Online Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences (BS)
Learn how to help others improve their overall health, fitness, wellness, tactical readiness, and athletic performance. The Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences at American Military University (AMU) emphasizes exercise science and evidence-based approaches to optimizing physical fitness.
Program Overview
Students gain a scientific understanding of the relationships between human anatomy, exercise physiology, physical fitness, nutrition, and overall health. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications for sport and exercise science with a focus on strategies for optimizing tactical and athletic performance. Coursework builds career-relevant skills as they discuss how the principles of health and exercise science help support positive health outcomes and improved performance.
The program covers fundamental concepts for those pursuing careers in the allied health professions (healthcare-related fields). The curriculum explores:
- Exercise science
- Exercise testing and programming
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Kinesiology
- Sport psychology
Students learn from respected faculty who share their real-world expertise as researchers, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, fitness center directors, and nutrition and health consultants.
This bachelor’s degree program is affiliated with the guidelines of the American Sport Education Program (ASEP).
Explore Sports and Health Sciences Degree Concentrations
AMU’s degree concentration tracks allow students to explore their specific sports and health sciences interests in greater depth. Each track provides learners with career-relevant knowledge and skills through specialized coursework.
Select a concentration to learn more.
About the Concentration
This general concentration allows you to select from all concentration courses offered within this program, enabling you to create your own focused area of study.
Program Objectives
This general concentration allows you to select from all concentration courses offered within this program, enabling you to create your own focused area of study.
About the Concentration
Explores strategies of effective communication with athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, and parents. The curriculum evaluates technical and tactical sport skills, as well as leadership strategies and their application to coaching principles. A focus on coaching leadership can also be applied to other business endeavors and personal life.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Identify strategies to effectively communicate athletes, fellow coaches, officials, school administrators, and parents.
- Examine methods for teaching and evaluating technical and tactical sport skills.
- Analyze and evaluate leadership strategies and apply them to coaching principles.
About the Concentration
Offers scientific knowledge used to train athletes and clients in fitness and athletic performance, including exercise prescription principles for training variation, injury prevention, and reconditioning. Examines sports nutrition and supplementation, lower and upper extremities function during exercise, and mental training strategies aimed at improving athletic performance.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply scientific knowledge to train athletes and clients for the primary goals of improving athletic performance and fitness.
- Apply exercise prescription principles for training variation, injury prevention, and reconditioning.
- Analyze sport movements and design movement-oriented exercise prescriptions.
About the Concentration
Examines health care financing and economic principles, as well as environmental, sociocultural, and other factors that influence fitness and wellness practices. Topics include the physical, intellectual, and social components of wellness, as well as sports facility and event management and other business aspects, including risk management, marketing, leadership, and personnel.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Analyze the structure of healthcare financing and economic principles.
- Evaluate environmental, sociocultural, and economic factors that influence fitness and wellness professional practices throughout society.
- Integrate healthy lifestyle and behavior practices for improving overall well-being.
About the Concentration
Nutrition and physical activity are essential components of health and well-being. The Nutrition for Health and Fitness concentration extends the core nutrition theories beyond basic sports nutrition concepts taught in the Sports and Health Sciences curriculum. Students will learn to apply cultural food practices, advanced nutrition topics, wellness and disease prevention principles, and skills to integrate nutrition coaching/well-being techniques to health and fitness programs.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply fundamental principles and concepts of nutrition science (e.g., nutrients, hydration, and alcohol consumption), cultural food practices, and disease prevention to essential health and fitness principles.
- Evaluate current fitness and wellness topics using appropriate nutrition and physical activity principles.
- Develop strategies that help clients select appropriate foods, manage cultural food restrictions, and overcome life/training hurdles to build healthy eating habits that improve their well-being.
Gain Career-Relevant Knowledge and Skills When You Study Health and Sport Sciences
This bachelor’s degree program examines how human movement and behavior impact overall wellness. Courses explore the core principles of exercise physiology, as well as evidence-based strategies for improving athletic performance.
