Online Kinesiology Degree

Bachelor of Science (BS)

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Application Deadlines

Deadline to Apply: December 30, 2025

Start Date: January 6, 2026

Your Future Career Options

  • Personal Trainer
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Physical Therapy Assistant

and more

Why Earn a Kinesiology Degree?

Concordia University Chicago’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology is designed for busy adults ready to grow their careers in health, fitness or wellness.

Format:

100% Online with Flexible Scheduling

Cost Per Credit Hour:

$440

Admission Requirements:

No Entrance Exams or Prior College Required

Student Support:

Career-Focused Advising and Support

Why CUC?

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Six Reasons Concordia University Chicago ‘Stands Tall’

1. 100% Online. Learn on Your Schedule

All coursework is delivered online with no set class times. Balance your studies with work, family or wherever life takes you.

2. Affordable Tuition

At $440 per credit hour, CUC’s online BS in Kinesiology offers strong value and a high return on investment. Compared to other online programs, CUC keeps tuition affordable without sacrificing quality. Learn more about Tuition and Fees.

3. Career Support That Goes Beyond Graduation

From day one to job offer, you’ll have access to dedicated career advisors, industry-aligned guidance and faculty connections that open real doors.

4. Professors with Proven Experience

Learn from professors who apply kinesiology in real-world settings—from clinical rehab to athletic performance.

5. Backed by the Highest Accreditation Standards

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. This is the level of accreditation trusted by employers, graduate schools and licensing boards nationwide.

6. Simple, Hassle-Free Transfer Credit

Whether you’re coming from a community college or another university, we make it easy to keep your momentum going.

James Crager

BS Kinesiology, Class of 2019

“Kinesiology, for me, is a gateway for getting into Physician Assistant school. With my busy schedule of being a husband, father of two and a full time employee, Concordia’s Accelerated Degree Program afforded me the opportunity to take classes as a full time student with an already busy lifestyle.”
Kinesiology exercises on female and male

Kinesiology Career Outlook

A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology opens the door to a wide range of careers that are seeing steady job growth.

Because the degree blends biology, physiology, biomechanics and psychology, kinesiology graduates are well-equipped for advanced studies in medicine, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic care — all of which are in increasing demand.

Statistics can be found at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

$60K

Median annual salary for personal trainers, 2024.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

13%

Job outlook for personal trainers, 2024.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Download the Kinesiology Career Guide


Explore the real-world impact of a BS in Kinesiology. Our free guide, A Career Head Start, highlights job opportunities, industry growth and how CUC prepares you for success in health and human performance.


Download Our Free Guide

Exercise Physiologist

Design and implement fitness programs for patients recovering from illness or managing chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. Often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers or wellness facilities.
View the salary range

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Develop training plans to improve athletic performance for individuals, teams or schools. Many work in colleges, universities or professional sports, but private practice is also common.
View the salary range

Rehabilitation Assistant

Support licensed physical therapists or occupational therapists by helping patients with exercises, monitoring progress and maintaining therapy equipment.
View the salary range

Personal Trainer or Health Coach

Work with individuals or groups to set fitness goals, create exercise plans and promote healthier lifestyles. Health coaches may also address behavior change, nutrition and stress management.
View the salary range

Corporate Wellness Coordinator

Develop and manage employee health programs to improve wellness and reduce healthcare costs, including fitness challenges, health screenings and stress reduction initiatives.
View the salary range

Recreation Director

Plan and oversee community fitness, sports and wellness programs, managing staff, budgets and events to promote public health.
View the salary range

Kinesiology exercises on female and male

Curriculum

  • Required Core Courses in Kinesiology: 36 credits
  • Total Program Credits: 120 credits

Explore the interconnected systems of the human body to understand how they function and influence physical activity, health and performance. Delve into the acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise and analyze key health and exercise adaptations that support improved fitness and overall well-being.

Develop essential research and writing skills, including identifying plagiarism, employing effective search strategies and conducting focused research. Learn to summarize findings, communicate them using scientific writing principles and format your work according to APA guidelines.

Master anatomical terminology and the fundamentals of human movement, including key structures relevant to exercise science. Analyze everyday movements, sports-specific skills and exercises while understanding the distinctions between concentric, eccentric and isometric muscle contractions.

