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LIONEL UNIVERSITY • DEGREE OVERVIEW

Online Exercise Science Degree Programs

Our programs combine college-level exercise science with applied skills in programming, assessment, nutrition, behavior change, leadership, and career development. Students learn how to support clients and athletes across the full performance continuum, from foundational movement to strength development, recovery, longevity, and professional coaching practice.

🎓 Stackable Exercise Science degree pathways let you build your education step by step while developing skills you can apply throughout your career.

Degree Comparison

Compare Exercise Science Degree Programs

Compare the credit requirements for Lionel University’s Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in Exercise Science.

Associate of Science

Associate's Degree

90 Total Quarter Credits

 

36

Credits of Core Degree Coursework

33

General Education

21

Concentration Coursework

Explore Associate Degree

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor's Degree

180 Total Quarter Credits

 

36

Credits of Core Degree Coursework

48

General Education

36

Bachelor's Degree Concentration

60

Exercise Science Core Courses

Explore Bachelor's Degree

Master of Science

Master's Degree

45 Total Quarter Credits

 

20

Credits of Core Degree Coursework

20

Master's Degree Concentration

5

Capstone Project

Explore Master's Degree

Associate of Science

Associate of Science in Exercise Science

The Associate of Science in Exercise Science provides a practical foundation for students entering the fitness, coaching, and wellness fields.

 

What You'll Study

Build a Practical Foundation in Exercise Science

Students build knowledge in anatomy, physiology, movement, exercise programming, assessment, nutrition, professional communication, and career readiness. The associate degree can also serve as a pathway into the bachelor’s degree.

Start a career in exercise science
Build a foundation for personal training or coaching
Learn core skills in assessment and program design
Continue into a bachelor’s degree later

A.S.

Exercise Science

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is designed for students who want a deeper academic and professional foundation in human performance.

 

What You'll Study

Build a Deeper Foundation in Human Performance

Students study anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise programming, performance assessment, nutrition science, special populations, behavior change, strength and conditioning, corrective strategies, aging and longevity, biomarker interpretation, professional communication, and facility leadership.

Strength and conditioning
Personal training and coaching
Athletic performance
Wellness and longevity
Fitness leadership and management
Graduate study in exercise science or related fields

B.S.

Exercise Science

Master of Science

Master of Science in Exercise Science

The Master of Science in Exercise Science is designed for professionals who want advanced knowledge in research, leadership, strength and conditioning, wellness, and applied performance.

 

What You'll Study

Advance Your Expertise in Exercise Science and Human Performance

Students learn to evaluate research, apply advanced exercise science concepts, lead programs, and solve complex problems in performance and wellness settings.

Concentration Areas

Strength and conditioning
Fitness leadership
Corporate, clinical, and community wellness

Career and Professional Outcomes

Advanced roles in strength and conditioning
Fitness leadership and management positions
Corporate, clinical, or community wellness leadership
Coaching, performance, and human optimization careers
Graduate-level advancement in exercise science or related fields
Career growth from trainer or coach into director, educator, or program leader roles
Deeper expertise in research, program evaluation, leadership, and applied human performance

M.S.

Exercise Science

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Degree Guide

Download Our Degree Guide

Pursuing your dreams has never been easier. With Lionel University’s 100% online and flexible programs, you can work toward your degree from wherever it is most convenient for you.

Download our Degree Guide to explore our programs and discover how a Lionel University degree can help you take the next step toward your goals.

Recognition

A University Education You Can Trust

Lionel University is recognized by respected accrediting and industry organizations.

Accreditation Disclosure

Lionel University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. See accreditation & disclosures

Note: Industry partners and recognitions shown do not imply endorsement of outcomes, employment, or licensure.

DEAC logo

Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission

Lionel University has been fully accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2009, ensuring high quality, flexible education for online learners nationwide.

Military Friendly Gold School logo

Proud to Serve Those Who Serve

Lionel University is honored to support military-connected students with flexible, career-focused education designed for those who serve and their families.

Health and Fitness Association Industry Partner logo

Recognized by the Health and Fitness Association

Our Certified Personal Trainer credential is recognized by the Health and Fitness Association, affirming alignment with national standards for fitness education.

NSCA ERP logo

Recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association

Lionel University is designated as an Educational Recognition Program institution by the NSCA, a global leader in strength and conditioning standards.

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an exercise science degree?

An exercise science degree is a college program that studies how the body moves, performs, adapts, and recovers. Students learn anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise programming, performance assessment, nutrition, behavior change, coaching, and leadership for careers in fitness, wellness, strength and conditioning, and human performance.

What can you do with an exercise science degree?

With an exercise science degree, graduates may pursue careers in personal training, strength and conditioning, wellness coaching, fitness management, corporate wellness, athletic performance, health promotion, or preparation for graduate study in fields such as kinesiology, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, or exercise physiology.

Is an online exercise science degree worth it?

An online exercise science degree can be worth it for students who need flexibility and want to build career-ready skills in exercise programming, assessment, coaching, nutrition, and human performance. Lionel University offers flexible online exercise science programs designed for working adults, fitness professionals, military students, and career changers.

Can personal trainers earn college credit for experience?

Personal trainers may be able to receive transfer credit or prior learning consideration depending on the university’s policies, certifications, and documented experience. Lionel University promotes transfer credit evaluation and stackable pathways, and is developing competency-based options that may allow qualified students to demonstrate prior learning through portfolios, certifications, work samples, coaching videos, case studies, and applied assessments.

What is the difference between an associate and bachelor’s in exercise science?

An associate degree in exercise science provides a foundation in exercise science, movement, programming, nutrition, and professional practice. A bachelor’s degree goes deeper with advanced coursework in biomechanics, performance science, special populations, corrective strategies, nutrition metabolism, leadership, and career development.

What is the difference between a bachelor’s and master’s in exercise science?

A bachelor’s degree builds broad undergraduate knowledge in exercise science and prepares students for career entry, advancement, or graduate study. A master’s degree is designed for students who want advanced expertise in research, leadership, strength and conditioning, wellness, program evaluation, and applied human performance.

Can exercise science prepare you for strength and conditioning careers?

Yes. Exercise science can help prepare students for strength and conditioning careers by teaching anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, assessment, program design, periodization, performance testing, nutrition, coaching, and injury-risk reduction. Lionel’s bachelor’s degree page lists trainers and strength coaches among potential career paths.

Lionel Students Are:

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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
Student 2 (1)

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.

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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.