Students also:
- Apply exercise science concepts to a variety of sports and fitness activities
- Understand how to implement motivational strategies and tactics to guide practice and performance aimed at improving physical activity
- Learn to advance fitness, readiness, and performance
- Educate various populations on the basic concepts of a healthful diet and how to use nutritional guidelines to improve performance
- Understand how to manage sports-related injuries with basic first aid principles
AMU’s program examines the scientific foundations of the health and fitness industry. Students develop transferable skills as they discuss real-world applications for exercise science principles.
Graduates may consider potential career opportunities as:
- Military physical training specialists, who design and execute physical readiness training programs for troops
- Tactical strength and conditioning specialists, who develop performance and resilience programs for first responders and military personnel
- Health promotion specialists, who build wellness campaigns and may work for the military and/or federal agencies
- Fitness trainers/strength and conditioning specialists, who lead training sessions for individuals and/or athletic teams
- Wellness coaches/corporate wellness specialists, who develop educational programs to support corporate health initiatives and encourage employees to be physically active
- Occupational health and safety specialists, who lead initiatives to help workers in physically demanding occupations prevent injuries
- Rehabilitation/performance specialists, who assist active-duty servicemembers and/or veterans with injury recovery and performance optimization
- Emergency management fitness/health advisors, who design health and fitness programs for crisis operations to support responder readiness
- Exercise physiologists, who design and implement exercise programs to help clients achieve their health goals and improve athletic performance
- Health educators, who develop and execute wellness programs to support community health
- Recreational/athletic coaches, who apply their knowledge of exercise physiology and sports psychology to train athletes, in addition to organizing practice sessions and overseeing competitions for a variety of activities and age groups
Other career paths in the allied health and medical fields may require additional education, as well as clinical training and/or professional licensure. This BS in Sports and Health Sciences provides learners with a scientific background that may provide a solid foundation for graduate-level study.
This online bachelor’s degree program will help learners develop a diverse set of skills as they discuss how health and fitness principles apply to real-world scenarios. Coursework prepares students to work with a wide range of groups, from fitness enthusiasts to professional athletes. Learners discuss how to design health and wellness programs that target specific fitness and health goals.
Students also learn how to:
- Apply exercise science concepts to various tactical, sports, and fitness activities
- Use motivational tactics to help others improve their athletic performance and physical readiness
- Optimize physical fitness, physical readiness, and tactical and sports performance
- Educate various populations about basic nutrition and the relationship between diet and athletic performance
- Apply basic first aid principles to treat sports-related injuries
Explore the Curriculum for AMU’s Online Sports and Health Sciences Bachelor’s Degree
Make New Connections While You Study Exercise and Sport Science Online at AMU
American Military University’s online community includes students and educators from all walks of life. Connect with others who share your interests beyond the virtual classroom. Explore more than 100 student clubs and organizations, including AMU’s:
Learn more about student life and other ways to get involved when you pursue your bachelor’s degree online at AMU.
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Encouraging students to use current technologies, critically evaluate emerging tools, and responsibly engage with digital and AI systems.
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Helping students thrive in dynamic workplaces by reinforcing adaptability, resilience, innovation, and self-awareness.
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Meant to inform our approach to you, and your ability to thrive beyond the classroom,
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AMU is here to support your student journey
Your mission matters, but so does your well-being. That's why we provide supportive resources to help you stay ready for what’s next.
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Whether you’re transitioning from military to civilian life or pursuing advancement within your branch of service, AMU’s Career Services are here to help. Our coach-guided experiences empower you to translate your military skills into new opportunities, develop your professional strengths, and chart a course to your next mission.
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Resilience is critical to mission success, and that starts with your mental health. AMU offers confidential, flexible, 24/7 access to support resources to help you manage stress, find balance, and stay mission-ready.
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We understand the unique needs of military students. That’s why our admissions and advising teams provide personalized guidance from day one, helping you navigate enrollment, maximize your benefits, and plan your academic journey around your service commitments. We’re here to help you succeed wherever duty calls.
