10 Best Sports Medicine Degree Programs in 2026

A sports medicine degree can open doors to careers that focus on your interest in health, science, and athletics. Whether you want to work in physical therapy, athletic training, or wellness coaching, these programs prepare you with both classroom knowledge and hands-on practice.

Many sports medicine programs are flexible, offering online or hybrid formats so you can balance school with work or family life. You’ll study topics like exercise science, nutrition, biomechanics, and injury prevention while also gaining practical experience through labs, internships, or certifications. A sports medicine major is also a great foundation if you’re considering advanced schooling to become a sports medicine physician.

What Is a Sports Medicine Degree?

A sports medicine degree focuses on the science of movement, health, and athletic performance. You’ll learn how exercise impacts the body, how to prevent injuries, and how to help people recover after physical setbacks. Most programs mix classroom learning with applied experiences such as labs, clinical placements, or internships.

Depending on the school, sports medicine can be offered as a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or sports and health sciences. These programs prepare you for jobs in sports medicine, such as athletic trainer, fitness coach, wellness director, or rehabilitation specialist. They can also set you up for graduate study if you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or physician.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Sports Medicine Degree?

Most bachelor’s-level sports medicine programs take about four years to complete if you study full time. Some schools offer degree-completion options or accelerated formats that may allow you to graduate faster, especially if you have transfer credits.

If your goal is to work as a sports medicine physician, you’ll need to plan for additional schooling. That path usually includes earning a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine or a related science field, followed by four years of medical school and a residency program in sports medicine. Understanding sports medicine physician schooling requirements early can help you map out prerequisites, testing timelines, and application steps for medical programs.

10 Best Sports Medicine Colleges

Choosing the right school is the first step toward building a career in sports medicine. Below, we highlight accredited programs that balance affordability, flexibility, and strong career preparation. Each of these programs provides pathways to various careers in sports medicine, from athletic training and wellness coaching to advanced medical practice.

1. Cameron University

Cameron University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in sports and exercise science includes classroom learning with hands-on training, offered in a hybrid format with both in-person and online coursework. The curriculum focuses on health, fitness, and athletic performance while also preparing you for advanced study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related health fields.

You can choose career-focused tracks such as coaching, fitness training, health education, or recreation, with opportunities to pursue respected certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and American Council on Exercise (ACE). Teaching-focused students may also use this degree as a pathway into Oklahoma’s Alternative Placement Program for educators.

• Estimated tuition cost: $236.50 per credit (in-state); $550.50 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. East Central University

The online BS in kinesiology at East Central University is designed for students interested in the science of movement, wellness, and performance. This 120-credit program can be completed fully online, and its flexible format supports both new students and transfer learners. Coursework covers sports nutrition, athletic injuries, physiology of exercise, and health promotion, giving you a broad skill set for fitness and wellness careers.

In addition to the core curriculum, you’ll complete a four-credit practicum in exercise science, recreation, or athletic training to gain practical experience under faculty supervision. While the degree doesn’t have formal tracks, the wide variety of classes allows you to tailor your studies toward coaching, administration, or adapted physical education. Graduates are well prepared for careers in athletic training, fitness management, or recreation leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $331.80 per credit (in-state); $668.80 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. American Public University

American Public University offers its BS in sports and health sciences entirely online, making it a flexible choice for working students or those balancing busy schedules. The program provides a strong foundation in exercise science, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and nutrition while also covering injury management and motivational strategies for performance improvement.

You’ll choose from two concentrations to tailor your degree: fitness and wellness professional studies, which focuses on business and management skills in health settings, or exercise science, which targets advanced strength training, conditioning, and exercise prescription. Graduates leave with a broad skill set that applies to careers in fitness, allied health, and athletic performance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit (standard); $250 per credit (military)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Concordia University, St. Paul

At Concordia University, St. Paul, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in exercise science completely online, which includes health-focused coursework along with business-oriented classes. The program integrates liberal arts studies with 44 credits in the major, including biomechanics, kinesiology, nutrition, and sport business.

A required internship allows you to match your interests with hands-on experience in coaching, personal training, or rehabilitation settings. The degree also prepares you to sit for certifications from ACSM, NSCA, and other professional organizations. While no official tracks are offered, the program’s mix of coursework and certification prep creates natural pathways toward specialized careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $420 per credit (standard); $250 per credit (active-duty military, National Guard, Reserve, and spouses)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary’s online BS in exercise science is designed as a degree-completion program that mixes academic study with practical experience. Coursework covers nutrition, biomechanics, emergency care, and the effects of exercise on disease and special populations, giving you a thorough background in both prevention and rehabilitation.

Hands-on learning is built into the program through a required internship, helping you gain professional experience before graduation. While there are no formal tracks, the curriculum prepares you for certification exams from nationally recognized organizations such as the ACSM, NSCA, and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Graduates may pursue careers in personal training, exercise physiology, or corporate wellness.

