For those individuals who have always been active and continue to have active lifestyles, a career in sports, fitness, health, or one of many related subjects, can be an excellent choice. A Master’s in Kinesiology online program or a Master of Exercise Science provides sports and fitness enthusiasts a wide range of careers to choose from. These degrees generally cover various topics, such as sports, fitness, movement, and overall wellness. Kinesiology is, at its heart, the study of human motion, which is the foundation for all human physical activity. It applies to a wide range of fields of study and professions, including medicine, athletics, and general health. Graduates of an online Master’s in Kinesiology and Exercise Science can prepare professionals to work as Physical Therapists, Kinesiology Academic Researchers, Sports Coaches, Fitness Instructors, and more. Students also typically demonstrate the knowledge and expertise required to help athletes improve their performance, prevent inactivity-related disorders, and devise unique approaches to solving problems in the sports management industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2 million new jobs.
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The best colleges for Exercise Science are ones that have experienced and well-trained faculty, offer a variety of coursework and provide faculty or advisor support, all at a decent cost. Another important factor in this field is the student-to-faculty ratio to ensure more personalized attention. With all these in mind, here is a list of the best Kinesiology programs:
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
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#1 Texas A&M University JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,775 | 82% |
#2 California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, California 92504 | $13,410 | 63% |
#3 University of Wyoming Corner of Ninth and Ivinson, Laramie, Wyoming 82071 | $5,076 | 60% |
#4 University of South Dakota 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069 | $6,062 | 59% |
#5 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
#6 Georgia Southern University 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460 | $4,986 | 50% |
#7 University of Central Missouri 108 W South Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093 | $7,608 | 51% |
#8 Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Rd, Administration Bldg., Room 339, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 | $5,467 | 50% |
#9 Concordia University, Saint Paul 1282 Concordia Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 | $8,550 | 51% |
#10 McNeese State University 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605 | $5,703 | 47% |
#11 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,935 | 47% |
#12 University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas 78539 | $6,458 | 46% |
#13 Concordia University 7400 Augusta, River Forest, Illinois 60305 | $9,090 | 47% |
#14 Southern Arkansas University 100 E. University, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753 | $5,112 | 44% |
#15 Texas Woman’s University 304 Administration Dr, Denton, Texas 76204 | $5,053 | 43% |
#16 University of Texas, Permian Basin 4901 E University, Odessa, Texas 79762 | $2,384 | 40% |
#17 The University of Texas at Tyler 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75799 | $6,048 | 42% |
#18 American Public University System 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414 | $6,660 | 40% |
#19 University of North Georgia 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, Georgia 30597 | $4,140 | 38% |
#20 University of the Southwest 6610 North Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, New Mexico 88240 | $22,500 | 32% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
A Master’s in Kinesiology online program is generally designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in functional anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology and kinesiology, functional assessment, behavioral changes, and even the ability to design exercise routines or programs.
Online Kinesiology degrees are broad in scope, and graduates will have a highly marketable toolset of expertise and skills that will enable them to choose a career path of their choice. These degrees also enable students to balance out their work or personal schedules with their career aspirations and thereby meet their educational needs and professional goals at the same time.
There are largely two types of degrees students could take up – a Master of Science or MS Kinesiology and a Master of Science or MS in Exercise Science. While both these graduate programs have broad similarities, they are, in essence, distinctly different from each other. This distinction between Kinesiology and Exercise Science is particularly important for students deciding which of the two they will have to study to suit a specific job profile.
A Master of Science or MS Kinesiology program studies human movement through the principles of mechanics and anatomy. It deals with the study of movement, function, and performance and how movement impacts overall health. This MS program is from a pool of several others based on STEM education. In general, MS Kinesiology can lead to jobs in orthopedics and rehabilitation and take up careers as sports instructors, occupational therapists, wellness consultants, etc.
In pure terms, applied Exercise Science is a sub-field of Kinesiology. A Master of Science or MS in Exercise Sciences can be looked upon as a branch of Kinesiology that focuses on the underlying mechanisms that affect exercise and the human response and adaptation to exercise. An MS in Exercise Science can lead to specializations in athletic training, sports management, physical education teacher training, and sports medicine, leading to lucrative jobs as personal trainers, physical education teachers, coaches, etc. The MS Exercise Science program is also based on STEM education.
