Certificate in Exercise Science

To qualify for admission to the College’s Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science (GCES) program, you must meet all application requirements listed below no later than July 15th to be considered for the next fall cohort.

1. Complete the online graduate certificate application.
   • Upload a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
   • Complete a 500-1,000-word personal statement (similar to a letter of interest). This personal statement should reveal something about you as an applicant, the reason you want to pursue this graduate degree and how it will advance your future goals.
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 either (i) in exercise science, biomedical science, biology or biochemistry; or (ii) in another discipline but with completion of (a) exercise physiology OR two semesters of human anatomy and physiology AND (b) biomechanics or general physics.
   • If your cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0, in order to be considered for the program, you must include: (i) an explanation of GPA statement; and (ii) an additional letter of recommendation.
3. Submit transcripts from qualifying degree institution(s).
4. Demonstrate the ability to meet The College of Idaho’s technology requirements for the duration of the graduate program.
5. Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, instructor, employer or work colleague. This letter should highlight your academic or professional experiences relevant to admission to this graduate degree program and evaluate your leadership, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and judgement as well as your ability and capability to complete a graduate degree.
   • If your cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0, in order to be considered for the program, you must submit a second letter of recommendation.
6. Graduate Entrance Exam (optional) – No graduate entrance exam is required for the GCES program. If you wish to include a score (GRE, MAT, LSAT or GMAT), it will be considered. It may be helpful to include a score if you have a GPA below a 3.0 or if you would otherwise like to bolster your application.

The Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science originates from and emphasizes the liberal arts. Through its four core courses, you gain expertise in human performance and how to thrive in a variety of health, performance and human physiology professions.

• Advanced Exercise Physiology
• Training Planning & Periodization
• Advanced Biomechanics
• Clinical Exercise Testing

Our Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science program launches a new cohort each fall. Complete the curriculum in just 8 months over two terms! Our next cohort’s academic calendar is as follows:

The online Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science program consists of 16 credit hours that you can finish in just two terms.

• 2026-2027 Tuition: $11,000
• Graduate Program and Technology Fee: $150 per term

Note: The College of Idaho’s tuition and fees are due in full on or before August 15th. The amounts above reflect the total cost of the graduate certificate program based on the current tuition and fees schedules. Tuition and fees in future academic years are subject to change. The upcoming year’s tuition and fees schedules are posted in late spring.

After you've been accepted to The College of Idaho, you must pay a $300 matriculation deposit to secure your spot in the graduate program. This one-time, non-refundable deposit is credited toward your certificate’s tuition.

We require graduate students to purchase textbooks for their courses. Students may order books from The College of Idaho's online bookstore, which MBS Direct manages. Students with book vouchers can use them through MBS Direct.

Alternatively, students can order or rent books from other sources, such as Amazon, independent booksellers, textbook sites like textbooks.com or ecampus.com or directly from publishers. Before purchasing, students should carefully review book requirements and ensure they obtain the correct edition, using the ISBN for accuracy.

Note: The Cruzen-Murray Library does not endorse any of the retailers listed. We are providing this information for the benefit of students.

All graduate students enrolled in a residential certificate, master’s or doctoral program at The College of Idaho, or participating in a College athletic program, must have health insurance coverage. Students enrolled in a hybrid program or an exclusively online program are encouraged but not mandated to have health insurance unless their immigration status requires it. Graduate students can purchase student health insurance through The College of Idaho. The health insurance premium is $2,492 for the 2025-2026 plan year.

The College of Idaho adheres to a fair and equitable refund policy consistent with the U.S. Department of Education's requirements. For information on our refund policy when students officially withdraw from any program or course, review the Graduate Catalog or contact the Business Office at businessoffice@collegeofidaho.edu or 208-459-5227.

As the College’s graduate certificate programs require payment in full at the beginning of the program, students who withdraw from such programs will be subject to the following refund policy. Student fees are non-refundable.

• A 100% refund if the student withdraws on or before the Last Day to Drop of the first term/semester of the program
• A 50% refund if the student withdraws after the Last Day to Drop but before the 15th day of the first term/semester of the program
• A 0% refund if the student withdraws on or after the 15th calendar day of the first term/semester of the program