Online Degrees in Sports, Health & Fitness – Self-Paced, Affordable

Earn your degree online without pausing your career. We offer a range of self-paced, affordable programs—including an Online Kinesiology Degree, Master’s in Exercise Science, Master’s in Sports Management, and Online Healthcare Administration Degree—all designed to prepare you for real careers in health, fitness, and leadership.

Pursue Your Vocation with CUC

Application Deadline: June 25, 2025
Classes Start: June 30, 2025

Fulfill your vocation and advance your career with Concordia University Chicago’s sports management, healthcare administration, exercise science & kinesiology programs.

Master’s in Applied Exercise Science Concentrations

Exercise Physiology

Human Movement Science

Sports Nutrition

Sports Performance Training

Strength & Conditioning

Doctoral Programs

PhD in Exercise Science

Why Get a Degree in Kinesiology?

Dedicate yourself to serving others by promoting health and rehabilitation with a kinesiology degree.

Earning a kinesiology degree online from Concordia University Chicago provides benefits like:

A woman holding exercise gear

Kinesiology focuses on the science of human movement, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how the body functions during physical activity. This knowledge can be applied to various aspects of health, fitness and performance.

With a kinesiology degree, you can make a positive impact on individuals’ health and well-being. Whether it’s helping people recover from injuries, designing fitness programs or promoting physical activity, you have the opportunity to improve lives and contribute to a healthier society.

If you have a genuine interest in human movement, exercise and sports, studying kinesiology can be personally fulfilling. It provides an opportunity to explore your passion and turn it into a rewarding career.

As you gain experience and expertise in the field, a kinesiology degree can provide a strong foundation for professional growth and advancement. It can open doors to leadership roles, research opportunities and specialized positions within the health and fitness industry.

A kinesiology degree opens doors to a wide range of career options in fields such as sports, exercise science, rehabilitation, wellness, research and education. You can choose from a variety of settings, including hospitals, sports organizations, fitness centers and educational institutions.

The field of Kinesiology is constantly evolving, with new research and advancements shaping our understanding of human movement and performance. Pursuing a Kinesiology degree allows you to stay at the forefront of these developments and engage in lifelong learning.

Kinesiology graduates are equipped with valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, data analysis and teamwork. These skills are highly transferable and applicable to various professional settings beyond kinesiology.

Ultimately, getting a kinesiology online degree allows you to combine your passion for human health and athletic training with a fulfilling and impactful career. It provides the knowledge, skills and opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others while pursuing a field you love. Whether you pursue a bachelor’s in kinesiology, a master’s or a doctoral degree from Concordia University Chicago, you will receive a health education that sets you up for success in a career in public health, physical therapy, athletic training and more.

Why Get an Exercise Science Degree?

Advance well-being, physical performance and overall fitness with a degree in exercise science.

Obtaining an exercise science degree from Concordia University Chicago online offers:

An exercise science degree equips you with a deep understanding of the human body, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and exercise principles. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions and provide evidence-based recommendations related to fitness, health and performance.

If you have a passion for helping people improve their health and well-being, an exercise science degree provides you with the skills to guide and support individuals in reaching their fitness goals, managing chronic conditions and enhancing overall quality of life.

Pursuing a degree in exercise science allows you to enhance your own physical fitness, learn about effective training techniques and develop a comprehensive understanding of how to optimize your own health and well-being. This knowledge can benefit you throughout your life.

With an exercise science degree, you can pursue various career paths. You may work as a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, corporate wellness specialist, fitness consultant or pursue advanced degrees in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy or sports medicine.

As the world faces increasing rates of sedentary lifestyles, obesity and chronic diseases, exercise science professionals play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, designing exercise programs and educating communities about the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.

Exercise science is a field that continuously evolves. By pursuing this degree, you can contribute to scientific research, explore innovative training methods and help advance our understanding of human performance, rehabilitation and the impact of exercise on various populations.

a man standing in gym

Why Get a Degree in Sports Management?

Lead, plan and positively impact the sports industry with a degree in sports management.

Attaining a sports management degree from Concordia University Chicago provides:

a man with a coach in gym

Getting a degree in sports management equips individuals with a specialized skill set tailored to the dynamic world of sports athletics. This includes understanding the intricacies of sports business, marketing, event planning and athlete management.

The sports industry is booming, presenting a wealth of career opportunities. Whether it’s working for a professional sports team, managing sports facilities or organizing major sporting events, a degree in sports management opens doors to a diverse range of exciting careers.

Additionally, the networking opportunities within the sports industry are unparalleled, providing students with the chance to connect with professionals, athletes and organizations, which can be invaluable for career advancement.

Finally, the passion and enthusiasm for sports can make a career in this field incredibly fulfilling, allowing individuals to combine their love for sports with their professional aspirations.

Why Get a Degree in Healthcare Administration?

Lead and transform healthcare organizations with wisdom and compassion through a degree in healthcare administration.

Securing a degree in healthcare administration from Concordia University Chicago delivers:

Getting a degree in healthcare administration enables individuals to play a pivotal role in the healthcare system. Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing healthcare facilities, budgets and personnel, ensuring the smooth operation of hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organizations.

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving and expanding, offering a stable and promising career path. With the aging population and ongoing healthcare reforms, there is a growing demand for skilled healthcare administrators who can navigate the complexities of the industry.

Moreover, healthcare administration provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of healthcare services.

