2023 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology
An online bachelor’s degree in kinesiology is designed for students who want to pursue careers in sports medicine, fitness, and nutrition. Graduates from this online degree program may pursue careers as health coaches, personal trainers, physical education teachers, or dieticians. Similar majors to kinesiology include health education, exercise science, physical therapy, and physical education.
Prospective kinesiology students can expect to gain research, teaching, and interpersonal skills. In addition, an online bachelor’s degree in kinesiology explores topics such as exercise physiology, coaching, and biology. Most programs require students to take lab courses and an internship before graduation.
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2023 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology
Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
---|---|---|---|
University of North Dakota | $37,657 | ||
Tarleton State University | 92 | $34,621 | |
Concordia University - Chicago | 89 | $33,679 | |
California Baptist University | 75 | $31,373 | |
Texas Tech University | 75 | $31,330 |
#1 University of North Dakota
- Salary Score: 98
- Median Starting Salary: $37,657
- Locations: Grand Forks (ND)
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public institution with two online bachelor’s programs in kinesiology: a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (120 credit hours) and a Combined Accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Kinesiology (150 credit hours). The first program takes four years to complete, while the latter can take four to five years. UND has an acceptance rate of 87% and a 50% graduation rate.
At UND, students use Blackboard to complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously. A kinesiology curriculum teaches students health and wellness education topics. Some core classes include Exercise Physiology, Introduction to Coaching, and Adapted Physical Activity. Prospective students can expect to complete a capstone course or internship. Graduates may pursue careers like personal trainers, physical educators, or researchers.
#2 Tarleton State University
- Salary Score: 92
- Median Starting Salary: $34,621
- Locations: Stephenville (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Tarleton State University (Tarleton) is a public university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology that requires 120 credit hours. On a full-time basis, the program takes four years to complete. The acceptance rate at Tarleton is 58%, and the school's graduation rate is 57%.
Tarleton facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system (LMS), Canvas. A kinesiology program encompasses a curriculum covering exercise science and other related topics. The program offers six concentrations students can choose from. Some of the program’s core classes are Cardio Fitness, Foundations of Kinesiology, and Medical Terminology. To graduate, students must take labs and complete an internship. Graduates may pursue careers in education, sports, and healthcare.
#3 Concordia University - Chicago
- Salary Score: 89
- Median Starting Salary: $33,679
- Locations: River Forest (IL)
- Accreditation: HLC
At Concordia University - Chicago (CUC) — a private, nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, totaling 120 credit hours. This program can take a year or 18 months, depending on full-time or part-time status. CUC's acceptance rate is 79%, and 50% of the students graduate with a degree.
Online students at CUC complete coursework on Blackboard and online classes are delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats. The curriculum for a kinesiology degree aims to provide students with a foundation in health promotion and disease prevention. The program’s core courses include Applied Kinesiology, Health Risk Appraisal, and Managing Lifetime Fitness. Graduates often go on to become dietitians, chiropractors, and health coaches.
#4 California Baptist University
- Salary Score: 75
- Median Starting Salary: $31,373
- Locations: Riverside (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
California Baptist University (CBU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, which requires 50 credit hours. The average completion time for this program is 18 months. The acceptance rate at CBU is 80%, and CBU's graduation rate is 61%.
At CBU Online, remote students complete coursework synchronously on the LMS Blackboard. A kinesiology program curriculum helps students develop analytical, teaching, and research skills necessary for exercise science. Some of the program’s major courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Movement Anatomy, and Contemporary Health Issues. Students are required to take labs and bible courses in order to graduate. Graduates may pursue careers in sports medicine, fitness, and nutrition.
#5 Texas Tech University
- Salary Score: 75
- Median Starting Salary: $31,330
- Locations: Lubbock (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology that requires at least 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years completing this program. At TTU, the acceptance rate is 70%, with a graduation rate of 62%.
TTU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. Bachelor of kinesiology programs explore the physiological and psychological components of exercise. The program’s courses include Exercise Physiology, Anatomical Kinesiology, and Introduction to Biomechanics. In addition to classes, future students can expect to complete lab courses during the program. Alumni may pursue careers in medicine, fitness, and athletic training.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 6/13/2023