In a world where physical health, athletic performance and preventative wellness are more important than ever, the demand for well-educated professionals in the field of exercise science continues to grow. Whether you’re a personal trainer aiming to enhance your credentials, a fitness enthusiast eager to turn passion into purpose or a sports coach striving to elevate your team’s performance, ACU’s online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science offers the ideal blend of flexibility, science-based education and career-building support.
Need a little more convincing? Here are some powerful reasons why this degree is the best choice for today’s coaches, trainers and exercise professionals.
Unmatched Career Versatility and Competitive Salaries
Exercise science is the study of how the human body responds to physical exercise
It draws on various disciplines, including biomechanics, sports nutrition, behavioral strategies, exercise program design and sport psychology. A scientific foundation of exercise science includes physiology, a branch of biology focused on studying living mechanisms, as well as athletic training and kinesiology. And while most students will examine what happens at the molecular and cellular levels, they will also investigate how external environmental factors impact the body, making them trained professionals for various settings.
In our B.S. in Exercise Science, you can expect to have a number of doors open for a wide range of career paths in health, fitness and athletics. These include:
- Personal Trainer | Median Annual Salary: $40K
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach | Median Annual Salary: $40K
- Physical Education Teacher | Median Annual Salary: $61K
- Fitness Center Manager | Median Annual Salary: $48K
- Wellness Program Manager | Median Annual Salary: $48K
- Recreation and Sports Director | Median Annual Salary: $48K
- Athletic Director | Median Annual Salary: $96K
A Thriving Industry with Expanding Opportunities
The health and fitness industry generates approximately $30 billion annually with a number of jobs expected to grow as public health campaigns, wellness technology and lifestyle medicine begin to take center stage. For sports coaches, this growth translates into increased demand for evidence-based training methods, injury prevention strategies and holistic athlete development. Plus, with schools, athletic departments and youth programs increasingly seeking professionals with a scientific background in exercise and performance, the industry is becoming even more focused on preparing professionals to lead teams, mentor athletes and create corporate health-based initiatives. Needless to say, certified exercise professionals will continue to be in high demand across sectors.
Designed with working professionals in mind, ACU’s program is 100% online and highly adaptable. With a wide range of benefits, you can expect:
- Locked-in tuition for the duration of the program.
- Accelerated path for NASM-certified professionals to receive up to 9 credit hours for their existing certifications.
- Integration of Christian values, emphasizing service, compassion and holistic care in every aspect of health and wellness.
- Supportive academic community with access to mentors, faculty, and career resources.
A Science-Driven Curriculum That Supports Athletic and Human Performance
ACU’s online B.S. in Exercise Science is more than a traditional fitness degree; it’s a dynamic, evidence-based program that prepares students to understand and enhance the human body’s response to exercise. Our curriculum includes courses ranging from:
- Structural Kinesiology
- Leadership and Management for Health Promotion
- Strength & Conditioning for Performance
- Research Methods in Kinesiology
- Exercise and Special Populations
- Professional Certifications in Health & Human Performance
- And more!
Our comprehensive approach makes the degree ideal for sports and exercise professionals who want to obtain their degrees in programs rooted in science, data and physical application, not guesswork. While degrees in kinesiology, health sciences, or physical education have overlapping components, ACU’s online B.S. in Exercise Science is more than just an online degree. We’re uniquely focused on applying the rigorous scientific principles you need to real-world fitness and performance environments.
Whether you’re coaching high school athletes, training clients one-on-one, or simply passionate about health and performance, ACU’s B.S. in Exercise Science offers the academic foundation and flexibility to help you thrive. Backed by strong career prospects and rooted in faith and service, it’s the perfect degree for modern sports coaches, trainers and fitness leaders. Start your journey today! Visit our website to learn more and apply.