Stonehill College’s Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science provides a valuable foundation in the biological and psychological aspects of exercise along with the skill set necessary to apply this knowledge in a clinical setting.
Exercise science focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
Stonehill’s program includes instruction in areas that include:
Students who complete Stonehill’s exercise science program will be able to launch into career and graduate programs to become:
Many of the positions graduates of exercise science programs can pursue fall into the category of exercise physiologist.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologists analyze patients' medical history to develop fitness and exercise programs for the injured and sick people. Nationally, the overall employment is predicted to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030.
Stonehill is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on hands-on professional learning experiences. Paired with exceptional career preparation services and deep connections in the health fields, graduates are equipped with a competitive advantage in this rapidly growing field.
Upon completing the program, graduates of the program will:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to the field of exercise science are growing at a rapid pace.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,, the employment of fitness trainers and instructors, is expected to grow 14–19% from 2022–2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of strength and conditioning coaches, is expected to grow 20% from 2022–2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Stonehill’s emphasis on hands-on professional learning experiences ensures that graduates are equipped with a competitive advantage in this rapidly growing field.
Professor Eduardo Fontes, director of the Exercise Science program, and Christian Gurney ’26 at the American College of Sports Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Professor Eduardo Fontes, director of the Exercise Science program, and biology major Christian Gurney ’26 recently traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to attend the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting, the largest and most prestigious international conference in the fields of exercise science and sports medicine.
While there, they presented findings from a study conducted as part of the 2025 Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program.
The project undertaken by Gurney and Fontes was titled “Understand How Digital and Movement Behaviors Interact with Mental Health in College Students” and explored whether daily changes in smartphone usage (e.g., screen time and app usage) and physical activity (e.g., steps) are associated with mood, affective states, and social interactions throughout the day.
The team then worked in collaboration with researchers from Yale University and Rutgers University, to apply artificial intelligence models to integrate these parameters and verify the predictability of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and stress.
Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.
The Princeton Review, the renowned arbiter of excellence in higher education, has chosen Stonehill College for inclusion in its recently released publication The Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition. In addition to this overarching achievement, The Princeton Review also placed Stonehill as No. 16 in its rankings of the top 25 best college athletic facilities.
Magazine’s research shows Stonehill among top 10% nationwide.
Stonehill College has been recognized again this year by The Wall Street Journal for the value it provides students, especially in the areas of career preparation and character development.
Professor Eduardo Fontes, director of the Exercise Science program, and biology major Christian Gurney ’26 recently traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to attend the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting, the largest and most prestigious international conference in the fields of exercise science and sports medicine.
While there, they presented findings from a study conducted as part of the 2025 Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. <
The project undertaken by Gurney and Fontes was titled “Understand How Digital and Movement Behaviors Interact with Mental Health in College Students” and explored whether daily changes in smartphone usage (e.g., screen time and app usage) and physical activity (e.g., steps) are associated with mood, affective states, and social interactions throughout the day.
The team then worked in collaboration with researchers from Yale University and Rutgers University, to apply artificial intelligence models to integrate these parameters and verify the predictability of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and stress.
