By SMDG Staff
The field of sport science is broad, covering physical, physiological, and psychological aspects of human performance. Sport science master’s programs are multifaceted, providing students with a stepping stone for graduate studies in physical or occupational therapy. They also provide students with the coursework necessary for certification as a personal training or strength and conditioning professional. Coursework typically covers areas like anatomy, motor learning, human performance, sport psychology, motor development, health and wellness, and biomechanics. Online programs allow students to continue working while completing their degree, and eliminate the time and travel to a traditional on-campus program. We created this list of our top 20 online master’s in sport science programs to showcase the best programs in the country.
Related Resource: What is an Exercise Physiologist?
Ranking Methodology
This ranking list was created to highlight the top-ranked online sport science master’s in the United States. We relied on College navigator and organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to find programs offering an online master’s in a sport science area. We reviewed programs in sport science, and sport science fields such as kinesiology, exercise science, and human performance to find programs that emphasize sports or athletics. To be considered for our ranking, schools needed to hold regional accreditation, demonstrate a commitment to sport science through extensive online course offerings in areas like kinesiology, exercise science, human performance, and pre-med. The list was then ranked according to a combination of cost of attendance, the student to faculty ratio and the availability of concentration areas.
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 10:1 or less= 5 Points
- 11:1 to 15:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 15:1= 1 Point
Average Graduate Tuition
- Less than $20,000 per year= 4 Points
- $20,001 to $30,000 per year= 3 Points
- $30,001 to $40,000 per year= 2 Points
- Greater than $40,000 per year= 1 Point
Concentration Areas
- Each program with an area of concentration= 3 Points
#20 – George Washington University – Washington, DC
Online Master of Science in Exercise Science in Strength and Conditioning
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average graduate student tuition: $30,780/year
Points: 5
George Washington University offers a top-value online master’s in exercise science in strength and conditioning for students committed to improving public health and engaging in public service. Students will learn the science and theory of resistance training to improve overall athletic performance and prevent health disorders due to inactivity. Affordable online coursework is offered in strength and conditioning, biomechanical analysis and power training. All students complete an internship experience that prepares them for positions in non-profit research centers, college-level athletics programs, and educational institutions.
#19 – California Baptist University – Riverside, California
MS in Kinesiology Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average graduate student tuition: $13,420/year
Points: 5
The best-value online master’s in kinesiology from California Baptist University is designed to meet the needs of working adults. This 12 month low-cost online master’s degree program features coursework in biomechanics, exercise and sport psychology, fitness testing, and advanced exercise physiology. Students can choose to complete a thesis, graduate project or comprehensive exam to showcase their skills in a professional format. California Baptist University delivers a sport science online master’s program rooted in biblical principles, equipping students with the professional and spiritual skills needed to excel.
#18 – Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, Kentucky
Online M.S. Athletic Administration & Coaching
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average graduate student tuition: $12,140/year in-state and $17,980/year out-of-state
Points: 5
The top affordable online master’s in athletic administration and coaching from Western Kentucky University is a 100% online master’s degree program for students planning to work with youth, K-12. This 33 credit hour online program takes two years to complete and covers areas like research methods, theoretical foundations, legal issues, and facility and event security management. All students complete a practicum experience to gain valuable hands-on training. All graduates receive a paid two-year membership to the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
#17 – Southern Utah University – Cedar City, Utah
MS in Sports Conditioning & Performance Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average graduate student tuition: $7,574/year in-state and $23,784/year out-of-state
Points: 5
The cheap online masters in sports conditioning and performance is an innovative program designed for a broad audience that includes coaches, trainers, therapists, and fitness professionals. Students will take online courses in areas like sport science research and statistics, sport fitness, sport conditioning, and resistance training. While most sport science coursework is delivered in a convenient online format, students come to campus for three intensive summer courses to attend clinical workshops. Admission to this best online master’s program is competitive and students will be selected based on their prior experience, academic success, recommendations, and GRE scores.
#16 – North Dakota State University – Fargo, North Dakota
M.S. in Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science: Leadership in Physical Education and Sport option
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average graduate student tuition: $6,484/year in-state and $9,726/year out-of-state
Points: 5
The low-cost online sport science master’s from North Dakota State University of Health Professions is designed for educators, coaches and leaders who want to increase their knowledge. Affordable online sports science courses cover areas like ethical leadership, analysis of sport skill instruction and acquisition, research in physical education and sport, and teaching concepts-based fitness. Students have a variety of choices to gain additional field experience including a graduate teaching experience, independent study, or a field experience. Students are not required to come to campus since all course content is delivered online through the Blackboard learning management system. Graduates have found success working as master teachers, head coaches, department heads, or activities directors at the interscholastic level and assistant coaches or directors at the intercollegiate level.
