Top Low-Cost Online Bachelor’s in Kinesiology

Great Value Colleges - Most Affordable

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human anatomy and movement. Students examine the link between anatomy, physiology, and individuals’ well-being. They learn how to promote wellness and health through interventions such as exercise and better nutrition. A career in kinesiology typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree. 

Some schools offer a bachelor’s in kinesiology, exercise science, sports and health science, or a related major. Students complete 120-126 credits exploring topics such as kinesiology, anatomy, sports medicine, and lifespan motor development. Some programs prepare enrollees to sit for exams such as certified health education specialist.

Many accredited colleges offer fully online or hybrid programs. An increasing number of institutions offer distance learners flat rate tuition regardless of residency. Students may transfer an associate degree or a significant number of credits into some programs. Transferring credits helps students meet general education and other requirements.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in kinesiology qualify for roles such as public health educator, physical therapy assistant, physical therapist, and exercise physiologist. A practitioner’s pay depends on key factors such as the position and experience level. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a $91,010 media pay for physical therapists with a professional degree. Exercise physiologists with a bachelor’s degree make a $50,280 median pay.

The following provides a ranking with detailed information about top low-cost online bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology.

Methodology

In our search for the best online kinesiology bachelor’s degree programs, we applied the standard rating and ranking methodology detailed here, using tuition to break any ties.


Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Kinesiology

#1 — Arizona State University

Scottsdale, Arizona

  • Tuition: Resident: $688 per credit; nonresident: $688
  • Delivery Format: Online

Arizona State University manages a 120-credit BS in health education and health promotion. This program prepares wellness practitioners and health educators. The degree focuses on health promotion planning and implementation. Students learn how to apply kinesiology and other principles to address challenges such as obesity, stress, and disease prevention.

Topics covered include health theory, health and wellness, epidemiology, and health promotion program management and administration. Students acquire hands-on experience through an internship. The BS prepares enrollees to sit for the certified health education specialist exam. Classes last 7.5 weeks for faster degree completion. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, and college transcript for transfer students.

#2 — The University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

  • Tuition: Residents: $129 per credit; nonresidents: $552 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

The University of Florida offers programs open to both freshmen and transfer students. The BS in health education trains health advocates who can promote healthy lifestyles to individuals and communities. Students learn how to apply concepts in clinical, community, and workplace settings. The online degree prepares students for careers such as fitness counselor and health education specialist.

The 120-credit program requires general education that students may transfer from prior college education. The major explores topics such as applied human anatomy, applied human physiology, the fundamentals of nutrition, and health education program planning. An internship in health education provides hands-on experience.

Admission requires SAT or ACT scores for freshmen, and a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA for transfer students.

#3 — United States Sports Academy

Daphne, Alabama

  • Tuition: Residents: $484 per credit; nonresidents: $484 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

United States Sports Academy offers several bachelor’s degrees focused on sports science. The bachelor’s of sports science in sports strength and conditioning prepares personal trainers and other wellness professionals. The fully online degree requires no residency. Students explore a comprehensive number of sports science topics. They include sports medicine, sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and personal training.

Students may tailor the degree with one of four emphasis areas, including sports security or NCAA compliance. Experts mentor students. Enrollees learn from experts during a required mentorship. Graduates qualify to sit for national certification exams. The program’s affordable tuition includes fees and textbooks. Admission requires all school and college transcripts.

#4 — University of Kansas

Overland Park, Kansas

  • Tuition: Residents: $485 per credit; nonresidents: $485 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

The University of Kansas’ Edwards campus specializes in programs for nontraditional learners. The BAS in exercise science offers a degree completion option for learners with significant credit. The 120-credit degree prepares learners for careers in coaching, physical therapy, and related areas.

The curriculum covers topics such as kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and fitness evaluation techniques. Students can use 18 credits for a minor such as business or psychology. All students pair up with a success coach. Students can transfer up to 64 credits from a community college. The college offers affordable tuition that includes all fees. Missouri residents pay a discounted tuition rate. Admission requires a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA.

