A bachelor’s degree from Lionel University is the perfect way to pursue your passion and increase your career prospects and earnings potential.
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree program pushes student knowledge further than an Associate Degree, with an in-depth focus on kinesiology, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, exercise programming, and management. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree work as trainers and strength coaches, managers and directors in corporate wellness, and exercise physiologists and clinical exercise specialists in the healthcare industry.
Graduates of the bachelor’s program are prepared for post-baccalaureate study in areas such as athletic training, biomechanics, chiropractic, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, sports management, sport psychology, and more. In addition to earning a degree, graduates of the bachelor’s degree program can earn up to 10 fitness certifications and two advanced certifications through ISSA LLC.*
*ISSA LLC is a separate professional certifying organization and is not owned or operated by Lionel University.
Lionel University is proud to be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Learn More About Our Accreditation
Get all the info you need about Lionel from one of our friendly enrollment advisors. Sessions are held twice a week and take 15 minutes or less.
Curious what a day in the life of a Lionel student looks like? Visit our Student Experience page to learn all the important details about our distance education curriculum.
Learn MoreYour coursework includes 10 individual personal training certification* courses supported by industry-relevant general education and elective classes. Depending on your degree plan, you could qualify for your first personal training certification within the first 10 weeks. As you progress in the degree program, your fitness qualifications grow, positioning you for pay raises and increased clientele.*Certification is issued by ISSA LLC. ISSA LLC is a separate professional certifying organization and is not owned or operated by Lionel University.
Lionel University has been a life-changing experience. I recommend it to all my co-workers, friends, and family members who have a passion for fitness and want to continue their educational journey.
I currently serve on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. I originally began my journey with Lionel U pursuing the Master Trainer certificate. Upon completion, I decided to continue my education and earned my associates in exercise science through Lionel University. Now I instruct at the Force Fitness Readiness Center where we train new Force Fitness Instructors for the Marine Corps. I couldn’t have done it without Lionel University.
My experience with Lionel University has been life changing in the best way. Not only have I learned so many new skills, but my resume is quite long due to all of the Special Certifications I have received. I was recently contacted by another “women-only” trainer with her own business who was looking to expand. She almost immediately offered me a job as her first hire, almost sight-unseen! Now, I work at two gyms and can offer training to different types of populations. I have no doubt my educational qualifications had something to do with the ease of which I have been able to stay successful in this rapidly emerging profession.
The education and experience at Lionel University has been absolutely amazing. I am proud to have earned my Associate degree and Master Trainer certificate and am excited to continue in the Bachelor's degree program. I can't wait to apply what I have learned to help my clients to lead active, healthy and rewarding lives.
Lionel University helped me add tools to my toolbox. I now have the knowledge and education to succeed and can implement my training in my client sessions. It is amazing to see how my clients have benefited from my education.
When I started at Lionel University I thought I was going to just get my personal training certification. The courses opened my eyes and showed me how much the field of exercise science has to offer and how much more there was for me to learn. As I continue through the curriculum I find myself get equipped with the tools I need to make me successful in this field.
A week after graduation I was hired at a gym. I attribute this to the knowledgeable staff and outstanding curriculum at Lionel University. While attending classes I got the support I needed from counselors and teachers and I’ve now earned multiple certifications as well as the Master Trainer Certificate and an Associate’s degree. The education I received gave me the ability to formulate programs that produce positive changes in a wide variety of clients lives through fitness.
My experience with Lionel University has been amazing. This journey has helped to build my brand more and more. Overall this is the best place to get the knowledge and help you need to get to the next level of training.
I'm so grateful to Lionel U for my Associate Degree in Exercise Science. I am the Gym Manager, Strength & Conditioning Coach and CrossFit Instructor at Derby City MMA & Derby City Barbell in Louisville, Kentucky. I transitioned very easily into the coaching role because Lionel U prepared me so well. I used to dread getting up and going to my boring office job which I did for 19 years, now I wake up and can't wait to get to the gym. It's not like a job, it’s fun and I love it. Thank you Lionel University for helping me turn my professional career into something I love.
Lionel University gave me the practical knowledge I need both inside and outside of the gym. My education gave me the ability to earn my college degree, obtain multiple fitness certifications, and work in the industry all at the same time! Lionel University is the place to be for any future fitness professional.
I am beyond thrilled to have been awarded the Fredrick C. Hatfield Scholarship! Being a fitness model/influencer, I have made it my goal to spread my passion for fitness with others in hopes that it can help the lives of many in the ways that it did mine. Living with Anxiety was a constant battle growing up until I made the choice to start going to the gym. In no time, the gym became my therapy. I have improved both mentally and physically in ways that I never thought possible. I am determined to use my past experiences as well as my new-found education as a guide to helping those who have the drive to improve their overall wellbeing.
There is no cost to apply, and no test scores are required for admission.
Start the application. →Yes! Our institution is proud to be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Each student is assigned a program advisor who is available to answer questions, provide support, and guide your progress through the program. Instructors engage from day one, hold regular office hours via the online classroom, and provide individual in-depth feedback.
Lionel University degree programs and Master Trainer Certificate programs are eligible for federal student aid.
