Exercise Science FAQs

Your first step is to complete the online application, and then prepare your high school or college transcripts, if applicable. See the How to Apply page for more information.

Admission to CSP’s online Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Transfer students need official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. View the program admissions requirements page for more details. 

Yes, CSP accepts up to 90 transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities toward the 120-credit bachelor’s degree. This means you could complete your degree with just 30 credits at CSP if you have substantial prior coursework. Credits are evaluated course-by-course for equivalency. 

Career opportunities include personal trainer, group fitness instructor, wellness coach, fitness center manager, strength and conditioning coach, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, exercise physiologist, health educator, athletic performance specialist, and wellness program coordinator. Some graduates work in sales and marketing for fitness equipment or supplement companies. Many use the degree as preparation for graduate programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Physician Assistant studies. Visit the career page to learn more about opportunities for graduates.  

Yes, the B.A. in Exercise Science provides excellent preparation for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs by fulfilling most prerequisite coursework including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology. However, DPT admission is competitive and requires strategic planning. CSP’s faculty and advisors can guide you in making the right coursework choices if the DTP program is your long-term goal.  

The degree prepares you for professional certifications including ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist or Personal Trainer, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Personal Trainer, ACE Personal Trainer or Health Coach, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Additional certifications include ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach, and specialized certifications in senior fitness, youth fitness, pre/postnatal exercise, or cardiac rehabilitation. Most certifications require passing comprehensive exams and maintaining CPR/AED certification. Your coursework directly prepares you for the certification exam content. 

Yes, the program is designed specifically for working professionals. The 100% online format provides flexibility to continue your coaching or training career while earning your degree. The asynchronous coursework creates a structured learning path, and you can access all coursework online without any clinical placement requirements. Many students in the program are currently working as coaches, personal trainers, or in related athletic performance roles, making it practical to balance work and graduate studies. 

While exercise science provides foundational knowledge relevant to athletic training, becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer requires completing a CAATE-accredited Athletic Training program leading to Board of Certification (BOC) credential. This program alone does not qualify you for athletic training certification. However, the degree provides excellent preparation for entering an athletic training master’s program or pursuing related careers in strength and conditioning, sports performance, or fitness coaching that work alongside athletic trainers. Visit the career page to learn more about opportunities for graduates.  

The online program includes general education requirements and 37 credit hours of core coursework. Major courses cover research methods, nutrition, human anatomy, sport business, health psychology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, applied exercise prescription, and exercise testing. The curriculum emphasizes understanding body mechanics, physiological responses to exercise, and the design of individualized fitness programs. Students complete an internship experience to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings such as fitness facilities, corporate wellness programs, or rehabilitation centers. Explore the courses page for details related to the online curriculum. 

Exercise Science is a specialization within kinesiology that focuses specifically on how the body responds to physical activity and exercise. Kinesiology is the broader study of human movement encompassing biomechanics, motor learning, sport psychology, and exercise physiology across all contexts. Exercise Science emphasizes the physiological, biomechanical, and metabolic aspects of exercise, preparing graduates for careers in fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation. In practical terms, the distinction is minimal at the undergraduate level—curriculum content and career preparation matter more than the degree title. Learn more in our article about the differences between exercise science and kinesiology.  

Yes, Exercise Science is excellent for those passionate about fitness, wellness, and helping others improve health. The field offers strong job growth in coming years. The degree provides diverse career paths from clinical settings to sports performance, corporate wellness to rehabilitation. It also serves as strong preparation for competitive graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related healthcare fields. 

The coursework can be completed entirely online. However, the required internship must be completed in-person at an approved local site such as a gym, wellness program, or rehabilitation facility.

The program’s 49 core credit hours can be completed in as little as six semesters. However, your transfer credits and general education credits will vary the time it takes you to complete the degree.

Completion time depends on transfer credits and enrollment status. Students starting with zero transfer credits typically need 4 years full-time or 5-6 years part-time. With an associate’s degree (60 credits transferred), you might need only 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time. Students transferring the maximum 90 credits could finish in 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. 

CSP’s online B.A. in Exercise Science costs $420 per credit hour. The 120-credit program totals $50,400 in tuition if completed entirely at CSP. However, transferring credits can significantly reduce costs. Additional expenses include loan fees, textbooks, and course supplies. Explore the tuition and financial aid page for more information on how to pay for your online degree program. 

Students can access federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA, including Pell Grants (up to $7,395 annually) and Federal Direct Student Loans. CSP offers institutional scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000+ annually based on academic merit and leadership. Transfer students may receive $2,000 through transfer partnerships. State grant programs vary by location. Military benefits including Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program can cover substantial costs. Employer tuition assistance programs may also be available, particularly for those working in healthcare, wellness, or fitness facilities. Explore the tuition and financial aid page for more information on how to pay for your online degree program.