Where To Earn An Online Kinesiology Degree In 2023 (2024)

Are you the go-to person at the gym for advice on perfecting your workout form? Do you feel passionate about exercise, movement and wellness? If so, you might enjoy earning an online kinesiology degree. Kinesiology, the study of movement, can prepare you for a variety of fulfilling careers in the fitness and wellness industries.

Because of the increased demand for health and exercise providers, you can apply knowledge gained from a kinesiology degree in various careers—coach, rehabilitation specialist or trainer—or even as the basis of an advanced medical degree.

One nonprofit, accredited U.S. school meets our ranking criteria and offers an online bachelor’s in kinesiology. Keep reading to learn about earning an online kinesiology degree.

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University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers an online bachelor of applied science (BAS) in exercise science. This degree is perfect for individuals who want to begin a fitness, corporate wellness or coaching career, or have a launching pad for a health-related graduate program.

Factoring in financial aid awards, the average price students pay per year at KU is $20,257. Base tuition for this particular online degree costs $485 per credit hour. The BAS in exercise science program is an online program, but you can get optional internship experience for credit.

The BAS in exercise science from KU is part of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program. Schools included in this program offer curricula that prepare learners to earn NSCA certifications. The University of Kansas also has a rich athletic and coaching tradition, as Kansas was one of the first U.S. states to turn basketball into a college sport.

At a Glance

School Type: Public
Application Fee: $40
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
Notable Major-Specific Courses: Principles of personal training, sport and exercise nutrition
Concentrations Available: Business, psychology, sport management, healthcare management, entrepreneurship, public and population health, nutrition
In-Person Requirements: No

How To Find the Right Online Kinesiology Degree for You

Consider Your Future Goals

You can pursue many potential careers with a kinesiology degree, including personal training, corporate wellness, strength and conditioning, military, law enforcement and various healthcare jobs. However, not every online kinesiology degree program fits everyone’s career goals. Ask yourself a few questions while considering schools:

• What kinesiology career do I want?
• Will I need to attend graduate school to do this career?
• Do I want to work immediately after earning my kinesiology degree?
• Is there a program that will better prepare me for exams for my licensure or certifications for my prospective career path?

You may also want to consider programs with internship requirements, as completing an internship can bolster your résumé. It can be hard to find the time to complete an internship, but this work experience can also help you find a job later.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

When you start your undergraduate studies, you want to give your career the best possible start without taking on too much student loan debt. The good news is that you can minimize the cost of your education by choosing an online degree program.

By studying online, you can save on transportation costs and living expenses while enjoying the flexibility to work while finishing your degree. Additionally, you can choose an in-state school to avoid higher out-of-state tuition rates.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition and fees for the average four-year public college cost about $9,600 per year, or $38,400 for a full bachelor’s degree. By comparison, tuition for KU’s BAS in exercise science totals $58,200 for the 120-credit degree. KU’s degree is relatively expensive compared to the average bachelor’s.

You can apply for financial aid by first completing the FAFSA. Student loans are one of many options; you can earn money for your online kinesiology degree through scholarships and grants, too. These types of aid tend to be more competitive than loans, but they do not require repayment.

Should You Enroll in a Kinesiology Degree Online?

Online degree programs have grown in popularity in recent years. NCES reports that nearly 30% of all undergraduate students are enrolled exclusively in distance learning courses, and more than 60% are enrolled in any distance education courses.

But online learning is not for everyone, and you should consider the following before enrolling in an online kinesiology degree program:

• How do you learn best? Online degree programs work for self-disciplined individuals who need flexibility. They may not be the best option for those who feed off of a classroom’s energy and prefer learning in a community setting.
• What type of flexibility do you need? You can find the most scheduling and location flexibility with online courses, but you will also sacrifice the traditional classroom environment.

Accreditation for Online Kinesiology Degrees

Online universities are held to the same high standards as their corresponding in-person schools, and the accreditation process treats both online and in-person colleges equally.

The accreditation process for a university is rigorous, and governing councils look at things like academic quality, student resources and academic success. Attending an institutionally accredited college is required if you want to qualify for federal student aid, and many graduate programs and employers only recognize degrees from accredited universities.

You can find out if your prospective school holds institutional accreditation from the Council for Higher Accreditation directory.

Programmatic accreditation applies to individual degree programs and departments rather than whole universities. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits kinesiology programs. CAAHEP accreditation validates that a program prepares its students for successful health careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Kinesiology Degrees