2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Exercise Science

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is a public institution with a Master of Science in Kinesiology requiring 30 credit hours. Typically, this program is offered on a rotating two-year schedule for full-time students. There are two concentrations available: (1) Exercise Science and Health and (2) Physical Education.

Brightspace is the primary learning platform for UNG students. This software allows students to study fully online, with some courses delivered asynchronously. The curriculum combines research practices with the assessment of professional services within sports and education. In the area of exercise science, students explore core classes such as Nutrition in Exercise Science and Sports, Biomechanics, and Advanced Kinesiology. A research-based capstone project is also required. Graduates are eligible for careers in educational services, health care and social assistance, and public administration.

The American Public University System (APUS) is a private set of institutions offering a Master of Science in Sports and Health Sciences - Exercise Science and Human Performance. This program requires 36 credit hours, which may take students up to two years to complete while studying full time.

MyClassroom is the learning management system (LMS) used by APUS students, where they can complete their master's degree 100% online. Through the curriculum, students have the opportunity to study the physical, psychological, physiological, and functional aspects of human biology while developing their critical thinking skills. Among the core requirements are the following classes: Motor Learning, Sport Psychology, and Statistics for Sports and Health Sciences. A final research project is also required. By the end of the program, students may pursue careers as sports nutritionists or fitness trainers.

Pittsburg State University (PSU) is a public university with a Master of Science in Health, Human Performance and Recreation requiring a minimum of 32 credit hours. Some may complete this program in around one year if studying full time. There are three areas of emphasis to choose from: (1) Human Performance and Wellness, (2) Physical Education, or (3) Sport and Leisure Service Management.

PSU uses the popular LMS Canvas for its coursework, which is entirely online. The curriculum for this degree encompasses studies in the fields of sport, physical, health, wellness, and recreation, with core classes in Foundations of Human Performance and Wellness, Social-Psychology of Sport and Recreation, and Methods of Assessment in Health Human Performance and Recreation. Career outcomes include exercise physiologist, athletics coach, and recreation manager.

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public university with a Master of Science in Kinesiology (Sport and Human Performance). This online degree requires the completion of 30-36 credit hours, with most full-time students graduating in one to two years.

SHSU Online utilizes Blackboard's LMS to complete their fully remote coursework. Classes may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the instructor. Movement and exercise are explored extensively in this program's curriculum alongside the rehabilitation, development, and learning skills needed to advance in the professional health and fitness fields. Students take core classes such as Advanced Physiology of Exercise, Advanced Biomechanics, and Significance of Motor Learning. Career options for alumni include college coaching, corporate wellness, and personal training.

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is a public university offering a Master of Science in Exercise Science online. This program requires 31 credits, which students can complete at their own pace within two years. NKU also offers 7-week accelerated course options.

Canvas is the school's chosen online learning platform. Students enrolled in an online degree can study 100% online and at their own pace. This program has a comprehensive curriculum that looks at research design, clinical pathophysiology, exercise physiology, and the development of strength and conditioning programs. Core classes include Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, Advanced Exercise Physiology, and Research Methods and Analytics in Exercise Science. Students have the option to choose from an internship or thesis project. Graduates may explore careers as strength and conditioning coaches, health and fitness researchers, and personal trainers.

Delta State University (DSU) is a public institution with a Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance - Exercise Science requiring 33 credit hours. Typically, students complete this program in around two years on a full-time schedule.

DSU students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is fully online. This major explores advanced preparation in the areas of sports administration, exercise science, and human performance — with the exercise science concentration focused on fitness program development and research. Core classes include Risk Management in Sports, Current Literature and Trends in Physical Education, and Advanced Tests and Measurements. Graduates may go on to work in fitness management and athletic administration.

Kansas State University (K-State) is a public university with a Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences - Nutrition and Exercise Sciences requiring 30 credit hours. This online degree program usually takes students up to two years to complete on a full-time study schedule.

At K-State, students use Canvas for their remote learning courses, all of which can be completed virtually. The curriculum for this program emphasizes nutrition, both clinical and sport, along with an understanding of biostatistics and statistical analysis. Core classes include Fundamental Methods of Biostatistics, Regression and Analysis of Variance, and Graduate Seminar in Human Nutrition. Students may choose from a thesis or report option. Alumni of this program may choose from a variety of professional nutrition roles in the areas of diabetes, sports, adolescence, and maternal care.

Lindenwood University is a private university offering an online Master of Science in Health Sciences - Fitness and Wellness. This degree requires 33 credit hours, which most students complete in 24 months while studying full time.

Like many other universities, Lindenwood uses the Canvas LMS to deliver asynchronous classes online. The curriculum brings together scientific and statistical analysis as they relate to the fields of health and fitness. Students take core classes such as Statistical Analysis, Community Health, and Research Methods. Both thesis and non-thesis routes are available as well. Graduates may explore careers as wellness directors, fitness managers, and health educators.

The University of Louisiana - Monroe (ULM) is a public university with a Master of Science in Exercise Science - Sport Management. Depending on the completion of a thesis, this online master's degree requires 30-36 credit hours. In general, students graduate in around two years if studying full time.

Moodle is the primary LMS for ULM Online students, allowing them to complete their degrees online. The exercise science graduate program, along with its sport management concentration, explores statistical and research methods as well as nutrition and condition practices. Required courses include Sport Sociology, Governance and Ethics in Sport, and Research Methods in Exercise Science. Alumni may find careers in athletic facilities, event management, and sports nutrition.

University of Florida (UF) is a public university offering a Master of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, which requires a minimum of 30 credits. It generally takes students two years to complete this program on a full-time study schedule. There are two specializations to choose from: (1) Athlete Development and (2) Integrative Strength and Conditioning Science. There's also an experiential learning option, where students can engage in an internship or complete independent study.

The Canvas LMS is used to deliver coursework for this program, which is 100% online and asynchronous. The curriculum teaches students ways to improve human lives through evidence-based studies and practices, such as injury prevention and health-based data collection. Required classes include Biomechanics of Human Motion, Sport Psychology, and Strength and Conditioning. Graduates may become personal trainers, mental performance consultants, and exercise physiologists.