Best Online Kinesiology Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Kinesiology Degree Program?
Kinesiology is a hands-on profession, so pursuing a kinesiology degree online may not have crossed your mind. However, online schools blend technology with in-person learning to teach kinesiology foundations and help you develop practical skills you’ll use in your future career. Make sure an online degree in kinesiology is right for you by considering the following points.
Your Learning Needs
Are you a hands-on learner more than a visual or auditory learner? If so, you might not get as much from a fully online kinesiology program as you would an in-person or hybrid program. Some online programs also offer in-person components, such as lab courses and internships, to apply your knowledge in professional settings.
If you want to attend online, consider the technology and resources a school provides, such as online lab software or one-on-one tutoring, to help you succeed.
Scheduling Flexibility
Do you have a full-time job or a family you’ll need to work around to complete your degree? An asynchronous program could benefit your schedule by allowing you to log in and complete coursework at any time of day or night. Synchronous courses with live meeting times on weekends or evenings could also come in handy.
Degree Costs
Note that some online kinesiology programs have higher tuition rates, fees and other associated costs than others. Consider all potential costs, such as internships, textbooks, technology resources and travel for in-person requirements, when comparing programs.
Accreditation for Online Kinesiology Degree Programs
Schools with kinesiology degrees can earn institutional accreditation by submitting to a voluntary accreditation process via accrediting bodies, such as the Higher Learning Commission and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Accredited schools commit to upholding excellence in education and student outcomes.
You must attend an accredited school to access federal student aid, including loans and grants. Schools also typically require accreditation when evaluating transfer credits. Find accredited schools by searching the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s database.
Kinesiology degrees can also earn programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP accreditation may be required by some employers or for specific kinesiology credentials, such as the Registered Kinesiotherapist (R.K.T.) credential from the American Kinesiotherapy Association.
How To Find the Right Online Kinesiology Degree Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
Depending on whether you want to attend graduate school after completing your bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or prefer to jump straight into the workforce, you should choose a degree that moves you closer to your career goal.
For example, a kinesiology degree with an internship and networking opportunities could introduce you to potential employers more quickly than a degree without these interactive components. On the other hand, an accelerated program could help you earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees concurrently, reducing your total time commitment.
Also, if you plan to earn a kinesiology credential, make sure the curriculum aligns with the credential’s requirements. You can usually find detailed eligibility requirements on a credentialing organization’s website.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The kinesiology degrees in this ranking charge an average of $365 per credit. That equates to $43,800 for a typical 120-credit program or $10,950 for one academic year. This is quite a bit lower than the average undergraduate tuition and fees for a four-year school during the 2022–2023 school year, which totaled $17,709, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Keep in mind that you may be eligible for financing options, such as school-sponsored scholarships or federal grants and loans, to reduce your costs. Submitting the FAFSA® can determine your eligibility for federal student aid, and contacting your school’s financial aid department can help you navigate school-specific aid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Kinesiology Degrees
Can kinesiology be done online?
Most kinesiology coursework can be completed online to help you learn foundational skills, such as injury prevention and exercise program management. However, schools often require some in-person work, such as training labs or internships, so you can practice therapeutic skills in practical settings.
Is kinesiology a hard degree?
Kinesiology relies heavily on complex sciences, including anatomy, physiology and biology, which can be challenging for some. However, along with other disciplines, kinesiology should feel doable if you’re skilled in science and have a passion for discovering how exercise and movement affect the body.
What exactly does a kinesiologist do?
A kinesiologist studies how the body moves and the effects of physical activity. People who specialize in kinesiology can become athletic trainers, physical education teachers or physical therapists.
What is the highest paying job with a kinesiology degree?
A kinesiology degree can lead to several high-paying jobs, including occupational and physical therapists. A sport psychologist has among the highest salaries for kinesiology graduates, with an average salary of $94,479, according to Glassdoor’s data from June 2024. However, these jobs often require credentials or education beyond a kinesiology bachelor’s degree.
Where do kinesiologists get paid the most?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t specifically track kinesiologists’ salary and location data, instead grouping kinesiologists and similar careers with exercise physiologists. According to BLS data from May 2023, Oregon paid the highest amount to these professionals, with an average salary of $73,820.
Is kinesiology the same as physical therapy?
Kinesiology and physical therapy are related, but not the same. While physical therapists use therapeutic strategies to reduce pain or increase movement and strength in patients, kinesiologists study the human body and its movements to learn how movement and activity can increase health and performance.