Learn the significance of pre-participation screenings and client risk assessments. Gain practical skills in conducting and understanding the value of field assessments in exercise science to support safe and effective fitness programs.

Develop expertise in conducting pre-participation screenings and field assessments related to body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength. Interpret results to create tailored exercise and health recommendations.

Master nutritional terminology and explore dietary recommendations for general health, exercise and performance. Evaluate popular diets, apply behavior change theories and develop strategies to support dietary adherence for lasting results.

 

Build a strong foundation in strength and conditioning by mastering key terminology, techniques for exercises and warmups and program design. Learn to create objective-based training plans to support performance goals.

Learn essential adult first aid and CPR techniques, the fundamentals of health and fitness programming and the principles of periodization. Develop skills to design and implement effective health and fitness programs.

Explore the theories and foundations of programming for endurance, strength, SAQ, flexibility and weight loss. Learn to design effective programs while addressing common challenges and considerations for special populations.

Master exercise psychology terminology and apply models like the trans-theoretical model, goal-setting techniques and adherence strategies to support long-term engagement in physical activity.

Identify joint motions and the planes of motion they involve. Understand levers in the musculoskeletal system and analyze and evaluate movements of the upper extremity, lower extremity and torso/trunk.

Explore current trends and topics in health and fitness, conduct research using peer-reviewed literature and develop health and fitness recommendations based on the latest industry insights.

Lock in Your Tuition!

As long as there are no interruptions in your course of study, we guarantee your tuition will remain the same and never increase while earning this degree. This guarantee ensures a stable and predictable investment in your education.

Don’t miss out on our Tuition Guarantee – enroll today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, encompassing various aspects of physical activity, exercise and body mechanics. It involves examining how the body moves, the physiological processes involved in movement and the impact of exercise on overall health and performance. Kinesiology combines elements from multiple disciplines, such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, to understand and enhance human movement.

Understanding the psychological aspects of human movement is also crucial in kinesiology, as it interrelates with biomechanics and physiology to provide a comprehensive education in sports.

The term “kinesiology” was established and coined in 1854 by the Swedish medical gymnast and kinesiologist Professor Carl August Georgii.

Nearly 2,000 physical movements and 50 various massage therapy techniques made up the new medical therapy. They were all employed to influence different disorders and even diseases, affecting both the human body’s internal physiology and the movement apparatus. Thus, the original classical and traditional kinesiology was not only a biomechanics-based method of body rehabilitation, as is the case with modern academic kinesiology, but also a novel therapeutic approach for treating and curing diseases by influencing the autonomic nerve system organs and glands in the body.

The American National Academy of Kinesiology was formally established in 1930. The Academy’s dual objectives are to honor individuals by electing them as members who have made significant direct or indirect contributions to the study of and/or application of the art and science of human movement and physical activity, as well as to encourage and promote the study and educational applications of the art and science of human movement and activity.

The worth of a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology depends on your interests, career goals and personal aspirations. A bachelor’s in kinesiology can lead to various career paths in fields like fitness, sports management, physical therapy, exercise science and more.

If you have a passion for human movement, sports or helping others improve their physical well-being, a kinesiology degree can provide a solid foundation for pursuing such careers. Additionally, a bachelor’s in kinesiology can help students achieve their career aspirations in various health and fitness fields.

It’s essential to research the job market and potential salaries in your desired field to determine if the investment in an online kinesiology degree aligns with your long-term goals.

A kinesiologist is a professional who specializes in the study of human movement and its application to various aspects of health, performance and rehabilitation. They work in diverse settings, including fitness centers, rehabilitation clinics, sports teams, research institutions and educational institutions. They may also work alongside physical therapists, athletic trainers and other health professionals. Kinesiologists assess movement patterns, develop exercise programs, and provide guidance on proper biomechanics to promote physical well-being and enhance performance.

They play a vital role in rehabilitation by designing tailored exercise routines for individuals recovering from injuries or chronic conditions. Kinesiologists may conduct research, educate students, promote workplace ergonomics and contribute to community health initiatives. Their expertise lies in optimizing movement and utilizing exercise as a tool to improve individuals’ health and quality of life. Additionally, the ability to interpret scientific research and apply evidence-based practices is crucial for kinesiologists to lead studies and solve complex problems in the fields of rehabilitation and physical activity.

