30 Best Masters of Physical Therapy Sports Medicine

As a student at Louisiana State University, you’ll be joining the Tiger Nation and a worldwide community of 250,000 alumni. From your first day at LSU, you’ll be able to join the LSU Alumni organization, gaining access to sponsorship and networking opportunities. More than 100 alumni chapters exist worldwide to support each other and participate in events. 

The online Master of Science in kinesiology with a specialization in sport management will prepare you to become a leader in the sports arena. The curriculum covers areas such as: 

• Health sciences
• Policy and organizational development
• Exercise physiology
• Sports psychology

As a graduate, you’ll be ready to take on a position of seniority in professional sports and fitness. 

For admission into this sports medicine graduate program, you’ll need a degree from an accredited higher education U.S. institution (or equivalent from a foreign institution), plus a minimum 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate work and any graduate work already completed. You’ll also need 3 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a minimum GRE score of 295. 

In total, you’ll take 36 credit hours as part of this graduate program, with the cost per credit hour $639; you can complete the program in as little as just one year if your schedule allows it. Online students pay the same rates regardless of whether you’re an in-state resident or out-of-state. 

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was established in just 2015, it’s one of the first major universities to be opened in the U.S. in the 21st century. However, it’s set in one of the fastest growing regions in Texas and is surrounded by natural beauty, including the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Santa Ana Wildlife Range. 

UTRGV is one of the best colleges for physical therapy and sports medicine in the country. This Master of Science in kinesiology has been awarded eighth place by Onlinemasters.com in a ranking of the Best Online Master’s in Sports Medicine. It also received fifth place from Bestvalueschools.com for the same ranking. You can select the thesis route or the non-thesis route, each consisting of 36 credit hours. 

Your sports medicine program will be highly customized to suit your career goals. Whether you choose the thesis or non-thesis route, your choice of majors and minors will depend upon consultation with your graduate advisor—a person who is not assigned, but chosen by you. 

While many universities charge tuition on an hourly rate for online courses, UTRGV charges per semester. As a resident, you’ll pay $3,563.87, while out-of-state students will pay $7,361.87 per semester. Total tuition is approximately $16,311.48 or $31,503.48 for the course, respectively. 

ULM offers nearly 100 majors and minors, both on-campus and fully online. The institution boasts 100% pass rates in some programs, including: 

• Dental Hygiene
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Nursing

And more than 90% of recent freshman class students received scholarships or other benefits. ULM is one of the best sports medicine colleges in the U.S.

You can choose from more than one concentration in this Master of Science in sports medicine program, including the: 

• Applied exercise science concentration
• Clinical exercise physiology concentration
• Sport management concentration

Each has its own set of specific requirements. 

As part of the admission requirements, the university uses a unique scoring system. You must have a combined score of 725 “on a scale which is found by multiplying their total undergraduate grade-point average by the combined Graduate Record Examination General Test score”. If you’ve achieved between 685 and 724 on this scale, you could still get conditional status. 

ULM Online charges tuition per credit hour. As a graduate student studying a fully online degree program, you’ll pay $500.00 per credit hour, which includes both tuition and fees. This is only slightly higher than the undergraduate rate of $400.00 per credit hour. 

North Dakota State University (NDSU) has been listed in the top 100 for multiple subject areas by the National Science Foundation. It has also been listed at number 94 out of 408 public universities based on the institution’s research expenditure as reported to the same foundation. 

Your Master of Science in HNES (health, nutrition, and exercise science) allows you to specialize in exercise and nutrition science or leadership in physical education and sport. The latter option is offered fully online and is geared towards those who want to advance existing careers in fields like sports coaching and leadership or physical education. 

Your online learning will take place through the university’s learning management system, Blackboard, coupled with readings from assigned journals and textbooks. This gives you the flexibility to fit your assignments and other activities around your existing schedule and learn at your own pace. 

Tuition for all fully online graduate courses is charged at the same rate. You’ll pay $374.62 per credit hour in base tuition, though there are also mandatory fees added for each credit hour. These are between $51.23 and $56.01 per credit for between 1 and 11 credits. 

Students at Texas A&M University – Commerce are Lions, with many participating in one of the university’s 12 competitive sports teams. And while you won’t be living on campus as a distance learner, you’ll still have access to student organizations and services. In recent years, the institution has paid more than $72m in financial aid, with at least 60% of students receiving an award. 

