Kworld Trend / Top online kinesiology degree programs and industry salary, The online bachelor’s degree in kinesiology is designed for students who want to pursue careers in sports medicine, fitness, and nutrition. Graduates from this online degree program can pursue careers as health coaches, personal trainers, physical education teachers, or nutritionists. Specialties similar to kinesiology include health education, exercise science, physical therapy, and physical education.
Top Online Kinesiology Degree Programs and Industry Salaries
Prospective kinesiology students can expect to acquire research, teaching, and interpersonal skills. In addition, this online bachelor’s degree in kinesiology explores topics such as exercise physiology and biology. Most programs require students to take laboratory courses and internships before graduation.
Today, we are going to take a look at some of the best online kinesiology degree programs in 2023/2024 and also some of the industry standard salaries for these degrees.
Kinesiology is the study of human movement, physical activity, and sports. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on principles from anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and sociology to understand how the body moves and responds to physical activity. Kinesiology degree programs provide students with the opportunity to study kinesiology and prepare for careers in areas such as athletic training, physical therapy, coaching, and sports management.
Typical kinesiology degree requirements
The field of kinesiology and exercise science is concerned with physical activity. Thus, to complete these degree programs, you will take courses related to the biology of the human body, but also courses related to actual movement. Kinesiology degree requirements can include, but are not limited to:
- Human performance and nutrition
- Biostatistics
- Neuromechanics and human movement
- Personal Training: Strength and Conditioning
- Clinical effects of obesity
- therapeutic exercise
Typical kinesiology certifications are required
To apply a kinesiology and exercise science degree, you may want to add certification or even professional licensure to your credentials. Some of these certifications will only take a few weeks to earn with online courses, while professional licensure often takes a second degree or specific qualifying courses, depending on the requirements of your jurisdiction. Some of the kinesiology certifications or licenses you can earn include:
- physical trainer
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Physical education teacher
- Yoga instructor
- Massage therapist
Online bachelor’s degree in kinesiology
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology enables you to start working in your chosen field, or expand as a personal trainer, massage therapist, or other degree-only field. You can also work as a teacher in schools or somewhere else that focuses on public health. As you work towards your bachelor’s degree, you may consider adding courses that will pave the way for graduate studies. You can even add a few extra hours to your year by taking electives online that will broaden your knowledge.
Your textbook may include chapters such as:
Top Online Kinesiology Degree Programs And Industry Salaries In 2023/2024
As a kinesiology student, you will study topics such as health promotion and human anatomy. After graduation, you can apply your newly acquired knowledge by helping others regain strength or achieve optimal athletic performance.
Earning an online kinesiology degree may be the first step toward becoming a professional in this growing field.
Online kinesiology degree programs
The field of kinesiology deals with the movement of the human body. Kinesiologists understand the mechanics of movement and apply that knowledge to help others become stronger, fitter, or more mobile.
At the undergraduate degree level, kinesiology majors study topics such as:
- Psychology practice
- Fitness safety
- Promote health and communication
- Human anatomy and physiology
- physical evaluation
- Program management
- rehabilitation practices
- Sports medicine
Some kinesiology bachelor’s degree programs have one or more options for concentrations or minors. These vary from school to school but can include health promotion, public health or athletic training.
Elective courses both on campus and online programs can also help prepare you for specific career paths. Depending on the program, the choice of electives may include topics such as childhood fitness, exercise instruction, strength conditioning, or nutrition basics.
Kinesiology students in online programs may also participate in internships. Possible training locations could include rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, recreational gyms, or health advocacy organizations.
After graduation, some kinesiology graduates enter the workforce. Exercise physiologists may receive training in kinesiology, and other related positions include athletic trainer, health educator, fitness instructor, and trainer.
Kinesiology studies can also provide valuable preparation for allied health professional programs. Some graduates of online kinesiology programs continue their education on campus or online with studies to become physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, or physicians.
Kinesiology jobs and salaries
Many kinesiology graduates set their sights on fitness-related careers. Kinesiology studies specifically prepare students for the responsibilities of exercise physiologists. These professionals work with patients in healthcare settings to help them develop safe and effective exercise plans to target their individual health needs.
