Online Kinesiology Degree Programs: Review Top Schools

Common Classes in Online Kinesiology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Applied Kinesiology

This course is the basis of kinesiology, which is a detailed look at the musculoskeletal anatomy and the mechanics of how these anatomical systems contribute to bodily movements. Students learn extensive anatomical terminology.

Exercise Nutrition

This class teaches students how nutrition relates to active lifestyles and athletic performance. Students learn how to examine sport-specific dietary requirements and address the nutritional needs of special populations. Students also learn to teach others to stick to nutritional regimens.

Health and Fitness Assessment and Prescription

Students learn the link between health and fitness. They learn screening procedures, risk assessments, and how to select and perform health and fitness assessments to prescribe suitable exercise routines that meet the needs of diverse populations. Students also learn to retest and revise their plans as needed.

Motor Learning

Motor learning is what enables us to master physical skills, whether that’s controlling a tennis serve, perfecting a violinist’s hand motion, or overcoming challenges when getting dressed. This discipline combines the cognitive with the physical aspects of learning new movements, from the stage in which movements are often awkward to the point of correctly and automatically performing the movements.

Strength and Conditioning

As a foundation to strength and conditioning terminology and concepts, students learn safe, effective warmup techniques and strength and conditioning exercises for the inactive to the competitive athlete. The focus is on improving one’s performance through exercise. The course emphasizes tailoring exercise program needs across populations (age, gender, and physical fitness).

1. Scholarships & Grants

Most schools offer scholarships and grants, which are free money. Grants are almost always based on financial needs. The basis for scholarships varies from GPAs to specific interests, including kinesiology. Be sure to check the Financial Aid website for this information, including application due dates. We’ve put together a scholarship guide to help you learn more about scholarship opportunities.

2. Student Loans

Student loans are available through the US Department of Education Federal Student Aid program. Colleges and states may have their own deadlines, so check the FAFSA Deadlines page for information. You’ll also find more information in our 2022 Student Loan Handbook.

3. Other Options

Be sure to check out fellowships, which are short-term, merit-based financial assistance; these are offered across all disciplines and higher education levels, including undergraduates. Kinesiology internships sometimes are paid, which provides an income while also allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills. Remember to check for work-study programs, which pay you to work, and try to find one related to kinesiology. They’re out there! Your online college of choice should offer you free services in finding these options.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s in kinesiology online?

The timeframe for completing an online kinesiology bachelor’s degree varies widely. More minimalist programs can be completed in 16 months. Online programs that mirror on-site programs take from two to four years. Some schools offer accelerated programs, particularly when combining a bachelor’s with a master’s. The number of credits you transfer from other learning institutions and whether you are attending part- or full-time also affects the amount of time it takes.

What are the admissions requirements for an online bachelor’s degree in kinesiology?

Generally speaking, an applicant for an online bachelor’s degree in kinesiology needs the following:

• Completed application form
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Official high school or college transcripts
• TOEFL or IELTS score if you aren’t a native English speaker

Many, but not all, institutions require ACT or SAT scores. Even if the school does not require it, if you have a high ACT or SAT score, be sure to include it in your submission.

Higher learning institutions look for kinesiology students who challenge themselves in high school with demanding coursework, particularly in the sciences. Applicants are strongly advised to complete the following in high school:

• English–four years
• History and social sciences–three years
• Mathematics–three years
• Science–three years

Schools also look favorably on students who take two years of a foreign language.

How much do online kinesiology degrees cost?

Multiple factors affect the cost of getting an online bachelor’s in kinesiology. Even though it’s online, residency can greatly impact the cost by $200-$400 per credit hour. In addition, private universities generally cost more than public ones. Of course, how you are funded affects your financial bottom line. For instance, sometimes employers help pay for college tuition or books. Here’s a look at the tuition cost for three online kinesiology programs to give you an idea of what you’ll pay.

California Baptist University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

Total Credits: 50

$613/credit

East Central University

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

Total Credits: 124

$264/credit Oklahoma residents

$541/credit nonresidents

University of Louisiana at Lafayette, School of Kinesiology

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology–Health Promotion and Wellness

Total Credits: 120

$380/credit

Can I earn my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology completely online?

Yes, you’ll find multiple kinesiology programs that are completely online. That said, some schools require one or more proctored tests where in-person attendance is mandatory. In addition, there are a few hybrid programs that either require or offer in-person practicums.

What’s the difference between a kinesiology degree and an exercise science degree?

The difference between a kinesiology degree and an exercise science degree can be confusing, but the distinction is important when planning your career path.

• Kinesiology is the study of athletic and nonathletic movement of the human body. Common specialties are exercise science, athletic training, sports management, sports medicine, and physical education.
• Exercise science is a subfield of kinesiology that focuses on human response to exercise, human adaptation to exercise, and the fundamental physical mechanisms that affect exercise. Most exercise science majors work in the healthcare industry to develop exercise programs. To learn more, visit our online exercise science degree programs page.

Continuing Education Pathways

Online Master’s Degree in Kinesiology

An online master’s degree in kinesiology offers expansive career paths. The difference between a master’s and a bachelor’s is that you will become an expert in a specific branch of kinesiology. For instance, career options include exercise and sports psychology, athletic training research, cardiac rehabilitation, and athletic director, to name a few. Be sure to research carefully to ensure the school you choose focuses on your desired outcomes. To help with this research, see our online master’s in kinesiology programs page.

Online Master’s Degree in Nutrition

By understanding how physical movements flourish or fail based on nutrition, you can more easily understand how to apply nutritional assistance and interventions to maintain or improve physiological deficits. Knowledge of nutritional kinesiology can be highly sought after. To learn about becoming a nutritional expert, check out our online master’s in nutrition page.

Online Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Programs

Kinesiology undergraduate degrees are a common base for those pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy–and with good reason. As a physical therapy doctorate candidate, you learn technical knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, as well as skills and expertise in exercise techniques, evidence-based practices, and motion activities. To learn about the best online schools in this specialty, see our online doctor of physical therapy page.

Similar Degrees You May Be Interested In

Online Exercise Science Degrees

If you’re interested in the mechanics of movement but prefer to focus on how a person responds to these movements, you might gravitate toward studying exercise science. While many of the careers are the same as with an online kinesiology degree, you’ll focus on more than just the physical activity itself; you’ll concentrate on severe and chronic responses and their adaptations. If this concentration interests you, take a look at our online exercise science degree programs page to see if one of these programs is right for you.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition

While the mechanics of physical movement may be an interest, your professional pursuits might be more aligned with nutrition. After all, physical activity requires the right fuel sources. An entry-level career in nutrition can be in a wide array of fields, including clinical dietetics, nutritional consultation, public health sustenance, food and nutrition management, or business, such as nutritional research for a specific food vendor. If nutrition is your interest, see our online bachelor’s in nutrition programs page for information on obtaining an online nutrition degree.

Online Physical Therapy Associate Degree

If your heart is set on directly helping people recover from either acute or physical injuries and challenges but you don’t care to spend the time or money on a bachelor’s degree, perhaps an online physical therapy associate degree is your answer. Like other related degrees shared here, a basic understanding and interest in kinesiology support this endeavor. For more information, see our online physical therapy assistant programs page to help you get started.