Five Online Degrees For Students With A Passion For Fitness
Published on: February 06, 2023
Studying online might not sound very healthy, but there are plenty of ways to stay fit while completing a degree from home. In fact, there are even online degrees available for students who have a passion for fitness that they would like to turn into a career. The world needs more people that can help with fitness as fast food, sedentary jobs, and high stress have become the norm for many. Earning a degree in fitness and personal training can enable students to stay healthier while also helping others on their health and wellness journey. Depending on which areas of fitness you would like to focus on, there are a variety of online degree options available.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree is ideal for students who want to help people get and stay healthy. Modern innovations, such as fitness-related tech and wellness apps, have pushed fitness to the foreground, but people still need exercise professionals to provide them with expert guidance. This type of degree can open doors for careers such as personal trainers, recreation coordinators, coaches, fitness instructors or trainers, and much more. The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree covers topics such as nutrition, behavioral strategies, exercise counseling, coaching, and other fitness-related subjects. These range from anatomy and physiology to stress management, injury prevention, and more. The core coursework of this degree is geared towards exercise science, but in general, students can also select a number of electives that match their career aspirations. In addition, this type of degree allows students to choose from concentrations such as Wellness Management or Strength and Condition.
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance is a degree program aimed at developing the analytical and technical skills of people interested in health and wellness-related careers. The program is available entirely online and includes courses such as Concepts of Physical Fitness, Care and Prevention of Exercise and Sports Injuries, Physiology of Exercise, and Intro to Health and Human Performance. In addition, electives range from Principles of Nutrition and Consumer Health to Fitness Leadership, Health Promotion, Wellness, Motor Learning, and more.
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of human movement and how it relates to health and well-being. It is a versatile degree with applications in health, sport, fitness, and recreation. A Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree can prepare students to teach physical education, coach athletics, or work with people of all ages in exercise, sports, and fitness. Course topics may include Adapted Physical Activity, Sport Psychology, Introduction to Coaching, Exercise Physiology, and Exercise Testing and Prescription.
Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences
Students interested in studying human movement and human behavior will appreciate the Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences degree. This type of degree covers essential topics such as Exercise Science, Fitness, Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, and more. Students are taught how to apply exercise science concepts to a variety of sports and fitness activities and how to manage sports-related injuries. The degree also teaches students how to advance fitness, readiness, and performance. In addition to the course topics, students might also be required to choose a concentration for the degree, such as Coaching Studies, Exercise Science, or Fitness and Wellness Profesional Studies.
Bachelor of Science In Health Education And Promotion
Anyone interested in learning how to plan, implement and evaluate health programs at a community level can benefit from an online Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion degree. The coursework in this degree focuses on the planning, development, implementation as well as evaluation of health education programs. In addition, it prepares students to serve as a health education resource and how to deliver health-related messages. Course topics may include Research Methods for Health Sciences, Models for Health and Wellness, Health Education Program Assessment and Planning, and more.
Can All Fitness-Related Degrees Be Completed Online?
Most fitness-related degrees can be completed online. However, some degree programs require students to perform clinical work on campus, while others allow labs to be done at a fitness center close to students.
What Are My Options After Earning A Fitness-Related Degree?
In addition to earning a fitness-related bachelor’s degree, several certification options are available to students. As with a degree, students can do many of these certification programs online. Certification options include the following:
- Certified Strenght and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- EXOS Fitness Specialist (XFS)
- EXOS Performance Specialist (XPS)
- Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
- Tactical Strenght and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Certifications are also available for specific concentrations, such as fitness nutrition, bodybuilding, corrective exercise, exercise therapy, group fitness, senior fitness, youth fitness, and more. In addition, some degree programs include certification options or can assist students with gaining their certification after completion.
Conclusion
A career in the fitness industry is not only good for your own health but also allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This can be extremely rewarding as you will be assisting others with regaining health and living better lives. It is a great career path for anyone who is health-conscious, and the industry is diverse enough that there are plenty of options for anyone who would love the freedom of setting their own schedule.