Texas A&M is among the best schools for sports medicine. This Master of Science in health, kinesiology, and sport studies offers four different concentrations: 

• Athletic administration
• Health promotion
• Exercise science
• Athletic administration

Your chosen concentration will depend on the kind of health sciences career that you want.

Admission requirements for the graduate school include an undergraduate degree from an accredited higher education institution, with an overall GPA of at least 3.0. You’ll also need to submit two letters of recommendation and a 1-2 page personal statement, in addition to your application and $50 application fee. 

As far as the university’s guaranteed tuition plans, your tuition fee rate could be locked for the duration of your studies. The university has some comprehensive information available about how fees break down on their website. 

Officially opened in 1914, UTEP is the second oldest institution within the University of Texas System. More than 25,000 students now enroll annually, studying courses from a range of: 

• 72 bachelor’s degrees
• 72 master’s degrees
• 22 doctoral programs

An increasing number of these programs are being offered via distance learning, too. 

You won’t want to miss UTEP’s sports medicine graduate degree. This Master of Science with a major in kinesiology is designed for students who want to: 

• Increase their knowledge and practical skills as a physical instructor
• Achieve a master’s degree as a stepping stone towards a doctoral program
• Improve their knowledge in the distinct areas of exercise science
• Prepare for a senior position within sport and physical education careers

For admission into the sports medicine program, you’ll need to have an existing degree in kinesiology or a related subject from an accredited university. You’ll also need a written statement of purpose, plus a minimum TOEFL score of 550 if English is not your first language. 

For distance learning students who live in-state, tuition is charged at $440.73 – $508.73 per credit hour. For out-of-state students, this rises to $974.50 – $1,042.50, depending on your school of study. You can see the non-resident and resident charge breakdown on the university’s website. 

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The institution has won numerous awards for affordability from GetEducated, as well as being named one of the Best Colleges for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report in 2020. 

As an online distance learner, your studies will commence with an online orientation, which will introduce you to the learning management system (LMS) and how your program is conducted. Studying through the Canvas software, you’ll have full access to all your course materials, in addition to the same services available to on-campus students. 

UTPB’s Master of Science in kinesiology is structured to advance your knowledge, research methodologies, and practice in the area of human movement. The sports medicine curriculum will guide you in becoming a more competent: 

• Athletic trainer
• Physical educator
• Sport administrator
• Director of a facility or fitness program

Tuition rates for UTPB are a little harder to find and provide mostly estimated rates for programs. For a distance learner, the estimated cost per semester is $3,420, which is inclusive of both tuition and any mandatory fees. This is a little higher than the cost of basic tuition for residents and non-residents. 

Starting out as Armstrong Junior College in 1935, Georgia Southern University now offers over 140 degree programs at every level and has students from more than 100 nations. The campus is spread over three locations in addition to offering fully online distance learning. There are more than 200 student organizations, including Division I athletics. 

Georgia Southern is also one of the top sports medicine colleges in the country. With the Master of Science in kinesiology, you can choose from two concentrations: one in coaching education and the other in PE (physical education). All teaching takes place fully online and under the same faculty that instructs students on-campus, so you know you’re getting the same quality of education. 

The master’s degree program starts each May and requires you to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You’ll need a minimum average GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, plus a full resume that details your work history, professional experiences, and any memberships you hold with professional organizations. 

Regardless of your chosen concentration, tuition for the Master of Science in Kinesiology is charged at the same rate. The 14 month program consists of 36 credit hours, or 12 classes, and you’ll pay $358.00 per credit hour as either an in-state or out-of-state resident. 

Part of the University of Texas System, which includes 14 institutions throughout Texas, UT Tyler was founded in 1971 and offers more than 80 programs at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The majority of classes are taught by professors rather than teaching assistants, with a student to professor ratio of around 19:1. 

UT Tyler serves as one of the best schools for sports medicine majors. With the online Master of Science in kinesiology, you’ll receive instruction from an award-winning faculty members in small class sizes. The sports medicine curriculum contains: 

• 18 hours of mandatory required core classes
• 12 hours of electives
• Six hours of thesis (alternatively, you can take an internship)

In the latter part of your studies, you will also have to take a comprehensive examination to graduate from the course. 