There are several specializations and concentrations to choose from in a Master’s in Kinesiology online program. However, the options vary by college and program. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the college admissions office or read the program guide for specific offerings and details.
With almost all Master’s in Kinesiology programs, students can opt to study a particular track in the field of Kinesiology, based on their unique interests and aptitudes. These specialized tracks are:
1. Adaptive Sports Track
The Adaptive Sports track is designed to give allied health and fitness professionals the expertise, skills, and abilities they need to function successfully in the adaptive sports industry, including coaching, health care services, program management, strength and conditioning, and advocacy. Courses include:
2. Corrective Exercise & Orthopedic Rehabilitation Track
The Corrective Exercise & Orthopedic Rehabilitation track is designed to give allied health care and fitness professionals the expertise, skills, and abilities to develop and execute exercise programs for people with movement and musculoskeletal disorders. Courses include:
3. Exercise and Sport Psychology Track
The Exercise & Sports Psychology track incorporates the science and experience of exercise, mental health, and performance psychology to teach students how to design programs that motivate people to change or improve their behavior and performance in the long term. Courses include:
4. Geriatric Exercise Science Track
The Geriatric Exercise Science track offers health practitioners the opportunity to learn about the physical and psychological concepts of exercise and movement science in older adults. Courses include:
5. Sports Conditioning Track
The Sports Conditioning track enables professionals to combine current knowledge and practice in sports conditioning to develop and tailor advanced training programs for sportspersons. Courses include:
Some colleges offer students the option of a dual-track program, allowing students to enroll in two of the specialty tracks simultaneously. Others offer concentrations such as Athletic Training (AT), Integrative Exercise Physiology (IEP), and more.
Many students get the terms ‘Kinesiology’ and ‘Exercise Science’ mixed up. Since they are both related to the broader field of Sports Management, it easy to get confused and interchange one term with the other. However, in reality, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, while having their similarities, are rather distinct in their own right.
Kinesiology | Exercise Science |
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Kinesiology is a wide area that studies movement, function, and performance and how these factors influence and impact overall health. It deals with the mechanics of movement, particularly through the understanding of anatomy, physiology, and mechanics. | Exercise science is a theory-based, research-led branch of Kinesiology that studies the human response and adaptation to exercise and movement and the underlying mechanisms that influence them. In other words, Exercise Science takes a closer look at how exercise causes changes in our body. This discipline also aims to promote individual wellbeing by applying solutions to health problems related to physical inactivity. |
A Master’s in Kinesiology and a Master’s in Exercise Science tend to have courses that are common to each other. However, these courses and subjects can vary by a large degree, based on the college and program one is applying to. It is highly recommended for students to check the program guidelines of each program and make their own comparative study to determine which courses suit their interests the best while meeting their professional goals.
Course-based Master’s Kinesiology and Master’s Exercise Science often cover areas such as:
In certain cases, students may also be required to take up an internship or complete a thesis.
As far as skills gained is concerned, graduates of Kinesiology and Exercise Science will demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to help people improve their general health and fitness. Apart from a host of other skills, they will be able to:
Accreditation is a declaration that a program has met and meets educational guidelines and quality recommended by the accreditation authority. The Accreditation Guide sheds light on the matter.
Students who want a career in Kinesiology or Exercise Science should always ensure that the college or program they are applying to is accredited by at least one industry-recognized body. Many colleges that offer a Master’s in Kinesiology online are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Some may offer a regionally accredited online Exercise Science degree endorsed/accredited by an agency such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), with its Education Recognition Program (ERP).
Another example of accreditation is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) that offers regional accreditation to colleges.
