Kinesiology Online Degrees and Programs Guide

Exercise physiology is a fast-growing field, and with that, interest in kinesiology programs is also growing. Kinesiology is the study of how the human body moves.

As a kinesiologist, you may find yourself working with clients to improve their motor functions, or you may aid in their rehabilitation after an injury. Earning a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology can open doors to many careers involving the human body.

On this page, you can explore online kinesiology degree programs that can prepare you for a career in exercise science.

Bachelor’s / Kinesiology

An online kinesiology degree helps prepare you to become a kinesiologist or work in similar fields after graduation. These programs focus heavily on science and biology courses, covering anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. The curriculum also covers the study of movement and, in particular, physical education and exercise science.

Generally, a bachelor’s degree program in kinesiology requires students to complete 120 credits to graduate. Full-time students can typically earn their bachelor’s degrees in four years. Part-time learners may finish their programs in 5-6 years.

Specific requirements for a kinesiology program vary by school. Some curriculum plans might allow you to choose a concentration in a specialty area, including:

Narrowing down your options for an online kinesiology degree can be challenging, but knowing how to research online programs can make the process easier. Here are some of the variables you should consider when determining the best online kinesiology degree for you.

Accrediting agencies review and audit institutions and programs to ensure they meet certain academic standards. Attending an accredited college or university means you will be eligible for federal financial aid as long as you meet other federal aid requirements. Students who attend accredited schools can also be sure their credits will transfer and their degrees will be taken seriously by employers.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the accreditor for kinesiology programs.

Attending college online will allow you to avoid some of the fees and other costs associated with an in-person degree. Costs may still vary depending on whether you attend a public, nonprofit, or for-profit institution.

Per a BestColleges analysis, all types of online colleges (public, private for-profit, and private nonprofit) charge lower tuition rates on average than their in-person counterparts.

Synchronous learning vs. asynchronous learning may be an important distinction for you when examining online programs. These terms describe the way that courses are structured.

In a synchronous program, you attend classes at a certain time, similarly to how you would an on-campus class. However, instead of showing up to a classroom for a designated time frame, you’ll log into an online classroom and engage in live discussions.

Asynchronous programs, meanwhile, give you the freedom to complete coursework and modules at your own pace. While you’ll need to meet certain deadlines, there is no set time you need to show up for class.

Location may seem like a silly factor to consider for online learning, but it’s worth remembering that you may still be charged out-of-state tuition rates for an online degree.

Whether you’ll have to pay in-state or out-of-state tuition for your online degree depends on the institution you attend. Some programs charge a flat rate for all distance learners, no matter where they’re located when they attend class. Others hike tuition prices depending on where you live relative to where your institution is located.

Student support is not just for students attending college in person. Many schools offer support systems to their online students. You’ll want to check a program’s website to learn more about the online student services the institution offers, such as career services to help you land a job after graduation.

Students with disabilities or student veterans may also want to check if there are adequate support services to address their unique needs.

A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology can prepare you for two paths: to continue your education or find employment in the field.

One of the benefits of a kinesiology degree is its versatility. Kinesiology can lead to many different careers in healthcare, fitness, nutrition, and teaching. Once you earn your bachelor’s, you can pursue careers including fitness instruction, health coaching, exercise physiology, or strength and conditioning coaching.

You can also go on to pursue a doctoral degree for more advanced careers related to kinesiology, including becoming a physical therapist or physician.

Kinesiology professionals are in demand, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) jobs in this field will grow much faster than the national average growth rate for all occupations (4%) between 2023 and 2033.

The BLS projects the number of roles for exercise physiologists, for example, to grow by 10% over the next eight years, according to BLS data. Jobs for athletic trainers are expected to grow 13% over the same time period, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Individual salaries for kinesiology careers are also above the national average for all occupations ($48,060), per BLS.

Unless you have tens of thousands of dollars sitting around, you’ll likely need to come up with a plan to pay for your online kinesiology degree.

Your first step should be to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will make you eligible for many federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

Over 40 million Americans hold student loan debt.

Student loans can pay most or all of your college tuition, but those loans must be paid back over time. Federal student loans often have lower interest rates than private student loans, plus there are income-driven repayment (IDR) plans to make paying back those loans easier. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to apply for federal student loans over private loans, when possible.

Grants, unlike loans, are financial aid awards that don’t need to be paid back.

The Pell Grant is the most common grant. The Pell Grant program awards money to low- and middle-income students based on their financial need. All you need to do to potentially qualify for this award is submit your FAFSA.

Some state grant programs, like Michigan Reconnect, may cover all tuition and fees for students, depending on their age or their educational background.

Scholarships are like grants in that they don’t need to be repaid, but you generally have to apply for scholarships.

Many scholarships are merit-based, meaning you’ll need to hit certain academic thresholds to qualify. Other scholarship programs, however, are aimed at specific demographics of students, such as the BestColleges scholarship for Black women in STEM.

Scholarships often require an application and, in many cases, an essay.

Federal work-study programs award funds to students in return for on- or off-campus work, usually related to their degree programs.

Funds are generally granted to low- and middle-income students. You must submit the FAFSA to qualify.

Then, you’ll need to find a job that qualifies under the work-study program. Your institution may have an online job board showing opportunities — likely at nonprofit organizations — where you’ll be paid for your work.