#15 – Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, Texas
Online Master’s in Kinesiology (Sport and Human Performance)
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average graduate student tuition: $5,540/year in-state and $13,010/year out-of-state
Points: 5
Sam Houston State University features a cheap online master’s in kinesiology focused on sport and human performance. Students can complete most of their coursework online, coming to campus only for one to two lab days each semester. Economical online courses cover areas like clinical exercise physiology, advanced biomechanics, physiology of exercise, and research in sport and human performance. Program options include a thesis, practicum or additional coursework. Graduates have found exciting opportunities in personal training, corporate wellness, commercial fitness, and athletic performance improvement.
#14 – Texas A&M University Corpus Christi – Corpus Christi, Texas
Online Master’s in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport and Exercise Science
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
Student to Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Average graduate student tuition: $3,965/year in-state and $12,817/year out-of-state
Points: 5
The College of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi features a top-value online master’s in sport science. The master’s in kinesiology is offered online or in a hybrid format with both thesis and non-thesis options available. Cheap online coursework covers areas like biomechanics, exercise physiology, leadership, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. Most courses are delivered in accelerated seven-week sessions. This 36 credit hour program allows students to choose to complete a graduate research project, thesis, or professional field experience. Most students can complete their degree in about two years.
#13 – Logan University – Chesterfield, Missouri
Online M.S. in Sports Science and Rehabilitation
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,900/year
Points: 7
The top affordable online master’s in sport science and rehabilitation from Logan University is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association for excellence. Economical online courses cover areas like biomechanics, exercise and cardiorespiratory physiology, exercise prescription for special populations, and nutrition and physical performance. Students participate in a hands-in internship experience working in environments like hospitals and institutions, universities, clinics and performance centers, and sports teams and organizations. Graduates of this affordable online master’s degree program are prepared for a career in sport science, research, or teaching.
#12 – Lock Haven University – Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science in Sport Science
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average graduate student tuition: $12,384/year in-state and $18,576/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: Sport Administration, Sport and Exercise Psychology
Points: 8
Lock Haven University features a 30 credit hour top-value online master’s in sport science that can be completed in just 12 months of full-time study. Students can choose to complete a sport administration track or a sport and exercise psychology track depending on their professional goals. Flexible start-dates and a diverse student population make this online master’s degree program accessible to non-traditional students from around the country.
#11 – California University of Pennsylvania – California, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science (MS) Applied Sport Science Concentration
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average graduate student tuition: $12,384/year in-state and $18,576/year out-of-state
Concentrations: Group Fitness Leadership, Nutrition, Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention, Wellness and Fitness, Sport Psychology, Wellness Coaching
Points: 8
California University of Pennsylvania features a top low-cost online applied sport science master’s built around the research and real-life experiences delivered by Fusionetics, a highly acclaimed sport performance and recovery enterprise. Students will gain skills in injury prevention, motion analysis, sports recovery interventions, and physical performance achievement. Students can choose to add a concentration in group fitness leadership, nutrition, performance enhancement and injury prevention, wellness and fitness, sport psychology, or wellness coaching. Students also complete a six credit internship to gain real-world experience. Full-time students can complete the program in just one year.
#10 – East Tennessee State University – Johnson City, Tennessee
Master’s in Sport Science and Coach Education
East Tennessee State University
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average graduate student tuition: $8,460/year in-state and $23,598/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: Strength and Conditioning, Applied Sport Science
Points: 8
The Department of Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Kinesiology at East Tennessee State University features a cheap online master’s in sport science and coach education with concentration areas in both strength and conditioning and applied sport science. Students will understand and use evidence based practices in both sport science and coaching. With the focus on performance rather than participation, graduates can contribute to lower incidence of sport injuries and a higher level of achievement for athletes. The strength and conditioning concentration is delivered in a 100% online format with no on-campus requirements. Affordable online courses cover sport conditioning, sport physiology including muscle metabolism and hormonal control, and management skills for coaching. All students complete an internship in fitness/exercise physiology to gain professional experience.
#9 – Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average graduate student tuition: $7,904/year
Concentrations: Fitness and Performance, Nutrition and Wellness
Points: 8
The cheap 33 credit hour online master’s in exercise science and wellness at Liberty University is designed for students who want to make an impact on the world of sports, fitness, and wellness. With online courses taught from a Christian perspective, students learn how to integrate their faith into their profession. There are no on-campus residency requirements, making this a great choice for working professionals. Affordable online courses cover areas like advanced exercise physiology, statistical analysis in exercise science, fitness assessment and programming, and principles of nutrition.
#8 – Jackson State University – Jackson, Mississippi
M.S. Sport Science Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average graduate student tuition: $7,876/year
Concentration Areas: Sport Management
Points: 8
The top low-cost online master’s in sport science from Jackson University is a comprehensive program focused on interdisciplinary collaboration. Core online courses cover ethics, sport psychology and sociology, facility design and maintenance, and governing bodies and the law. Students can complete a concentration in sport management, taking courses in sport marketing, sport finance, business statistics, and sport administration. Students complete either a thesis or an internship and all students must sit for a comprehensive exam to complete the program. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in areas like intercollegiate athletics, sport facilities, professional sport organizations, and multipurpose facilities.
