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LIONEL UNIVERSITY • Since 1988

New Student Experience

During your time studying Exercise Science at Lionel University, you’ll work on more than just your craft. Whether your dream is to work as an entrepreneur or an industry professional, Lionel University will help you develop your knowledge and experience as a sought-after Exercise Science professional in a variety of possible career opportunities. After graduating from Lionel University potential career paths may include:

Business Owner
Health Club/Gym Manager
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Community Wellness Advocate
Exercise Physiologist
Clinical Exercise Specialist
Personal Trainer

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Day in the Life of a Student

See how flexible online learning can fit into your daily routine while you build practical knowledge and skills for your future career.

Online Classroom Instruction
1-on-1 Advisory Meeting Study Time Capstone

100% ONLINE

Online Classroom Instruction

Classes are 100% online and managed through Canvas. Classrooms in Canvas are user friendly, easy to navigate, and have coursework conveniently broken down into weekly modules to keep you on track with your work.

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advisory meeting

1-on-1 Support

Upon enrollment you will be assigned a program advisor who is available to answer questions, provide support, and guide your progress through the program. Instructors guide you with in-depth feedback and regular opportunities to attend virtual office hours.

1 on 1 Support

study time

How to Study

On average, students should reserve roughly 10 hours per week per course for classroom instruction and study time. This isn’t busywork. Assignments are created to give you practical knowledge you can use to create a rewarding career.

How to Study-1

Capstone

Capstone Project

The Exercise Science Capstone integrates key theories, research methods, and applied skills through a research-based project. Students apply evidence-based practice and exercise testing principles to real-world or simulated scenarios, demonstrating critical thinking, communication skills, and readiness for professional practice or further study.

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learn from practitioners

Action-Oriented Curriculum Built by Fitness Professionals

Our curriculum is developed and honed by seasoned fitness professionals with decades of experience, and it’s taught by a team of engaging faculty committed to helping you succeed in your career of choice.

Classroom content

Engaging Classroom Content

Your online classroom connects you with world-class instructors and committed classmates who share your passion for wellness, all from the comfort of home. You’ll participate in collaborative online learning with other students, view multimedia presentations of course content, and engage in ongoing forum discussions with instructors and students.

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stackable degrees

Stackable Degree Programs

At Lionel, our goal is to make it easy to continue leveling up your education, which is why all of our undergraduate degree programs stack. Easily apply credits from the Master Trainer certificate program toward the associate or bachelor’s degree programs, or vice versa.

Partners

Industry Partners That Support Student Success

We work with organizations across the fitness industry to support student opportunities and career readiness.

WOAT logo
dotFIT logo
FBA logo
Equinox Fitness logo
SMTF Headquarters logo
Gold's Gym logo
YMCA logo
Life Time Fitness logo
REX logo
Excel Fitness logo
The Athletic Clubs logo
Training For Warriors logo
Powerhouse logo
In-Shape Fitness logo
National Fitness logo

Career Services

Career Support From Day One and for Life

From enrollment through graduation and beyond, Lionel University students receive lifetime access to career coaching, professional development tools, and resources designed to help them achieve their goals.

Personalized career coaching

Resume and LinkedIn support

Job search tools and resources

Professional development guidance

Lifetime access at no additional cost

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Student Experiences

Hear From Lionel University Students and Graduates

Discover how Lionel University students are advancing their education, applying what they learn, and preparing for the next step in their careers.

★★★★★

“The structure is there for me. It makes me work, learn, and do the things I need to do on my own time.”

— Terika Harrison Associate of Science in Exercise Science Student
★★★★★

“Lionel has always been there to help. The process was simple, and they helped me every step of the way.”

— Darian Wilton B.S. Exercise Science Graduate and Chancellor’s List Honoree
★★★★★

“The flexibility, support, and quality of education make Lionel an excellent option for people with demanding or nontraditional lifestyles.”

— Leah Balmer Graduate Exercise Science Student and U.S. Army Veteran
★★★★★

“I began attending Lionel at age 60. Receiving my associate degree showed me that this was something I could do.”

— Harvey Cola B.S. Exercise Science Student
★★★★★

“The material was presented in a way that I could absorb it, retain it, and apply it.”

— Rich Fitter B.S. Exercise Science Graduate
★★★★★

“I started with the associate degree, continued into the bachelor’s program, and now I am pursuing my graduate degree.”

— Candace Rose M.S. Exercise Science Student

Lionel Students Are:

Fitness Sales Advisor (1)

Working While Learning

  • 86% of students are employed while enrolled, with a majority working 30+ hours per week

  • Most students are balancing full-time work, family, and school — a powerful testament to Lionel’s flexible, stackable program design

  • Despite demanding schedules, student satisfaction remains high

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Consistently Engaged, Fully Invested

  • 80%+ of students log in 3–6 days per week, showing strong commitment and consistent engagement

  • 90%+ plan to continue to the next term, demonstrating exceptional retention and satisfaction

  • New graduate and certificate programs are earn high marks building confidence and sustained growth
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Satisfied — and Ready for What’s Next

  • 98% of students said they are satisfied with their studies at Lionel

  • 94–95% would recommend their course to a friend

  • 90%+ achieved the learning goals they set at the beginning of the course

Student 3

Mentored by Industry Leaders

  • Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories

  • Top-rated traits: respect for students, prompt grading, and helpful feedback

  • Nearly every student felt valued and supported by their instructors

Transform Your Skills.
Expand Your Opportunities.
Shape Your Career.

Stackable education built for real-world success. Discover the certifications and stackable pathways that help fitness professionals grow their skills, expand their impact, and advance toward long-term education and career goals. 

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Certified Personal Trainer

Begin with CPT to build foundational coaching and exercise science skills. This pathway serves as the launch point into strength training, performance, and entry-level degree credit.

Science of Nutrition

Foundations of Nutrition Science

Start with core nutrition education that prepares you for advanced nutrition specialist programs and degree-level coursework in health promotion and wellness.

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Build the ability to assess movement patterns and design programs that improve function and reduce risk. This pathway supports roles in recovery-focused coaching and connects to clinical exercise science study.

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Fitness Sales
Specialist

Develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential for guiding gym operations and client engagement. This pathway prepares you for supervisory roles and aligns with fitness management degree tracks.

Facility Management

Facility Management Specialist

Learn core operations, safety, and service principles needed to manage modern fitness environments. This pathway supports leadership advancement and aligns with managerial degree pathways.

Behavior Based Coaching

Behavior-Based Coaching Specialist

Build communication and behavior-change techniques that help clients create sustainable, long-term progress. This pathway complements coaching roles and connects to leadership or psychology coursework.

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Blood & Biomarker Specialist

Learn to interpret key biomarkers that influence training, recovery, and long-term wellness goals. This pathway supports advanced work in performance optimization and future study in human physiology.

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LinkedIn Networking
Specialist

Enhance your professional presence and networking strategy to attract clients and career opportunities. This pathway supports job placement readiness and aligns with degree-level professional development tracks.

Launch Yourself (1.802 x 2.375 in)

Influencer Marketing: Launch You

Learn to create content, grow audiences, and build authentic partnerships in the wellness space. This pathway expands digital career opportunities and pairs well with coaching and nutrition programs.

Entrepreneur Tool Kit

Entrepreneurship
Toolkit

Develop essential business skills to launch, market, and operate a fitness or wellness brand. This pathway supports independent professionals and integrates with business or leadership-focused coursework.