Although you typically can't major in sports medicine as an undergraduate, you could minor in the subject or choose it as a concentration in a related major, like athletic training. Learn more about your bachelor's-level options for studying sports medicine. Review the curriculum, and read about online continuing education courses in this field.
Can I Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Medicine?
Degree programs in sports medicine at the baccalaureate level are uncommon. However, sports medicine minors are more common. You can consider majoring in sports science or athletic training. With either a major or minor in sports medicine, you prepare to extend your education into graduate or professional study in medicine, physical therapy, sports psychology and nutrition. This degree program can lead you to a career in medicine, athletic training, exercise, physical therapy, conditioning and strength training.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td>Bachelor's in sports science or athletic training; graduate-level study in sports medicine</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Potential Coursework</b></td><td>Core sciences, human body and movement sciences</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>Online bachelor's degree programs are nearly impossible to find</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $49,860 (<i>for athletic trainers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 16% growth (<i>for athletic trainers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyCurriculumBe">What Will My Curriculum Be?</h3><p>On top of your general education requirements, many bachelor's degree courses focus on mathematics and sciences. These courses help you work toward a medical degree; and in some instances, this program can be considered a pre-med degree program. Major and minor subjects touch upon the physiology of the body, physical therapy, kinesiology and sports medicine. You learn about the body, how it moves and its parts. You also learn how to assess, treat and prevent injuries in a sports-related field. Available classes may address:
</p><ul><li>Sport philosophy
</li><li>Sport psychology
</li><li>Exercise physiology
</li><li>Athletic injuries
</li><li>Pathology
</li><li>Rehabilitation
</li><li>Therapeutic techniques
</li><li>Emergency care
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CanIEarnThisDegreeOnline">Can I Earn This Degree Online?</h3><p>Other than those at private, for-profit colleges with questionable accreditation, online degree programs in sports medicine are very uncommon. Because sports medicine concentrations prepare you to advance your education via a medical degree program, hands-on experience is necessary and not easy to mimic through distance-learning. However, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides certifications to those who already have completed their education and want to become certified athletic trainers, public health specialists or exercise physiologists. You can earn continuing-education credits online by watching webinars and joining conferences through the ACSM website.</p>