Application deadlines fall in May (priority deadline) and August (absolute deadline) and require you to produce a statement of goals along with three reference forms. You’ll need to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field, in addition to having earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale. 

Based on a total number of 36 credits for the online program, you’ll pay around $10,719 per semester as an out-of-state student, or around half of this if you’re a Texas resident. This is slightly higher than the $4,778 or $10,430 you’ll pay as an on-campus learner. 

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and extended campus and online programs. More than 450 arts events are held around campus each year, and the institution boasts 19 NCAA Division I Sports, which have produced 31 national champions. 

This master’s degree offered by UNC is a Master of Arts in teaching, or MAT. As a graduate of the physical education and physical activity leadership program, you’ll be one of the first students to have studied a course geared toward preparing teachers to be physical activity leaders in schools. As a fully online master’s degree program, it is one of the first of its kind in the nation. 

Thanks to a change in the way that K-12 schools are expected to incorporate physical activity, many will now be implementing comprehensive health and fitness programs (officially called ‘Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs’, or CSPAP). As a master’s level graduate with a qualification in this field, you’ll have the necessary skills and knowledge to put such plans in place. 

The tuition for online courses available through UNC’s Extended Campus (distance learning campus) can vary in cost and eligibility based upon residency. You can view tuition rate eligibility by going to the university’s website and looking under ‘Eligibility by State‘. 

The University of Southern Mississippi was founded over a century ago and its alumni are spread across the globe in more than 70 countries. They’ve also picked up 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Scholarships collectively, plus four Truman Scholarships, and 24 Goldwater Scholars. And as an enrolled graduate student, you have the opportunity to take part in many study abroad programs, too. 

At Southern Miss, you can take the Master of Science in kinesiology, though there’s also a fully online Master of Science in sport coaching education. The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours of core courses, without any electives, plus a further 6 credit hours of thesis. However, there is also a non-thesis track for this major. 

For admission into the sports medicine master’s degree program, you’ll need to provide: 

• A statement of purpose
• A resume
• Three letters of recommendation

You will also need to meet the requirements set out on the program’s website, in addition to submitting official scores from one of numerous examinations including the GRE.

Southern Miss has been ranked as the most affordable online college in the United States by Affordable Colleges Online and waives out-of-state tuition for programs taken fully online. For graduate degrees, tuition costs a below-average $494.12 per credit hour, with an additional online delivery fee of $20 per credit hour.

According to the Texas A&M Kingsville website, this institution is the 6th most affordable university in Texas. More than 100 academic programs are available at all levels, and some courses have won awards, such as the engineering program. The campus student body has representation from more than 50 countries across the globe. 

Texas A&M Kingsville boasts one of the top sports medicine colleges in the country. Its Master of Science in kinesiology offers four areas of focus: 

• Health/exercise science
• Performance psychology 
• Kinesiology generalist 
• Sport management (online only)

However, studying fully online means that you can fit the master’s degree program into your existing schedule and commitments, and learn at your own pace. 

This specialized degree curriculum is usually chosen by those students who wish to focus on the area of sport management. You can complete the master’s degree through various options: 

• A 36 credit hour option
• A 36 credit hour option with an internship or research assignment
• A 30 credit hour option with a thesis

Online degree programs are charged at the same rate for master’s and doctoral programs. The average tuition per credit is $465, with a total average tuition of $16,740. There may also be additional fees payable, charged at the same rate for both in-state and out-of-state graduate students. 

Southern Utah University (SUU) offers more than 140 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate and certificate programs. Learning takes place across six academic colleges, in addition to the online learning management system, which lets you study at your own pace. Unofficially, SUU is known as the University of the Parks owing to its proximity to numerous outdoor recreation facilities. 

The Master of Science in sports conditioning and performance from SUU has a reputation for producing a high caliber of graduates. This is in part due to SUU’s reputation as the “coaching factory”, a name given by a Northern Utah sports reporter owing to the institution’s long standing history as a place of greatness for physical education and athletics programs. 

Applicants for the master’s degree are assessed based on their: 

• Existing experience
• Academic track record
• Recommendations
• Motivation
• Graduate admission exams (such as the GRE)

You’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on your last 60 semester hours, plus you’ll need to pay a $60 nonrefundable application fee. 

