30 Accredited Online Colleges in Sports Medicine

Distance-learning programs through one of the 30 best accredited online colleges in sports medicine can help you get your bachelor’s or master’s degree and advance your career, all while accommodating your busy work schedule.

Looking to become an athletic trainer? Interested in:

• human movement
• healthy lifestyle
• human anatomy
• exercise training program

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that employment in this area will grow by around 16% over the next decade. You may be starting your own personal training business. You may be working with top celebrities as they train and condition for a new role. With an online sports medicine degree you’ll be working in a field that has job security and a salary above the U.S. national average. 

See Also: Top 20 Accredited Colleges for Online Physical Therapy Programs

What Will You Learn With a Sports Medicine Degree?

Just as the name suggests, the field of sports medicine relates to the treatment of injuries that happen during sporting pursuits. As a sports medicine graduate, you may be working with athletes to rehabilitate them after an injury. You may implement programs for the improvement of health and mobility. There are many potential career paths for a sports medicine major. 

With a sports medicine online degree you’ll learn about the anatomy, etiology, and epidemiology of injuries and illnesses that commonly affect athletes. You’ll also learn:

• how to treat these conditions
• to monitor ongoing issues while implementing plans to prevent injury and illness
• gain an understanding of research methods
• develop your skills in other areas, including communication skills

See Also: Top 30 Accredited Online Occupational Therapy Programs

What Kinds of Sports Medicine Online Classes Will You Take?

Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine typically offer courses in:

• first aid
• sports nutrition
• sports injury management
• strength training

Master’s programs focus on more advanced topics designed to prepare you for specialized areas of work in your career. These can include topics such as:

• clinical biomechanics
• biostatistics
• muscle anatomy and physiology
• greater specialization in sports nutrition and fitness

Master’s degrees are recommended for graduates who want to pursue more specialized career interests. For example, physician assistants and occupational therapists need a master’s degree to enter their field.

See Also: 10 Tips for Maximizing Your Learning Experience in Online College

What Are the Best Schools for Sports Medicine?

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers:

• affordability
• student-to-faculty ratio
• number of programs offered on-campus and online

For more information, see our methodology page.

Check out these sports medicine degree online rankings!

1. American Public University

American Public University is one of the best schools for sports medicine. It has a selection of over 200 academic degree programs and certificates. Online classes start every month and run for both eight- and 16-week durations. With this kind of flexibility, working professionals can more easily find study schedules that can fit into their schedules. 

Under APU’s School of Health Sciences, students have access to a fully online Bachelor’s in Sports and Health Sciences. There are no application fees. Students with prior higher education experience can submit a transfer credit evaluation without charge. Up to 82% of the program’s credits could be transferred, if eligible. 

Sports medicine class online include:

• Sports Law, Risk and Regulation
• Training and Conditioning
• Leadership Concepts in Coaching
• Therapeutic Exercise

This bachelor’s degree program charges a low rate of just $285 per credit in tuition, with a $250 rate set for eligible military students. There are no charges for textbooks or ebooks either. This is a great value option for remote learners looking to get their undergraduate degree in sports medicine.

2. Liberty University

Founded 50 years ago and located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is an evangelical Christian institution. With more than a quarter of a million alumni, the university’s other impressive figures include a 7,000-acre campus and more than 700 programs of study to choose from. Students also benefit from more than 40 club sports teams and 20 NCAA Division I athletic teams. 

Liberty’s Master’s in Exercise Science and Wellness is fully online and features eight-week courses. Students can specialize in either Fitness and Performance or Nutrition and Wellness. Each option providing 18 credit hours of course content directly related to the specialization. Liberty’s online programs have been ranked among the top ten in the nation.

3. Northcentral University

Situated in San Diego, Northcentral University was founded in 1996 and offers both undergraduate and graduate studies in areas including:

• business
• psychology
• education
• health sciences

NCU’s unique one-to-one learning model means that students get more personalized attention and support throughout their studies. 

