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Eat, sleep, study, and breathe all things sports with one of the Best Online Master’s in Sports Medicine degrees in the nation.
Most people don’t fully realize the hard work that goes on before game day. Elite athletes don’t get that way just by pure skill alone. A team of devoted women and men work alongside athletes to train, sculpt, and master skills of the game.
If you want to be part of that process—whether it’s analysing the sport itself, training an Olympian swimmer in stretching and exercises, creating a meal plan for a football team, or helping a high school baseball star recover after an injury—then earning an Online Master’s in Sports Medicine will get you one step closer to achieving that dream.
What kind of Online Master’s in Sports Medicine degree should you get?
One thing is for sure: you’re looking for an online program. You’ve made a wise choice! Online education is the way of the future. It’s affordable, flexible, and allows you to keep the rest of your life in place as you work toward a career goal.
All of these programs are delivered online. Some, however, require one to two on-campus residencies, or a final internship that gets you involved with hands-on learning.
You’ll see right away that these master’s degrees vary in their titles.That’s an easy way to narrow down your interests.
Is your focus kinesiology? Then you should check out UT Tyler, UT Permian Basin, and Texas A&M University Commerce. These schools all offer a M.S. in Kinesiology.
Are you fascinated by the human body? Then maybe you should pursue M.S. in Human Performance degrees at Sul Ross State University, McNeese University, and Liberty University.
Don’t stop there! The other schools on this list offer a range of options for a future career in sports. Some programs focus on athletic training, coaching, nutrition, and beyond.
If you’re considering other Online Master’s Degrees, look at our comprehensive ranking of the Top Online Universities.
How much money do people make with an Online Master’s in Sports Medicine degree?
First thing’s first: When it comes to your future salary, an online degree in sports medicine is no different than one you would earn in person. And if you hadn’t figured it out by now, an online master’s in sports medicine can yield a number of different careers.
Most students with this degree go on to become athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, chiropractors, and more! Here’s a rundown of what you could expect for your average annual income with those positions in mind:
- Athletic Trainers: $45,630
- Chiropractors: $67,520
- Nutritionists: $58,920
- Exercise Physiologists: $47,340
As you can see, you’ll find a range of salaries in this field. The world of sports is a lucrative arena.
You’ll of course be making way more as the personal trainer for the Indianapolis Colts quarterback than an athletic trainer for a local high school. But that doesn’t mean one is better than the other! It’s all about what meets your personal career goals.
If job security is on your mind, we can put you at ease. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most sports-related jobs are increasingly in demand. In fact, they’re expected to increase by 23 percent within the next ten years!
What can you do with an Online Master’s in Sports Medicine degree?
Clearly, earning an online Master’s in Sports Medicine is just the beginning. You can take your skills practically anywhere!
A helpful way to narrow down your options might be to choose what area of sports medicine you want to pursue. If you want to be in on the action, a degree in sports medicine could land you in the locker room of an NFL team as an athletic trainer. If you’re more interested in the anatomy and physiology behind sports, you can become an exercise science specialist or a nutritionist.
These master’s degrees will also prepare you for further education. If you want to go on to earn a doctorate in health science, or even become a physical therapist or chiropractor, a master’s degree in sports medicine will give you the foundation (and likely the prerequisites) to do that.
What are the requirements for an Online Master’s in Sports Medicine degree?
Online learning is increasingly a smart choice for higher education. For one, it makes everything simpler. All you need is your computer and an internet connection, and your whole world opens up! That’s the first requirement for this degree—pretty easy, right?
Other than that, one of the biggest requirements is a bachelor’s degree in a related health science area. Unlike some master’s programs, none of these schools require you to take the GRE or GMAT.
You can anticipate seeing roughly the same curriculum outline for most of these programs: 30-45 completed credits in core subjects like kinesiology, physiology, and sports theory, followed by a practicum or internship experience.
What are the Best Online Master’s in Sports Medicine degrees?
Below you’ll find the 15 Best Online Master’s in Sports Medicine degrees. We took a number of steps to whittle down our methodology First, we narrowed our list to the best online options in the nation. Then we looked at affordability and the return on investment for each program. And, last but not least, we factored in student happiness using retention rates and graduation rates.
Our methodology draws from our own researchers at College Choice, the fantastic resources at U.S. News & World Report, and the wiz-kids at Payscale.com. If you’re ready for a win in the world of sports, read on!
