At American Public University, the Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences degree requires students to choose one of the following concentrations: coaching studies, exercise science, fitness and wellness professional studies, or a general concentration. Students will learn about exercise, fitness, nutrition, and health in the context of their concentration in this program.
Best Online Exercise Science Bachelor's Degrees
By the OnlineU team | Updated 1/3/2022
Exercise scientists study the effects of body movement on human physical and mental health. This academic discipline continues to grow rapidly as researchers praise the benefits of exercise, and there are now several fully online bachelor's programs in the U.S. Graduates of exercise science programs work in a variety of fields helping clients achieve their health and nutrition goals. Below, we've ranked the top 10 online bachelor's degrees in exercise science based on alumni earnings compared to program costs.
Read on for more information about common exercise science bachelor's courses, program accreditation, and potential career opportunities for alumni.
Online Bachelor's in Exercise Science With the Highest Return on Investment
These are the top online bachelor's degrees in exercise science based on return on investment. ROI is an estimate of accumulated earnings 10 years after graduation, once student loans are paid off. The cheapest degree isn’t necessarily the best investment over time and the costliest doesn't always guarantee the best outcomes, so ROI factors in both earnings and debt to help prospective students decide the worth of a particular degree.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System | $8,550 | $44,305 | $28,130 | $421,100 | |
| Maryville University | $16,000 | $38,829 | $21,500 | $373,000 | |
| Cameron University | $15,104 | $33,993 | $22,500 | $321,900 | |
| Concordia University-Chicago | $13,280 | $33,993 | $25,000 | $318,800 | |
| California Baptist University | $20,842 | $33,993 | $27,000 | $316,300 | |
| Concordia University - Saint Paul | $12,600 | $33,565 | $24,250 | $315,400 | |
| University of Kansas | $14,550 | $32,925 | $20,500 | $313,400 | |
| California University of Pennsylvania | $13,776 | $32,162 | $26,500 | $298,100 | |
| Asbury University | $12,369 | $29,685 | $25,000 | $274,500 | |
| Eastern Oregon University | $11,925 | $28,236 | $23,611 | $261,300 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Exercise Science Rankings Details
#1
American Public University System
Charles Town (WV)
- 10-Year ROI: $421,100
- Median Salary: $44,305
- Annual Tuition: $8,550
- Median Debt: $28,130
#2
Maryville University
St. Louis (MO)
- 10-Year ROI: $373,000
- Median Salary: $38,829
- Annual Tuition: $16,000
- Median Debt: $21,500
At Maryville University, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science offers concentrations in wellness management or strength and conditioning. In this 128-credit program, students take courses on anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise physiology, stress management, and workout program design. They also complete a capstone project and a 400-hour practicum. The curriculum is
#3
Cameron University
Lawton (OK)
- 10-Year ROI: $321,900
- Median Salary: $33,993
- Annual Tuition: $15,104
- Median Debt: $22,500
At Cameron University, the Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science is a four-year degree program offered entirely online. In addition to completing general education requirements, students take courses on the physiology of exercise, the care and prevention of athletic injuries, facility management, biomechanics, and motor learning. This 124-credit degree requires 40 credits
#4
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest (IL)
- 10-Year ROI: $318,800
- Median Salary: $33,993
- Annual Tuition: $13,280
- Median Debt: $25,000
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Concordia University Chicago provides students with an education rooted in the Lutheran faith that focuses on health promotion and disease prevention. Courses in this program include Physiological Basis of Exercise, Applied Kinesiology, and Nutrition, Exercise, and Behavior. This 100% online degree can be completed in as few as 16 months
#5
California Baptist University
Riverside (CA)
- 10-Year ROI: $316,300
- Median Salary: $33,993
- Annual Tuition: $20,842
- Median Debt: $27,000
At California Baptist University (CBU), students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology or a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in kinesiology. These programs require 49 or 50 credit hours in the major, and they take an average of 18 months to complete. CBU offers a global education in the context of traditional Christian heritage. The school prefers
#6
Concordia University - Saint Paul
Saint Paul (MN)
- 10-Year ROI: $315,400
- Median Salary: $33,565
- Annual Tuition: $12,600
- Median Debt: $24,250
At Concordia University-Saint Paul (CSP), the Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science offers courses on kinesiology concepts such as human movement, exercise, and fitness management. To earn their bachelor's degree, students must complete 120 credits, which includes 49 credits specific to their major. Courses take seven weeks to complete.