Part of the Athletic Coaching Master of Education degree at NCU, the Athletic Coaching specialization is designed to prepare future coaches with the necessary leadership skills and knowledge to succeed. You’ll be mentored by professionals with vast experience. You’ll gain your own experience in applying the practical skills you’ve learned for athletic training. 

The tuition for master of education programs at NCU typically runs at around $2,235 per course, or $745 per credit. There’s also a $110 course-material fee for each course. With that said, the total estimated program cost is around $23,900.

4. The University of Wyoming

Located in Laramie, WY, the University of Wyoming was founded in 1886 prior to the founding of the state itself. Nestled close to the Rocky Mountains, the university offers direct access to:

• ski trails
• hundreds of miles of snow trails
• many outdoor pursuits 

Two sports-medicine-related undergraduate programs are available at UW, including:

• Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Health Promotion
• Physical Education Teaching

For graduates, there’s also a Master’s in Kinesiology and Health, which includes thesis and non-thesis options. The estimated cost of attendance for an undergraduate student at UW is around $17,812 for Wyoming residents and around $32,362 for non-residents. At the graduate level, state residents pay around $6,860, while non-residents pay around $17,570. More information on costs can be found on the school’s costs webpage.

5. Florida Atlantic University

Based in Boca Raton, FL, and founded in 1961, Florida Atlantic University serves at least 30,000 students annually. The institution has also been ranked among top public universities in rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. 

FAU offers graduate-level study in three areas relating to sports medicine:

• exercise physiology
• health promotion
• strength and conditioning

Health promotion is available as a fully online program of study for working professionals. For admission, you’ll need a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. 

Online programs at FAU are charged at a rate of around $303 for graduate students who are Florida residents. For students from out-of-state, there’s also a $623 non-resident fee per credit. This makes for a total of around $371 and $1,026 per credit, respectively.

6. Sam Houston State University

Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University has its roots in Huntsville, Texas. It is one of the three oldest public institutions of higher education in the state and welcomes around 21,500 students annually across eight academic colleges. All online programs available through SHSU Online are taught by the same on-campus professors as the traditional programs. 

With an emphasis in Sport and Human Performance, SHSU’s Master’s in Kinesiology can prepare you for:

• coaching
• commercial fitness
• personal training

Start dates are available in the fall, spring, and summer, with courses completed online. SHSU graduate programs are charged on a per-credit basis, with a single credit costing around $777 for a Texas resident and $1,199 for non-residents. This program typically comprises between 30 and 36 credit hours. You may also have to pay additional fees, which you can find more information about on the school’s webpage.

7. Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a public university based in Corpus Christi, Texas. It has one of the best sports medicine schools online. It is classified as one of the institutions with the highest research activity as an R2: Doctoral University. Students here have a choice of more than 85 academic degree programs, and nearly half of the study body comprises first-generation college students. 

Featuring 36 credit hours, the school’s Master’s in Kinesiology includes an emphasis in Sport and Exercise Science. You’ll be prepared to facilitate professional athletes in areas like:

• management and leadership in sport
• nutrition
• sport performance assessment
• strength and conditioning

There are both non-thesis and thesis options available for you to choose from. 

Tuition is charged by the credit hour, with residents paying around $653 per credit hour. This includes around $452 in fees and $200 in tuition. Alternatively, non-residents pay approximately $1,134 per credit hour, which includes fees of around $499 and tuition of around $634.

8. Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago provides students with a broad selection of over 100 undergraduate and graduate academic degree programs. Located in River Forest, IL, this private university welcomes around 5,000 students annually. The university was founded in 1864 and also offers doctoral degrees. 

Concordia’s Master’s in Applied Exercise Science features a concentration in Sports Performance Training. Classes start every eight weeks, and class sizes are kept small, with just 20 students in each class. With fully asynchronous learning, you can also choose a one-year track to complete your program at an accelerated rate. 

Once you’re enrolled in this sports medicine online program, your tuition rates are locked in and will not change before graduation. Enrolled students can expect to pay a total of around $15,530, which includes around $475 per credit hour in tuition, in addition to a $16 per-credit-hour fee and $800 for books.