Other kinesiology majors go on to become athletics coaches or fitness instructors, often working in schools or gyms. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologists earn a median salary of $50,280 annually.
| Careers | Average annual salaries |
| Adequate treatment is mandatory | $62,940 |
| Kindergarten and primary school teachers | $60,660 |
| Physical therapist assistant | $59,770 |
| Health educators | $56,500 |
| Physiology exercise | $50,280 |
| athletic trainers | $49,860 |
| Fitness trainers and coaches | $40,510 |
| Coaches and scouts | $36,330 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $30,180 |
| Physical therapist assistants | $28,450 |
A passion for sports and exercise can inspire kinesiology graduates to become athletic trainers. Those who have a teaching license may work as physical education teachers in public or private schools.
Kinesiology students can also provide education in non-school settings. Health educators, for example, work in health departments or community centers to teach people the importance of physical activity and healthy living.
Kinesiology is associated with both physical and occupational therapy, so working as a therapist assistant can be an entry-level job for those with kinesiology training. Therapist assistant positions may also be available, but they will require specific training and licensing.
With further on-campus or online education, this degree can also be a stepping stone to a career in medicine, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.
Curricula and Courses of Bachelor of Kinesiology
Kinesiology students in campus or online programs study topics such as human anatomy, healthy living, education, communication, and patient care. Course examples include:
- Assessment Methods : Before you can create exercise plans for clients, you will first assess their current abilities and shortcomings using methods like the ones you will study in this course.
- Fitness for Special Populations : This course deals with caring for people with special health needs, such as advanced age, heart disease, or lung damage.
- Principles of Exercise : You’ll study human physiology and how it relates to movement, strength training, warm-up exercises, and conditioning practices.
- Essentials of Kinesiology : This introductory chapter sets the stage for upper division kinesiology courses.
- Health Communication : Your time in this class will cover ways to share health information with patients, families, other caregivers, and the general public.
- Health Education and Health Promotion : You will learn didactic ways to communicate health and fitness information, and you will also discuss other strategies for influencing behavioral decisions.
- Motor development : You can learn about gross and fine motor skills throughout the human lifespan.
- Human Body Movement : The curriculum for this class covers musculoskeletal anatomy, mechanisms of movement, and principles of exercising safely and avoiding injury.
- Nutrition : This chapter covers the basics of good eating that nourishes the body so that you can support the overall health and wellness management of your patients.
- Program Leadership : You learn to analyze community needs, plan programs to meet those needs, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of your programs after implementation.
Of the 120 credit hours normally required for a bachelor’s degree, you may need to earn at least 36 credit hours of coursework specific to your kinesiology major.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology Program
Knowing where to attend college is one of the most important steps in preparing for a kinesiology degree. Going through this list of questions about online kinesiology programs may help you decide.
- how much does it cost? The price of credit varies from school to school. However, it is possible for financial aid to lower your tuition fees if you qualify.
- Is the school accredited? The most prestigious degrees — those most likely to lead to graduate programs or satisfying careers — come from regionally accredited colleges.
- What is the class schedule? Class lengths at online colleges may range from 6 to 16 weeks. Courses can be held throughout the year or during specific semesters. You can check in at set times or have the option to do school work 24/7.
- Where can I do an internship? Some kinesiology programs have partnerships with training sites in their vicinity or across the country.
A school admissions counselor can answer these questions and more. Top online kinesiology degree programs and industry salary
Admission Requirements For Online Kinesiology Degree Programs
The first step towards obtaining a kinesiology degree is to apply and be accepted into the school. Requirements vary from college to college, but common application materials include:
- Personal essay
- biography
- Scores from the ACT or SAT (not required at all schools)
- Transcripts of high school and any college classes
Online kinesiology degree programs may have application deadlines, or they may offer rolling admissions and the opportunity to apply at any time. Regardless of when you apply for admission to an online bachelor’s degree program, there may be a fee required to cover the cost of processing your materials.
Accreditation
Students often enter kinesiology programs with future studies in mind. For example, they may plan to enter a physician assistant professional program or physical therapist training.
Without a regionally accredited degree, entry into a graduate program may not be possible. In fact, regional accreditation is critical for a variety of reasons. Accreditation indicates that the college meets common academic standards, which enhances the college’s reputation.