• Estimated tuition cost: $429 per credit
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Methodist University

Methodist University’s online BS in exercise and sport science is offered in an asynchronous format, making it easy to balance coursework with work or family schedules. Classes run in eight-week sessions and cover anatomy, biomechanics, sport psychology, and strength training, helping you build both scientific knowledge and practical skills.

The program focuses on applied learning, teaching you how to conduct health and performance assessments and design safe, effective exercise plans using the FITT principle. While no formal tracks are listed, the curriculum prepares you for careers across athletic training, fitness coaching, and rehabilitation. The focus on facility management and exercise motivation strategies also sets you up for leadership roles in the health and fitness industry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $435 per credit
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Texas State University

Texas State University offers a fully online Master of Science (MS) in exercise science with a sport coaching concentration, designed for professionals ready to advance their careers in coaching, fitness, or wellness. The 36-credit curriculum builds expertise in physical training science, while also exploring the psychological and social aspects of sports and exercise.

With its dedicated sport coaching concentration, you’ll study advanced resistance training, developmental sports education, and applied strength and conditioning principles. The program also focuses on research and evidence-based practice, preparing you to pursue advanced certifications such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). This master’s degree is especially valuable if you’re aiming for leadership or high-performance coaching roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $499 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Maryville University

Maryville University’s online BS in exercise science provides a comprehensive look at human movement, wellness, and performance. The program includes core studies in biomechanics, nutrition, exercise testing, and physiology, giving you the tools to assess and improve health across diverse populations.

You can tailor your degree through three concentration tracks: strength and conditioning, which prepares you for certification as a coach or trainer; wellness management, aimed at corporate and community health promotion; and pre-graduate school, which builds the prerequisites you’ll need for advanced programs in physical therapy, athletic training, or physician assistant studies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $575 per credit
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Liberty University

Liberty University’s MS in exercise science and wellness is a 100% online program designed for students who want to deepen their expertise in sports, fitness, and health. Courses are delivered in an accelerated eight-week format and cover physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and advanced fitness assessment, giving you both theoretical knowledge and applied skills.

You can personalize your degree by choosing one of two concentrations. The fitness and performance concentration focuses on advanced strength and conditioning, while the nutrition and wellness concentration emphasizes dietary strategies for health promotion and disease prevention. Both tracks prepare you for professional roles in corporate wellness, human performance, or community health settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. United States Sports Academy

The United States Sports Academy offers its Bachelor of Sports Studies (BSS) fully online through a flexible, asynchronous format. With rolling enrollment and no set login times, you can begin courses at any point during the year and complete them at your own pace. The curriculum is broad, allowing you to shape your degree around your personal interests and long-term career goals in the sports industry.

Students often use this program to prepare for careers in sports administration, coaching, media, or officiating. While the degree does not include formal concentrations, its customizable structure makes it easy to focus on the areas of sport that matter most to you. The self-paced model is especially helpful for working professionals looking to advance in the field while managing other commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate sports medicine programs using several important factors that help students choose wisely. Our focus is on accreditation, affordability, and reputation to ensure each school provides both quality and value.

• Accreditation: Schools must hold accreditation from a recognized regional accreditor to ensure academic quality and eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Affordability: We compare tuition costs to highlight schools that provide good value. Many offer reduced military rates, in-state discounts, or transfer-friendly policies.
• Reputation: We consider graduation outcomes, faculty expertise, and how well programs prepare students for certifications and advanced study in health fields.

FAQs About Sports Medicine Degrees

If you’re new to the field, you probably have questions about what to expect from a sports medicine degree. Below, we answer common concerns about career paths, program difficulty, graduate requirements, and salary potential.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Sports Medicine Degree?

With a sports medicine major, you can prepare for a wide range of roles in fitness, athletics, and health care. Many graduates find work as personal trainers, strength coaches, or wellness directors. 

Others step into athletic training or rehabilitation positions, supporting athletes and patients through recovery. For students who continue to graduate study, advanced careers such as physical therapy or physician assistant roles become possible.

Is Sports Medicine a Hard Major?

Sports medicine can be demanding because it requires mastering both science courses and applied skills. You’ll likely study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition, which means balancing lab work with classroom learning. While challenging, these subjects give you the tools to improve people’s health and performance.

Do You Need Graduate School for Sports Medicine?

It depends on the career path you’re aiming for. A bachelor’s degree in sports medicine can lead directly to jobs in fitness, coaching, and wellness management. However, becoming a licensed athletic trainer, physical therapist, or sports medicine physician requires graduate-level education.

How Much Do Sports Medicine Graduates Make?

Earnings in sports medicine vary widely depending on the role and level of education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level fitness trainers and coaches often earn about $46,000 annually, while athletic trainers average closer to $60,000. 

Graduates who pursue advanced careers such as physical therapy or physician assistant roles can earn $100,000 or more. Choosing graduate school can significantly expand your salary potential.

Explore Sports Medicine Degrees Online

Finding the right program starts with exploring accredited sports medicine degrees that fit your needs. Visit Learn.org to compare schools, check financial aid options, and take the next step toward a career in sports medicine.