9. University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is one of the best sports medicine colleges. It is located in Monroe, LA, and welcomes around 9,000 students annually. To date, the university has conferred more than 72,000 academic degrees. The institution was founded in 1931 in an area of stunning natural beauty, with the Bayou DeSiard passing through the 238-acre campus. 

At ULM, students have access to both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Exercise Science. Undergraduate concentrations include:

• Exercise Science
• Pre-Physical Therapy
• Sport Management

Graduates can choose from:

• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Applied Exercise Science
• Sport Management

Traditional undergraduate tuition and fees come to around $9,399 for residents, while graduate tuition and fees come to around $9,309. Non-residents pay an additional fee of around $12,100 annually. ULM Online charges tuition and fees of around $9,600 for undergraduates and $9,000 for graduates. More information can be found on the school’s financial aid webpage.

10. The University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso is a public university based in El Paso, Texas, and is the second-largest institution in the nation to boast of a majority Mexican American study body. Of the roughly 25,000 students enrolled, over 80% are Hispanic. UTEP has also been ranked among the top 5% of research institutions in the U.S. 

Available as a fully online program, this Master’s in Kinesiology also offers classroom-based courses. You’ll have the opportunity to perform research in areas that include:

• strength and conditioning
• nutrition and metabolism
• motor behavior

You’ll also conduct research in a number of the department’s leading, modern research laboratories. 

UTEP graduate students who are Texas residents typically pay tuition and fees of around $7,508. For graduate non-residents, the cost is closer to around $17,102. This makes for an approximate cost of attendance of either $18,082 or $27,676.

11. Louisiana State University

Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University was founded over 150 years ago. The institution awards more than $300 million in scholarships and financial aid annually, and two-thirds of students graduate without any student debt. In fact, a total of around 92% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship support. 

With LSU’s online Master of Science in Kinesiology, you’ll concentrate your studies in Health Promotion and Sport Performance. You’ll also benefit from studying at a university with a well-known, established athletics program. Sports medicine classes online cover topics such as:

• sport psychology
• changing health behavior
• administrative problems in kinesiology
• governance and policy in sport

With a total of 36 credit hours making up the program, the university charges around $639 per credit hour.

This makes for a total of around $13,284 due in tuition. You may also qualify for tuition reimbursement from a range of employers, which is detailed on the school’s website.

12. The University of Texas Permian Basin

Founded in 1973, the University of Texas Permian Basin is a public university located in Odessa, Texas. Sitting on a 600-acre campus, the university has around 18,000 alumni, and its mascot is the Falcon. The school comprises five academic schools and colleges, which offer 35 undergraduate and 18 graduate degree programs. 

With UTPB’s MS in Athletic Training Degree (MSAT) you will have a variety of career opportunities for athletic training including:

• youth sports
• Olympic athletes
• secondary schools, colleges and universities
• hospitals
• occupational health departments
• fire and police departments

For admission, you’ll need to have either a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a score of 1600 or higher on the GRE. 

UTPB publishes estimated costs for graduate students, which are around $14,364 for residents and $21,726 for non-residents. However, as an online learner, you’ll avoid the housing and meal-plan charges, which makes for a total cost of attendance of around $6,840 annually, including tuition and fees.

13. Georgia Southern University

Primarily located in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University also has campus locations in Hinesville and Savannah, GA. Around 27,000 students study at this institution each year and are enrolled in over 140 degree programs. GS was founded in 1906 and has been named one of the most eco-friendly campuses for almost a decade running by The Princeton Review. 

GS’s Master’s in Kinesiology is intended for students who already possess a renewable teaching certificate in the area of health and physical education. Professional PE teachers who want to expand their knowledge or take up leadership positions could benefit from the courses completed in this fully online program, which feature 36 credit hours. 

Online graduate programs attract different rates of tuition, though this master’s program is charged at a rate of around $358 per credit hour, regardless of your residency. The same rate is also applicable whether you choose the PE concentration or Coaching Education concentration.