Other higher education institutions are more likely to accept transfer credits from regionally accredited schools. Applicants are also more likely to be hired to pursue science jobs if they hold accredited degrees. In addition, accreditation is a requirement when using federal student aid. Top online kinesiology degree programs and industry salary
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Online Kinesiology Degree Programs
Government and private financial assistance can be very valuable when it comes time to pay your tuition bills. You can plan accordingly by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The federal government has grant and loan programs available to qualified undergraduate students. Many states offer similar programs, and you may be able to receive state and federal funds. Colleges often offer tuition assistance as well. Students may receive scholarships due to merit or financial need.
Similarly, private organizations run scholarship programs. You can apply for scholarships for kinesiology majors or for college students in any department. Some workplaces also have tuition aid funds for their employees. Top online kinesiology degree programs and industry salary
What is kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the study of human body movement. If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in kinesiology, you can learn about the parts of the body and how they work together to enable movement. You can also study ways to increase people’s mobility or improve their physical health through exercise.
Kinesiology is useful in a variety of disciplines. Exercise physiologists usually have training in exercise physiology. Lessons learned in this program can also help graduates become effective athletic trainers, fitness instructors, coaches, or health educators. Bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology can also prepare students for advanced studies in allied health fields.
Is kinesiology a good major?
Yes, kinesiology is a good major for many undergraduates. This degree program can provide the foundation for a career in fitness, exercise, athletics, or wellness. Through kinesiology studies, you can turn your personal passion for healthy living into a career that benefits others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most exercise physiologists earn between $36,070 and $78,170 annually. Those in government positions have an average income of $75,740 per year. Professionals in this field also work as health educators, coaches, and fitness instructors. These exercise science jobs can help others improve their health or perform at their best. Top online kinesiology degree programs and industry salary
Is kinesiology difficult?
Whether you find kinesiology difficult may depend on your strengths and skills. Earning an online bachelor’s degree in kinesiology requires study of subjects such as anatomy and physiology. You’ll also learn about biomechanics, which relates to body structure and movement.
Behavioral sciences and psychology are other topics kinesiology students explore. These majors provide insight into the best ways to promote health and education.
Many kinesiology majors also complete an internship. During your internship, you can put your class lessons into practice, gain insight from mentors, and get a feel for working in a professional health or fitness environment.
What can you do with a kinesiology degree?
Kinesiology graduates often work as exercise physiologists providing personalized exercise guidance to healthcare patients. Movement therapists fall into this category. They design fitness plans for rehabilitation purposes.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they often work in medical facilities of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Other professionals in this field work as athletic trainers or trainers. Some also work as fitness instructors.
Some kinesiology majors continue to earn a teaching license. After that, they can work as physical education teachers for children or adolescents. Graduates may wish to work in physical or occupational therapy as paramedics or assistants. Going on to graduate school to become a physical or occupational therapist is another possibility.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Bachelor’s Degree In Kinesiology Online?
It often takes 4 years of full-time study to graduate with a degree in kinesiology. This is a common time frame for bachelor’s degree programs at colleges that split the academic year into two semesters.
Online kinesiology degree programs may move more quickly. Students may shave several months or a year off their college commitment by taking classes throughout the year in an accelerated format in an online bachelor’s degree program. Express classes usually last 6 or 8 weeks instead of the traditional 16 weeks. Top online kinesiology degree programs and industry salary
What jobs can you get with a kinesiology degree?
After earning their bachelor’s degree in kinesiology online, many graduates pursue careers as exercise physiologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals typically work for government or hospitals.
Some students choose to continue their education and enroll in one of the online master’s in kinesiology programs offered by some universities.
Kinesiology students might also consider working with athletes. Examples of jobs include being a team coach or athletic trainer at a school. A kinesiology graduate’s understanding of the human body can be helpful in therapy settings as well. Some may work as physical or occupational therapist assistants.
Graduates of online degree programs may also choose to pursue teaching roles. They can offer fitness education, run nonprofit initiatives to encourage active living, or pursue licensing to teach physical education in public schools. Top online kinesiology degree programs and industry salary
