Best Sports Medicine Degrees

Overview

Part of the City University of New York System, Queens College is a mid-sized school with nearly 20k combined undergraduate and graduate students. Queens College provides a liberal arts education, offering around 80 academic undergraduate majors in an array of areas and subjects, and it is one of the leading schools participating in the CUNY Honors College.

Features

For those who want to blend their knowledge of sports medicine, kinesiology, and human movement with nutrition, Queens College is an ideal choice. This program introduces students to cardiovascular health and wellness, healthy dieting, and exercise science, training them for careers in either corporate or health industries. Whether you want to work with professional athletes or help senior citizens better manage their nutrition and physical activity, Queens College can help you get there through a curriculum comprised of course work on:

Notables

Queens College consistently makes rankings and round-ups for its low tuition costs.Washington Monthlyplaced it 2nd nationally for being the Best Bang For Your Buck, andThe Princeton Reviewranked it 8th nationally for being among Americas Best Value Colleges.ForbesandNewsweekhave also praised Queens for its accessible, affordable price tag.

Overview

The Eau Claire branch in the University of Wisconsin system is a public liberal arts school that offers bachelor and masters degrees in diverse fields of study. Organized into four main colleges (of business, arts and sciences, education, and nursing), UW Eau Claire offers over 80 majors to its 10k students.

Features

The Kinesiology Department at UW Eau Claire is one of the more substantive ones on our ranking, with half a dozen majors and even more minors that explore the dynamics of sports medicine and human movement. Whichever major you choose and however you specialize, these programs give students a broad foundation in the concepts of human movement. Students study the ins and outs of daily movement to better understand how to provide holistic and sustainable health to communities. Majors include:

Notables

With its liberal arts focus, UW Eau Claire is known for requiring its students to show strength and competency in mathematics, English, a foreign language, and foreign cultures, and they are required to take a set number of classes that engage issues of diversity. For this reason among many others, the university is ranked byU.S. News World Reportas being among the top five regional public institutions in the Midwest.

Overview

The Duluth campus in the greater University of Minnesota system is a public, sea-grant school with approximately 10k students enrolled in one of the dozens of academic areas. Among the many colleges and schools that make up UM Duluth, campus is also home to a School of Medicine, a four-year College of Pharmacy, and a renowned Music Hall, performing arts center, and planetarium.

Features

The exercise science degree at UM Duluth gives students the option to specialize in either health fitness or sport science. However, all students will take the core courses listed below, through which they gain theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience in exercise movement, nutrition, and strength building. Students are also encouraged to participate in the research projects through the Exercise Physiology Lab, the Biomechanics Lab, and the Motor Learning and Vision lab.

Notables

WhileForbesranks UM Duluth nationally,U.S. News World ReportandWashington Monthlyboth include it in their regional rankings. The school is also known for its beautiful campus, as it adheres strictly to a 1 Percent for Art, rule, which means all buildings and facilities must include some public art in their infrastructure.

Overview

Towson University is located in Baltimore, Maryland and is a public university, a member of the University System of Maryland, and one of the largest public schools in the state. It was founded as a teachers school, originally, and it still produces more teachers than any other university in Maryland.

Features

Towsons program is a blend of disciplines that covers biomechanics, exercise physiology, biochemistry, growth and development, nutrition, and exercise psychology. Students learn how to best utilize technology for fitness evaluation, how to lead individual and group exercise programs, how to educate and counsel clients on holistic health practices, and how to cultivate the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for work in clinical, corporate, commercial, or community health settings. In addition to the core set of courses, some of the unique elective opportunities you will have include:

Notables

Ranked 8th among regional, public universities byU.S. News World Report, Towson University has a strong academic reputation, especially for its education programs. Likewise,ForbesandKiplingers Personal Financemagazine include Towson among the top 100 best valued schools in nation.

Overview

Located in Farmville, Virginia, Longwood University is a liberal arts school and one of the oldest public institutions in the state. Longwood is organized into three academic schools;the College of Business and Economics, the College of Education and Human Services, and the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences;and it is a small school with an enrollment of around 5k undergraduates.

Features

Longwood University distinctively brings together important concepts and trending theories in the areas of physical, mental, and social wellness. Students learn how personal health impacts community health; they develop leadership skills that will help them guide others through holistic health planning; and they will become equipped in the areas of movement, performance and function through biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and neuroscience. Graduates from Longwood Universitys program have gone on to secure rewarding careers as:

Notables

U.S. News World Reportranks Longwood University in the top regional universities in the South, andThe Princeton Reviewincludes it among the Best in the Southeast. Longwood is also praised for its affordability, byPrinceton, Money Magazine,andForbes.

