Program Costs*
Exercise & Sport Science
Exercise boosts your mind, attitude, mood, and even your body.
The diversity of careers in exercise science is amazing. Opportunities are found at every turn. For instance, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.”
On top of that, the median wage for exercise physiologists in May 2020 topped $50,000 a year. Half are self-employed; half work full-time for hospitals and other healthcare providers.
Our Tuesday Info Session are now available both virtually and in-person.
| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science Transfer Pathway - A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Online | On Campus | Hybrid |
| Exercise & Sport Science - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Online | On Campus | Hybrid |
| Personal Training - Certificate | 16 cr. | Online | On Campus | Hybrid |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Exercise & Sport Science Datasheet | ||
Exercise Science Transfer Pathway A.S./Exercise & Sport Science A.A.S. Degrees: This program offers two different 60-credit degree awards: Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science. Both programs include technical courses in Exercise and Sport Science and general education courses. The A.S. degree is intended to prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university. The A.A.S. degree prepares students to go directly into the workforce.
Both programs are designed to prepare students to gain knowledge and skills to work in the health, fitness and sport industries. Technical information will be combined with liberal arts and sciences to prepare students to work effectively with a variety of clients in health and fitness settings.
Personal Training Certificate: This program provides the student with hands-on, practical experience in the area of personal training. The certificate consists of 16 credits of coursework. All of the courses are offered during fall semester. EXER2020 Personal Training and Exercise Leadership I is offered in partnership with the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Students will be prepared for the ACE Personal Trainer certification exam following successful completion of the course. Students will be expected to become nationally certified as a Personal Trainer. DCTC provides discounts to national certification exams but does not include the cost in tuition.
Become your own personal trainer by learning all you can about nutrition, conditioning, and the best exercise programs.
Our Transfer Pathway A.S. in Exercise Science leads to more advanced degrees that provide opportunities to build a career in professional and amateur athletics. The U.S. alone is home to more than 150 major league sports franchises. More than 450,00 student-athletes participate in the NCAA. Just one high school sport—football—fields roughly 16,000 teams. DCTC has intercollegiate athletics – basketball, baseball, and soccer for men and volleyball, softball, and soccer for women.
Ready to get to work right away? Earning your A.A.S. or A.S. degree gives you the skills and knowledge to land an entry-level position as a fitness trainer, coach, scout, personal trainer, fitness consultant, activity specialist, aerobics instructor, camp director, athletic therapist, sports facility manager, and more.
This program offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Seek credit for life experience to accelerate your progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate. Visit the Credit for Prior Learning page to learn more.
| Exercise Science Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Exercise & Sport Science A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Personal Training Certificate • 16 credits |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $191.98/cr. | $191.98/cr. | $191.98/cr. |
| Student Fees | $30.65/cr. | $30.65/cr. | $30.65/cr. |
| Textbooks | $1,750 | $1,940 | $640 |
| Grand Total | $15,107.80 | $15,297.80 | $4,202.08 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings on Handshake. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Exercise and Sport Science graduates become valuable employees in fitness centers, YMCA/YWCA facilities, corporate fitness centers, collegiate and hospital-based wellness centers, cruise lines and cardiac rehab centers.
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
If you are looking to bring in any college credit, visit our Transfer To DCTC Resource Page and DCTC will help you through the process.
If you are looking to transfer to a 4-year institution after completing your degree, DCTC can help you through the process! Check out our Transfer From DCTC Resource Page.
Transferology is used to find out how your courses might transfer to DCTC and any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account for free and create a plan now!
The Exercise & Sport Science program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student successes and the accomplishments of our instructors.
Check out the Exercise & Sport Science blog for everything from healthy recipes to health and fitness-related news stories.
As a student in DCTC's Exercise & Sport Science program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the industry through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
The Exercise & Sport Science program has an education partnership with American Council on Exercise®. ACE is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching quality of life through safe and effective exercise and physical activity. ACE protects all segments of society against ineffective fitness products, programs and trends through its ongoing public education, outreach and research. ACE further protects the public by setting certification and continuing education standards for fitness professionals.
DCTC features active, industry-relevant clubs for Accounting students right on campus. Getting involved in these clubs allows you to make the most of your college experience and gives you an edge when seeking employment. The following clubs are open to all Accounting students:
Rotaract Club
Rotaract is a club for students that volunteer as a team, plan activities and projects, motivate, inspire, and socialize. Rotaract is a division of Rotary International. Rotaract’s core goals are to serve the community, create professional development opportunities for students, network with our Rotary Clubs by inviting speakers and mentors, and be part of an international network of young leaders, and, most importantly, have fun!
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national non-profit organization for students in trade, industrial, technical, and health occupation programs in community and technical colleges. There are nearly 100 competitions through SkillsUSA that relate to programs of study at DCTC or leadership skills. Students who compete and take first place in Minnesota will advance to nationals. Participation is SkillsUSA is a great addition to your resume!
For a complete list of extracurricular opportunities at DCTC, visit our Campus Life page.
