Key Takeaways
- Affordable degree and certification programs in exercise science are offered by universities like the University of Connecticut and PennWest.
- Cheap online certification courses in exercise science improve skills and job prospects without high costs.
- Flexible payment options are available, making exercise science certifications accessible to more people.
Research program costs and potential hidden fees to ensure affordability. More and more people are beginning to realize how important it is to prioritize wellness. This might be the reason why the demand for professionals in the exercise science field has gotten so high. In order to succeed in this field, you’ll usually need to get a certification of some sort.
Traditional education can obviously be expensive. Thankfully, online education is a cheaper option that’s just as effective. In this article, we’ll go over some affordable online certification programs in exercise science. We’ll also discuss how taking online exercise science courses can help you reach your career goals without spending too much money.
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- Exercise Science Degrees
- 5 Best Online Sports Science Certifications
- Best Certifications for Exercise Science Graduates
- Best Exercise Science Specializations for Your Career
- Difference Between Exercise Science and Kinesiology
- Difference Between Exercise Science and Sports Science
- Exercise Science Careers in Sports Teams
- Exercise Science Careers Without a Master’s
- Non-Clinical Careers for Exercise Science Majors
- Scholarships and Financial Aid for Exercise Science Students
- What Can I Do with a Major in Health and Human Performance?
Cost-Effective Exercise Science Certifications
There are many great things about cost-effective exercise science certification programs. For one, you can take accredited courses and save a lot of money. By investing in a cost-effective program, you’ll be able to improve your skills and job prospects. Here are some examples of affordable exercise science certification programs:
Exercise Prescription Online Master’s Degree & Graduate Certificate at the University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut offers two online programs in exercise science. These programs could either earn you a master’s degree or a graduate certificate. These programs are especially ideal for people who are already working in or want to enter the exercise science field.
PennWest California’s Master’s in Exercise Science
Do you already have an undergraduate degree? If so, you can advance it with PennWest’s online post-baccalaureate program. PennWest’s certificates are designed to help you access the fields of health and fitness. Also, PennWest California’s Master’s in Exercise Science program is the first nationally ranked online program.
Budget-Friendly Exercise Science Courses Online
Most online exercise science courses are relatively affordable. Here are some popular programs and examples of online courses:
Online Bachelor of Sport Science Program (The United States Sports Academy)
This program allows students to work with an advisor to create a personalized study plan. The curriculum includes four core courses, two required courses, 14 elective courses, and a final internship. There are no on-campus residency requirements.
Courses offered in this affordable program include:
- Sports Law and Risk Management
- Applied Sports Performance
- Organization and Management in Sports
- Sports Strength and Conditioning
- Sociology of Sports
- Sports Promotion and Event Planning
Online Bachelor’s in Exercise Science (Franklin University)
At Franklin University, the courses are designed to teach students how to assess fitness levels. You’ll also get to learn how to create exercise programs. The program requires 120 credits to complete. However, students can transfer up to 94 credits from any previous coursework they’ve completed. Courses include:
- Applied Research Methods
- Exercise Physiology
- Principles of Strength Training and Conditioning
- Kinesiology/Biomechanics
- Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology
Are you wondering how to assess the quality of these courses? You can start by reading reviews from past students and checking out the instructors’ qualifications.
Affordable Fitness Certification Programs
As you can see, plenty of organizations offer affordable fitness certification programs online. Here are some examples:
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer Program
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) offers a super affordable certification program. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a career in exercise science. One of the best things about ISSA’s program is that it offers flexible payment plans, making the certification easier to afford for more people.
National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Certified Strength Coach Program
This program is designed for people who are interested in strength training and conditioning. It’s affordable and thorough, so it’s a great choice for students who don’t want to spend too much money.
These programs won’t just improve your skills. They will open up plenty of career opportunities. That’s why investing in online programs is worth it.
