Best Athletic Training Programs

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $1,084
Out-of-State | $2,799

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's School of Kinesiology offers a bachelor's in applied exercise science that allows students to choose between a management or a clinical track. 

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions does not require first-year applicants to have taken any particular prerequisite courses. However, applicants with challenging courses, good grades, and standardized test scores will have the best chance of admission. UMich offers free tuition to in-state students whose families earn $65,000 or less per year. 

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | N/A
Out-of-State | N/A

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

The University of Georgia offers a BSEd in exercise and sport science that combines coursework, research, and hands-on field experience. Students can choose to specialize in areas like pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy, or pre-occupational therapy. The core curriculum includes coursework in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor control. 

First-year applicants to the University of Georgia must complete college preparatory course requirements and submit SAT/ACT scores. Once enrolled in the university, students must then complete the required core coursework before applying to the BSEd in exercise and sport science.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $212.28
Out-of-State | $748.89

Credits to Graduate
18

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

The University of Central Florida offers a fitness training minor that prepares students to seek industry certification to work as personal trainers. In addition to the minor's four required courses, which include functional kinesiology and applied exercise physiology, degree-seekers must complete at least two electives such as personal training methods and basic sport first aid and CPR. 

First-year applicants to UCF must submit SAT/ACT scores. Eligibility requirements for the fitness training minor include a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, with no grades below C.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $750
Out-of-State | $750

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

Harding University offers a bachelor's in exercise science. In addition to 47 hours of required liberal arts classes and a bible class, the curriculum includes courses such as general psychology, medical terminology, and human nutrition. 

Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to enter the program. Harding also offers two accelerated dual-degree programs, in which students can combine the BS in exercise science with either an MS in strength and conditioning or a doctorate in physical therapy.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | N/A
Out-of-State | N/A

Credits to Graduate
124

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)

Texas Christian University offers a bachelor's in health and fitness. The curriculum includes core courses such as anatomical kinesiology and motor behavior and foundation courses such as exercise psychology and study of human disease. Students can choose to focus on clinical emphasis or strength and conditioning. 

First-year applicants must have completed college preparatory coursework. TCU will not require SAT/ACT scores for students graduating from high school in 2021-2023.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $212
Out-of-State | $641

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

The University of West Florida offers a bachelors in exercise science that helps prepare students for careers in fitness, clinical healthcare, or graduate studies. Degree-seekers can choose between a clinical or pre-professional track and a strength and conditioning track. 

A senior year capstone project allows students to gain hands-on experience in a health or fitness setting. 

First-year applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and state minimum SAT/ACT scores. Students must complete state-mandated common prerequisites before graduation, but the program does not require them for admission.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $623.66
Out-of-State | $1211.66

Credits to Graduate
122 

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers a bachelor's in exercise science. Students can choose between a fitness track and a pre-professional track. The program culminates in an internship in which students gain hands-on experience in their area of interest. 

Applicants to the program must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 for the fitness track or 3.0 for the pre-professional track. Program applicants must also pass a fitness test and complete two job shadows.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | N/A
Out-of-State | N/A

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

The University of Connecticut's exercise science program offers a BS in exercise science that prepares students for graduate study of exercise science, or of healthcare fields such as medicine, physical therapy, or athletic training. Learners can gain hands-on experience through positions at local clinics or sports teams or in the University of Connecticut's Human Performance Laboratory. 

Incoming freshmen should apply directly to the exercise science program when applying to the University of Connecticut. Competitive applicants should have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA and grades of B or higher in prerequisite science courses.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | N/A
Out-of-State | N/A

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Indiana University-Bloomington offers a bachelor of science in public health in fitness and wellness. The program's curriculum aims to prepare students for the American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) Certification. Requirements for the degree include a 5-hour field experience and a 50-hour practicum. 

First-year applicants must complete college preparatory coursework. Indiana University encourages — but does not require — applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | N/A
Out-of-State | N/A

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE) 

Cedarville University offers a bachelor of science in exercise science with a biblical worldview. The curriculum combines core liberal arts and bible minor classes with courses such as general psychology and anatomy and physiology. It also includes exercise science courses such as basic exercise testing and exercise physiology. 

The program includes a 30-hour practicum and culminates in a 300-hour internship capstone project. Degree-seekers may choose to pursue a BA-to-master's accelerated completion plan.