The Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences is a fully online program offered by American Public University System.
Designed for students interested in exercise science, nutrition, and wellness, this program prepares graduates for roles in the fitness industry, corporate wellness, and athletic support. The curriculum aligns with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) guidelines.
Duration and Credit Requirements
Students complete 120 total semester hours, including electives and a final senior seminar. While the standard timeline is four years for full-time students, part-time and accelerated options may affect completion time.
Curriculum and Focus Areas
Core subjects include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and injury treatment. Students also build skills in exercise testing, motivational strategies, and program design.
The Nutrition for Health and Fitness concentration includes advanced courses in wellness, food culture, and lifecycle nutrition.
Coursework includes:
CHEM133 General Chemistry I with Lab
Introduces core chemistry concepts including atomic structure, bonding, states of matter, and solution chemistry. Students engage in virtual labs to practice observations, calculations, and lab techniques.
PHYS133 Elements of Physics I with Lab
Covers foundational physics topics such as mechanics, fluids, waves, and thermodynamics using algebra-based methods and hands-on experiments. Prepares students for applied physical science in health and fitness.
BIOL250 Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I
Focuses on human body organization, cell biology, genetics, and major systems like integumentary, muscular, and nervous. Includes virtual labs to support careers in health sciences.
BIOL251 Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II
Covers remaining body systems including cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, and digestive. Emphasizes homeostasis and includes cumulative assessments.
SPHE295 Foundations of Nutrition
Explores the role of nutrients, digestion, and dietary impacts on health across life stages. Emphasizes disease prevention and global nutrition challenges.
SPHE421 Kinesiology
Analyzes human movement by connecting muscle function, joint action, and neural control. Applied in fitness, rehabilitation, and performance settings.
SPHE314 Exercise Physiology
Examines how the body responds to and recovers from exercise. Covers system efficiency, limitations, and individualized training.
PSYC460 Sports Psychology
Studies behavior in sports, motivation, stress, and mental training strategies. Students design psychological skills programs for performance enhancement.
SPHE250 Sports First Aid and Safety
Teaches recognition and emergency care of sports injuries. Focuses on basic first aid principles and the role of medical professionals in athletic safety.
SPHE322 Sports Nutrition
Covers the relationship between nutrition and performance, diet planning, supplement use, and the risks of performance enhancers.
SPHE420 Exercise Programming and Testing
Applies exercise science principles to personal training. Prepares students for NASM-CPT certification through program design and client assessment.
PBHE209 Wellness: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Introduces wellness concepts and their link to lifelong health. Covers all major dimensions of wellness including emotional and occupational.
SOCI315 Food and Culture
Explores how culture, identity, and society shape food choices. Analyzes social meanings of food and global food trends.
SOCI423 Sociology of Health and Illness
Investigates social influences on health, medical care, and disease perception. Examines disparities, healthcare access, and reform.
SPHE461 Current Issues and Trends in Fitness and Wellness
Analyzes contemporary developments in sports and wellness industries. Prepares students to evaluate health trends and industry evolution.
SPHE340 Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle
Examines dietary needs across all life stages. Focuses on health optimization and behavior change strategies.
SPHE435 Advanced Nutrition
Delves into nutrient functions and their effects on body systems using current scientific research.
SPHE490 Senior Seminar in Sports and Health Science
Capstone course requiring a professional portfolio and resume. Students assess career paths and explore the job market in sports and health.
Cost and Tuition
Tuition is $350 per credit for most undergraduate students and $250 per credit for military-affiliated students. The total estimated tuition for the program is approximately $42,000, with possible discounts and financial aid available.
More tuition details available here: https://catalog.apus.edu/undergraduate/tuition-fees-financing/tuition-fees/
Admission and Requirements
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Transfer credit is accepted, and no application or registration fees are required.
Outcomes and Career Fit
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in sports health, fitness training, and wellness coaching. This program is a strong fit for those pursuing careers in exercise physiology, personal training, or nutrition coaching. It also supports continuing education in allied health and graduate-level health sciences.