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At AMU, you’ll be part of a strong, service-minded community that understands your goals and values. Through student organizations like the Student Veterans of America (SVA) and access to the university directory through ecampus, you’ll connect with peers and mentors who can help you build your professional network and lifelong camaraderie.
Learn MoreChoose AMU for an Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Health Sciences
- $0 Application Fee
- $0 Textbooks & Ebooks
- $0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
Earning a degree is a valuable investment, but it needs to fit into your budget. Our tuition estimator can help you estimate your tuition and fees, so you can plan a manageable path to your educational goals. For full details, please refer to the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). This estimate does not include course materials, supplies, equipment, software and other expenses such as lab fees. You may be eligible for partnership grants through your employer. Speak with your admissions representative for more details.
AMU Removes Barriers
Quality Education Shouldn't Break the Bank
We offer special rates and grants for eligible students and limit fees to help keep the cost of higher education within reach. Find out how you can save on tuition expenses with our:
- Transfer Credits
- Financial Aid
- Private Loans & Scholarships
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Transfer Credits
AMU recognizes the value of your service and experience. Our generous transfer credit policy ensures that you get credit for prior college coursework, military education and training, exams, and certifications so you can save time, keep costs low, and stay focused on your education mission.
Learn MoreFinancial Aid
In addition to special rates and grants for military servicemembers, veterans, and their families, we also participate in federal financial aid programs for those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Office team can help ensure you have the support you need.
Learn MorePrivate Loans & Scholarships
AMU students may explore private education loans or scholarship options to supplement their education funding. Before pursuing these options, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn about your eligibility. We encourage all borrowers to research their choices, review interest rates and repayment terms, and make an informed decision that aligns with their goals.
Learn MoreMilitary & Veteran Benefits
As a leader in higher education for the nation’s military and a top choice for veterans using education benefits, AMU proudly accepts Tuition Assistance (TA) and other military education benefits. Our experienced Military Tuition Assistance team can help you understand your eligibility, apply your benefits, and make the most out of your available resources.
Learn MoreApply to AMU’s Sports and Health Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Program Today
Our online degree programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, including military personnel. Students can learn from anywhere with internet access, even while deployed. AMU also has rolling admissions, and online courses start monthly.
Review our admission requirements and submit your application today.
- No Entrance Exams No SAT® or ACT®8 required for undergraduate programs
- No Application Fee For undergraduate courses
- Courses Start Monthly Enroll now, start next month
- All AMU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
Learn More about Studying Health and Exercise Science
Health and sports sciences coursework involves the study of exercise, wellness, and human movement. Students explore the factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Learners will discuss how to apply the principles of health, sport, nutrition, and exercise science to help individuals achieve their wellness goals. Courses cover strategies for optimizing physical fitness and athletic performance.
Students majoring in this discipline will examine a wide range of topics, including:
- Exercise physiology – The study of the human body’s response to physical exercise
- Kinesiology – The study of human movement
- Motor learning – The process of improving physical performance and developing new motor skills through practice and experience
- Sports nutrition – The study of the relationship between diet and athletic ability; sports nutrition examines how the foundations of nutrition can improve overall health and performance
- Sport psychology – The study of the mental and emotional factors that influence athletic performance
Yes. AMU’s Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences helps lay the groundwork to pursue a sports and health sciences master’s degree.
Our faculty members work across a broad range of professions. They provide insights into myriad real-world applications for the concepts our students learn and discuss in class.
Each faculty member also has at least a master’s degree in sports and health sciences or a related field, such as athletic training, nutrition, or sports medicine.
Current and former faculty members include:Yes, students can seamlessly transition from this Bachelor of Science program to our master’s program in sports and health sciences. AMU also offers graduate programs in related sport and exercise disciplines, including athletic development management and sports management.
Related Programs
American Military University offers more than 200 career-relevant degree and certificate programs online.
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The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
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