WHAT IS AN ONLINE HEALTH & WELLNESS DEGREE PROGRAM?
A health and wellness online degree program studies ways to promote well being. This involves learning about the human body and how to prevent illness and manage stress. Most education programs cover both behavioral and physical health. These wellness courses deal with areas like diet, exercise and nutrition. In studying healthy lifestyle factors, you usually learn how to assess and motivate clients.
Apart from this, you may gain the skills to plan, put in place and assess health education. These things might empower you to advocate for and educate the people you serve. Grads may pursue a wide range of non clinical careers in the booming field of health care. Or, go on to study health sciences in a master’s or first professional degree program.
TYPES OF ONLINE HEALTH & WELLNESS DEGREE PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Arts
This online health and wellness degree program looks at the human body with regard to health and disease. Students learn about exercise science, nutrition, and ways to manage stress. They also take courses that look at health risks and chronic health issues. While learning these things other topics discuss ways to assess client lifestyle. Then, devise a wellness program for that person.
Course Examples:
Personal Fitness & Wellness
Health Psychology
Exercise and Physiology
Health & Wellness Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
This program aims to help students understand how to plan, put in place and assess health focused programs in diverse settings. To do this, they learn about aging, advocacy and disease prevention. Other courses instill an understanding of public health policies and practices.
Course Examples:
Healthcare Advocacy
Practices & Policies in Public Health
Behavioral Health
Master of Science
An MS may start out with a survey of all the factors that comprise mental wellness. It can then focus on methods that support clients with mental or emotional issues.
Course Examples:
Mental Health, Wellness and Health Care Integration
Ethics and Cultural Diversity in Mental Health and Wellness
Most courses teach students about ways to promote healthy living and eating on a one to one or group scale. What this means is knowing how to look at peoples’ lifestyle factors with a critical eye. Then, using evidence to support it, crafting a tailor made wellness program.
To do this, many bachelor’s programs offer a class in health psychology. In it, students may learn about the immune and other body systems. Also, how a person’s mind and body respond to medical treatment, stress and health.
Along the way, you may take a class in counseling. This may cover basic methods of speaking with clients in a therapeutic setting. Also, ways to coach or motivate people to change behavior patterns that model healthier choices. To cap off your studies, you may also need to complete a capstone. Don’t be surprised if you have to self reflect and assess your own lifestyle too. Other requirements include general education courses and electives. Each school offers unique course content though. So take a look at some examples below to get an idea of what a typical program might cover.
Some common courses include:
Stress Management: You will be introduced to the causes and effects of stress from a personal and academic lens. You'll also learn the tools and methods to identify, prevent and manage things that cause stress.
Human Body, Health and Disease: A course in human health and disease is designed to allow you to gain knowledge of basic human biology, health and disease as well as the science behind these areas. This knowledge will allow you to make better decisions on personal, ethical and political issues that deal with health.
Wellness for Special Populations: This is a topic that delves into health care services for special populations which include mental health, substance abuse and rehab. You will learn about the issues around the access, cost quality and financing factors that influence the present models of health services for special populations.
Complementary and Integrative Medicine: This course is designed to provide health care students with an evidence based program in complementary and integrative health (CIH). You will learn the theoretical basis for applying CIH practices and integrate evidence based CIH therapies such as functional nutrition.
Diet and Nutrition: Students will learn about properties, functions and important foods sources of nutrients. Also, you will be able to develop meal plans that take into account nutrient density, adequacy, balance and caloric control.
Exercise and Physiology: Exercise physiology courses look at the acute response and chronic adaptations of the body to stress in exercise. Students will gain knowledge in the performance, assessment, and understanding of basic physiological assessments such as muscular fitness.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EARN A HEALTH AND WELLNESS DEGREE ONLINE?
A full time student might need to complete 120 credit bachelor of science degree in 4 years. That’s if you enter with a high school diploma. You’ll need less time if you have transfer credits from a 2 year degree in health and wellness. If you are able to transfer these credits, it may shave about 2 years off time to finish.
THE AVERAGE COST OF AN ONLINE HEALTH & WELLNESS DEGREE PROGRAM
The cost of earning a degree in this field varies. One factor that impacts tuition is where you live in relation to the college you want to go to. An average in state tuition is $7,387, while out of state tuition is $30,590.
TOP SCHOOLS FOR ONLINE HEALTH & WELLNESS DEGREE PROGRAMS
According to the data, there were 164 schools that offer health and wellness degrees or programs. From those schools there were 5,951 health and wellness degrees or programs awarded to students. Most of these programs were bachelor’s degrees.