Students of a Master’s in Kinesiology online program are usually required to put in about 30 semester hours of study and roughly take about two years to complete their degree. This, of course, varies by college and program. In general, those with an Exercise Science background can complete the program slightly earlier, but it all depends on the courses opted for, and the number of practical sessions or research one is expected to put in. The same timeline applies to an online Master’s in Exercise Science
A Master’s in Kinesiology requirements are quite the same as a Master’s in Exercise Science prerequisites. In both cases, an accredited Bachelor’s degree is required, along with other standard stipulations, such as:
It is important to note that many colleges may require at least two years’ work experience or credentials relevant to the field of Kinesiology. In certain cases, prospective Exercise Science students must be professionals in wellness, sport, fitness, or health. This, of course, varies by college.
As for standardized test scores, most Universities do not require students to write the GRE or submit a score for admission to a Kinesiology or Exercise Science program.
An accelerated Exercise Science degree is a popular choice with many students, as it allows them to cut short their studies and seek employment faster than usual. It is possible to find accelerated Master’s in Kinesiology Online programs, but they typically couple a Bachelor’s with a Master’s degree, leading to a shorter duration of five years instead of six. The College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, is one such college that offers 4+1 accelerated programs. Others that offer accelerated programs are the University of North Dakota, Michigan Tech, and George Mason University, among many more. Here are a few more accelerated or 1-year online kinesiology and exercise science programs:
Each year, educational costs continue to rise, necessitating the search for alternative sources of funding. Although the cost of a Master’s in Kinesiology online program largely depends on the State and College one enrolls in, it is by no means an inexpensive pursuit. Here are a few ways students can fund their graduate studies in Kinesiology or Exercise Science:
Typically, scholarships do not require students to repay the award amount. They are relatively simple to obtain and are one of the most popular methods of financing advanced education. (Students should exercise caution and not become easy targets for Scholarship Scams)
Grants are funds typically provided by the federal, state, or private sectors that cover tuition costs or other associated student expenses, such as study materials, transport, equipment, etc.
Students can avail of Federal Loans and Private Loans if they meet eligibility criteria. However, Loans are funds that are borrowed on interest and will add to the program’s cost.
Fellowships are usually merit-based or project-based awards offered by schools or private organizations awarded to full-time students.
Some colleges ‘employ’ students against a nominal salary. The job need not have anything to do with the graduate program, unlike Assistantships, and can help offset the cost of tuition to some extent.
Assistantships allow a student to teach, work or research at the college while studying at the same time. In the case of a Master’s in Kinesiology or Exercise Science, it is not uncommon for colleges to offer Athletic Training Assistantships that allow students to work in a discipline of sports management and study simultaneously.
The best Financial Guide provides more information on higher education funding.
A Master’s in Kinesiology equips students with the knowledge and skills required to learn, understand, and research how the body responds to human movement and how such movement influences and impacts overall health.
With a Master’s in Kinesiology online degree, students can work in a wide range of Kinesiology-related fields, some of which include but are not limited to:
Master’s in Exercise Science jobs are relatively easy to find, depending on the sector one wishes to build a career. With this graduate degree, work is available in some of the following sectors, such as:
Touching upon the topic of salaries, it is rather evident that a Master’s in Kinesiology or Exercise Science can be well-paying, depending on the career chosen. Here is a small list of occupations and settings, along with the median annual salary reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
For students who are looking to branch out from a Master’s in Kinesiology online and specialize in a specific sub-field of Kinesiology, several colleges offer Graduate Certificate programs in sub-fields. Some of these sub-fields are Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation, Graduate Certificate in Leadership Education, Graduate Certificate in Sports Neurology and Concussion, Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science, etc.
Students who prefer to work in a specific segment of human movement and body mechanics would do well to take up an exercise science certificate online to increase their understanding of those segments in particular. There are a variety of certifications available for graduates of either degree who want to progress in their careers. The following are some examples of such certifications:
In addition to some of these Certifications, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) also offers the Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS) certification and the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) certification.
As for licensing, most sectors do not require any special licensure. However, working with children – in schools and colleges – may sometimes require certain additional certification/s at most, while some Government settings may ask for additional training as well.
Quite naturally, sports and physical activity require people to connect and sometimes work as teams. Networking with people in the industry and advancing one’s knowledge and skillset is central to pushing one’s career northwards. A Master’s in Kinesiology online can work wonders, but tapping into readily available resources will do much more! Here are some additional resources to look at:
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