Best Online Master's in Sports Medicine Degrees
See our rankings methodology page.
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The University of Texas at TylerLocation
Tyler, TX
Tuition$21730
Overview
The #1 school for the best online Masters in Sports Medicine is the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler). The public university houses seven academic colleges and delivers over eighty degrees to its student body of over 10,500.
Program Features
The Master of Science in Kinesiology at UT Tyler combines the best of both worlds: a flexible online program with a hands-on final internship. The curriculum will take you through 36 credit hours that build off of your increasing knowledge of movement. Youll take some of the following coursework:
Biometric Methods Exercise Physiology Motor Learning BiomechanicsNotables
The internship experience at UT Tyler is a highlight for most students. The Department of Health and Kinesiology has already set up a number of partnerships with area schools, hospitals, PT clinics, rehabilitation centers, public health clinics, and more. Youll find a perfect fit!
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University of Texas of the Permian BasinLocation
Odessa, TX
Tuition$9109
Overview
A quickly-growing university located in Odessa, Texas, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) is affordable and intimate. With a student body of almost 7,000 in total, it maintains an 18 to 1 student to teacher ratio. UTPB delivers ten online masters degrees.
Program Features
At UTPB, youll earn a Master of Science in Kinesiology that you can complete fully online. The degree blends together applied biomechanics, sports psychology, and research to give you a balanced and engaging curriculum. Here are some classes you might take:
Motor Learning and Control Biomechanical Basis of Sport Advanced Principles of Strength Training and Conditioning Issues of Women and SportNotables
This degree is delivered through the UT Online Consortium, which is a partnership between four University of Texas schools. This includes UTPB, UT El Paso, UT River Grande Valley, and UT San Antonio. Youll getquadruplethe resources and curricular attention!
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Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Tuition$24794
Overview
The largest evangelical Christian university in the world, Liberty University enrolls over 110,000 students globally. This is mostly in part to its extensive online program, LU Online. Liberty University is known for its conservativeand sometimes controversialvalues.
Program Features
Liberty University delivers an online Master of Science in Human Performance. As you move through the program, youll eventually specialize in one of four areas: human performance, nutrition, clinical, or community physical activity. Within your 35 credit hours, youll take:
Exercise Testing and Electrocardiography Public Health and Physical Activity Motor Learning and Performance Nutrition and Chronic DiseaseNotables
Liberty University is no stranger to online learning. To give you an ultimate learning experience, Liberty includes two week-long intensive visits to campus. These visits are spread throughout the two years that youll be working on your masters degree. Youll get great hands-on training.
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Texas A & M University-CommerceLocation
Commerce, TX
Tuition$9032
Overview
Texas AM University-Commerce is a public university that consists of the third-largest campus in the Texas AM system. The school uses eCollege to deliver online courses to both undergraduate and graduate students. Online degrees range from 50 to 100 percent distance learning.
Program Features
Options abound within the M.S. in Health, Kinesiology, Sport Studies at Texas AM University Commerce. All delivered 100 percent online, you can find specialities in Athletic Administration, Health Promotion, Exercise Science, and Physical Education Pedagogy. The classes include:
Sport Law Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription Exercise in Health and Disease Adapted KinesiologyNotables
One big thing to note is that Texas AM University-Commerce is the most affordable program on our list. Even more, they offer generous financial aid and scholarships. The Health and Human Performance department gives out six different scholarships that range in value.
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United States Sports AcademyLocation
Daphne, AL
Tuition$15420
Overview
Daphne, Alabama is home to the United States Sports Academy. The school offers sport-focused degrees at the bachelor, master, and doctorate levels. The online program is open to any student who wants more flexibility in their curriculum. Active-duty military are allowed more time to complete their degree than regular students.
Program Features
The United States Sports Academy branches students into three unique tracks within their Master of Sports Science degree. You can choose a thesis option, a non-thesis option, or a mentorship option. Either way, youll take a total of 33 credit hours with classes like:
Management Strategies in Health and Fitness Issues in Nutrition and Health Psychology of Elite Performance Psychological Aspects of Sports MedicineNotables
As the name implies, the United State Sports Academy is all about sports. It makes sense, then, that the four majors it offers revolve around that common denominator: Sports Coaching, Sports Health and Fitness, Sports Management, and Sports Studies. Take your pick!