14. Concordia University St. Paul

Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University St. Paul first opened its doors over 125 years ago. Welcoming around 5,500 students, the university now offers more than 80 majors and minors. The university has also been named the No. 1 most affordable private higher education institution in the Twin Cities. 

CSP’s Master of Science in Exercise Science combines practical experience with theory to prepare students with knowledge in areas like:

• exercise testing
• exercise prescription
• illness and injury prevention

You’ll also cover nutrition and metabolism, the psychology of sport, and biomechanics. According to CSP, 95% of graduates receive job offers within 12 months of graduation. 

Graduate tuition at CSP varies from program to program. For this Master’s in Exercise Science, you’ll pay around $475 per credit, with the program comprising a total of 33 credits. All students studying online through Concordia receive a discount on tuition, though this can limit scholarship eligibility.

15. Texas Woman’s University

Since 1994, Texas Woman’s University has been designated fully co-educational but remains the biggest state-backed university for women in the nation. The student body comprises around 15,000 students who study programs in:

• the sciences
• liberal arts
• business
• education

Healthcare is another major area of focus, with the university graduating more healthcare professionals than any other in the state. 

At TWU, you have the option of pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in kinesiology, with a curriculum that’s broad enough to lead into careers in business, marketing, and operations within the sports industry. 

Whether you’re choosing the master’s or doctoral degree program, you’ll pay the graduate rate for tuition. For graduate students taking nine hours per semester, you’ll pay around $4,973 in tuition and $2,695 in fees.

16. University of Northern Colorado

Founded in 1889, the University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, CO, with a total enrollment of around 11,000 students. There are more than 100 undergraduate degrees and 120 graduate programs to choose from, with more than half of the graduate student body enrolled in a master’s degree program. 

UNC offers a Master of Arts in Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership. The sports medicine degree was created as the first program in the United States to train future physical activity leaders within the school system. While the program is offered fully online, you’ll be expected to complete a two-week stay on-campus at UNC. 

Traditional master’s programs at this institution attract a rate of around $560 to $630 per credit hour. For online programs, however, the rate lands at around $597 per credit hour. Non-resident rates vary from $916 to $1,182, but the same rate of $597 applies to online programs.

17. Texas A&M University

Welcoming around 12,000 students annually, Texas A&M University-Commerce was founded in 1889 and now offers a range of career readiness resources, including study abroad programs and internships available in a range of programs. What’s more, students here have the opportunity to study in locations like China, Peru, and Russia. 

In this Master’s in Health, Kinesiology, and Sports Studies, over 50% of the mandatory courses are available online via remote learning. As part of the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to pursue an internship in one of the largest sports industries in the nation. Tuition at Texas A&M Commerce depends on your residency status. For example, graduates taking six credit hours per semester who are state residents pay around $2,525 in tuition and fees. Non-residents taking the same course load pay around $4,979. The interactive calculator on the school’s website can help you get a more tailored estimate.

18. California Baptist University

With its roots in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University was founded nearly 70 years ago. Offering a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and professional programs, the university has a total enrollment of around 11,300 students and over 80 majors to choose from. CBU has also been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Regional University. 

CBU’s Master’s in Kinesiology has been designed for working professionals, with most courses taking place in the evenings or weekends. Accredited by the WSCUC, the program covers subjects like:

• biomechanics
• sport psychology
• exercise, nutrition, and fitness education

This master’s degree program comprises a total of 30 required major units, with each unit costing around $618. Based on this, the approximate cost of the major overall is around $19,000. Most students enrolling in this masters’ will complete their degree program in as few as 12 months.

19. Logan University

Located in Chesterfield, MO, Logan University is a private institution that specializes in chiropractic and other health education programs. Founded in 1935, the university has an annual enrollment of around 1,600 students, with the majority pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. 

Logan’s Master’s in Sports Science and Rehabilitation is suited to students who may already be working as an athletic trainer, chiropractor, or personal trainer. The program has been ranked as one of the best sports medicine degrees in the nation. It’s also ranked among the top ten sports medicine programs by Sports Management Degree Hub. 

