Best Online Exercise Science Programs

Exercise science draws from physiology, kinesiology, psychology, and other disciplines to explore how the human body moves and responds to physical exertion. A bachelor’s degree in this field also exposes students to body mechanics at the molecular and cellular levels and how environmental factors influence bodily movements.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average yearly tuition, fees, and room and board at public universities were about $19,370 in 2020-2021. At private schools, the average annual amount was $45,920. An online bachelor’s in exercise science can cost less because learners typically do not pay for housing or transportation, but they might face extra technology fees.

Students typically need about 120 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor’s in exercise science. The program usually takes most students about four years to complete. Students earning their degrees online can choose asynchronous classes or an accelerated program that can shorten the time to finish.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects growth rates for many exercise science jobs to meet or exceed the average growth rate of 8% across all occupations. For instance, the BLS projects exercise physiologist jobs will grow 13% between 2020-2030, while positions for fitness trainers and instructors will increase 39% in the same period.

An exercise science professional’s location, years of experience, and occupation can influence their salary. For example, Payscale reports that wellness directors made an average annual wage of $61,300 in May 2022. In contrast, strength and conditioning coaches earned an average of $40,880 each year as of April 2022.

Active people who want to help others enjoy optimal physical health might consider a bachelor’s in exercise science. Successful students also tend to enjoy exercise and physical activity. Other qualities that make a person suitable for an online bachelor’s in exercise science include strong communication skills, patience, and rapport-building.

To earn a bachelor’s of exercise science, students typically must complete 120 course credits, which takes most learners four years. Individuals who want to graduate sooner might consider an online program with flexible course scheduling, allowing some learners to shorten their graduation time.

In addition to requisite and elective courses, most exercise science students complete a capstone project in their senior year. They also might pursue an internship to gain practical experience.

Exercise science programs typically offer a bachelor of science (BS) degree, which requires more courses in science and mathematics than a bachelor of arts (BA). Also, students earning a BS learn problem-solving and analytical reasoning skills to prepare for more applied careers.

This course combines engineering and physics to explain how the body moves. It also explores how muscles, joints, nerves, bones, and other tissues work together to help the body function.

Applied nutrition teaches students about nutritional concepts and theories related to fitness and health. The class covers how people’s dietary needs change as they age and how to improve exercise performance through proper food intake.

This course combines business, exercise physiology, and fitness studies to provide an interdisciplinary exposure to fitness management. The class can benefit students pursuing wellness director or coordinator jobs.

Kinesiology integrates psychology, biomechanics, and anatomy. The course exposes students to the mechanics behind how the body moves, how movement affects physical and psychological health, and what factors can improve mobility.

This course teaches learners about the two-way connection between psychology and sports performance. Sports psychology can benefit professionals who help people handle the pressures of competition, increase motivation, and visualize athletic achievement.

People with a bachelor’s in exercise science will likely see a growing need for their skills, as will many health professionals. The BLS projects that many exercise science jobs will likely increase. For example, positions for recreational therapists and exercise psychologists are projected to grow by 10% and 13%, respectively, between 2020-2030. These projections exceed the average growth rates of all occupations in the same period.

A bachelor’s in exercise science can grant graduates access to various careers in sports and entertainment, healthcare, education and training, and personal care. Some of the most popular positions in exercise science include fitness trainer and instructor, exercise psychologist, physical therapist assistant or aide, and exercise physiologist.

Salaries for jobs in exercise science vary by occupation, location, and educational background. According to the BLS, recreational therapists earned a median annual salary of $47,940 in 2021, higher than the median of $45,760 for all occupations in the same year. In contrast, coaches and scouts made a median annual salary of $38,970. Accumulating work experience typically increases a person’s salary.

A bachelor’s in exercise science can qualify someone to become a recreational therapist. This professional helps people with injuries and disabilities plan their exercise and movement plans. They often incorporate music, dance, sports, games, and other approaches to enhance patients’ and clients’ physical and mental well-being.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $47,940

Exercise physiologists create and modify exercise and fitness programs for clients managing various health conditions like heart disease. These professionals work closely with patients to track their medical histories and collect vital statistics. They use that information to formulate fitness programs that meet their unique health needs.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $47,940

Fitness or personal trainers work with groups and individuals to help them improve their physical fitness and endurance. At the individual level, these trainers assess clients’ initial fitness levels, evaluate their health goals, and create individualized exercise plans. These professionals can also teach group exercise classes.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $40,700

These professionals help athletes prevent or reduce injuries and increase their performance and endurance. These coaches typically follow National Strength and Conditioning Association guidelines when creating programs for individual clients or sports teams. They also usually work with athletic trainers to help athletes recover from injuries.

Average Annual Salary (May 2022): $40,880

Wellness directors work for corporations, community centers, and other entities to create and manage wellness and physical fitness programs. This professional typically holds a leadership position, overseeing personnel, factoring in employees’ health goals in organizational planning, and monitoring organization-wide health and safety campaigns.

Average Annual Salary: $61,300

While many jobs exist for people with an online bachelor’s in exercise science, some graduates can pursue graduate degrees to increase their earning potential and expand their job prospects. For example, an exercise science degree can prepare someone for a master’s in exercise science as well as a doctor of physical therapy or a master’s in counseling psychology. Advanced degrees can lead to leadership roles and directorships.

Professionals can also expand their careers by earning certificates or licenses in specializations. For example, the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offer certifications in exercise physiology. Positions vary in their licensing or certification requirements.

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