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University of Louisiana at MonroeLocation
Monroe, LA
Tuition$9145
Overview
Part of the larger state system, the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is a small public institution that caters to around 8,800 students. The College of Health Pharmaceutical Sciences (which houses this masters program) is one of ULMs three academic colleges.
Program Features
Youll find a Sport Management concentration through the University of Louisiana at Monroes M.S. in Exercise Science program. This concentration is offered online, though youll have the option to complete an internship, too. The 36-credit-hour program includes classes like:
Psychology of Motor Learning Statistical Methods in Exercise Science Leadership and Administration in Sports Sports MedicineNotables
There are lots of perks in attending ULM. First, the M.S. in Exercise Science is endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine, so you know youre earning a top-notch degree. Even more, eULMthe online-learning platformwas recently ranked as Louisianas Best Online College.
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Sul Ross State UniversityLocation
Alpine, TX
Tuition$14095
Overview
Sul Ross State University is situated in west Texas and serves as the primary university for over nineteen counties. Based in Alpine, Texas, this public institution hosts four academic colleges. One of them is the College of Education and Professional Studies, which houses the online degrees.
Program Features
At Sul Ross State University, you can fast-track yourself to a career in sports medicine through the one-year M.S. in Health and Human Performance degree. Covering core classes in kinesiology and diagnostics, an internship, and research, this degree has it all. Your online courses will cover:
Advanced Human Nutrition Physiological Basis of Human Performance Problems in Kinesiology Health and Human BehaviorNotables
Since Sul Ross State University is fairly small in terms of enrollment (it enrolls around 2,000 students annually), one of the perks of this program is the small class sizes. Youll have the support of the larger Texas State University System, but the intimacy of online classes with peers and faculty who know your name.
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University of Western StatesLocation
Portland, OR
Tuition$8710
Overview
Known as one of the oldest chiropractic university in the world, the University of Western States has been in operation since 1904. Based in Portland, Oregon, it serves as an integrated health sciences institution with a number of graduate degree programs, though focuses primarily on chiropractic education.
Program Features
The Master of Science in Sports Medicine at UWS maximizes your potential to work with top-performing athletes. It is a hybrid program that is mostly offered online with on-campus lab sessions on the weekends. This degree gets into the nitty-gritty with classes like:
Lower Extremity Taping and Splinting Emergency Management Exercise Physiology Extremity BiomechanicsNotables
Since the University of Western States focuses on chiropractic education, youll have the opportunity to pair this degree with your chiropractic curriculum. In total, youd complete 60 credits rather than the regular 38 for practicing clinicians. However, youll be ahead of the game in the professional world!
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Concordia University ChicagoLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$19980
Overview
Known as one of the oldest chiropractic university in the world, the University of Western States has been in operation since 1904. Based in Portland, Oregon, it serves as an integrated health sciences institution with a number of graduate degree programs, though focuses primarily on chiropractic education.
Program Features
The Master of Science in Sports Medicine at UWS maximizes your potential to work with top-performing athletes. It is a hybrid program that is mostly offered online with on-campus lab sessions on the weekends. This degree gets into the nitty-gritty with classes like:
Lower Extremity Taping and Splinting Emergency Management Exercise Physiology Extremity BiomechanicsNotables
Since the University of Western States focuses on chiropractic education, youll have the opportunity to pair this degree with your chiropractic curriculum. In total, youd complete 60 credits rather than the regular 38 for practicing clinicians. However, youll be ahead of the game in the professional world!
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Fresno Pacific UniversityLocation
Fresno, CA
Tuition$18245
Overview
Fresno Pacific University was founded by the Mennonite Brethren Church in 1944. Its roughly 4,000 oncampus students pursue degrees within the five academic schools. Over 10,000 more students attend Fresno Pacific through the online professional development studies.
Program Features
Delivered 100 percent online, the Masters in Athletic Training at Fresno Pacific University is committed to incorporating Evidence-Based Practice into their coursework. Youll complete your degree anywhere between 18 to 22 months. Within this curriculum, youll experience specific coursework like:
Athletic Training Pedagogical Studies Values in Kinesiology and Sport Advanced Athletic Training Administration Advanced Therapeutic ExerciseNotables
The intent of this programs curriculum is to open doors for you. By using the five-step evidence-based practice in the coursework, youll be able to successfully apply your learnings in a range of settings. Graduates have worked everywhere from sports medicine clinics to military bases and beyond.
