The Exercise Science program at UVM provides hands-on experience and early engagement in campus- and community-based settings that will prepare you for professional practice in health and fitness, performance, and prevention and rehabilitation of injuries in individuals across the lifespan and health continuum.
As a graduate of UVM’s Exercise Science program, you will be prepared for careers in sport and fitness centers, employee wellness programs, community rehabilitation clinics, and other health-related positions.
Why Choose UVM?
Laboratory-based coursework. UVM provides experience with state-of-the-art body composition technology, metabolic cart and fitness testing, and cardiorespiratory outcomes assessment tools.
Hands-on practice. You will apply new skills in UVM’s Human Performance Center and Adapted Physical Activity labs.
Professional experience. UVM’s affiliations with UVM Medical Center, Burlington YMCA, VASTA Physical Therapy and Performance, Special Olympics and many other community settings provide opportunities for observation, knowledge application, and important professional skill practice.
Strong foundation for graduate study. Students often pursue advanced study in a variety of health professions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractics, public health, and clinical exercise physiology.
What You Will Learn
As a student in UVM’s Exercise Science program, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the theory and application of exercise to health, fitness, and the prevention of disease. The Exercise Science degree requires:
- 43 credits of core coursework
- 15 credits of general education coursework
- 16 credits of foundational sciences (biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology)
- Related coursework in nutrition, public health and health promotion, professional seminars
- Optional minor or certificate
View a model curriculum in Exercise Science >>
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
The Exercise Science program aims to prepare competent entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Students will be exposed to theoretical approaches and applied skills using current evidence-based science to appraise risk, assess physiological function, and develop exercise prescription for a variety of populations.
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 by conducting health and fitness assessments or measures.
- Integrate and apply exercise science principles in the implementation of preventative and prescriptive exercise and performance enhancing interventions for all individuals, including those with disability and chronic disease.
- Provide effective and individualized exercise counseling and behavioral strategies to support the adoption of- and adherence to health-promoting physical activity and exercise.
- Understand the science of movement control and biomechanics related to human motion.
- Understand the nutritional requirements and influences associated with physical activity and exercise and demonstrate competency in nutritional education.
- Critically examine and appraise current evidence-based exercise research and effectively communicate evidence-based information to various constituent groups.
At Spaulding Hospital in Cambridge, Mass., Lamberton and Purin manage an exercise center for people paralyzed by spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis (MS).