#5 — American Military University

Charles Town, West Virginia

  • Tuition: Residents: $285 per credit/$250 with military grant; nonresidents: $285 per credit/$250 with military grant
  • Delivery Format: Online

American Military University is one of the largest providers of online education to military personnel and the public. The online BS in sports and health sciences explores human movement and behavior. The degree prepares students for certifications such as certified professional trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

The 120-credit curriculum explores topics such as human anatomy and physiology, sports psychology, and exercise physiology. Students tailor the degree with one of three 18-credit concentrations: coaching studies, exercise science, or fitness and wellness professional studies.

Free ebooks help make this degree more affordable. Enrollees can transfer up to 90 credits into the BS. Applicants receive a free credit transfer evaluation. Courses start monthly for flexible learning. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED.

#6 — University of Louisiana-Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana

  • Tuition: Resident: $380 per credit; nonresidents: $380 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

UL Lafayette’s BS in kinesiology, health promotion, and wellness produces public health educators and community health workers. Students acquire the necessary skills to help improve the lives of individuals and communities. The 120-credit degree enrolls freshmen and transfer students. Enrollees explore topics such as epidemiology, stress and stress management, and health promotion programs.

Graduates qualify to sit for the certified health education specialist examination. The program offers both accelerated eight-week and 16-week courses. Student support includes online tutoring and an academic success online community. One flat rate tuition for residents and nonresidents keeps this degree affordable and accessible. Admission requires ACT or SAT scores for freshmen, and a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA on transfer credits.

#7 — University of Wisconsin

Multi-campus partnership

  • Tuition: Resident: $440 per credit; nonresidents: $440 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

Multiple University of Wisconsin colleges partner to administer a strong health and wellness program. The BS in health and wellness management offers a degree completion curriculum. Students transfer credits to fulfill the BS’s general education and other requirements. The fully online curriculum covers topics such as the wellness profession, health and medical terminology, and stress dependencies and addiction.

The program requires several courses to develop health and wellness managers. They include courses in population health, assessment and evaluation, and health coaching. Enrollees culminate the degree with fieldwork and a capstone project. Students pay a flat tuition rate regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency. Admission requires an associate degree or at least 60 credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

#8 — California University of Pennsylvania

California, Pennsylvania

  • Tuition: Residents: $328 per credit; nonresidents: $328 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

California University of Pennsylvania offers a BS in exercise science that blends fitness and a strong business foundation. The degree prepares students for roles as certified personal trainers and related professions. Students can complete the online degree in just three years. Foundational topics include anatomy and physiology and the psychology of sport.

More advanced courses explore concepts such as functional kinesiology and integrated personal fitness training. All students learn about sport finance and marketing issues. The college partners with the National Academy of Sports Medicine for certification that gives graduates a competitive edge. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores for freshmen, and at least a grade ‘D’ for transfer credits.

#9 — Tulane University

New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Tuition: Residents: $576 per credit; Nonresidents: $576 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online, hybrid

Tulane University offers various programs for nontraditional learners. Students complete the BS in exercise science entirely online or in hybrid format. The 120-credit degree explores the impact of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle on individuals’ quality of life. Students prepare for careers such as physical therapist and athletic trainer.

The curriculum requires general education coursework students may transfer. The major covers topics such as kinesiology, motor learning, exercise and sport psychology, and exercise physiology. Enrollees complete an internship or independent study.

Tulane accepts a maximum of 60 transfer credits. Students pay the same affordable tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED for freshmen, and a minimum ‘C-‘ grade on transfer credits.

#10 — East Oregon University

La Grande, Oregon

  • Tuition: Residents: $285 per credit; nonresidents: $305 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

Eastern Oregon University offers a 180-credit BA/BS in health and human performance. This program provides theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Students choose one of three concentrations: exercise science, community health, or physical education and sport.

The core curriculum explores human anatomy and physiology, behavior change theory, and health and human performance. Students supplement the core with one of the concentrations. The BA requires a foreign language component, while the BS uses 12 credits for more science coursework.

An internship and capstone provide hands-on experience. Students save money by transferring up to 135 credits into the BA/BS. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED scores for freshmen, and a minimum 2.0-2.25 GPA on transfer credits.

#11 — California Baptist University

Riverside, California

  • Tuition: Residents: $613 per unit; nonresidents: $613 per unit
  • Delivery Format: Online

California Baptist University offers a BS in kinesiology students can complete in just 18 months. The rigorous program blends coursework in physical education and kinesiology. Students transfer college credits to meet general education and other requirements. CBU only provides the degree’s 50 units of lower- and upper-division coursework.