Learn more about financial aid. →
Active duty military, military spouses, and veterans can use their TA, MyCAA, and GI Bill® benefits for program tuition. Program eligibility varies by benefit.
Lionel empowers you to complete your education on your timeline, which is why we have classes starting almost every month.
A good rule of thumb is 10-15 hours of study time per course, per week. Full-time students spend about 40 hours studying each week when taking a full course load.
No! A digital version of the textbook is embedded in each course at no additional cost. Unrestricted access is available seven days prior to the start of class and throughout the quarter.
No, there is no required credit minimum. A full-time course load is 12-15 credits per quarter, but many of our students work as well as attend school. Our program is flexible to meet your needs.
Lionel University completes transfer credit evaluations free of charge. Once you complete your application, simply request that your past schools send your official transcripts to our Registrar. The application will provide information on what to request and where to have it sent, and an assigned admissions advisor will be standing by to assist you with any questions you have along the way.
Upon successful completion of Lionel University certification coursework and submission of Basic Adult CPR/AED/First Aid card, professional certification is awarded by ISSA LLC. ISSA, LLC is a separate professional certifying organization that awards, monitors, and renews professional certification. ISSA LLC is neither owned nor operated by Lionel University. ISSA LLC verifies and awards professional certification approximately 6-8 weeks following the end of the course. ISSA LLC professional certification is valid for two years and is renewable according to ISSA LLC terms.
Coursework is broken down into 18 quarters. Each quarter typically consists of two classes and a fitness certification course or externship. A total of 180 credits is needed to graduate, and a maximum of 18 credits can be taken each quarter.
If you would like to read the full list of course descriptions, click here.
PTR251
Certified Fitness Trainer
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
PD102
Personal Development
(2 credits, 5 weeks)
HIT135
Medical Terminology
(3 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR259
Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
BIO105
Anatomy and Physiology
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR255
Specialist in Strength and Conditioning
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
ENG110
English Composition
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR257
Specialist in Group Fitness
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
MATH102
College Math
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR258
Corrective Exercise Specialist
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
PSY102
General Psychology
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR254
Youth Fitness Trainer
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
SOC101
Intro to Sociology
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR253
Specialist in Exercise Therapy
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
PTR256
Specialist in Senior Fitness
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
COMM102
Effective Communication
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
HIST102US
History
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR260
Bodybuilding Specialist
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
BUS207
Entrepreneurship
(4 credits, 5 weeks)
COMM121
Interpersonal Relations
(3 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR371
Principles of Kinesiology
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
PTR372
Contemporary Issues in Fitness
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
CHEM305
Introduction to Chemistry
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
MATH303
Statistics
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR261
Transformation Specialist
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
HIST303
History of Sport
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR481
Principles of Biomechanics
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
COMM161
Business Communications
(2 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR375
Business Aspects of Fitness
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
BUS115
Intro to Marketing
(4 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR376
Research Methods in Kinesiology
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR499a
Externship
(1 credit, 10 weeks)
BUS210
Business Ethics and Law
(4 credits, 5 weeks)
BUS204
Business and Management Principles
(4 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR499b
Externship
(1 credit, 10 weeks )
COMM203
Customer Service Principles
(3 credits, 5 weeks)
BUS117
Motivating for Performance
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR499c
Externship
(1 credit, 10 weeks )
PTR374
Psychology of Exercise
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR483
Ethics and Management in Fitness Management
(5 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR499d
Externship
(1 credit, 10 weeks )
PTR482
Physiology of Exercise
(5 credits, 10 weeks)
PD103
Professional and Career Developmen
(2 credits, 5 weeks)
PTR251 Certified Fitness Trainer
PTR371 Principles of Kinesiology
PTR372 Contemporary Issues in Fitness
PTR374 Psychology of Exercise
PTR375 Business Aspects of Fitness
PTR376 Research Methods in Kinesiology
PTR481 Principles of Biomechanics
PTR482 Physiology of Exercise
PTR483 Ethics and Management in Fitness Management
PTR499A Externship
PTR499B Externship
PTR499C Externship
PTR499D Externship
PTR259 Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
PTR254 Youth Fitness Trainer
PTR255 Specialist in Strength and Conditioning
PTR257 Specialist in Group Fitness
PTR258 Corrective Exercise Specialist
PTR260 Bodybuilding Specialist
PTR261 Transformation Specialist
PTR256 Specialist in Senior Fitness
PTR253 Specialist in Exercise Therapy
Fulfill elective requirements with remaining certification courses (those not applied to core requirements) or choose any of these.
Up to 120 credits can be transferred from other accredited institutions.
Transfer credit evaluations are $0. Learn more.Grounds you in the fundamentals of personal training by exposing you to both the theories and practices of this dynamic field
Advances the skills and knowledge of current and future exercise science professionals by teaching students to synthesize and apply research to the field
The perfect way to level up your fitness education without the commitment of a two- or four-year degree
There is absolutely no commitment and no credit card required. The application is designed as an investment in you—to help you name what you truly want, evaluate all that you juggle, and design your future. Stop and start the application as needed. Your work is saved as you go.
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