By SMDG Staff
Sport science is focused on the physical, physiological, and psychological aspects of human performance. This broad field includes coursework in anatomy, motor learning, human performance, sport psychology, motor development, health and wellness, and biomechanics. Sport science programs are found in areas like pre-med, kinesiology, exercise science, and human performance. Sport science programs can service as a stepping stone for graduate studies in physical or occupational therapy, or provide students with the coursework necessary for certification as a personal training or strength and conditioning professional. Students interested in sport science have hundreds of program options available. We have created this list of our 15 most affordable online master’s in sport science programs to show earning a degree doesn’t have to break the bank!
Related Resource: What is an Exercise Physiologist?
#15 – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions – Provo, Utah
MS in Health Science program-Health & Wellness Coaching, Sport Performance
Average graduate student tuition: $15,704/year
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions features an affordable top online master’s in health science with specialty tracks in health and wellness coaching, sport performance and rehabilitation science. This cheap sports science program is open to individuals with a bachelor’s in a related field, with preference given to those with industry experience. Students come from a variety of backgrounds including coaching, personal training, and physical education. The sport performance concentration area includes coursework in integrated biomechanics, motor control and movement analysis, applications of strength and conditioning in sport performance, and advanced sport performance technology. Students can choose to complete either a capstone project or a thesis, depending on their future professional and educational goals.
#14 – California Baptist University – Riverside, California
MS in Kinesiology Online
Average graduate student tuition: $13,420/year
The top online affordable MS in kinesiology from California Baptist University is a 12 month program designed for working adults. Courses in this top online sport science master’s program cover areas like sports nutrition, advanced exercise physiology, exercise and fitness education, and fitness testing and exercise prescription for special populations. Students can choose to complete a thesis, comprehensive exam, or graduate project that showcases their talents and skills in a professional manner.
#13 – California University of Pennsylvania – California, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science (MS) Applied Sport Science Concentration
Average graduate student tuition: $12,384/year in-state and $18,576/year out-of-state
California University of Pennsylvania features a top online affordable MS in applied sport science built around Fusionetics, a highly acclaimed sport performance and recovery enterprise. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to decrease injury, optimize performance, and enhance athlete recovery using proven sport science principles and Fusionetics technology. Students can choose to add a concentration in group fitness leadership, nutrition, performance enhancement and injury prevention, wellness and fitness, rehabilitation science, sport psychology, or wellness coaching. Students also complete a six credit internship to gain real-world experience.
#12 – Lock Haven University – Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science in Sport Science
Average graduate student tuition: $12,384/year in-state and $18,576/year out-of-state
The 30 credit hour top affordable master’s in sport science online offered by Lock Haven University provides students with advanced training to enhance their sport-related career. Students can choose between a Sport Administration track or a Sport and Exercise Psychology track depending on their professional goals. Both full-time and part-time options are available and students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. There are no on-campus residency requirements, students stay engaged through a highly interactive and engaging online learning platform.
#11 – Logan University – Chesterfield, Missouri
Online MS in Sports Science and Rehabilitation
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,900
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. 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.
#10 – Concordia University Chicago – River Forest, Illinois
Exercise Science Master’s Degree Online-Sports Performance Training
Average graduate student tuition: $8,910
Concordia University Chicago features an affordable online master’s in exercise science designed in partnership with both the NASM and the ISSN. Students can choose to focus in five different areas including strength and conditioning, sports performance training, sports nutrition, human movement science, and fitness and health promotion. The Sports Performance Training concentration area is a specialized sport science master’s program online for coaches, athletic trainers, and sport professionals working with athletes at all levels. Students are prepared to sit for the Performance Enhancement Specialist exam upon completion of the program. Online sports science courses cover areas like exercise and sport nutrition, applied exercise physiology, research design and kinesiology. Students gain valuable field experience working through a sports performance case study with an industry expert in their own community.
#9 – East Tennessee State University – Johnson City, Tennessee
Master’s in Sport Science and Coach Education-Strength and Conditioning Concentration
Average graduate student tuition: $8,460/year in-state and $23,598/year out-of-state
East Tennessee State University offers a top affordable online master’s in sport science and coach education with concentration areas in both strength and conditioning and applied sport science. The applied sport science concentration includes online coursework in sport biomechanics, research design and analysis, and a practicum in applied sport science. Students can choose to complete an internship in fitness/exercise physiology or a thesis. New students are accepted each fall and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Graduates of this cheap online master’s degree program are prepared for leadership roles in sport coaching and strength and conditioning.