Tuition fees vary between the various master’s programs offered by SUU. For the MSSCP, you’ll pay $375.00 per credit hour, which is below the average for graduate level tuition. This plateaus at 14 credit hours, after which tuition is fixed at $5,250. 

The Master of Science is offered through UH Mānoa’s College of Education, which surveys its master’s and doctoral students, in addition to mentor and student teachers and graduate employers. This information is used to shape program curriculums and gauge student satisfaction, leading to a higher standard of programs. 

The College of Education has also received the 21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award, which was awarded by the US Distance Learning Association. It has also been ranked at number 64 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Graduate Schools in Education. 

UH Mānoa offers the Master of Science in kinesiology and rehabilitation science, with a specialization in physical activity. This specialized track is geared towards working professionals who have experience in the field of physical education and who want to learn more about work with pre-K-12 students that have disabilities. 

All students, both new and returning, are also required to pay a tuition deposit of $200. Full-time tuition runs at $7,956 for residents or $18,696 for out-of-state students. For part-time study, tuition runs $663 to $1,558 per credit hour. There are also additional fees, some of which apply to online students; you can find a full list of these here. 

McNeese State University was established in 1939 and is situated in one of the fastest growing regions within the state. According to their website, the institution is also known for having “one of the best returns on investment for tuition and high average starting salaries for graduates”. 

This program is a Master of Science in health and human performance, with a concentration in exercise physiology. While the master’s degree is available on-campus with face-to-face teaching, you can also study entirely online. With 6 hours of electives included in the curriculum, you can also shape your program to suit your future career aspirations. 

For admission into the sports medicine program, you will need to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5, which is below the usual expectation of 3.0 for many other institutions. You’ll also need a minimum GRE score of 280, in addition to having your undergraduate degree in an area related to health and human performance or a related field. 

Students who enroll in a fully online degree pay resident student tuition and fees. Unfortunately, the tuition summary for McNeese State University wasn’t available via their website, but the average cost of graduate tuition, according to TheCollegeMonk.com, is $43,175 for master’s courses. 

Founded in 1909, Southern Arkansas University now offers over 80 degrees across four colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, including numerous degree programs unique to the state. The institution enrolls approximately 4,100 students annually and has a student to teacher ratio of 17:1. 

Your curriculum at SAU is designed to follow and demonstrate competencies set by the National Standards for Sport Coaches. The Master of Science in kinesiology was also named in a recent ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges for master’s level study in the field of exercise science. For admission, you’ll need to submit: 

• A cover letter
• A resume
• Three references

Tuition at Southern Arkansas University runs below average compared to many other universities on our list. Graduates in-state pay just $280 per credit hour, which is cheaper than some colleges and universities charge for undergraduates. For out-of-state students, it’s $440 per credit hour. There’s also a $19 fee per credit hour during spring and fall semesters. 

The university provides a full cost breakdown for this sports medicine program. In-state students pay $6,047 per year, or $12,094 for the entire program. Out-of-state students pay $8,687 annually, or $17,374 for the duration of the program. The master’s degree program consists of 33 credit hours and can be completed within 2 years. 

Thanks to its location in the country’s capital, GW has some incredible access to leading national and international opportunities. Even with their online programs, the teaching quality is excellent and you’ll find a student to teacher ratio that’s lower than on-campus classes. Your degree will show as being from George Washington University, with no mention of having studied via distance learning. 

This program is a Master of Science in exercise science in strength and conditioning. The aim of the athletic training program is to provide graduates with the knowledge and theory needed to improve athletic performance and prevent inactivity-related health issues. For admission, you’ll need to have earned your bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, with a minimum grade of ‘B’. 

You’ll have up to five years to complete the sports medicine master’s degree and will need to earn 36 graduate credits, in addition to completing all core courses including Pathways to Public Health. Up to 12 graduate credits can be transferred, subject to approval. 

GWU’s tuition and fees vary from program to program and a full breakdown for each can be found here. As a distance learner, there are numerous ways to help fund the cost of your education. You may be able to get grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study funding. There are other types of financial awards open to certain groups of students too. 