Overview

One of the smallest schools on our list with around 3k enrolled undergraduates, Lander University is a public university located in Greenwood, South Carolina. Originally founded as a Methodist womens school, Lander is now coed and state-supported, offering over 60 areas of study in a diverse variety of subjects and disciplines.

Features

Lander University gives you two great opportunities to explore exercise science and implement what you learn outside the classroom, through either a BS in Exercise Science or a BS in Physical Education with a focus on the science of movement. Both programs delve into sports medicine, though the former more so. Landers exercise science program is for students who want to work in public, private, or corporate industries, disseminating information and health practices that promote endurance, body composition, muscular strength, and flexibility. Reasons to study at Lander are plentiful:

Notables

Due to its size and structure, Lander is known for having low student-to-faculty ratios of around 19:1 and class sizes that tend to fall under 25 students. Landers campus also has earned a reputation, being that it is the site of a few buildings recognized by the National Register of Historic places.

Overview

A major hub of research initiatives, as designated by the Carnegie Foundation, San Diego State University (SDSU) is a large, public university. It is part of the 23-member California State University system, has an enrollment of over 35k students, and is organized into dozens of discrete schools and colleges, offering degrees in nearly 200 areas of study.

Features

San Diego State Universitys BS in Athletic Training program is markedly hands-on. As a SDSU student you will be required to fulfill a full two years of clinical experience under the direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer. Youll gain insights into the world of sports medicine while spending at least 20 hours a week at practices, games, rehabilitation service centers, workshops, surgical observations, and more, and youll graduate prepared to:

Notables

San Diego State University is the second largest producer of Fulbright Scholars in the state of California, second only to the illustrious UC Berkeley. Additionally, SDSU consistently falls in the top ten of those universities nationwide that are committed to ethnic and racial diversity on campus.Forbes, U.S. News World Report, ARWU, Washington Monthly, and more, add to the accolades, including SDSU on their respective rankings.

Overview

Located in the Minnesotan city of the same name, Bemidji State University (BSU) is a public, state university situated right on the scenic shorelines of Lake Bemidji. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, and was originally founded to provide higher education to future teachers. While still maintaining a strong education department, BSU now offers a range of degree programs to its 6k students.

Features

With two distinct areas of concentration;in medical fitness or fitness leadership;the BS in Exercise Science degree at Bemidji State University gives students a solid foundation in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, and motor development. Students have hands-on training by working in the exercise physiology and biomechanics lab, and through a professional internship. Bemidji State Universitys program ensures you find a successful career after graduation by preparing you for diverse vocational opportunities. In fact, graduates have gone on to work in:

Notables

Bemidji State University is regionally ranked byU.S. News World ReportandWashington Monthly.

Overview

For those looking for a Christian, liberal arts experience, Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana may be a great option. Affiliated with the evangelical Christian Missionary Church, Bethel is the smallest school on our list with around 1k enrolled undergraduates. Despite its size, Bethel College offers many academic programs through its three schools: the Division of Arts Sciences, the Division of Humanities Social Sciences, and the School of Nursing.

Features

Bethel offers a number of degree and learning opportunities in the areas of sports medicine and exercise science, among them degrees in kinesiology and exercise science. These degrees are also hands-on programs that encourage you to work in labs and connect professionally through internships. Furthermore, you will get trained on measuring body composition, muscular strength and endurance flexibility, and cardiovascular health while also taking courses on:

Notables

All Bethel students are required to take, as prerequisites, courses on the Old and New Testament, as well as those covering Christian theology. Likewise, the rest of the academic departments, regardless of majors offered, incorporate Christian values and theology into the curriculum.

Overview

Iowas flagship university and a site of high research activity, Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a land-grant and space-grant institution. It is part of the 62-member Association of American Universities, which is made up of leaders in advanced academic research.

Features

Iowa State also offers a number of opportunities for students who want to study human movement, sports science, and exercise, among them is the option to become a Certified Athletic Trainer. This program will teach you core concepts in prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation through classes that cover everything from drug education to human diseases. And youll graduate ready to tackle the Board of Certification Exam.Some of the amazing labs (and there are many!) youll have the opportunity to work in include:

Notables

Iowa State is one of only a few public universities to be honored with the designation an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. Indeed, it is nationally ranked byU.S. News World Report, Forbes, Washington Monthly, andARWUand globally ranked byTimes Higher EducationandQS World University Rankings.

