Best Online Degrees in: Exercise Science

Editor's Picks: Online Schools for Exercise Science

Value
American Public University System's American Military University is the winner of the best online exercise science bachelor's degree for value. The System received an A+ ranking in academic experience and an A- ranking in tuition and financial aid, according to College Prowler, where students vote on the nation's higher education institutions. The American Public University System aims to offer affordable education that pays off over time.

Flexibility
With an A- ranking in flexibility from student votes on College Prowler, American Public University System's American Military University is the winner of the best online exercise science bachelor's degree for flexibility. APUS prides itself on offering an online education that students can work into their schedules, rather than having students give up their careers or other obligations in favor of earning a degree. Class schedules and homework assignments are therefore flexible, and can be completed on the student's own time.

Career Support
Broadview University has multiple career support options for students, which are outlined on its website. Students can opt for career advising to help them through the resume and interview processes, and can also request job search assistance. Even graduates have access to these services, as long as their major is still offered through the university. Due to its dedication to providing excellent services to help students establish their careers, Broadview University is our winner of best career support.

Financial Support
Concordia University at St. Paul is the winner of best financial support for an online exercise science degree. Concordia's St. Paul campus awards 100% of its full-time, first-time students with some form of financial aid, the National Center for Education Statistics reports. In addition, other undergraduate students often receive aid as well. Concordia is dedicating to providing its students with the opportunity to attend the university, even if they cannot afford the full tuition costs.

Technology Support
Broadview University has an IT help desk that provides news on service outages right on the website. In addition, IT help is offered to students during extended and weekend hours, in the event that students need help after normal business hours. There are multiple methods of contact, including email, as well quick help tips for afterhours help. Broadway University is therefore our winner of the best online exercise science bachelor's degree for technology support.

Student Engagement
American Public University System received a No. 14 ranking on U.S. News & World Report‘s list of the best schools for student engagement and assessment. American Public University System's American Military University is therefore our winner of the award for best student engagement. With a faculty body that includes involved instructors who track student sign-ins and hold weekly office hours, American Military University ensures that students are active participants in their education.

Disability Support
Concordia University at Saint Paul is the winner of best online exercise science degree for disability support. Concordia has a comprehensive website that provides information on accommodations and confidentiality. It also has information specifically geared toward students, faculty members, staff, parents, and even alumni. Forms can be accessed via the website, and students can also use the contact information on the website to get more information.

Library and Research Support
Concordia University has a library website that is easy to access and use. For online students, this feature is especially important, as they must do most of their research through the Internet. Concordia's library website provides subject guides, references, quick access to course reserves, and information on new books. Students can also contact librarians via chat, email, or the phone. Concordia University at Saint Paul is therefore the winner of best library and research support.

Learning Support
American Public University System schools understand that some online students need learning support that goes beyond classroom instruction. That's why it provides live tutoring options, according to U.S. News & World Report. American Public University System's American Military University is therefore the winner of the award for best online exercise science bachelor's degree for learning support.

Faculty Credentials
Ranked No. 31 on U.S. News & World Report‘s list of the top schools for faculty credentials and training, American Public University System's American Military University is the winner for best faculty credentials. At American Public University System schools, all online instructors must receive training in online teaching, which APUS funds. In addition, 52% of online instructors have two or more years of online teaching experience.

Faculty Accessibility
Concordia University at Saint Paul has small class sizes, which makes it easy for students to receive the individualized attention they need from their professors. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Concordia at Saint Paul has a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. With such small class sizes and a dedication to facilitating faculty-student communication, Concordia University at Saint Paul is our winner for the best online exercise science bachelor's degree for faculty accessibility.

Alumni Engagement
American Military University wins the award for best alumni engagement. Its alumni program provides former students with access to career services, a Facebook group, and a mentor network. In addition, alumni have lifetime library access and can look up community members in the alumni directory.

Prior Learning Options
American Military University wins the award for best prior learning options. According to the school website, students can get credit for work experience, volunteer work, and military training. Students can also petition for credit to be derived from the pursuit of a hobby. To get prior learning college credits, students must participate in a portfolio evaluation.

New Online Student Orientation
Concordia at Saint Paul is the winner of best online exercise science bachelor's degree for new online student orientation. All Concordia online students take orientation as part of their first class, without having to travel to attend an orientation program on the physical campus. The school website also provides a PDF file that gives tips for getting started. In addition, students have access to videos and tutorials.

Explore a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science

Exercise science is an ideal academic discipline for students who wish to work in public health, nutrition, and fitness as physical or occupational therapists, fitness trainers, physician assistants, or exercise physiologists. These careers study the alteration of the body and its functions from exercise. They require analytical thinking, strong communication skills, and physical fitness.

Class Curriculum

Exercise science requires core course work in chemistry and psychology. Exercise science introductory course work consists of human anatomy, biology, and nutrition. Advanced course work studies biomechanics, cardiovascular physiology, muscle physiology, and motor behavior. Most classes correspond with required laboratory work.

• Exercise Physiology. Students study the body systems and their relationships when affected by exercise. Students may also overview current human movement research.
• Biostatistics. Biostatistics covers statistical methods used in applied research, including data graphics, introduction to probability, expectations and variance of random variables, confidence intervals, regression, and analysis of variance. Advanced study may include statistical methods for discrete data from public health, clinical, and biological studies.
• Epidemiology. Epidemiology studies disease occurrence and risk factor associations, including research methods and quantitative and biomedical data analysis to determine causal relationships between disease populations and potential causes. Students may analyze data sets and measure disease frequency and effect.

Exercise science students may be required to conduct studies related to their course work through surveys or volunteer subjects. Exercise students may also be required to analyze data sets and read current exercise research studies.

Building a Career

Exercise science degree students may specialize in exercise physiology, nutrition, sports management, or kinesiology. They may find work upon graduation in medicine, athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, or fitness training, depending on any further education they pursue after completing their bachelor's degree. Fitness trainers or instructors had a median annual wage of $31,090, and employment of these professionals is expected to grow by 24% between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Most employers require fitness trainers and instructors to have certification in CPR and graduate from an accredited bachelor's degree program in exercise science, exercise physiology, physical education, nutrition, sports management, or kinesiology. Experienced fitness trainers and instructors may advance to management positions or exercise director positions.