Sul Ross State University is located in the Davis Mountains, with three other campuses situated in Del Rio, Uvalde, and Eagle Pass. Around 3,000 students enroll annually across all campuses, with small class sizes guaranteeing a higher level of personal support from instructors. 

This Master of Science in health and human performance is a 30 credit hour program lasting one year. It’s a fast track sports medicine program that can be taken entirely online, leading to professional roles such as: 

• College professor
• Health education teacher
• Athletic coach
• Personal fitness trainer
• Sport psychologist

Sul Ross runs a number of graduate courses in health and human performance so you can target your future career aspirations. These include some unique approaches to the field, including Problems in Kinesiology, which looks at special aspects of kinesiology. 

Tuition for graduate programs runs at $224.87 per credit hour, with mandatory fees. These include $22 per credit hour for student services and $17.50 per credit hour for technology services.

Liberty University’s program catalog is one of the biggest in the country. There are more than 15 colleges and schools, more than 100,000 students, and over 700 programs to choose from. And more than half (450+) of these programs are available via distance learning to students across the world. 

The Master of Science in exercise science and wellness consists of 33 credit hours and takes an average of 18 months to complete. You’ll also be able to transfer up to 50% of the total degree from a previous program subject to approval, and can choose from two major specializations. 

The fitness and performance specialization is well suited to those who want to work as a: 

• Commercial, corporate, or resort fitness trainer
• Wellness coach
• A human performance specialist
• A strength and conditioning coach

The sports nutrition and wellness track is suited to future wellness coaches, nutrition and exercise specialists, and medical fitness specialists. 

Liberty Online has some of the lowest tuition rates among top-ranked online universities according to the institution’s website. For graduates, the full-time credit hour rate is $565, or $615 for part-time students. There are also several fees payable for distance learning students, including a $199 technology fee per semester. 

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is also known as the “Island University”, owing to the fact that it’s the only university in the country situated on its own island. More than 85 of the state’s most popular programs are offered by this institution, which is part of the wider Texas A&M System. 

This Master of Science in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport and exercise science is designed for professionals working within the disciplines of athletic performance. There are two options available: a 36 credit hour track with no thesis, or a 36 credit hour track with a graduate research project. 

As part of your application, you’ll need to submit a 300 to 400 word essay that includes your academic and professional goals, in addition to your reasons for applying to the program and institution. You’ll also need to provide official transcripts from your existing undergraduate course. There’s a $50 application fee payable for U.S. citizens too (or $70 for international students). 

Tuition and fees vary from program to program and depend on residency. Some tuition fee exemptions are also in place, so it’s worth getting in touch with the institution to see whether these apply to you.

University of Western States was established in 1904, making it the second oldest chiropractic educational program in the world at the time. It’s also one of the oldest higher education institutions in the state of Portland, and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.  

UWS’ Master of Science in sports medicine was recently named in a Best Online Masters in Sports Medicine ranking by OnlineMasters.com. This sports medicine program is geared towards students who have existing training in the assessment and management of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. You can view the full breakdown of courses making up the curriculum here. 

Your sports medicine curriculum will be broken down into quarters, with each focusing on different areas of the body. You’ll start by studying spinal rehabilitation and spinal disorders, before moving onto lower extremity diagnosis and management, and lower extremity taping and splinting. You’ll then move onto the upper extremities and so on. 

The cost per credit for this sports medicine program is $417, with the total number of credits between 38 and 60.5 depending on your curriculum. The estimated total cost of tuition is between $15,846 and $25,229. There are also additional fees due each quarter, including an enrollment fee, technology fee, student services fee, and graduation fee.

At Concordia University Chicago, there are more than 170 areas of study at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level. As a student, you’ll have access to more than 45 student clubs and organizations. You’ll also be joining one of the most affordable private universities in the Midwest. 

Every sports leadership and exercise science program at the university is offered entirely online and requires no visits to campus. You can complete your master’s in as little as one year, in addition to transferring up to 50% of your required coursework from another institution. 

The Master of Science in exercise science allows concentrations in: 

• Fitness and health promotion
• Human movement science
• Sports nutrition
• Sports performance training
• Strength and conditioning

You can also choose more than one concentration to gain a dual degree, which will give you additional expertise through an extra 12 credit hours of teaching. 

