Online Kinesiology Degree: Advance Your Career in Health, Fitness, and Human Performance
If you're ready to build a rewarding career helping others move, perform, and live better, Concordia University Chicago's online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology is designed to help you get there — without pausing your life. Delivered 100% online with flexible, self-paced scheduling, this accelerated degree program combines the science of human movement with real-world application. You'll graduate prepared for careers in fitness, wellness, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation support, and health promotion, or ready to advance into graduate study in exercise science and allied health fields.
Program Snapshot
Study the science of human movement on your schedule while gaining career-relevant knowledge through an accredited, top-ranked online program built for busy adults.
- Format: 100% Online
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Schedule: Asynchronous 8-Week Courses
- Cost: $440 per credit hour
- Admission: No Entrance Exams Required
- Transfer: Up to 50% of Credits Accepted
- Support: Career-Focused Advising
- Outcomes: Careers & Graduate Studies
KINESIOLOGY PROGRAM BENEFITS
Gain the scientific knowledge, applied skills, and servant-leadership foundation to help individuals and communities improve health, movement, and quality of life — all through a flexible online program built around your career and life.
9% projected growth in exercise physiologist jobs from 2024-2034 (BLS.gov)
83 Online BS Kinesiology graduates last year, highest among comparable programs
100% Online, flexible scheduling designed for working adults
Who Should Earn a Kinesiology Degree?
A Kinesiology degree is designed for individuals passionate about human movement, health, and performance who want a flexible path to a meaningful career. Whether you're returning to complete your degree, transferring credits, or launching a new chapter, CUC's online BS in Kinesiology delivers the scientific knowledge and practical skills to help you reach your goals.
- Working adults advancing in fitness and wellness careers
- Personal trainers seeking a bachelor's credential
- Aspiring strength and conditioning coaches
- Current health and fitness professionals
- Transfer students completing a degree
- First-time college students seeking flexibility
- Future graduate students in PT, OT, or exercise physiology
- Service-minded leaders passionate about health
What You'll Learn
Kinesiology examines how the body's muscular, cardiovascular, and nervous systems respond and adapt to physical activity. At Concordia University Chicago, you'll build a strong scientific foundation while learning to apply evidence-based practice across health, fitness, and human performance. Core coursework includes:
- Physiological Basis of Exercise
- Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science
- Functional Anatomy
- Health and Fitness Assessment
- Health Risk Appraisal
- Nutrition, Exercise, and Behavior
- Principles of Strength and Conditioning
- Health and Fitness Programming Management I & II
- Exercise Psychology
- Applied Biomechanics
- Special Topics in Kinesiology
Graduates gain the scientific knowledge, technical abilities, and communication skills that today's health and fitness professions demand. You'll build experience in:
- Health and fitness assessment
- Exercise program design and prescription
- Strength and conditioning principles
- Nutrition and behavior-change strategies
- Biomechanical analysis of movement
- Exercise psychology and adherence coaching
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Professional communication
- Ethical leadership and service
Concordia-Chicago's Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology combines rigorous scientific coursework with the values of a Christian liberal arts education. Alongside expertise in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and applied movement science, you'll strengthen critical thinking, communication, and ethical leadership skills that employers value across the health and wellness industry. This well-rounded approach prepares graduates to adapt to changing career opportunities while serving individuals and communities with knowledge, compassion, and integrity.
The BS in Kinesiology is delivered 100% online. Coursework is designed around the needs of working adults — no set class times, flexible pacing, and the ability to transfer in up to 50% of your credits. Whether you're balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, or another career, the program is built to keep you moving forward without putting your life on hold.
Learning in Concordia University Chicago's Health Sciences and Human Performance division extends beyond the virtual classroom. Students frequently describe faculty as approachable, responsive, and invested in student success — meeting regularly to discuss coursework and connect classroom learning to real-world careers. As a top-ranked online program accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, CUC delivers a degree respected by employers, licensing boards, and graduate programs nationwide.
Many Kinesiology graduates pursue additional certifications and advanced degrees. Common certifications include those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The program also builds a strong foundation for graduate study in:
- Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Occupational Therapy
- Athletic Training
- Applied Exercise Science (including CUC's own MS program)
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Chiropractic
- Strength and Conditioning
- Public Health
Career Support that Goes Beyond Graduation
From your first course to your first job offer, you'll have access to dedicated career advisors, industry-aligned guidance, and faculty connections that open real doors. CUC's career-focused advising model is built to help online students succeed at every stage.
- Dedicated career advisors
- Industry-aligned coursework
- Faculty with real-world experience
- Networking with practicing professionals
- Support for professional certifications (ACSM, NSCA, NASM, ACE)
- Graduate school preparation
- Transfer credit evaluation
- Personalized academic planning
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kinesiology Degree
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. A BS in Kinesiology examines how the muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems respond and adapt to physical activity. At Concordia University Chicago, the online BS in Kinesiology combines functional anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and strength and conditioning with evidence-based practice — preparing you for careers across health, fitness, and human performance.
Graduates pursue careers as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness coordinators, fitness directors, health coaches, corporate wellness professionals, and rehabilitation support staff. Depending on your interests and additional education, opportunities also exist in hospitals, sports medicine facilities, community wellness organizations, collegiate athletics, and professional sports.
Yes. All coursework is delivered online with flexible, self-paced scheduling — no set class times. The program is specifically designed for busy adults balancing work, family, and school.
Tuition is $440 per credit hour. CUC also offers financial aid, scholarships, and transfer credit acceptance for up to 50% of the credits needed to graduate — helping you keep costs manageable and finish faster.
No. CUC's online BS in Kinesiology does not require entrance exams, and prior college experience is not required. This makes the program accessible to first-time college students and adult learners returning to complete their education.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science are closely related. Kinesiology is the broader study of human movement, often including motor learning, biomechanics, and behavioral aspects of physical activity. Exercise Science applies scientific principles more specifically to improving fitness, health, and performance. CUC's BS in Kinesiology emphasizes applied movement science, evidence-based practice, and career-ready skills — while also providing a strong foundation for graduate study.
Yes. CUC intentionally designs its online programs to foster meaningful student-faculty relationships. Students frequently describe professors as approachable, responsive, and personally invested in their success — meeting regularly to discuss coursework, career goals, and professional development.
CUC's online BS in Kinesiology is ranked #1 nationwide by OnlineU and graduates more students than any comparable online program. Combined with affordable tuition ($440/credit hour), no entrance exams, generous transfer credit policies, career-focused advising, and accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, CUC delivers a top-tier credential built for working adults.
Hear How CUC Students Turn Their Passion Into Purpose
"As an online student, CUC has given me an excellent foundation in research, exercise science, and kinesiology."
— Christopher, BS Kinesiology student
"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."
— James Crager, BS Kinesiology, Class of 2019
Admissions & Requirements
Your future in Kinesiology begins with a straightforward application process — no entrance exams, no prior college required. Review CUC's admission requirements, application deadlines, and enrollment information to learn how you can begin building a career in health, fitness, and human performance.
Tuition & Affordability: Invest in Your Future
At $440 per credit hour, CUC's online BS in Kinesiology offers strong value and a high return on investment. Scholarships, financial aid, and transfer credit acceptance make a private Christian education an attainable investment for working adults.
Faculty Who Connect Science With Practice
Concordia University Chicago's Kinesiology faculty bring both academic expertise and applied experience from clinical rehabilitation, athletic performance, and community wellness settings. Through individualized mentorship, responsive communication, and career-focused advising, faculty prepare graduates to succeed in kinesiology careers, professional certifications, and continued graduate education.