Top 25 Colleges that Offer Health and Wellness Degree Programs
You can find online Health and Wellness degree programs as well an on-campus programs at many schools. Some of these programs are more general. Others cover a specific area of the Health and Wellness field. Like Exercise Science, Nutrition, or Kinesiology. Below, we’ve listed the top 25 schools with Health and Wellness programs. We ranked the schools by the number of students who graduated with a degree or certificate in Health and Wellness for the 2023/ 2024 school year with 2023 data compiled by the NCES. We’ve also included related programs these schools offer.
This bachelor’s program covers the mind, body, and spirit. You’ll take 180 credits, including electives in a focus area. Like, nutrition or health science. You’ll explore the science behind health and how to promote wellness.
Courses Include:
Contemporary Diet and Nutrition
Fitness Across the Lifespan
Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Key Skills:
Leadership
Evaluating scientific research
Educating others
More Programs:
Health Care Administration
Health Science
Nutrition
M.S. Health Education
Master of Public Health
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
80% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $9,818
50% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,457
In this program, explore many aspects of health. Like, bioethics, kinesiology, health policy, and a lot more. Earning the degree calls for 120 credits. You must take additional courses if you’re interested in potentially teaching health.
Courses Include:
Epidemiology
Environmental Health
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Key Skills:
Using public health data
Planning and assessing programs
Identifying population health needs
More Programs:
Microbiology & Immunology
Nutrition
M.S. Nutrition
M.P.H. Public Health
M.S. Kinesiology
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
92% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,658
33% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,069
This program covers the basic of the health field. In addition, you’ll choose one of two tracks: Allied Health or School Health. Allied Health could help prep you for further studies in nursing, physical therapy, and more. School Health helps prep educators.
Courses Include:
Human Diseases
Drugs and Society
Global Health
Key Skills:
Using medical terminology
Teaching health
Communications
More Programs:
Community Health
Kinesiology—Dance Science
Kinesiology—Exercise & Sport Science
Nutritional Sciences
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
61% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,607
28% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,072
This program calls for 120 to 123 credits, depending on your track. Choose from: Public Health, Health Promotion, or Health Promotion for Allied Health Professionals. You can also choose from many health electives.
Courses Include:
Personal Health
Emergency Care & First Aid
Culture & Health
Key Skills:
Health education
Health research
Program planning and delivery
More Programs:
Human Nutrition and Foods
Health Communication (Minor)
M.A. Health Communication
PhD Kinesiology
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
74% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,551
35% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,971
This program may be perfect if you hope to help students or the public understand their health choices. You’ll take courses in areas like public health and health education. Plus, there’s a 12 unit internship.
Courses Include:
Health Care in the U.S.
Women’s Health
Food Safety Science
Key Skills:
Evaluating health influences
Writing and communication
Interpersonal skills
More Programs:
Athletic Training
Exercise Science
Gerontology
Physical Education
Health Care Management
Health Science (Minor)
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
74% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,565
45% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,229
This program brings together modern science with holistic health and wellness. It is a 120 credit program. Along with gen ed credits, you’ll study everything from pathophysiology to aromatherapy.
Courses Include:
Healthcare Terminology
Basics of Herbalism
Public Health Education
Key Skills:
Integrating modern and natural health practices
Holistic health education
Preparing natural remedies
More Programs:
Holistic Nutrition
Wellness Consulting (Cert)
Wellness Coaching (Grad Cert)
M.S. Complementary Alternative Medicine
M.S. Herbal Medicine
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
83% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. Average 4,832
N/A of students are awarded federal loans. Average amount not available
Hoping to pursue a health education path? This program could help you prep to teach students how to live healthier lives. It covers seven key areas of health. Like fitness, nutrition, and injury prevention.
Courses Include:
School Nutrition and Wellness
First Aid and Safety
Intro to Adapted Physical Activity
Key Skills:
Promoting healthy living
Leading wellness programs
Advocating for health and wellness
More Programs:
Athletic Training
Exercise Science
Exercise Science—Pre Physical Therapy
Public Health
Recreational Therapy
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
73% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,167
68% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,279
This program is designed to prep you for potential non clinical career paths. You can choose from three specializations. These are: Global and Environmental Health, Health Promotion, and Health Services.
Courses Include:
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Health
Health Communication
Current Issues in Health Education
Key Skills:
Addressing health problems
Critical thinking
Promoting behavior change
More Programs:
Health and Physical Education
Kinesiology
Nutrition and Dietetics
M.S. Dietetics
M.S. Healthcare Management
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
97% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $12,803
60% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,214
The health program at UTSA covers many aspects of health and wellness. Like emotional wellness, weight management, drugs, and more. The program also requires an internship.
Courses Include:
Personal Health
Survey of Human Sexuality
Emotional Wellness
Key Skills:
Health education
Health screening and field work
Program planning
More Programs:
Medical Humanities
Nutrition and Dietetics
Public Health
M.S. Health and Kinesiology
2022 / 23Undergrad Financial Aid:
71% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $10,530
46% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,186
The Rowan Health Promotion and Wellness Management (HPWM) program is 120 credits. It is nationally accredited by the National Wellness Institute (NWI). And it teaches the NWI Dimensions of Wellness philosophy.
