Online Exercise Science Degrees: Top School Review
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareEditorialNursing EditorialSenior CareDementia CareEarning your online exercise science degree prepares you to teach the foundations of physical exercise. If you’re ready to help others imporve thier mood, energy, sleep, and overall health through physical fitness, consider whether one of these featured programs is right for you.
Helping others become healthier and more active is your ultimate goal. Now, you need the education and training to make it happen. But where do you begin? An online exercise science degree program could be the perfect starting point. Not only will you gain the skills necessary to help others make positive life changes, but you’ll walk away with a degree that opens the door to a wide range of careers in personal training, coaching, and healthcare.
If you’re ready to start the journey to your new career, there is no better time to begin than now. From understanding your education options to breaking down cost accreditation, keep reading to find the top online exercise science degree programs and take away the information you need to make an informed decision.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Online Exercise Science Degree FAQs
Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or you’re a seasoned professional looking at graduate programs, plenty of online exercise science degree options exist at every level to meet your needs. Getting to know a program before you apply is essential. To help you make an informed decision, we answer some of the most common questions about the process below.
What are the different online degrees in exercise science?
Online exercise science degree programs exist at every academic level to help students across the career spectrum get the training they need to compete for jobs. The requirements, timelines, and outcomes vary by degree, but we provide an overview of each below.
- Associate of Applied Science in Exercise Science: These foundational degrees take two years to complete either online or in person. They serve as a great option if you think you want to work in the field but aren’t ready to commit to a bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science: An online bachelor’s degree in exercise science typically takes four years to complete and prepares you for a variety of roles working with individuals across the lifespan. They can easily be found as both campus-based and online programs.
- Master of Science in Exercise Science: Pursuing a master’s in exercise science allows you to take on high-level leadership roles, participate in research initiatives, and seek out jobs requiring advanced education, such as occupational therapy or physical therapy. These programs usually take two years to complete.
- Doctorate in Exercise Science: As the highest degree level available in the discipline, a doctorate in exercise science program takes between three and five years to complete, depending on full- or part-time learning status. After graduating, you can apply to research and/or academic teaching positions alongside C-Level roles.
What do you learn in an online exercise science degree program?
The lessons learned in an online exercise science degree program varies by school, degree level, and program focus. That being said, many degrees provide some courses and learning outcomes that overlap with other institutions, including studies in anatomy and physiology, the business of exercise science, and coaching approaches. Here’s what you can expect in terms of learning outcomes and common courses.
- Application
The ability to apply the fundamental principles of human movement and exercise physiology to a variety of settings across a spectrum of populations. - Reasoning
An understanding of how qualitative and quantitative reasoning can help you solve problems with your clients, develop plans, and create interventions. - Human Anatomy Knowledge
A comprehensive understanding of how the human body is formed and functioned, with emphasis on how to use that knowledge when training or supporting clients. - Testing
The ability to perform various diagnostic and aerobic tests to ascertain fitness, endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility levels before prescribing a plan of action. - Communication
The ability to effectively and clearly communicate various exercise science topics to diverse populations, in both speaking and writing.
Common Courses
- Nutrition and Wellness
Usually taken in the first semester, this course provides exercise science students with an understanding of how nutrition plays a role in overall health and fitness. The course examines nutritional principles and provides examples of proper food selection across the lifespan. - Resistance Training and Cardiovascular Fitness
Students are introduced to the cardiac, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems at the start of this course before building on the principles and techniques of building strength and endurance. After completing this course, you may be able to receive certification in Resistance Training and Cardiovascular Fitness. - Sport Performance Science and Coaching
A great elective if you want to go into sports performance, this course provides an overview of topics such as absolute speed, acceleration, movement preparation, multidirectional speed, and plyometrics. Students also learn about specific exercises for regeneration. - Human Anatomy and Physiology
Taking this course provides you with an overview of how the body works and what it needs to maintain homeostasis. Some of the topics explored include the metabolism, cardiovascular system, immunity, energetics, acid and electrolyte balancing, and fluid intake. It is often paired with a lab component. - Exercise Science Internship
While not always required, this is typically done in the final year of your students and provides the opportunity to build hands-on skills prior to graduation. Internship placements depend on the area in the field you want to work and include schools, colleges, fitness centers, recreational centers, or sports rehabilitation facilities.