Most students at Concordia University Chicago qualify for greatly reduced tuition rates thanks to financial assistance awarded directly from the institution; this is in addition to aid awarded by the federal government or state. To see what you might qualify for or work out your tuition costs, you can use the university’s net price calculator. 

Concordia University – Saint Paul is a Christian liberal arts institution that was founded over a decade ago. Experiential learning helps bridge the gap between the knowledge you learn and the real world through real-life scenarios. The fully online programs are taught by the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts, so you’ll get the same quality of education. 

The Master of Science in exercise science will prepare you to be a leader in the exercise science industry. The program places emphasis on the effects of exercise on human health, with research projects a major part of the core curriculum. 

Data from the CSP website shows that graduates from CSP are some of the highest earners in their field compared to graduates from all other Minnesota universities and colleges. This program will prepare you to move to the next level in your professional career within the sports industry, or take on senior roles in: 

• Facilities management
• Sports marketing
• Fitness center management
• Exercise physiology
• Athletic training

The Master of Science in exercise science consists of 33 to 36 credit hours of study, with each credit hour costing $475. In addition to being below average for graduate tuition rates, CSP commits to freezing your tuition providing you remain continuously enrolled on the program.

A.T. Still University (ATSU) is the founding institution of osteopathic healthcare, according to the university’s website. Its two campuses are situated on over 200 acres and contain six schools. In Arizona, there are the schools of: 

• Dentistry and oral health
• Health sciences
• Graduate health studies
• Osteopathic medicine

There are also two additional schools in other locations. 

This Master of Science in kinesiology is geared towards fitness and health professionals currently working in the industry, who want to advance toward becoming experts in the fields of: 

• Kinesiology
• Health and fitness
• Exercise science
• Athletic training
• Sports medicine 
• Exercise physiology

The institution also offers a number of specialized certificates in key focus areas. 

In this sports medicine program, you will develop essential competencies that will help you to advance your professional practice while becoming a leader in your community. You’ll study areas such as: 

• Functional anatomy and physiology
• The physiology of exercise and kinesiology
• The principles of designing an exercise program

Tuition for this program is due in full on the first day of class, with each semester’s tuition calculated based on the credit hours you’ll be taking that semester. It costs $537.00 per credit hour, with a $32 per credit hour fee for online learning. 

The United States Sports Academy was founded in 1972 to cater to the needs of a constantly growing sports industry. Thus, the mission of the Academy has always been to provide the nation with a sports-based education through programs based on instruction and research. It is still the only accredited and free-standing sports university in the country. 

Students at the Academy access all their online learning via a learning management system (LMS). You’ll have 24-hour access to all your course materials, in addition to being able to: 

• Participate in debates
• Submit assignments
• Take examinations
• Speak to your professors and peers in the program

The Academy provides a 33 semester hour curriculum that will lead to a MSS (Master of Sports Science) degree. In combination with this program, you can also choose to pursue any of the sports medicine master’s program areas offered. This will lead to a dual major, worth 42 to 45 semester hours. 

Online tuition costs $720 per credit hour for master’s programs and includes all textbooks and examination proctoring fees. There are no additional, hidden fees, and you may be eligible for financial aid through the Academy. All tuition and fees are payable upon registration for a program. 

University of the Southwest is a top-rated, non-profit, private Christian university situated in New Mexico. They offer a wide range of four-year programs in addition to numerous online, accredited degrees for flexible study. As an enrolled student, you’ll gain an incredibly unique benefit: free virtual healthcare for the duration of your studies. 

The program offered by University of the Southwest is a Master of Science in health and human performance. The sports medicine program consists of 30 hours of study and is delivered entirely online. Through your time in the program, you’ll have the chance to work with a variety of people, including cardiac patients and centenarians.

Core courses will focus on developing your knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas relevant to your career, including: 

• Clinical evaluation
• Exercise prescription
• Sports nutrition
• Exercise physiology
• Athletic training

The master’s degree is highly customizable and uses learning styles that include: 

• Lectures
• Lab work
• Practical, clinical experience
• Internships

Tuition fees for graduate level study at University of the Southwest run at $625.00, though these are subject to change from year to year. There may also be additional fees for distance learning. Some of the financial aid available includes scholarships, grants, and the Direct PLUS Loan program.