#8 – Jackson State University – Jackson, Mississippi
MS Sport Science Online
Average graduate student tuition: $7,876/year
The affordable online MS in sport science from Jackson University is a comprehensive program with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can complete a concentration in sport management in a convenient online format with no residency requirements. Online sports science coursework covers areas like facility design and maintenance, sports ethics, sport psychology, and sport administration. Students complete either a thesis or an internship and all students must sit for a comprehensive exam. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in areas like intercollegiate athletics, sport facilities, parks and recreation organizations, and multipurpose facilities.
#7 – Southern Utah University – Cedar City, Utah
MS in Sports Conditioning & Performance Online
Average graduate student tuition: $7,574/year in-state and $23,784/year out-of-state
Southern Utah University features a top online affordable master’s in sport conditioning and performance designed for sport science professionals in coaching, education, training, and fitness. Most coursework is delivered in a convenient online format but students are required to come to campus during the summer for one to two weeks to attend clinical workshops. Required online sports science courses cover areas like advanced techniques of sport conditioning, designing resistance training programs, and resistance training techniques.
#6 – North Dakota State University – Fargo, North Dakota
MS in Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science: Leadership in Physical Education and Sport option
Average graduate student tuition: $6,484/year in-state and $9,726/year out-of-state
The online affordable MS in sport science from North Dakota State University of Health Professions is focused on leadership in physical education and sport. Online sports science courses cover areas like the analysis of sport skill instruction and acquisition, sport in American society, supervision and management, and governance in sport. Students choose whether to complete a practicum, master’s paper, or master’s thesis to complete the program. There are no on-campus residency requirements, course content is delivered online through the Blackboard learning management system. Graduates have found success working as head coaches, master physical education teachers, athletic directors, or collegiate-level assistant coaches.
#5 – American Public University – Charles Town, West Virginia
Online Sports and Health Sciences Master of Science
Average graduate student tuition: $6,300/year
American Public University, a member of the accredited American Public University System features a top affordable online master’s in sport science focused on physical fitness and health and wellness. This 36 credit hour online program features monthly course start dates and takes just two years to complete. Students can choose to concentrated in exercise science and human performance or health and wellness management. A sports and health sciences capstone research project completed at the end of the program gives students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills obtained while in the program.
#4 – Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, Texas
Kinesiology (Sport and Human Performance) MS
Average graduate student tuition: $5,540/year in-state and $13,010/year out-of-state
Sam Houston State University features an affordable 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. Graduates have found exciting opportunities in personal training, corporate wellness, commercial fitness, and college coaching.
#3 – Texas Woman’s University – Denton, Texas
Coaching-MS in Kinesiology Online
Average graduate student tuition: $4,852/year in-state and $12,322/year out-of-state
The online affordable MS in kinesiology offered by Texas Woman’s University is a 36 credit hour sport science program focused on coaching. Students can complete all their coursework online and apply it immediately to their current sport science role. This unique and affordable online master’s degree program is focused on the leadership role coaches play with girls and women in sports. Most full-time students can complete the program in just 12-18 months of study.
Related Resource: What Does A Sports Nutritionist Do?
#2 – University of North Georgia – Dahlonega, Georgia
MS with a major in Kinesiology-Exercise Science
Average graduate student tuition: $4,050/year in-state and $16,164/year out-of-state
The University of North Georgia features a top online affordable master’s in kinesiology with a focus on exercise science. This 30 credit hour program is offered in a flexible 100% online format and students can begin at the start of any semester. Course offerings include advanced kinesiology, advanced exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition in exercise and sports, and advanced exercise prescription and program design. Most students can complete the program in two years of study.
#1 – Texas A&M University Corpus Christi – Corpus Christi, Texas
Master’s in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport and Exercise Science
Average graduate student tuition: $3,965/year in-state and $12,817/year out-of-state
The most affordable online master’s in sport science is offered by Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. The master’s in kinesiology is offered online or in a hybrid format with both thesis and non-thesis options available. Coursework covers areas like sport nutrition, exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning. Most courses are delivered in accelerated seven-week sessions. This 36 credit hour program takes about two years to complete.
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