Online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science
This innovative program is the first bachelor’s program in the nation focused on preparing students for both the health and wellness coaching and fitness science fields. By combining exercise, wellness, nutrition and health sciences, this program provides you with a solid background in preventative health care. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to become a leader in the expanding fields of health, personal wellness and health promotion.
Quick facts
Next start date: 10/13/2021
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Health Sciences – Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
What is a health sciences degree with an emphasis in health and fitness?
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in health sciences – healthy lifestyles and fitness science uses an interdisciplinary approach to provide you with the skills needed to work in the preventative side of health care. You’ll use lifestyle coaching, physical activity and health care education to improve the health of the community you serve.
In this program, you’ll explore fitness, nutrition, healthy eating, stress management and cultural aspects of health and research-based practices in health and wellness coaching. After finishing this program, you’ll be able to pursue a range of employment opportunities within the health and wellness fields. You can also choose to continue your education in diverse health care fields such as nutrition, exercise science, psychology or public health among others.
What health and wellness coaching training will I get with this degree?
In this program, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge in the areas of nutrition, fitness and mindfulness practices. You'll also learn about the core competencies of the health and wellness coaching profession. These include skills in relationship-building, active listening, powerful questioning, positive psychology and motivational interviewing.
Will I become a certified health coach or personal trainer with this degree?
Upon completing this program you may sit for a nationally accredited, advanced certification in the health and fitness area, such as the American College of Sports Medicine’s certified personal trainer exam. What is more, after completing the degree and one supervised coaching practical course, you’ll be eligible for the National Board Certification for Health and Wellness Coaches.
Professional licensure and certification
Eligibility to sit for the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC) is based on completing an NBC-HWC-approved health and wellness training and education program. This program is intended to lead to certification in any state. The health and wellness coach profession is not licensed. NBC-HWCs can practice anywhere in the world as long as they are abiding by the local laws surrounding health coaching.
Will my healthy lifestyles and fitness science degree say 'online'?
Health and wellness courses
Through these health and wellness courses, you’ll gain skills in motivational interviewing, positive psychology, goal setting, active listening and relationship building. Required courses examine human nutrition and the foundation of health and fitness science. Elective courses cover conflict management, violence prevention, body image and community health. Key courses include:
CHS 300: An Exploration of Well-Being (SB)
CHS 100: Optimizing Your Health and Performance (SB)
HSC 440: Health Coaching Concepts and Skills
EXW 344: Impact of Physical Activity on Health and Disease
EXW 425: Exercise Prescription for Health and Wellness
NTR 360: Nutrition Entrepreneurship
EXW 335: Physical Activity and Physiological Concepts
EXW 215: Resistance Training and Recovery Techniques
What jobs can you get with a degree in healthy lifestyles and fitness?
As rates of preventable chronic diseases and associated costs continue to rise, there’s been an increased focus on strategies to support behavior change in health care. With the ongoing emphasis on preventative health care, it is expected that there will be an increase in career opportunities in health care and industries related to health and wellness. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to fill these in-demand roles in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, public health agencies and nonprofit organizations. Potential career paths include:
Coach
Community Health Worker
Fitness Instructor
Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
Health Care Support Worker (General)
Health and Safety Manager
Healthcare Professor
Medical and Health Services Manager
Learn from professionals in health science
Our faculty brings a high-level of expertise to every research project. In addition to cutting-edge approaches to research, we’re focused on creating a better future for people. We’re lifelong learners with a goal to improve health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of our research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
- Utilizing advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
Learn from professionals in health science
Our faculty brings a high-level of expertise to every research project. In addition to cutting-edge approaches to research, we’re focused on creating a better future for people. We’re lifelong learners with a goal to improve health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of our research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
- Utilizing advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
Admission requirements for the healthy lifestyles and fitness science degree
freshman student
You are considered a freshman for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Accredited online health science degrees from a respected institution
In the College of Health Solutions, students and faculty research solutions to pressing global health challenges while preparing the health workforce of the future. Ongoing partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more.
6,500+
students.
250+
Barrett honors scholars.
160+
faculty members.
$14.5 million
in research expenditures.
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