trigonometry or precalculus, and chemistry. Alternative courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Outcomes
The Exercise Science program aims to prepare competent entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. Upon completion of the B.S. degree, students will be able to:
- Understand physiological impact of physical activity on the human body
- Evaluate physiological function and structure
- Integrate and apply exercise science principles
- Provide effective and individualized exercise counseling and behavioral strategies
- Understand the science of movement control and biomechanics related to human motion
- Understand the nutritional requirements and influences associated with physical activity and exercise
- Critically examine and appraise current evidence-based exercise research
Exercise Science Graduate Outcomes
The following outcomes reflect the success of Exercise Science graduates based on the most recent data:
- Student Satisfaction: 100%
- Employer Satisfaction: 100%
- Positive Graduate Placement: 92% – admitted to a higher-level degree program in exercise science or a related field, employed in the exercise profession, allied health or related field, or serving in the military
Accreditation
The University of Vermont's Exercise Science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a sponsoring organization of the CoAES. Starting in 2027, students will be required to graduate from a CAAHEP Accredited Exercise Science program to be eligible for advanced ACSM national certifications in Exercise Science.