7 Fastest Online Kinesiology Degree Programs 2025

A degree in kinesiology can lead to many different career paths in exercise science, physical education, sports medicine, and more. Perhaps you're interested in earning an online kinesiology degree, and you'd like to earn it as fast as possible. Are there any schools that offer accelerated bachelor's or master's degrees in this field?

Keep reading as we discuss some accelerated degree programs in kinesiology that you can earn online. We'll also answer some questions you may be curious about.

Accelerated Online Kinesiology Degrees

Though there are pros and cons of accelerated degrees, they are generally beneficial for students to help them progress more quickly. The following online degrees have been chosen because they allow online students to earn their degrees at faster-than-average rates.

These programs offer generous transfer credit policies and fast-track options and enable highly motivated learners to study on their own schedule. Let's take a look at these top online colleges for kinesiology students.

1. East Central University

East Central University is a public school with an enrollment of around 3,400 students. It offers online and on-campus degree programs � and one of those online degrees available is a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. This program is designed to provide a fundamental education to all those interested in the study of human movement.

The school provides accelerated eight-week course sessions, flexible online coursework, and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits from other institutions. All these factors can help students earn this degree in as little as two years.

2. Montreat College

Montreat College is a small college in Montreat, NC. It provides online degrees in select subjects through its School of Adult and Graduate Studies, including a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. Coursework in this kinesiology program is designed to help students promote wellness and physical activity to improve human performance.

This online bachelor's degree program provides eight-week course sessions, flexible study options, and a generous transfer policy. Highly motivated students with the proper transfer credits can complete the program in as little as one year.

3. Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a private school belonging to the Concordia University System. One of the many online degrees available through the school is a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. The program teaches various methodologies in biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports psychology, and more to help students pursue advanced education and various career paths.

Students in this program can study whenever it's convenient for them, which means they have the option to take heavy courseloads if desired. There are also options to accelerate their studies so they can graduate in a reduced timeframe.

4. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public university in North Forks, ND, with around 15,000 students. It provides Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in kinesiology, both of which can be completed online or on campus. The combined degrees can prepare students for careers or advanced education in athletic training, physical therapy, and other health science fields.

Students at this school can pursue an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program, in which they take graduate-level coursework while still completing their undergraduate degree. The combined program comprises 150 credit hours and can be completed in as little as four years, and possibly sooner for those with transfer credits.

5. Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University is a public school located in Stephenville, TX. It provides an online Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. Students in these programs learn about improving health and wellness through exercise programs and lifestyle changes.

This degree program provides targeted electives that lead to six specializations so students can tailor their educational experiences to their specific career goals. The athletic training specialization can be combined with a Master of Science in athletic training so students complete both degrees within five years.

6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a member of the University of Texas System. This public school provides various online degrees, including a Master of Science in kinesiology with an emphasis on physical education. The program provides an in-depth look at sports science and the effects of fitness programs on the human body.

This high-ranking master's program provides affordable tuition rates that apply to both in-state and out-of-state students, along with financial aid options. Flexible coursework and accelerated seven-week course sessions make it possible to finish this program in as little as one year.

7. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private school located in Riverside, CA. The school provides an online Master of Science in kinesiology. The program prepares aspiring and existing healthcare providers to work in a variety of settings through flexible coursework and innovative hands-on experiences.

The degree consists of 30 credit hours. It can be completed in as little as a year if students are enrolled full-time.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team chose the schools listed above based on high selection standards. The institutions have met the following criteria for delivering high-quality accelerated higher education programs:

• Accreditation: Each of the schools listed maintains regional or national accreditation by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as the Higher Learning Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
• Generous transfer policy: Many of the programs listed allow students to transfer 90 credit hours or more from other institutions, helping those with previous college experience or test or life experience credits to graduate faster.
• Fast-track options: Several of the programs discussed above offer fast-track bachelor's-to-master's options, enabling students to graduate with both degrees in a shorter-than-average timeframe.
• Flexible course options: Most of the programs provide asynchronous coursework, which makes it possible for highly motivated students to take heavy courseloads, progress through their classes faster, and graduate sooner.

FAQs About Online Programs in Kinesiology

If you still have questions about online learning options for kinesiology, we're here to help. Let's look at some commonly asked questions you may be curious about.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Kinesiology Degree Online?

Traditionally, it takes full-time students about four years to complete a bachelor's degree and about two years to earn a master's degree. However, those enrolled in accelerated programs or those with sufficient transfer credits can earn their bachelor's degree in as little as one to two years and their master's degree in as little as one year.

What Are the Benefits of Getting an Online Kinesiology Degree?

Studying online has several benefits. Online programs are typically more flexible than on-campus programs, enabling students to study on their own time or progress through their courses at a pace that works for them. An online kinesiology degree may also offer lower tuition rates, especially for out-of-state students.

Finally, online programs often have generous transfer policies and may also have smaller class sizes.

What Can You Do with an Online Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology?

A kinesiology degree can lead to many careers in sports management, healthcare, health promotion, public and community health, and occupational therapy. Some common job titles you can pursue with a kinesiology degree include:

• exercise physiologist
• athletic trainer
• physical therapist
• personal trainer
• health educator

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to begin your online health education, look at the colleges and universities featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to the admissions department at any of the schools today to find out more about their kinesiology programs and discover which path is best for you.