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Online Kinesiology and Exercise Science Bachelor's Degree
An online kinesiology and exercise science bachelor’s degree is a flexible way to build broad undergraduate knowledge of human movement, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. Most programs cover a foundational core and then let you tailor electives or an emphasis based on your goals.
Depending on the school, the credential may be a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) – the BS route usually leans more heavily on lab science, so read the degree requirements closely before choosing.
Quick answers
What is an online bachelor’s in kinesiology and exercise science?
It is an undergraduate degree that covers human movement, exercise physiology, and biomechanics through online coursework, often including a lab or applied-practicum component.
Is a BA different from a BS in kinesiology?
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a kinesiology or exercise science major, so compare curriculum and requirements.
How are online bachelor’s programs typically structured?
Most programs include general education, a major core in exercise and movement science, electives or an emphasis, and a capstone or applied project, depending on the school.
What classes are common in a kinesiology bachelor’s?
Coursework typically includes anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, and program design, plus electives for specialization, though exact courses vary by school.
What admissions requirements are common?
Requirements vary by school and student type, but commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts.
Can transfer credits reduce required coursework?
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but policies vary by institution, especially for science-heavy prerequisite courses.
At a Glance
- Degree type: Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Typical duration: 4 years full-time
- Credits: Approximately 120 semester hours, varies by school
- Lab/practicum: Many programs include an applied lab or practicum component
- Accreditation: Confirm institutional accreditation; some tracks carry additional programmatic accreditation
For a full map of this program area, start here: Kinesiology Program Guide, where you can compare accredited schools offering these programs.
How online bachelor’s programs are structured
Core degree components
Most online bachelor’s programs in kinesiology and exercise science follow a similar structure:
- General education courses, such as communication, math, and biological science
- A major core in exercise and movement science
- Electives or an emphasis area, such as fitness and wellness, strength and conditioning, or pre-professional preparation
- A capstone, applied project, or internship in the final term, depending on the school
Typical online delivery features
Online formats may be asynchronous for lecture content, but many programs still include proctored exams or applied lab requirements. To compare how online delivery works, see: How Online Kinesiology Degrees Work
If you are trying to move faster, compare this degree level to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Online Kinesiology Degrees
Typical curriculum in a kinesiology bachelor’s
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology | Structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems |
| Biomechanics | How mechanical principles apply to human movement |
| Exercise Physiology | How the body responds and adapts to acute and chronic exercise |
| Motor Learning & Control | How movement skills are learned, refined, and controlled |
| Nutrition Fundamentals | Basic nutrition principles as they relate to activity and performance |
| Program Design | Designing exercise programs for general fitness or specific populations |
| Research Methods | Reading, interpreting, and applying exercise science research |
Skills and tools you may build
Program outcomes vary, but many curricula emphasize:
- Interpreting movement, fitness, and physiological assessment data
- Designing and adapting exercise programs for different goals and populations
- Understanding injury prevention and safe exercise progression principles
- Communication skills for coaching, client education, or team settings
Emphasis areas and elective tracks
Availability varies by school, but common emphasis areas include fitness and wellness, strength and conditioning, and pre-professional tracks aimed at graduate study in athletic training, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. If a specific graduate program is your end goal, confirm which prerequisite courses your target graduate program requires and check that your bachelor’s coursework covers them.
Admissions requirements
Admissions requirements vary by school and student type. Some programs admit first-time college students; others focus on transfer students.
Common requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Placement requirements for math or science courses, when applicable
- Transfer credit evaluation for applicants with prior college coursework
Transfer credits and degree planning
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but rules vary by institution – science prerequisite courses in particular are sometimes evaluated more strictly than general electives.
Before you enroll, confirm:
- Maximum transfer credits allowed
- Minimum grade required for transfer science courses
- Whether credits apply to the major core or only electives
- Residency requirements, meaning a minimum number of credits must be completed at the institution
These pages can help you evaluate policies and plan realistically:
Accreditation and program quality checks
Accreditation is a baseline quality indicator. Verify that the institution holds accreditation from a recognized institutional accreditor (examples include HLC, SACSCOC, ACCSC, and ABHES), then compare how the program is structured, supported, and delivered online.
Bachelor’s vs other degree levels
Compare degree options:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Kinesiology Degree Worth It
Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Online Kinesiology and Exercise Science Degrees Guide: Levels and Careers