Tuition for this master’s degree program is charged at a rate of around $450 per credit hour, with no fees applicable to enrolled students. The university estimates that the cost of books and supplies is around $300. All courses are available online, so you likely won’t face any travel or housing costs.

20. Texas A&M University- Kingsville

Texas A&M University-Kingsville was chartered in 1917 but didn’t actually open its doors until the mid-1920s due to World War I. Today, the institution welcomes around 6,300 students annually, with most coming from South Texas. The campus comprises nearly 250 acres and over 80 buildings, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16-to-1. 

Here, you can study toward a Master’s in Kinesiology with three areas of focus available:

• Health and Exercise Science
• Performance Psychology
• Kinesiology Generalist Track

The online program also offers a Sport Management concentration, and students may choose whether or not to pursue a thesis, internship, or research project as a capstone. 

Full-time graduate students at Texas A&M-Kingsville can expect to pay around $12,743 if studying remotely from home. This includes $5,702 in tuition and fees for state residents. Non-resident remote learners, on the other hand, pay around $13,763 for tuition and fees, with a total cost of attendance of around $20,804.

21. United States Sports Academy

The United States Sports Academy was launched in 1972 as a private university for programs focused on sports education. Located in Daphne, AL, the institution offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. As the only institution of its kind in the nation, students can obtain their degree via distance learning. 

At the Academy, you can complete a number of bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as sports management, sports coaching, sports studies, and strength and conditioning. Alumni from this institution have gone on to become coaches, educators, managers, and directors within sports organizations. 

Students attending the Academy benefit from having all textbooks included in the cost of their tuition and fees, which represents a saving of over $2,000. For a bachelor’s degree, you’ll pay around $484 per credit hour, while master’s degrees are charged at a rate of around $720 per credit hour.

22. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university has been named as a top-100 performer in a number of areas by the National Science Foundation, including in communications, social sciences, and population studies, among others. NDSU’s student body comprises around 12,500 students, of which nearly 1,800 are graduates. 

This institution offers a Master’s in Leadership in Physical Education and Sport. Requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 from an undergraduate program for admission, this degree is designed to prepare students to become:

• teachers
• coaches
• department leaders
• directors in educational organizations

It is also a flexible, fully online program. 

Students enrolled in this graduate program pay the same rate of tuition as in-state students, regardless of residency. Online graduate programs attract a base tuition rate of around $389. This varies up to $811 depending on your area of study, with public health majors paying the highest rates.

23. Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University has a prospectus of more than 140 programs for undergraduate students and around 21 graduate and certificate programs. The campus comprises seven academic schools and colleges and is located near to a number of outdoor recreational spaces, which is how it earned the nickname of “University of the Parks.” 

SUU offers a BS in:

• Exercise Science
• Physical Education Teaching/ Coaching

It offers a Master’s in:

• Athletic Training
• Sports Conditioning and Performance

Minors include:

• Exercise Science
• Health Education

As a graduate student enrolled in a fully online program at SUU, you’ll pay tuition at the same rate as state residents. Each credit hour is charged at a rate of around $375, for a total of around $5,250 per semester for full-time students taking 14-20 credits.

24. McNeese State University

McNeese State University has over 75 years of experience in higher education. Today, undergraduates have access to more than 100 academic programs, while graduates have a choice of 36 degrees, with many of these specializing in areas including:

• agriculture
• hospitality
• healthcare

The McNeese Main Campus is located in Lake Charles, LA.

This Master’s in Health and Human Performance comprises 33 credit hours and requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 for admission, in addition to a minimum GRE score of 280. With a concentration in Exercise Physiology, the program includes courses such as:

• Advanced Exercise Prescription
• Advanced Physiology of Exercise
• Problems in Health and Human Performance

Master’s students must also complete an internship before graduation.