Cheap Online Exercise Science Degrees
Pursuing an online degree in exercise science is pretty cheap. At any rate, it’s cheaper than attending a traditional campus-based program. You’ll also get to save money on housing. Here are some more cheap online exercise science programs:
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Coaching (University of the Cumberlands)
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online Bachelor’s in Coaching. This program helps students improve their abilities and prepares them for professional coaching jobs. It also focuses on developing technical and communication skills.
American Public University’s Bachelor’s in Sports and Health Sciences
This program is super affordable, and students will have access to course content from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). As a student, you’ll learn from respected faculty and physical therapists.
Low-Cost Exercise Science Training Online
Some platforms offer inexpensive training and the opportunity to receive continuing education credits in exercise science:
Fitness Mentors
This program offers affordable continuing education courses. If you need to maintain certifications, the Fitness Mentors coaches will be happy to help you do so.
ACE Fitness Continuing Education
ACE Fitness offers plenty of low-cost courses to help professionals keep their certificates active. You can also take their online courses if you want to expand your knowledge.
Using these resources could be a great way to improve your professional credentials. It won’t be a significant financial burden, either!
Economical Exercise Science Certifications
When evaluating economic certifications, you’ll need to consider a few things. Some certifications might come with hidden costs, for example. These hidden costs might include renewal fees, study materials, or exam retakes. Make sure to do thorough research and choose programs with transparent pricing.
Action Personal Trainer Certification
This program is very affordable. It also has quite a comprehensive curriculum. This certification is NCCA-accredited, too, so you can rest assured that it meets high standards of quality.
National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Group Exercise Certification
This program offers a cost-effective way to enter the fitness industry. It focuses on expanding your knowledge and practical skills.
Evaluating the Best Value in Exercise Science Courses
Evaluating the “best value” in exercise science courses will involve a few steps. You should look at instructor expertise, community support, and available resources. Here are some examples of courses with great value:
NASM’s Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC)
This course is taught by industry experts and includes extensive support. Considering the depth of content, it’s reasonably priced.
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification
Although it’s slightly more expensive, this program is worth it. You’ll get a comprehensive education and open yourself up to career opportunities.
Online Financial Resources for Exercise Science Education on a Budget
Getting an education on a budget isn’t easy. However, it doesn’t have to be a major headache. Many institutions and platforms offer financial aid specifically for online students. Here are some financial aid resources:
Federal Student Aid
Federal Student Aid is available for accredited online degree programs. Make sure to fill out the FAFSA to determine your eligibility. The FAFSA deadline is June 30th, but you should try to apply in early October when the application becomes available.
Scholarships.com
This website lists scholarships that are available to online students. Naturally, this list includes scholarships for students in exercise science programs. You should be prepared to write some essays, but it’ll definitely be worth it.
Discounted Exercise Science Programs
To find discounted exercise science programs, you’ll need to stay informed about things like seasonal promotions. You can also network and use your connections to find out about discounted exercise science programs. Here are some examples of discounted programs:
American Public University
In this program, you’ll have access to course content from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). This means you’ll get to take the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam. Here, you can get a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences with a concentration in exercise science.
Cameron University Online Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science
In this program, you’ll learn about the legal implications of exercise science. You’ll also learn how to create fitness programs. This is a great choice for people who want to pursue a career as a fitness or sports instructor. This program is entirely online, and students get to complete a practicum at the end.
Inexpensive Resources for Exercise Science Certifications Online
Free or nearly free resources can supplement formal education programs. Some examples of these resources include:
Coursera and edX
These platforms offer free access to course materials with the option to pay for certification. This can be a great way to gain knowledge without paying any upfront costs.
Conclusion
Finding affordable, quality education in exercise science is important for anyone who wants to advance their career without going into a lot of debt. By looking at your options carefully, you can pick programs that fit your budget. You’ll also be able to open doors to more job opportunities.
Start looking for affordable online certification courses in exercise science today. Talk to people who work in the industry, check out different programs, and take steps to improve your qualifications without spending too much. Doing this will help you start a rewarding career in the growing field of exercise science. Best of luck on your search for a program!