Online Kinesiology Schools: How to Choose

Kinesiology is the science of human beings in motion, encompassing the mechanics of muscle movement, anatomy and physiology. A college degree in kinesiology and its sister disciplines, such as exercise science, can provide the gateway to a multitude of related careers, including those in healthcare, physical education, exercise research and athletics coaching. Those interested in online kinesiology degrees will find a variety of programs to choose from.

How to Select an Online Kinesiology School

Award Levels

Online degrees are offered at the bachelor's and master's levels. Bachelor level kinesiology programs usually offer a concentration in a particular career, such as exercise science, athletics administration or fitness training, and may be offered in an accelerated 2-year track for those students who have earned associate's degrees. Master's degree kinesiology programs are readily available online and require 1-2 years. These programs are designed for physical education teachers and coaches who wish to enrich their careers, prepare for a different career direction or participate in kinesiology research.

Career Outcomes

Americans have become increasingly aware of the role that fitness plays in their physical health, which is reflected in the increasing number of jobs in health, fitness and physical therapy. The American Kinesiology Association currently lists 31 career possibilities for candidates with training in kinesiology, including exercise physiologist, school coach, personal trainer, physical therapist, respiration therapist and physical education teacher. Due to the large range of career options and concentrations within kinesiology degree programs available, prospective students should thoroughly investigate which online schools best match their interests and goals.

Program Type

Kinesiology programs are available fully online, but some give students the option to combine online and on-site courses as well as to participate in local internships. Schools typically provide online courses through a course management system, such as Moodle or ANGEL, which allow interactions between classmates and teachers via threaded discussions and e-mail. Since master's level programs are aimed at teachers and coaches, they may offer a summer sequence to allow participants to work while obtaining the degree. Within this framework, students may access courses at their convenience.

List of Online Kinesiology Programs

Online Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology, Exercise Science

This accelerated, 2-year degree program prepares students for careers in both business and healthcare industries, such as athletic clubs, hospitals, schools and sports medicine clinics. Courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, anatomy and physiology provide a solid science background. Participants then learn to apply this knowledge to safety, injury prevention, weight management, exercise testing and psychology. Students also learn to manage the organization and administration of physical fitness and health programs, preparing them for leadership positions.
Technical requirements usually call for a computer with high-speed Internet access, e-mail and a software package, such as Microsoft Office 7. Real Player, Flash Player or another program to facilitate streaming audio and video is generally required as well.

Online Master of Science in Kinesiology, Physical Education

This program offers teachers, athletic trainers and coaches the opportunity to refresh and advance their teaching and administration skills as well as study advanced rehab techniques and exercises. They may also participate in exercise research. A thesis or special project is usually a requirement for graduation.
Upper level coursework includes such diverse topics as kinesiology research methods, project design, sports psychology and statistical analysis. Other topics that may be explored in graduate kinesiology programs include sports law, multicultural physical education issues, analysis of teaching styles and coaching behavior. .
Typical program requirements are a newer, high-speed computer with Internet access, e-mail and media plug-ins. In order to conduct kinesiology research and analyze body movements, students may need a digital video camera with a microphone and editing software, such as Dartfish or Movie Maker.