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University of Northern ColoradoLocation
Greenly, CO
Tuition$13065
Overview
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) began as a teachers college and has always achieved high marks for its education degrees. Since 1889, it UNC has broadened its scope to offer over 120 graduate degrees. UNC is 8th in the nation for its online graduate programs.
Program Features
UNC takes a unique approach to this degree with an online M.A. in Sports and Exercise Science that focuses on Sports Coaching. This curriculum draws directly from the professional guidelines set up by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education. Youll earn a total of 30 credits by taking classes like:
Coaching with Technology Sports Administration for Coaches Training and Conditioning Principles Bridging Theory and Practice in CoachingNotables
The final assignment for this degree is an action research project. This means youll take your tools and techniques from your online work and apply it to your coaching job. Once youve tested out this method, youll analyze the results and present the conclusions. This is always a favorite project for students.
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Southern Utah UniversityLocation
Cedar City, UT
Tuition$14024
Overview
Southern Utah University (SUU), located in Cedar City, Utah, is a small public university with around 10,000 students in attendance. SUU is known for more than just its online graduate programs.The Princeton Reviewranked SUU as a Best Value College for the last five years in a row.
Program Features
Offering both online classes and in-person intensive clinical workshops, the M.S. in Sports Conditioning Performance at SUU is a student-friendly approach to sports medicine. This degree culminates in a thesis project. Before that youll take 30 credits in core classes and electives like:
Advanced Techniques of Sport Conditioning Motor Skill Acquisition Bioenergetics and Sport Nutrition Resistance Training TechniqueNotables
Occasionally referred to as the Coaching Factory, Southern Utah University has a strong reputation in producing high quality leadership in this profession. The Physical Education Department has been going strong since 1963.
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Mcneese State UniversityLocation
Lake Charles, LA
Tuition$9978
Overview
Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, McNeese State University is a public institution that ranks in the top 100 Best Regional Universities (South) (#98). It has held a spot on this list for the last seven years. Even more, SmartAsset ranked it #3 in the state for having the best average starting salary for graduates.
Program Features
You have three fantastic options within the M.S. in Health and Human Performance degree at McNeese State University: Exercise Physiology, Health Promotion, and Nutrition Wellness. All of the concentration tracks include an emphasis in research as well as an internship opportunity. Some coursework between all three include:
The Physiological Basis of Human Performance Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy Measurements in Health and Physical Education Advanced Exercise PrescriptionNotables
Even though your degree will be earned online, youll still get the chance to jump into hands-on learning through a 6-credit internship experience. This is included with all of the concentration tracks. Youll spend a total of 120 hours at a location of your choice. Its a perfect way to segue into a career.
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Logan UniversityLocation
Chesterfield, MO
Tuition$17060
Overview
A private university specifically focusing in the health sciences and chiropractic education, Logan University is located in Chesterfield, Missouri. It offers three masters degrees, two of which are offered online.
Program Features
One of the many health science graduate options at Logan University is the online Master of Science in Sports Science and Rehabilitation. This degree is designed for chiropractic students who are hoping to work with athletes. It also is suitable for students aiming to work in research or teaching. Youll take some of the following courses:
Exercise Science Principles Sports Emergency Care Exercise Testing and Prescription Active and Passive Extremity RehabilitationNotables
Logan University offers a wide selection of certificate options to increase your hireability. Among them are the options to become a Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist, Certified Special Population Specialist, NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, and more.
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Indiana Wesleyan UniversityLocation
Marion, IN
Tuition$20960
Overview
A liberal arts school in Marion, Indiana that is aligned with the evangelical Christian Church, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is the largest private university in the state. IWU has a well-established online program, complete with personal academic advisors and online resources.
Program Features
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Masters of Science degree in Athletic Training. It is designed for students who have an undergraduate background in athletic training. Other than two classes that youll take onsite, the rest of the 33-credit-hour program can be completed online. Here are some highlight courses:
Leadership and Management in Athletic Training Health Information Technology and Informatics in Athletic Training Nutritional and Pharmacological Aspects of Sports Performance Athletic Training Clinical AnatomyNotables
Unique to IWUs program, during your two-week residency on the Marion campus, youll take a course in clinical anatomy. This means, youll get hands-on experience studying in a cadaver lab. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get beneath the skin and solidify your understanding of anatomy.
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