Overview

Located in the Upper Peninsulas city of Houghton, Michigan Technological University (MTU) specializes in science, technology, forestry, health, and business programs. However, MTU offers over 130 degrees in an array of fields. Relatively small in student size, with approximately 7k combined undergraduate and graduate students, MTUs research activity is anything but small; it is the site of dynamic research development initiatives and programs.

Features

Michigan Tech has a sizable department in pre-health professions with several degrees that fully equip students for graduate and medical school. Among the degrees is a sports medicine program that trains students to serve both amateur and professional athletes and to work alongside physicians, chiropractors, nutritionists, psychologists, and more. If youre not planning to attend graduate or medical school, Michigan Tech also offers a number of terminal degrees in fitness management, exercise science, kinesiology, plus an athletic training internship program. As a Michigan Tech student, regardless of degree program, you will graduate able to demonstrate:

Notables

Called one of the Best in the Midwest byThe Princeton Review,MTU, as a whole, is regionally ranked byU.S. News World Report, Forbes,andWashington Monthly.Michigan Techs separate schools and colleges, however, also hold many of their own rankings, especially the engineering school, which is considered one of the ten best in the country.

Overview

The Edwardsville campus of Southern Illinois University (SIUE) is a public university known for its research initiatives that have been funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and much more. It is thus classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having made notable research contributions across health, science, and tech fields.

Features

Offered through the School of Education, Health, and Human Behavior, SIUEs exercise science program is one of only a few in the nation (among 5 percent of schools) to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs. This program combines theoretical coursework with hands-on experience to gives students a well-rounded education in exercise science, human movement, and kinesiology. This is a perfect program for those who want to find careers right after graduation, or go on to graduate school to pursue careers in physical therapy, sports medicine, or athletic training. SIUEs coursework is comprised of classes on:

Notables

U.S. News World Reporthas called SUIE one of the Top 50 Midwest Universities while also giving it a high regional ranking and a strong showing in the top public universities ranking. SUIE has also been praised for being one of the safest, one of the most LGBTQ friendly, and one of the most military friendly campuses in the nation.

Overview

Located in Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall University is a public research university comprised of nearly 15k students. Organized into nine undergraduate colleges and schools that offer degrees across a variety of disciplines, Marshall is most known and regarded for its departments in medicine, forensic science, and business administration.

Features

Marshall Universitys School of Kinesiology offers undergraduate degree programs in Athletic Training, Biomechanics, Exercise Science, and Sports Management and Marketing. Though, its important to note that the athletic training program is a combined undergraduate and masters degree that is organized into a 3 + 2 structure; meaning students take three years of traditional undergraduate training in human physiology, kinesiology, exercise science, and nutrition, and then two years of clinical requirements. So, in five years, you can graduate with both a BS and MS in Athletic Training. Graduates have gone on to work for:

Notables

Marshall boasts an active, involved student body, with over 230 designated student-run, student-led organizations. Marshall students also participate in high numbers in the renowned study abroad program, which consists of 250 sites in 50 countries.

Overview

Located in the New York city of the same name and part of the State University of New York system, the College of Brockport (also known as SUNY Brockport) is a liberal arts school. With around 8k combined undergraduate and graduate students, plus 40 undergraduate degree programs, SUNY Brockport is one the smaller side. However, it offers majors in a range of subjects, from recreation and leisure studies to health science, pre-med, and exercise science.

Features

Like many of the other programs on our list, the College at Brockport offers a number of degree opportunities in sports medicine, kinesiology, and exercise science. All housed under the Department of Kinesiology, Sports Studies, and Physical Education, these programs introduce students to all facets of human movement, from the psychological to the physiological. However, Marshalls programs are uniquely multidisciplinary, featuring a liberal arts curriculum that gives students a broad base of insight into human movement. Marshall also has dozens of unique elective opportunities that can help you specialize, among them:

Notables

Brockport is one of SUNYs most selective schools, which is reflected by its solid rankings and by its renowned academic and extracurricular programming. For example, SUNY Brockport has one of the nations largest and most involved study abroad programs.

Overview

The San Marcos affiliate in the renowned California State University system is one of twenty-three schools, this one located just north of San Diego County. Relatively new, Cal State San Marcos was founded in the late 1980s but has now grown into a mid-sized public institution with over 60 academic areas of study. Its 12k students are enrolled in one of the four colleges, including the College of Education, Health, and Human Services.