Courses Include:
Basic Nutrition
Facility and Program Management
Health and Diverse Populations
Key Skills:
Facilitating wellness programs
Promoting a healthy lifestyle
Business administration
More Programs:
Athletic Training
Heath Studies
Health and Physical Education
Public Health and Wellness
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
85% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,985
51% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,311
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Studies is aimed at associate degree holders. It calls for a total of 120 credits. You can earn the degree in two years, full time, by entering with an associate degree. Or, pursue a traditional B.S. (Bachelor of Science).
Courses Include:
Consumer Health
Stress Management Techniques
Intro to General Psychology
Key Skills:
Planning health programs
Evaluating health programs
Communicating with diverse audiences
More Programs:
Nutrition and Food Sciences
Kinesiology
M.S. in Exercise and Sports Nutrition
M.P.H. Public Health
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
86% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $9,678
46% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,879
In this B.S. program, choose from two tracks: Health or Kinesiology. Both are designed to prep you to promote or teach aspects of wellness. You can pursue your degree with or without the teacher certification path.
Courses Include:
Public and Community Health
Aging, Death, and Dying
Theory and Practice of Coaching
Key Skills:
Teaching and coaching
Responsible leadership
Critical thinking
More Programs:
Nutrition
Human Sciences
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
97% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $14,680
54% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,703
The ACH program offers several tracks to choose from. These include Allied Health, Health Care Administration, Nursing, and more. All have core courses in common to offer a foundation in the health sciences.
Courses Include:
Intro to Health Professions
Medical Ethics
Microbiology
Key Skills:
Program evaluation
Applying technology
Decision making
More Programs:
Dietetics
Exercise Science
Health Care Administration
Nutrition Sciences
Public Health
M.F.N. Food and Nutrition
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
94% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,795
68% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,348
This unique program explores whole person health. You’ll learn how to work one on one with individuals to help them live healthier lives. The program also strives to prep you to pursue health and wellness coaching certifications.
Courses Include:
Determinants of Health
Lifestyle Medicine
Food, Society, and Environment
Key Skills:
Promoting holistic wellness
Health and wellness coaching
Recognizing social and cultural factors of health
More Programs:
Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions
Health Administration and Policy
Medical Anthropology
M.S. Occupational Therapy / Rehabilitation
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $27,809
51% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,178
This program strives to prep students for health and wellness roles. That includes pursuing the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential. You must complete 120 credits to earn the B.S.
Courses Include:
Exercise Physiology
Women’s Health Issues
Personal Health
Key Skills:
Health education
Personal training
Promoting community health
More Programs:
Nutrition and Dietetics
Dietician Education
Health Promotion Sciences (Cert)
M.S. Multidisciplinary Studies – Nutrition
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
88% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,921
59% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,988
Learn how to help people, organizations, and communities improve their health. This program uses a blend of face to face and online learning and features courses in many areas of health and wellness. Earning the degree calls for 120 credits.
Courses Include:
Lifespan Development
Contemporary Health Issues
Advanced Concepts of Personal Training
Key Skills:
Training and education
Promoting behavioral changes
Improving community wellness
More Programs:
Social and Behavioral Health
Sport Management
M.Ed. Physical Education
2022 /23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
89% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,088
49% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,304
This program focuses on how to help communities live healthier. You’ll explore health challenges like disease, lack of access, and sustainability. Choose from online or on campus formats.
Courses Include:
Health Theory
Culture and Health
Human Nutrition
Key Skills:
Health education and promotion
Health advocacy
Service coordination
More Programs:
Community Sports Management
Dietetics
Exercise and Wellness
Exploratory Health and Life Sciences
Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship
Global Health
Health Education and Health Promotion
Health Sciences
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
96% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $13,236
38% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,861
Want to help others gain strength and improve fitness? This program could be the perfect start. Choose from two tracks: Clinical or Human Performance. Either could help you prep for a professional cert.
Courses Include:
Concepts of Wellness
Human Development
Kinesiology
Key Skills:
Testing for fitness
Personal training
Designing wellness programs
More Programs:
Occupational Safety & Health Management
Physical Education
Sport Management & Recreation Studies
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,826
58% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,692
Tulane’s health and wellness program focuses on several key areas of healthy living. These include nutrition, personal fitness, risky behaviors, and healthy behavior changes. Earning the degree calls for 120 credits.
Courses Include:
Stress Management
Mind/Body Health
Gender Based Issues in Health
Key Skills:
Health evaluation
Wellness coaching
Communication
More Programs:
Exercise Science
Public Health
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
66% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $30,747
29% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,203
This health sciences program lets you explore your interests. You can choose from three concentrations. They are: Exercise and Sport Science; Health Education and Promotion; and Nutritional Science.