Topics covered include anatomy and physiology, movement anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition science. All students complete two courses focused on the Bible and foundations of Christian thought. Students can transfer up to 100 semester units into the BS. All enrollees pay the same affordable tuition regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency. Admission requires school transcripts and a minimum 2.0 GPA on transfer credits.

#12 — Concordia University-St. Paul

St. Paul, Minnesota

  • Tuition: Residents $420 per credit; nonresidents: $420 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

Part of a nine-school system, Concordia University-St. Paul operates a strong virtual college. Nontraditional learners complete the BA in exercise science in an accelerated time frame. The curriculum’s 44-49 credits prepare learners for careers such as coaching and health and wellness education. Students can transfer credits to fulfill the 120-credit BA’s general education and other requirements.

The curriculum explores topics such as functional anatomy, biomechanics, applied nutrition, and exercise physiology. An internship component gives students hands-on experience.

Eight-week sessions help students complete the degree faster. CSP offers one of the lowest tuition rates for private colleges in Minnesota. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA on transfer credits.

#13 — Granite State College

Concord New Hampshire

  • Tuition: Residents: $314 per credit; nonresidents: $365 per credit
  • Delivery Format: Online

Granite State College offers an online BS in health and wellness, which develops specialists who can help others lead healthier lifestyles. The curriculum requires 120 credits that include general education coursework. Students complete a minimum of 30 credits at GSC.

The major explores topics such as nutrition and health, population health, human physiology and wellness, and diseases of the 21st century. A practicum requirement allows students to begin exploring career options. Participants culminate the degree with an internship or project in health and wellness. Eligible candidates receive an award of tuition, fees, and books for two classes per semester. Admission requires a high school diploma or high school equivalency exam.

#14 — Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

  • Tuition: Residents: $398 per credit hour; $398 per credit hour
  • Delivery Format: Online

Franklin University offers a BS in exercise science fully online or as a hybrid curriculum. Participants learn how to help individuals and communities achieve health and fitness goals.

The 120-semester-hour curriculum explores topics such as exercise physiology, kinesiology/biomechanics, nutrition and fitness, and sports law. Students also learn how to design exercise programs. Participants engage in field work that provides on-the-job experience in wellness and fitness.

Students transfer up to 94 credits to finish this bachelor’s faster. Students can lock in the same affordable tuition for the duration of their enrollment. Service members receive a steep tuition discount. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, and college transcripts for transfer students.


Online Kinesiology Bachelor’s Degrees: Concentrations

A kinesiology concentration is an opportunity for students to adapt their plan of study to a specific kinesiology sub-field and/or career path. Below, we will address some common concentration options as well as some sample course titles associated with each:

Exercise Science

Exercise science explores the overall role that exercise plays in human life and development. Students who elect an online bachelor’s in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science may pursue certification as a licensed exercise physiologist or personal trainer. Some sample course titles comprising the typical curriculum for a concentration in exercise science include the following:

  • Applied Kinesiology
  • Physiology of Exercise
  • Exercise Epidemiology & Aging
  • Exercise Testing & Prescription

Coaching Studies

An online bachelor of kinesiology with a concentration in Coaching Studies prepares students for careers as coaches and athletic trainers. The degree plan for the concentration will include classes in coaching theory and practice, including course titles like the ones listed below:

  • Psychology and Techniques of Coaching
  • Advanced Athletic Training
  • Strategies for Teaching Physical Activities
  • Advanced Coaching Theory

Fitness and Wellness

The fitness and wellness concentration within a bachelor of kinesiology online program focuses on human movement in the scope of a broader wellness perspective. Graduates are qualified for careers in corporate wellness, nutrition, and personal training.

  • Exercise Leadership
  • Advanced Strength and Conditioning
  • Health and Wellness Programming
  • Nutritional Sciences 

Sports Management

A bachelor’s in kinesiology online degree program with a concentration in Sports Management focuses on the leadership aspects of sports organizations. Students who choose to pursue this concentration will study topics like sports law and ethics, sports marketing, sponsorship and licensing, facility management, and more. Sample course titles may include the following:

  • Recreation Management and Facilities Planning
  • Camp Administration and Outdoor Education
  • Contemporary Issues in Sport
  • Public and Media Relations in Sport

Related Rankings

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