Can you earn an exercise science degree completely online?
Many online exercise science degree programs can be done without ever visiting campus, especially those that don’t require any type of internship or clinical component. Degrees that do include this requirement allow students to complete their hours at an approved facility near their place of residence.
How long does it take to earn an exercise science degree online?
How long you spend working towards your online exercise science degree depends on several important factors. The type of program you pursue matters greatly, as different degree levels have different timelines. Whether you enroll in a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program also matters as this can speed up or slow down your timeline. If unsure how long a specific program lasts or what type of enrollment options exist, you should check with the admissions coordinator to learn about your options.
How much does an online exercise science degree cost?
The cost of your online exercise science degree program can vary widely depending on a number of factors. When looking at public vs. private schools, know that public schools tend to offer cheaper tuition. If you’re not sure whether to attend part-time or full-time, know that tuition remains the same, but you’ll end up paying more in semester-based fees if you decide to attend part-time. We sampled the tuition of three top exercise science programs to give you an idea of what to expect.
M.S. in Exercise Science in Strength and Conditioning
Total Credits: 36 credits
$1,750/credit
How do I get into an online program in exercise science?
As with other components of online exercise science degree programs, the requirements for admission vary based on individual institutions but you will usually see commonalities as you look at more and more options. Common admission requirements include:
- Related degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA
- Resume/Evidence of work experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay/statement of goals
- GRE scores (for some master’s programs)
- Interview
- TOEFL scores for international students
It’s important to keep in mind that the competitiveness of these programs depends on individual institutions, how many students they accept, and how well regarded the degree is within the industry.
What careers does an exercise science degree lead to?
Completing an online exercise science degree provides you with the skills and credentials to take on several fascinating roles within the world of health and wellness. Some of these include:
- Exercise Physiologist
These individuals help clients working to overcome illness or injury by creating customized fitness plans. - Athletic Trainer
Trainers often work in academic or professional sports and use their skills to prevent injuries and treat them when they happen. - Recreational Therapist
Working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and recreation centers, these therapists create recreational treatment plans for those overcoming illnesses, injuries, or disabilities.
Paying for Your Online Degree in Exercise Science
Finding ways to save money on your online exercise science degree is a worthwhile endeavor, especially since the cost of higher education continues to rise each year. Making use of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships can help save money while student loans can bridge the gap of your remaining balance. Here are your financial options.
Scholarships & Grants
Colleges and universities, health and wellness organizations, professional associations, foundations, and government agencies all provide a variety of scholarships and grants. Since these don’t need to be repaid, they should be your top option. You can learn more about scholarship and grant options via our guide.
Student Loans
Federal and state governments provide a variety of student loan options based on your degree level and whether you are dependent or independent of your parents/guardians. After exhausting other funding options, student loans can help you cover any remaining amounts.
Other Options
After filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may qualify for work-study funding. This allows you to take a digital job at your university and earn an hourly wage. At the graduate level, you may qualify for research and/or teaching assistantships. These usually provide tuition remission and/or a stipend. Lastly, it may be possible that you find a paid internship or fellowship but know that these are always highly competitive.
Accreditation Standards for Online Exercise Science Degree Programs
Within the world of programmatic accreditation for online exercise science degree programs, there are several names to know. These include the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).
In addition to programmatic accreditation, you also need to ensure you find a college or university that maintains institutional accreditation. It exists in both national and regional forms, with the latter typically being more rigorous and favored by four-year institutions. National accreditation, conversely, is often sought by vocational colleges and trade schools. If unsure whether your school or program has accreditation, you can search the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Professional Licensure & Certification
Here’s what you need to know about licensure and certification for some of the top careers an exercise science degree can lead to.
- Fitness Trainers & Instructors: A wide variety of certifications exist to help fitness instructors demonstrate their proficiencies in many different types of exercises. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies sets accrediting standards for certifying agencies and provides a list of approved organizations.
- Coaches & Scouts: Certification requirements typically vary by employer, with many public high schools requiring coaching staff to be certified. Some colleges may also request candidates complete this step. The National Association of State Boards of Education provides information specific to individual states.
- Recreational Therapist: After completing your bachelor’s degree and supervised internship, you can qualify to take the Certified Therapeutic Specialist examination provided by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. The council provides specialty certifications in physical medicine/rehabilitation, behavioral health, geriatrics, developmental disabilities, and community inclusion services.