Online students access course materials, engage
#7
University of Kansas
Lawrence (KS)
- 10-Year ROI: $313,400
- Median Salary: $32,925
- Annual Tuition: $14,550
- Median Debt: $20,500
At Kansas University Edwards Campus, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise Science is a degree completion program for fitness professionals or anyone who wants to pursue a career in exercise science directly out of the program. This degree prepares students to work in fields such as nutrition, personal training, corporate wellness, coaching, and fitness. This program can also
#8
California University of Pennsylvania
California (PA)
- 10-Year ROI: $298,100
- Median Salary: $32,162
- Annual Tuition: $13,776
- Median Debt: $26,500
The online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree at California University of Pennsylvania helps students turn their passion for fitness into a career. This program can be completed entirely online in three years. Graduates can pursue careers in the fitness and wellness industry as personal trainers, speed coaches, and more. Courses focus on topics such as anatomy, physiology,
#9
Asbury University
Wilmore (KY)
- 10-Year ROI: $274,500
- Median Salary: $29,685
- Annual Tuition: $12,369
- Median Debt: $25,000
At Asbury University, the Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness teaches students how to develop wellness programs, design community health education plans, and promote healthy lifestyles. The degree requires general courses, including Foundations of Christian Thought as well as specialized classes such as Health Care Services, Trends and Policy in Health Care, Health
#10
Eastern Oregon University
La Grande (OR)
- 10-Year ROI: $261,300
- Median Salary: $28,236
- Annual Tuition: $11,925
- Median Debt: $23,611
Eastern Oregon University (EOU) offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance program with concentrations in exercise science. In these programs, students learn about the mechanics of the human body and psychological processes that affect physical health. These 180-credit degrees take four years to complete when enrolled full-time and prepare
Online Exercise Science Degree Overview
Colleges offer online exercise science degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Curricula for these degrees provide increasingly deep and specialized courses that build on the fundamentals of human physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and sports psychology. Below are some examples of what students might encounter at different levels, along with careers that each degree can prepare them for.
| Associate |
|
| Bachelor's |
|
| Master's |
|
| Doctoral and professional |
|
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Exercise Science
An online bachelor's in exercise science can be a good educational foundation for individuals who want to help others achieve their fitness and sports goals. In addition, it can lay the groundwork for further education in a graduate degree program.
Typical Program Requirements
Online exercise science programs usually take four years to complete, and require 120-128 semester credit hours or 180 quarter credit hours. This may include an internship or other hands-on field placement to gain practical experience. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED. Many schools have minimum GPA requirements for admission.
Online classes are usually asynchronous, which means that students aren't required to attend live sessions. Instead, they sign in to a virtual learning platform at their convenience to complete coursework and watch recorded lectures.
The Importance of an Accredited Online Exercise Science Degree
Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent organization that indicates a high level of educational quality. Colleges can be either nationally or regionally accredited. Most strictly academic programs seek regional accreditation, while trade and professional schools tend to earn national accreditation. Regionally accredited schools only accept transfer credits from schools with the same type of accreditation.
In addition, some professional organizations accredit individual programs in a specific discipline. For exercise science, this organization is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Exercise science employers may look favorably on applicants who attended a CAAHEP-accredited program, and some jobs may require it. Currently, CAAHEP doesn't accredit any fully online programs, so applicants should take this into consideration before choosing to study online.
Common Courses for an Exercise Science Degree
Exercise science graduates learn to use body movement to improve people's physical and mental health. There are several subdisciplines within the broad category of exercise science, and students may choose to major in one of these or study it as a concentration. We've selected several courses below that are common to most bachelor's degrees in exercise science, regardless of specialization.
Enrollees learn anatomical terminology and the functions of the various body systems. Professors emphasize how exercise affects each system and its connections with the others. Many versions of this course include anatomical tests in a laboratory or using a home lab kit.
To understand healthy exercise habits, students must first learn how bodies move. Kinesiology integrates anatomy and physiology, physics, and biochemistry and applies them to human biomechanics. Enrollees usually learn how to evaluate a person's mobility and limitations, along with methods for explaining and improving biomechanical issues.
Students in this course learn the potential legal concerns of various exercise and health professions. Topics include liability and waivers, promissory language, the intersection between law and ethics, and the defendant's rights in personal injury cases. This course is often taught by a law professor who can contextualize real examples of case law.
This course examines the interplay between physical activity and human nutrition. Faculty lecture on micro- and macronutrients, metabolism, hydration, and digestive absorption. Students design diets for different character personas and learn motivational techniques to encourage them to adhere to a plan.