#7 – American Public University – Charles Town, West Virginia
Online Sports and Health Sciences Master of Science
American Public University System
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average graduate student tuition: $6,300/year
Concentrations: Exercise Science and Human Performance, General, Health and Wellness Management
Points: 8
American Public University features a top low-cost online master’s in sport science emphasizing the physical, physiological, psychological and functional adaptations of human beings. This 36 credit hour online program features monthly course start dates and covers areas like motor learning, nutrition for sports performance, advanced exercise and sport physiology, and strength and conditioning. Students can choose a concentration in exercise science and human performance or health and wellness management. All students complete a sports and health sciences capstone research project at the end of the program to showcase what they have learned throughout the program.
#6 – Texas Woman’s University – Denton, Texas
MS in Kinesiology Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average graduate student tuition: $4,852/year in-state and $12,322/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: Adapted Physical Activity, Biomechanics and Motor Behavior, Coaching (online only), Exercise Physiology, and Sport Management (hybrid)
Points: 8
The Texas Woman’s University features a top-value online MS in kinesiology focused on coaching. This 36 credit hour online master’s degree program teaches student both technical and tactical skills in addition to team management. Students can complete all their coursework online and apply it immediately to their current sport science role. Affordable online courses cover areas like sport conditioning and nutrition, sport injury prevention and first aid, sport media and marketing, and sport psychology. Student can choose to complete a practicum experience or a professional paper and project. Most full-time students can complete the program in just 12-18 months of online study.
#5 – University of North Georgia – Dahlonega, Georgia
M.S. with a major in Kinesiology-Exercise Science
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average graduate student tuition: $4,050/year in-state and $16,164/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education
Points: 8
The University of North Georgia features a top online master’s in kinesiology. Students can choose to complete a focus on exercise science or health and physical education. This 30 credit hour affordable master’s degree program is offered in a flexible 100% online format. The curriculum covers advanced kinesiology, advanced exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition in exercise and sports, and advanced exercise prescription and program design. The capstone course allows students to demonstrate what they have learned in physical education curriculum development, instructional pedagogy, on-site research, and reflective practice.
#4 – A.T. Still University – Kirksville, Missouri
Online Master of Science in Kinesiology
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average graduate student tuition: $12,754/year
Concentration Areas: Adaptive Sports, Corrective Exercise and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Exercise and Sport Psychology, Geriatric Exercise Science, Sports Conditioning
Points: 10
A.T. Still University offers a top-value online master’s in kinesiology with certificate options in a variety of areas. The affordable online master’s degree program is a National Strength and Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program, indicating the program meets the educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA. Faculty are industry experts and include researchers, authors, elite coaches, and even a former Olympian. Courses cover a variety of areas including motor control, exercise science, functional anatomy, and evidence-based practice and research methods.
#3 – Concordia University Chicago – River Forest, Illinois
Exercise Science Master’s Degree Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average graduate student tuition: $8,910/year
Concentration Areas: Fitness and Health Promotion, Human Movement Science, Sports Nutrition, Sports Performance Training, Strength and Conditioning
Points: 10
Concordia University Chicago features a top 100% online master’s in exercise science with five different concentration areas including strength and conditioning, sports performance training, sports nutrition, human movement science, and fitness and health promotion. The Sports Performance Training concentration prepares students for the Performance Enhancement Specialist exam, a certification required by top teams in both the NFL and NBA. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions. Economical online sports science courses cover areas like kinesiology, applied exercise physiology, exercise and sport nutrition. All students complete a capstone experience that could include independent research, professional field experience, conference presentation, or curriculum development.
#2 – The United States Sports Academy – River Forest, Illinois
Online Master of Sports Science
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Average graduate student tuition: $17,865/year
Concentrations: Sports Management, Sports Coaching, Sports Studies, Sports Health and Fitness, Recreation Management
Points: 12
The United States Sport Academy offers a best-value online master’s in sports science designed for leaders in the sports world. Students can choose from degree areas in sports management, sports coaching, sports studies, sports health and fitness, and recreation management. Students have 24/7 access to course content and can interact with professors and peers through an integrated online learning platform. Worried about getting a job after graduation? 82% of USSA graduates secured employment within four months of graduation from this top online master’s degree program!
Related Resource: What Does A Sports Nutritionist Do?
#1 – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions – Provo, Utah
MS in Health Science Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Average graduate student tuition: $15,704/year
Concentration Areas: Health and Wellness Coaching, Sport Performance, or Rehabilitation Science
Points: 12
Our top online master’s in sport science is offered by Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. The affordable online master’s in health science features specialty tracks in health and wellness coaching, sport performance and rehabilitation science. This best-value online master’s degree program is open to individuals with a bachelor’s in a related field, with preference given to those with sport or health industry experience. The sport performance concentration area includes coursework in integrated biomechanics, motor control and movement analysis, applications of strength and conditioning in sport performance, and program design for sport performance. Students can complete either a capstone project or aster’s thesis.
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