Exercise Science FAQs

Complete the online application, then have your official transcripts sent to CSP. If you finished high school recently or have limited college credit, ask your high school to send its transcript directly to CSP. Start on the Admission tab.

You need a high school diploma or equivalent. If you are transferring, send official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. There is no application fee. Review all requirements on the Admission tab.

Yes. CSP accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward the 120-credit degree and up to 67 toward the 90-credit degree. If you transfer the maximum, you complete 30 credits at CSP in the 120-credit option or 23 credits in the 90-credit option. CSP offers a free transfer credit evaluation, and students who qualify can receive a $2,000 scholarship through the Transfer Plan partnership. See transfer details on the Admission tab.

Graduates work as personal trainers, group fitness instructors, wellness coaches, fitness center managers, strength and conditioning coaches, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, exercise physiologists, health educators, and wellness program coordinators. Browse roles on the Careers tab.

The degree covers much of the prerequisite coursework that Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs ask for, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology. DPT admission is competitive, and each school sets its own prerequisites, so check the list for every school you plan to apply to.

The program prepares you to sit for the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer exam and for exams from NETA, NSCA, ACSM, and ACE. Each certifying organization sets its own exam and eligibility requirements. See the Careers tab for details.

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. 

Not on its own. Becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer requires a program accredited by CAATE and the Board of Certification (BOC) credential. This degree gives you a foundation in the science, and many graduates continue to graduate study in athletic training.

The major includes 37 credit hours of coursework in research methods, nutrition, human anatomy, sport business, health psychology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, applied exercise prescription, and exercise testing. The rest of your credits come from general education and electives. See the full list on the Courses tab.

Both options lead to the same B.A. in Exercise Science. The 120-credit degree includes up to 53 hours of electives, which leaves room for a minor or double major and prepares you for graduate study. The 90-credit, three-year degree saves time and money because you complete only the electives you need, so you can start your career sooner. Compare the options on the Courses tab.

Kinesiology is the broad study of human movement, including biomechanics, motor learning, sport psychology, and exercise physiology. Exercise science is a focus within kinesiology on how the body responds to physical activity and exercise.

Exercise science is a strong fit if you want to work in fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, or sports performance. The degree leads to roles in clinical settings, corporate wellness, and athletic performance, and it prepares you for graduate study. Explore job titles on the Careers tab.

You complete all coursework online. The required internship takes place in person at an approved local site, such as a gym, wellness program, or rehabilitation facility.

It depends on how many credits you transfer in, how many courses you take each term, and which option you choose. With no transfer credits, the 120-credit option takes about four years full time or five to six years part time, and the 90-credit option takes about three years full time. Transfer credits shorten both timelines. See the Courses tab for how the credits are structured.

Tuition is $420 per credit hour. The 120-credit option totals $50,400 and the 90-credit option totals $37,800 if you complete every credit at CSP. With the maximum transfer credits, tuition drops to $12,600 for the 120-credit option or $9,660 for the 90-credit option, before scholarships and financial aid. Textbooks and loan fees are additional. See the Tuition tab.

Complete the FAFSA to see which federal grants and loans you qualify for. CSP Global’s FAFSA code is 002347. If you are transferring in, you may qualify for a $2,000 scholarship through the Transfer Plan partnership. Active-duty service members pay $250 per credit hour. See the Tuition tab for current costs and the military benefits page for service member and family benefits.