Sports psychology professors seek to reveal the connections between mind and body in exercise science. Students learn psychological models of motivation, leadership and team dynamics, and the difference between coaching for personal growth versus performance enhancement. The course also covers the mental health benefits of regular exercise.
For more information about online college, including scholarship opportunities and advice from experts, visit our resource hub.
Careers Available with an Exercise Science Bachelor's Degree
Students can pursue several jobs with only a bachelor's on their resume. Many of these careers involve coaching or instilling discipline in others, which requires an understanding of motivation. Because of this, students may find it beneficial to take psychology electives beyond the introductory sports psychology course.
Below are a few job possibilities for exercise science graduates. Unless noted otherwise, salary and job outlook data come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Clinical laboratory technologist: This career may appeal to students who enjoy the lab portions of their exercise science degree. Under the supervision of a senior scientist, technologists test and monitor lab equipment, perform experiments, analyze chemical and tissue samples, and keep meticulous records of their findings. They can apply to jobs at corporate or university exercise research labs. These professionals earn median annual salaries of $54,180. The BLS expects the job field to expand by 11% through 2030.
- Exercise physiologist: Exercise physiologists prescribe exercise programs for patients recovering from serious illness or injury. Their training and certification is less stringent than that of physical therapists, because they don't diagnose medical or movement problems. Two organizations certify practitioners, which can bolster employment prospects: the American Society of Exercise Physiologists and the American College of Sports Medicine. Physiologists make a median wage of $50,280 per year, and the field is growing at a 13% rate through the end of the decade.
- Health and wellness coach: These professionals use empathy and motivational coaching to help clients meet their personal health and wellness targets. They take a holistic view of wellness that includes stress management, sleep, and other forms of self-care. Prospective coaches can earn certification through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. Because this is an emerging profession, salary and job growth data is limited.
- Personal trainer: Trainers work one on one with clients to improve their physical fitness. They usually meet clients in a fitness facility to assess their performance on exercise equipment and often consult on a nutritional plan. Most personal trainers work for fitness centers or sports complexes but about 18% are self-employed. Fitness trainers can choose certifications from a variety of organizations, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Council on Strength and Fitness. Certified personal trainers earn a median yearly pay of $40,510. Available jobs are growing at a very fast rate of 39% through 2030, with most positions found in populous states like California and Texas.
Is an Online Bachelor's in Exercise Science Worth It?
The answer to this question depends on your personal responsibilities, finances, and goals. As you weigh your decision, consider which factors matter to you most. A bachelor's degree in exercise science can lead to a rewarding career, but it can be beneficial to consider the negative aspects alongside the positive.
Potential Benefits
- Exercise science graduates often experience a good deal of variety in their work. For example, personal trainers spend little time sitting at a desk but instead move around a gym training individuals or groups. Trainers and exercise physiologists also frequently meet new people and encounter fresh challenges.
- Exercise science alumni can qualify for jobs in fast-growing fields. Lab techs, trainers, and physiologists all enjoy job growth projections above the U.S. average of 8%. The 39% rate for trainers is especially healthy. Graduates who pursue certain advanced degrees also face favorable job markets — for example, health sciences professors and physical therapists have projected growth rates of 24% and 21%, respectively.
Potential Drawbacks
- Most jobs in exercise science require certification beyond a bachelor's degree. For example, trainers and physiologists generally need to pass a certification exam before most employers will hire them. This shouldn't necessarily discourage you from earning a bachelor's in exercise science, as long as you understand the extra requirements for your chosen profession.
- Many of the highest paying careers in the field call for advanced degrees. Physical therapists provide one example: they must complete an additional three-year degree and earn licensure before they can enter the field, which pays a median wage of $91,010. Again, you should understand that a bachelor's degree may only be the first step toward your ideal career.
- Perhaps most crucially, CAAHEP doesn't accredit online bachelor's degree programs in exercise science. This doesn't indicate that online exercise science programs grant a poor education, but it does mean that online students may not confidently rely on this signifier of their degree's quality.
Beyond the general pros and cons of an exercise science degree, it's worth asking whether this major is suitable for online study. Schools offer many distance learning programs in the sciences, and some students are drawn to the flexibility of asynchronous coursework. However, others enjoy the live classroom and laboratory experience in which they can ask questions and get feedback on their work. Online science students occasionally report problems authenticating lab assignments, even when program advisors send special equipment or authorize a lab near the student's home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exercise Science Degrees
This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.