Courses Include:
Ethics for Health Professions
Nutrition for Health
Motor Development
Key Skills:
Coaching and education
Promoting health awareness
Creating healthy environments
More Programs:
Sport and Recreation Management
Health Management
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
74% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $7,473
31% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,749
The Exercise Science program has three tracks. Choose from Wellness Management, Strength & Conditioning, or a pre-grad school program. The latter could help you prep for graduate health care programs. Like, Physical Therapy or Physician Assistant programs.
Courses Include:
General Fitness Training
Applied Nutrition
Health Promotion, Disease & Disability
Key Skills:
Assessing health and performance
Prescribing exercise programs
Promoting positive behavioral changes
More Programs:
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Healthcare Management
M.H.A. Health Administration
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
98% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $17,914
54% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,379
This program takes a holistic approach to health and wellness. First of all, you’ll study sciences like biology, chemistry, and nutrition. But you’ll also look at alternative approaches—like herbology and chiropractic.
Courses Include:
History of Natural Healing
Epidemiology
Lifestyle Intervention
Key Skills:
Using medicinal herbs for disease prevention
Applying scientific theory of integrative health
Writing and communication
More Programs:
Health Sciences (A.S.)
Anatomy
Strength and Human Performance
M.S. Public Health
M.S. Functional Nutrition
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
88% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $7,322
63% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,330
This program is aimed at students who hope to pursue a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist career path. (This calls for additional prep, including an internship.) The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Courses Include:
Health in Society
Food Science
Addiction
Key Skills:
Health promotion
Community nutrition
Food service management
More Programs:
Exercise Science
Safety & Occupational Health Applied Sciences
Public Health
Physical Education
2021/ 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:
99% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $10,085
67% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,260
This is an interdisciplinary program that covers many aspects of health services. Four key areas include health care systems, health care policy, finance, and data management. You’ll explore how to ensure high quality health care in various settings.
Courses Include:
Health in Society
Food Science
Addiction
Key Skills:
Applying evidence based solutions
Written and oral communication
Leadership in health care
More Programs:
Public Health
Occupational Therapy
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
98% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $19,396
41% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,857
The Wellness program at UT Tyler covers may areas of wellbeing. Like corporate wellness, health coaching, and even wellness journalism. You can also choose a complementary minor. Like psychology, marketing, and more.
Courses Include:
Consumer Health
Human Motor Control and Learning
Nutrition Through the Life Cycle
Key Skills:
Analyze health claims
Assessing and teaching fitness
Communication
More Programs:
Health Sciences
Kinesiology
M.S. Health Sciences
M.S. Kinesiology
2022 / 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
84% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $9,608
28% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,028
CHOOSING A HEALTH & WELLNESS DEGREE ONLINE ACCREDITED PROGRAM
Many schools with regional accreditation offer health and wellness degree programs. To get to this status, a school needs to undergo a review by an outside agency. The review assesses the school against specific standards.
There are 6 regional agencies who assess schools in their geographic area. If one of these agencies accredits a school, it makes it possible to apply for federal aid.
Also, there are transfer policies in place between some of these schools. This means a lot if you have credits from an associates degree that you want to try and apply to a bachelors. Or, let’s say you want to apply to grad school. You will have to furnish transcripts from one of these colleges with your application.
Within these colleges, some programs may also undergo a similar process. At the program level, accreditation speaks to the course content. Separate agencies set norms for what students should learn.
One accreditor of undergraduate programs in wellness and health promotion is the NWI. National Wellness Institute uses a wellness promotion model. This is to help steer course work so that grads leave with certain skills.
WHAT CAREERS CAN YOU GET WITH AN ONLINE HEALTH AND WELLNESS DEGREE?
The number of health grads in the United States work force has been growing at a rate of 3.68%, and now totals about 4.46 million. The average age of a person in the work force is 42.8 years and female employees are more likely to hold health degrees than men.
TOP SALARIES BY STATE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS DEGREE HOLDERS
The following information is for Exercise Physiologists. Salary and employment numbers will differ for other career paths.
State
Employment
Annual Mean Wage
District of Columbia
1,640
$118,430
California
11,850
$101,190
Massachusetts
2,010
$104,010
California
11,850
$101,190
Colorado
2,490
$ 91,210
HEALTH & WELLNESS CAREER PATHS AND POTENTIAL SALARIES
HEALTH EDUCATORS
A health educator may go by the title ‘community health worker’. This person manages programs that promote health. To do this, they first identify group needs. Then plan, put into place and assess programs that promote healthy life styles.
Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy life style or achieve a specific health related goal.
Exercise physiologists develop fitness programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility.