Features

Cal State San Marcos students who pursue a BS in Kinesiology then have three opportunities to specialize, in Applied Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy, or in Health Science. Applied Exercise Science students engage in the broadest kinesiology curriculum, studying everything from biomechanics to sport nutrition and cardiac rehabilitation. Pre-Physical Therapy students take classes in physics and chemistry as well as orthopedic rehab, personal training, and more, ready upon graduation to attend advanced schooling to become physical therapists. And for those interested in public health and community fitness, the health science concentration prepares students to work in wellness coaching, health education, and research. However, all graduates from Cal State San Marcos are able to:

Notables

Cal State San Marcos is home to dozens of unique cultural centers, research facilities, academic organizations, and honor societies, among them a pre-health society, which serves students who are specifically interested in health fields, such as exercise science and kinesiology.

Located in Tampa, the University of South Florida (USF) is a member of the State University System of Florida. It is one of the largest universities in the state with nearly 50k undergraduate and graduate students, over 200 academic programs, its fourteen colleges and schools, and its research expenditures. In fact, USF is designated a top-tier research university by the Carnegie Foundation and is known for its contributions in the areas of public health, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and biomedical science.

Features

Offered through the College of Education, the BS in Exercise Science program at USF is a rigorous degree program that requires students to attend summer sessions. However, on the flip side, you will have a close cohort who proceeds through the program alongside you. Together you will conduct research, even publishing your findings. You will also work with the community, community agencies and organizations, and individuals to promote healthy living and nutrition. Finally, some of the unique research centers and labs you will have the opportunity to work in include:

Notables

The University of South Florida is well-ranked byARWU, U.S. News World Report,andWashington Monthly.Similarly, many of USFs individual degree programs and departments are well-ranked, and the university is part of the top 10 universities worldwide in the number of US patents granted.

Overview

Winona State University (WSU) is a public university in Minnesota and the oldest member in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It offers over 80 academic programs, in a diverse range of academic disciplines and subjects, to its 10k students.

Features

Like some of the other schools on our list, Winona State also offers students several ways to study human movement, sports science, and athletic training, through various BS degree programs, in Exercise Science, Movement Science, Athletic Training, Public Health, and Clinical Science. The exercise science program, for example, shows students how to design and implement health programs that fit to their clients specific needs. Distinctively, students in this program can become certified through the American College of Sports Medicine. Other opportunities for students include:

Notables

Winona State is known for its small student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 and its equally small class sizes that average below 25 students per class. Further, as a school that is explicitly committed to community service and global betterment, its student population consists of those who have come from over fifty countries worldwide to study at WSU (in addition to those coming from most states around the country).

Overview

The senior college in the City University of New York system, Brooklyn College was founded in the early 20th century as a school for teachers. Today it offers dozens of degrees through its five schools of business, education, humanities and social science, natural and behavioral sciences, and visual, media, and performing arts. About 17k combined undergraduate and graduate students attend Brooklyn College.

Features

While studying the fundamentals of exercise science at Brooklyn College you will have the opportunity to specialize in one of two ways, through the Fitness Professional Track or the Pre-Health Professions Track. The former is for those who want to enter a career in exercise training, fitness consultation, and sports science upon graduation, while the latter is for those who want to advance into more schooling to become physical therapists, occupational therapists, or physicians assistants. Both tracks, however, are steeped in the same kinesiology core, with classes on:

Notables

Regionally ranked byU.S. News World ReportandThe Princeton Review, Brooklyn College also has strong marks for its affordability, diversity, sustainability, and campus beauty.

Overview

The oldest public institution in Idaho, the University of Idaho is located in Moscow and it is the states flagship, land-grant, and primary research school. UI offers nearly 150 academic degrees across all levels of education, including specialists degrees and certifications.

Features

Offered through the Department of Movement Sciences, the University of Idahos BS in Exercise Science degree gives students a holistic understanding of the intersections of exercise, health, wellness, nutrition, and movement. Students learn how healthy living affects human behaviors in psychological, social, and personal ways. Additionally, students gain a hands-on learning experience through service programs, practicums, internships, and by participating in study abroad field experiences. Graduates from the University of Idaho have gone on to become:

Notables

With some of the highest research expenditures in Idaho (averaging upwards of $100 million), UI also has some of the highest graduation rates of any other public school in the state. It is nationally ranked byForbes, U.S. News World Report,Payscale, The Princeton Review,andWashington Monthly.