25. University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is the primary institution of the University of Hawaii System. Founded in 1907, it has a broad range of attractive accomplishments for prospective students, including hundreds of degree programs and many nationally ranked athletics teams. It is also a strong research university and one of only 115 R1-ranked institutions. 

UH’s Master’s in Rehabilitation Counselor Education comprises 48 credits, with most students taking around three years to earn the degree. Conducted in an entirely online format, most of the synchronous modules take place in the evening, which is ideal for working students. You’ll also engage in three semesters’ worth of field experience in a local community. 

Students enrolling in this master’s degree program can expect to pay tuition of around $655 per credit, which includes a $5 fee for each credit. Unlike some other institutions, out-of-state students do not pay an additional surcharge on their tuition based on residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Enroll in a Fully Online Degree in Sports Medicine?

Getting your online undergraduate or graduate degree in sports medicine should be no different than earning your degree through a traditional program. The majority of colleges and universities use the same faculty members to teach their online programs as they do for the campus-based counterparts. Plus, your diploma will not indicate the medium through which you completed your studies. 

In terms of completing coursework, an online degree can in many cases be preferable. While you won’t experience college life in the same way as a campus-based student, you’ll typically pay less in tuition. You can also choose how and when you study and fit it around your work schedule. The exception is if you’re enrolled in synchronous courses, in which you must attend classes virtually at scheduled times. 

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Sports Medicine Degree?

For bachelor’s degree programs in sports medicine, it’s common for universities to require a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some of the less-competitive institutions may accept students who have a 2.5, though this is less common, and you’ll also need to submit your official high school transcripts. 

At the graduate level, again, students most commonly need a GPA of 3.0 from their undergraduate studies to be considered for admission. A GRE requirement of around 1,600 is also fairly typical, though some institutions may consider only your GPA or GRE and not both.

Academic requirements aside, it’s not uncommon to be asked for up to three letters of recommendation to support your application. To improve your competitive edge, taking AP credits or additional courses in the sciences and math could help to make a difference. Additionally, particularly at the master’s level, work experience can be extremely beneficial. 

What Kinds of Careers Can You Get With a Degree in Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine programs offer different areas of emphasis or specialization, but there are some courses that are commonly featured in most programs. These cover topics in strength conditioning and diet and nutrition, for example. Depending on your desired career, you should choose your program and electives carefully. 

Athletic trainers are not like personal trainers: they work to prevent and treat injuries afflicting athletes in collaboration with doctors, coaches, and other professionals. One of these professionals might be the physical therapist, which is another occupation open to sports science majors, though it does require the completion of a master’s degree. 

Alternatively, nutritionists work to create healthy eating plans for sports teams, which take into account the unique needs of the individual and the goals of the team. While a master’s degree isn’t required for this role, nutritionists do need certification from the American Dietetics Association. 

Other professional roles for sports medicine majors include:

• biomechanist
• exercise physiologist
• orthopedic nurse
• sports psychologist
• chiropractor
• physical therapy assistant

Some of the most advanced roles include the sports psychiatrist, which is a licensed physician role that requires a Doctor of Medicine degree, state licensure, and extensive training. 

What Is the Earning Potential With a Degree in Sports Medicine?

Many graduates with a degree in sports medicine choose to become athletic trainers. This entry-level role attracts a salary of around $43,545 on average, according to PayScale. As a newly qualified graduate, you can expect to earn a salary of around $39,000 annually, which is roughly in line with the U.S. national average. With ten or more years of experience, however, this earning potential can rise to around $50,000. 

Alternatively, graduates often choose the role of an occupational therapist. According to PayScale, the average entry-level salary for this role is around $61,850. With a decade’s experience in the role, you could be earning as much as around $76,000 per year. However, unlike the athletic trainer, this career requires a master’s degree. 

Sports medicine physicians often start out by studying sports medicine at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. If you’re driven by earning potential, then this could be the career for you. Entry-level salary for this role averages at around $175,000 annually according to PayScale, with further progression possible. 

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out the 30 Best Nationally Accredited Online Colleges and the Best Colleges for Military and Ex-Military Students!