A degree in healthcare administration offers versatility, allowing individuals to work in various healthcare settings, from hospitals and nursing homes to insurance companies and government agencies. It’s a field where one can merge their passion for healthcare with the skills needed for effective management and leadership, making it an attractive choice.

two students smiling at camera

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an online Kinesiology degree is just as valuable as a traditional on-campus degree. Online education has significantly evolved in recent years, offering high-quality programs that provide the same level of knowledge and skills as their on-campus counterparts. Online Kinesiology degrees often feature rigorous coursework, interactive learning experiences and access to experienced faculty members. Graduates from reputable online Kinesiology programs have successfully pursued careers in various fields related to exercise science, sports medicine, rehabilitation and more. Additionally, employers increasingly recognize the value of online degrees and prioritize skills and knowledge over the mode of education. Rest assured that an online Kinesiology degree can equip you with the necessary qualifications and opportunities for a successful career in the field.

The duration to complete an online Kinesiology degree can vary depending on several factors, including the program’s structure, the number of credits required and your enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Generally, an online bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology can take around 3 to 4 years to complete if pursued on a full-time basis. However, if you opt for a part-time schedule due to work or other commitments, it may take longer to finish the degree.

Master’s in Exercise Science programs typically require 1 to 2 years of full-time study to complete, while doctoral programs can range from 3 to 5 years or more, depending on the specific research and dissertation requirements.

Absolutely! Concordia University Chicago’s online Kinesiology programs offer the opportunity to transfer credits from previous college or university coursework. Transferring credits can help you save time and money by recognizing your prior educational achievements and allowing you to focus on the remaining requirements for your Kinesiology degree. By transferring credits, you can potentially shorten the duration of your program and expedite your path to graduation.

Yes, at Concordia University Chicago, we offer a Master’s of Applied Exercise Science with several different concentrations. These specializations include:

Each specialization offers students the opportunity to niche down their expertise in Kinesiology and Exercise Science.

An online Kinesiology degree offers a wide range of career options in various fields related to human movement, exercise science and physical activity. Here are some potential career paths you can pursue with a Kinesiology degree:

Exercise Physiologist: Assess and prescribe exercise programs for individuals with health conditions or those aiming to improve their fitness levels.

Athletic Trainer: Provide preventive care, emergency response and rehabilitation services to athletes and physically active individuals.

Physical Therapist: Help patients recover from injuries or illnesses by designing and implementing personalized treatment plans.

Sports Coach/Instructor: Teach and train athletes in specific sports techniques, strategies and fitness regimens.

Corporate Wellness Coordinator: Develop and implement wellness programs for employees in a corporate setting to promote health and fitness.

Fitness or Personal Trainer: Work with individuals or groups to develop and implement exercise programs, set goals and provide guidance and motivation.

Sports and Recreation Administrator: Manage sports programs, facilities and events in educational institutions, community centers or sports organizations.

Researcher or Academic: Conduct research in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics or motor behavior. You can also pursue teaching positions in higher education institutions.

Strength and Conditioning Specialist: Design and implement strength training and conditioning programs for athletes and sports teams.

Occupational Therapist: Help individuals develop or regain skills necessary for daily activities, focusing on physical rehabilitation and functional independence.

These are just a few examples and there are numerous other career paths available. The versatility of a Kinesiology degree allows you to work in diverse settings, including hospitals, sports organizations, fitness centers, rehabilitation clinics, research institutions and educational institutions. The specific career opportunities will depend on your specialization, additional certifications and personal interests within the field of Kinesiology.

Please visit the Tuition and Fees page to see details about the cost of tuition. Yes, there are financial aid options available for Kinesiology students. Visit our Financial Aid page for further details.

Yes, we offer a variety of online resources to help you explore your options and take the next step.

  • Watch our on-demand webinars to hear directly from faculty, students and admissions to get insights into what the program offers.
  • Check out our blogs for expert advice, student stories, industry information and tips to help you succeed in your educational journey.

Student Testimonials 

“The professors are super helpful. Two of my professors who were very meaningful to me were also athletic trainers. They would meet every few weeks and talk about the coursework and my job.

Get to know your professors. They can help you with day to day or even land a job. Send an introductory email so stand out as a student. You can get to learn about how they are experts in their field.”

Dallas Grato, Former Student at CUC

“Make that commitment that once you’re going to start the program that you are going to be dedicated to completing it and finishing it.”

“Be committed to see it through and give 100% because that’s really how you’re going to be able to take what you learn and apply it into a career setting.”

Emily, Former Student at CUC
“It’s hard to get your masters and be a mom, to be working full time. But it’s a great sense of ‘yeah I did that, while working a full time job, it’s rewarding”.

I would say Concordia and getting my masters was the jumpstart of what made me great today.”

Renee Balconi, Former Student at CUC

“CISSN I passed with flying colors and I got over a 90%.” Getting your Masters degree prepares you to be an auto mechanic. When you get your Masters you learn how to build the car so it teaches you how to understand the scientific principles very deeply that surround these certifications.

I will tell you that it improved my practice a hundred times over just having a really strong grip on the scientific foundations that builds the certification. I was balancing 5 kids and owning a gym. The professors are good at working with adults who are working. The program is entirely doable and designed for working adults and that’s why you choose asynchronous online education.

A big thank you to all the amazing professors I had in my time at Concordia, I will tell you I really got my money’s worth out of that program. You are going to get out what you put in. If you put in the work you will reap the reward. You will make the connections you need to make. You will learn what you need to learn to be a better practitioner”

Nicole, Former Student at CUC

Deadline to Apply

June 25, 2025

Start Date

June 30, 2025

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