Overview

The University of Wyoming (UW) is located in Laramie and is a land-grant institution organized into seven colleges and schools. Its nearly 15k students are enrolled in one of the 50 degree, certificate, or specialization programs. UW is also home to several well-known museums;such as the art, geological, insect, and the anthropology museums;as well as, of course, its NCAA Division 1 athletic program.

Features

The Kinesiology and Health Promotion degree at UW is offered through the College of Health Sciences and introduces students to clinical exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, behavior science, business management, and much more, making this one of the more multidisciplinary programs on our ranking. Similarly, students who graduate from the UW program are rewarded with a breadth of career options, from physician assisting to optometry. So, for those looking for a broad approach to sports medicine, from a university renowned for its athletics, UW is a great choice. The core curriculum for kinesiology majors is made up of classes on:

Notables

The University of Wyoming is nationally ranked byARWU, Forbes, The Princeton Review, U.S. News World Report,andWashington Monthly.In addition to its holistic ranking, several of the universitys departments are also well recognized, including the earth science, education, biological science, and clinical psychology departments.

Overview

A liberal arts school based in Caldwell, the College of Idaho is a notably small school with around 1k undergraduates. Despite the size, the College of Idaho is known for its degrees in health, the humanities, social sciences, and the natural sciences. Offering around 25 academic areas of study, the College of Idaho is the states oldest liberal arts college.

Features

College of Idaho students can major in either Exercise Physiology, Human Performance, or Health Science, and they can pair their degree with a minor in one of dozens of specializations, from health promotion to coaching, human performance, and much more. Students learn the ins and outs of physiology and kinesiology as well as human anatomy, lifespan development, and sport participation. Additionally, this program gives students a fundamental understanding of the historical, psychological, and sociological aspects of physical activity through a curriculum that covers:

Notables

In addition to its reputation for graduating a number of Rhodes Scholars, the College of Idaho is well-known for its distinctive PEAK curriculum, which allows students to earn a full degree plus three minors in a typical four-year program structure.

Overview

A public research university and part of the renowned University of Texas System, the Arlington (UT Arlington) campus is one of the largest schools in Texas. It is known as an active research university and is, in fact, one of the fastest growing research institutions in the country. Approximately 40k undergraduate and graduate students attend UT Arlington and are enrolled in one of the 11 schools and colleges.

Features

At the University of Texas at Arlington students studying Athletic Training are prepared not only through an exhaustive curriculum and through faculty mentorship, but because most students graduate with real connections and relationships with leaders in the industry. Also, the school also goes to great lengths to provide a holistic learning environment, providing a number of student services, as well as a number of competitive scholarships. Athletic training classes include:

Notables

The University of Texas at Arlington is a large, public research university that has received accolades fromForbes, The Princeton Review,andU.S. News World Reportfor its academic and research contributions.

Overview

Originally founded as a teachers college, Appalachian State University now offers nearly 200 undergraduate majors and provides affordable education to its 20k undergraduate and graduate students. It is part of the renowned University of North Carolina system and is located in Boone, NC.

Features

At Appalachian State University, you can earn a BS in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, or Public Health. Each program prepares students for diverse career options, in hospitals, clinics, recreation and wellness centers, universities, and more. ASU students engage in clinicals, practicums, and internships, and they graduate prepared for advanced schooling in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractic science. Most ASU students go on to find rewarding careers as:

Notables

Appalachian State University is consistently ranked byU.S. News World Reportas being among the top 10 Southern Universities. It has also been lauded byTIME, The Princeton Review, Consumers Digest,andKiplingers Personal Finance.

Overview

An affiliate institution in the University of North Carolina system, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a public research school and part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a nonprofit that supports historically black colleges and universities and its students. It is a small school with around 7k undergraduates and 40 academic majors.

Features

Winston-Salem State Universitys BS in Exercise Science degree teaches students how to design, develop, and implement physical activity programs that are at once safe, effective, and holistic. Students take a range of classes in aerobic systems, muscular and skeletal systems, cardiorespiratory health, and chronic disease, among others. With a curriculum balanced between theory and practicum, students can also pair the degree in exercise science with a minor in sports medicine, one of the only minors like it on our ranking. Classes comprising the minor include:

Notables

With regional rankings fromU.S. News World Reportand considered one of the top public schools in the nation, Winston-Salem State University is known for its academic standards as well as its wide-ranging student involvements, from study abroad programming to its 100 student-led organizations and clubs.