- Exercise Physiologists: Louisiana is the only state currently requiring exercise physiologists to hold licensure, but many professionals prefer certified professionals. Both the American Society of Exercise Physiologists and the American College of Sports Medicine provides options.
Careers & Salary Outlook for Exercise Science Students
Now that you've explored some of the best programs available and learned what to expect from your educational experience, it’s important to understand which careers offer the most opportunities and best pay.
Jobs in three of the top careers for exercise science graduates—coaches and scouts, recreational therapists, and exercise physiologists—are predicted to grow at a rate of 3.6% to 10.3% over the next ten years. Among these, exercise physiologists are expected to see the most growth (10.3%), with coaches and scouts following closely behind (9.2%). Therefore, individuals seeking employment in these fields should find ample opportunities. Comparing annual salaries for four careers available to exercise science graduates reveals that pay ranges from $26,840 (10th percentile of exercise trainers and group fitness instructors) to $95,620 (90th percentile of coaches and scouts). Recreational therapists tend to earn the highest 10th percentile and median annual wages, at $37,960 and $57,120, respectively. Continue to the tables below to analyze other trends.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | United States | 275,200 | 300,500 | 25,300 | 9.20% | 38,400 |
| Recreational Therapists | United States | 16,800 | 17,400 | 600 | 3.60% | 1,300 |
| Exercise Physiologists | United States | 16,500 | 18,200 | 1,700 | 10.30% | 1,200 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | U.S. | $26,840 | $46,480 | $80,740 |
| Exercise Physiologists | U.S. | $35,460 | $54,860 | $77,680 |
| Recreational Therapists | U.S. | $37,960 | $57,120 | $92,080 |
| Coaches and Scouts | U.S. | $27,040 | $45,910 | $95,620 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Degrees Related to Exercise Science
After completing your online exercise science degree program, you may decide you want to pursue something a little different for your next degree. Plenty of related degrees exist in both campus-based and online formats, giving you lots of options to consider. Some of the most popular options are highlighted below.
Related Degrees to Consider
- Kinesiology
Studying kinesiology provides you with a knowledge of how human bodies move and how those movements can improve or weaken our health and fitness. They often help athletes determine how to improve performance outcomes. These programs exist at every academic level, with many offered through distance learning. - Exercise Physiology
While similar to kinesiology, this degree focuses more on how our bodies respond to physical activities rather than what it takes for us to move in healthy ways. Associate through doctorate programs can be found both online and in-person. - Sports Management
If you’re interested more in the administrative side of the health and wellness industry, a sports management degree could provide you the necessary education. These programs help you develop skills needed to manage athletes, act as a recruiter, and perform other business-level activities. You can attend an online or campus-based program.
Resources for Exercise Science Students & Professionals
- American College of Sports Medicine
The ACSM supports members by providing certification and continuing education programming, events and conferences, and several different journals and bulletins. - American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine
Virtual and in-person meetings, online education, fellowships, research publications, and newsletters can all be accessed through an AOSSM membership. - Day in the Life of a Personal Trainer
The National Association of Sports Medicine provides a glimpse into how you may spend your days if you become a personal trainer. - Exercise Science: Thoughts from a Graduated Student
Want to know what students think after finishing their degree? Check out this video from a graduate. - National Academy of Kinesiology
The NAK publishes several journals and professional documents each year alongside providing a doctoral program review. - National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Joining NATA gives you access to a career center, continuing education opportunities, info about education programs, a national convention, and an online forum. - National Strength and Conditioning Association
NSCA supports members by providing certification opportunities, professional development, education, and event programming. - What is it Like Being an Exercise Science Major?
This YouTube video shares the experiences of a student currently working toward their exercise science degree.
Ranking of the Best Online Exercise Science Degree Programs
With more people taking action to improve their physical health, the demand for exercise science professionals is likely to grow. Today’s online exercise science degree programs can help meet this increased demand. While this is good news for the field, it’s important to remember that not all education programs are created equally.
To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best online exercise science programs. These schools provide affordability, flexibility, and the accreditation needed to seek certification and/or licensure after graduating. Check out the top options for the 2024-2025 school year below. For a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to earn your degree online, take a look at our in-depth school profile, as well.