With a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in kinesiology, you can pursue several higher degree options, depending on your specific interests and career objectives. Some common master’s programs that align with a kinesiology background include:

  • Master’s in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology
  • Master’s in Sports Medicine
    Master’s in Athletic Training
  • Master’s in Health Promotion or Public Health
  • Master’s in Sports Management
  • Master’s in Occupational Therapy
  • Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies

These are just a few examples, and the availability of specific master’s programs may vary depending on the institutions you are considering. Researching and speaking with academic advisors or professionals in your field of interest will help you identify the most suitable master’s program to further your career.

Yes, online bachelor’s degrees are widely respected, especially if they come from accredited institutions, such as CUC. Employers today often care more about the school’s reputation and whether the program is regionally accredited than whether the degree was earned online or in person.

Many schools don’t differentiate between online and traditional degrees on transcripts or diplomas. That said, completing an online program still demonstrates self-discipline, time management and motivation, which are attractive traits to employers. An online bachelor’s in kinesiology, for example, emphasizes the science of human movement and includes coursework in biomechanics and anatomy, along with mentorship and project-based learning.

Online kinesiology degrees offer valuable and flexible educational opportunities, blending several options for focus areas like athletic management and sports medicine. Accredited programs are respected by employers and provide great value, regardless of residency.

Kinesiology is considered moderately challenging, primarily because it blends rigorous science-based coursework with hands-on, practical applications. Students dive deep into subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, chemistry and exercise science, which require a solid understanding of how the body functions on both a biological and mechanical level.

While the major is science-heavy, many students find the content engaging and relevant, especially if they are passionate about health, fitness or rehabilitation. Unlike more abstract majors, kinesiology coursework often connects directly to real-world applications, such as injury prevention, athletic performance and physical therapy. Choosing the right college can significantly impact your educational experience and career outcomes in kinesiology, making it essential to select a college that offers a challenging and rewarding program.

Here are some reasons why kinesiology can be difficult:

  • STEM-Focused Curriculum: Students are expected to understand complex physiological systems, muscle functions and movement patterns. Courses like organic chemistry, physics (related to movement) and advanced anatomy can be demanding.
  • Applied Learning: In addition to lectures and labs, many kinesiology programs include fieldwork, clinical hours or internships, which require time management and interpersonal skills.
  • Interdisciplinary Nature: Kinesiology overlaps with psychology, nutrition, public health and biomechanics, meaning students need to integrate knowledge across disciplines.

Students who succeed in kinesiology often share these traits:

  • Strong Interest in Science & Health: A curiosity about how the body works and a drive to improve human performance or wellness is key.
  • Passion for Movement & Fitness: Whether it’s sports, dance, physical therapy or general wellness, students who enjoy movement tend to stay more engaged.
  • Good Communication Skills: Many career paths involve working closely with clients, patients or athletes. Being able to educate, motivate and relate to others is a huge asset.
  • Solid Study Habits: The science courses can be a challenge for some. Students who stay on top of their reading, labs and assignments will succeed.
  • Goal-Oriented Mindset: Many kinesiology majors plan to pursue graduate school (PT, OT, AT, etc.), so having a long-term focus helps students stay motivated.

No, a background in physical education is not a prerequisite for pursuing a kinesiology degree. Kinesiology and physical education are related but distinct fields of study. Kinesiology is a broader scientific discipline that focuses on human movement and the underlying mechanisms, while physical education is more specific to teaching and promoting physical activity in educational settings, such as a certified health education specialist.

A kinesiology degree program will provide the necessary foundation in scientific principles and human movement regardless of prior experience in physical education.

Admission Requirements

  • A completed application for admission to the Accelerated Degree Programs.
  • Submission of official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities attended, including records of good standing.
  • Final high school transcript with graduation date.

*Applicants will be notified of admission decisions generally within 48 hours after submitting all required documents.

The bachelor’s degree program is designed to prepare students for graduate studies and professional certifications.

Get Program Details

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