Fresno Pacific University accepts around 4,000 undergraduates each year, with even more studying at a graduate level. Located in southeastern California, the institution has numerous campuses spread across Bakersfield, Merced, and Visalia. This institution is a popular choice for those who are the first in their family to attend college. These students make up a significant number of the student body. 

The fully online Master of Science in athletic training prepares post-professional athletic trainers to advance in their field through the use of evidence-based study. You’ll invest a large amount of your study time into topics like: 

• Evidence-based practice
• Athletic administration
• Athletic training
• Teaching methodologies
• Rehabilitation
• Exercise physiology

In fall and spring, you’ll also be required to gain clinical experience. 

On your application, in addition to paying a small fee, you will need to submit one letter of recommendation alongside a statement of intent, plus your official transcripts. Your bachelor’s degree must be in athletic training. If your GPA was below 2.75, then you’ll also need to provide a current resume and letter of explanation. 

In this sports medicine program, you’ll need to complete a total of 30 units (credit hours) to graduate, with the cost per unit $560.00, regardless of residency. The online degree program starts yearly in August, and is fully online with the exception of the clinical experience.

California Baptist University (CBU) is among the top private Christian institutions in Southern California. Founded in 1950, the university is staffed exclusively by a Christian faculty and offers more than 100 programs at an undergraduate and graduate level. CBU has also been featured on U.S. News & World Report’s rankings as a Best Regional University. 

The online Master of Science in kinesiology has a curriculum that has been designed for working professionals. Your core courses will focus on topics like: 

• Biomechanics
• Performance nutrition
• Fitness testing
• Advanced exercise physiology

You’ll participate in virtual lectures and have access to high-definition video and tutorial content through your learning management system (LMS). 

For admission into the sports medicine program, you’ll need an existing bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution. You’ll need to have maintained a minimum GPA of 2.5 to receive conditional admission, or 2.75 for unconditional admission. You’ll also need to provide official transcripts alongside a 500 word personal statement. 

Tuition for this fully online program costs $598 per unit. The estimated cost of the major is $18,000 and should take, on average, 12 months to complete. For students who need financial aid, CBU Online provides several scholarships and other financial awards, including the Cal Grant – this award is assessed and available to certain California residents. 

IWU gained accreditation in 1966 under the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  The institution is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education and developing students’ character, scholarship, and leadership. Each program’s curriculum is structured to encourage innovation and honor academic achievement. 

This Master of Science in athletic training consists of 33 credit hours and prepares graduates to advance their practice as a certified athletic trainer. The curriculum is designed specifically for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in athletic training, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). 

The admission requirements for this program are fairly strict compared to other institutions. Beyond the degree requirements above, you’ll need to: 

• Provide official transcripts
• Undergo a criminal history background check
• Provide a 500 – 750 word writing sample

If you have a GPA below 3.0, you’ll need to take the GRE Examination. 

While the estimated cost of full-time study on-campus is around $40,000, tuition is much cheaper online. Whether you’re an in-state resident or out-of-state, you’ll pay $520 per credit hour. However, the total cost of the program, including both tuition and fees, will be provided prior to enrolling.  

Houston Baptist University (HBU) is a Christian institution that was founded in late 1960. The first Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree offered programs in just five divisions including: 

• Christianity
• Languages
• Social studies
• Science and mathematics
• Fine arts

Today, the university has extended considerably and offers studies beyond undergraduate level, including fully online courses. 

The program at HBU is a Master of Science in kinesiology, with a major in sport management. For admission, you’ll need to send official transcripts from the university or college at which you gained your bachelor’s degree, in addition to two references, and your resume. If your GPA is below 3.0, you may be asked to attend an interview. 

To earn your sport management degree, you’ll need to complete 35 credit hours. Your studies will be split into 11 courses, culminating in your thesis or internship that accounts for 6 credit hours. You’ll need to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, with no grades below C. In keeping with the flexibility of distance learning, you can take up to 5 years to complete the program. 

To keep tuition affordable, HBU freezes tuition from time to time (such as for the academic year 2021). Graduate tuition runs at $575.00 per credit hour, regardless of your residency. There’s also a mandatory fee payable each semester of $250.00 for online distance learners.