Fitness is more than just lifting weights or counting calories, it’s a science. At Parker University, we take a research-backed, holistic approach to human performance, blending psychology, biomechanics, and nutrition to help athletes and fitness professionals reach their peak potential.
We’re here to replace the misinformation and TikTok fads taking over the fitness industry with coaches who are well-versed in both muscles and mindset and nutritionists who take the mystery out of metabolism.
Sport Psychology: The Mind Behind the Game
What it is and why it matters:
Athletic success isn’t just physical, it’s also mental. The Bachelor of Science in Sport Psychology explores the psychological, physiological, and biomechanical factors that influence performance.
You’ll learn to:
- Apply motivational psychology to coaching and counseling
- Study exercise physiology, injury rehab, and biomechanics
- Prepare for careers in sports science, coaching, or graduate studies
By the numbers:
- 7% job growth
- $94,310 median salary for psychologists (requires additional education)
- 14,000 job openings annually (Source)
Where the road leads after you earn your BS degree:
- MS in Strength & Human Performance
- PhD in Psychology or MD in Psychiatry
- MS in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Health
Where this degree takes you:
- Sport psychologist
- Performance coach
- Athletic counselor
Program highlights:
- Focused on athletic performance by taking a deep dive into sport psychology.
- Flexible online learning to balance work, family, and education.
- Career support for exclusive networking and job placement resources.
Strength & Human Performance (BS): Build Careers, Not Just Muscle
Why it matters:
The fitness industry runs on two currencies: sweat and credibility. This degree gives you both.
You’ll graduate with:
- The science to explain why exercises work
- The certifications that make gyms compete for you
- The hands-on experience that turns theory into results
Who you will be:
- Strength coach
- Athletic performance specialist
- Graduate studies in PT/chiropractic
By the numbers:
- 10% job growth for exercise physiologists (Source)
- Earn up to $77,980 with certifications
- 2,200 new jobs annually
Program highlights:
- Choose between a 300-hour internship and 80-hour practicum—whichever best matches your career goals
- Prep for CSCS exam (gold-standard cert)
- CASCE-accredited
Parker University edge:
- Faculty are both industry pros and academics
- 100% online classes with in-person experience
- ACSMA/NSCA certification prep built in
- Shadow professionals in action and train at elite facilities nationwide
Strength & Human Performance (MS): Be the Coach Everyone Wants
What it is and why it matters:
Elite athletes don’t need cookie-cutter workout plans. This CASCE-accredited program combines exercise science, biomechanics, and motor learning to optimize performance and prevent injuries.
By the numbers:
- 9% job growth for exercise physiologists
- $85,000 potential salary for fitness managers
- 1,900+ new jobs annually
What you get:
- Your CASCE certification (the gold standard in strength training) while gaining 300 hours of real-world experience at top facilities nationwide through our Strength & Conditioning internship program (optional).
- Preparation for elite certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Program highlights
- Industry-leading faculty to learn from top strength coaches
- CASCE exam prep to graduate with certification
- 100% online + internship flexibility to get to your degree in two years or less
Nutrition Science (BS): Because “Eat Clean” Isn’t Science
What it is and why it matters:
Nutrition is more than science, it’s about biochemistry; disease preventing foods plus performance advancing intake. This program explores how food fuels (or hurts) performance and the biochemistry behind cravings, energy crashes, and recovery. Because kale won’t fix everything, but nutrigenomics might.
By the numbers:
Where you go next:
- MS in Functional Nutrition
- Corporate wellness coaching
- Public health & research
Program highlights:
- 100% online
- SACSCOC-accredited
- Prepares you Registered Dietitian pathways
Functional Nutrition (MS): Food as Medicine
What it is and why it matters:
Functional nutrition goes from calorie counting to using food as medicine. Functional nutrition asks: “Why is the body freaking out?” and then fixes it with science, not smoothie recipes.
Who is it for:
- Licensed healthcare professionals
- Aspiring clinical nutritionists
- Wellness coaches & educators
By the numbers:
Career paths:
- Clinical Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Functional medicine practitioner
- Corporate wellness director
Program highlights:
- Eligibility for CNS certification (recognized by Medicare/Medicaid)
- Partnership with the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM)
- Advanced, evidence-based curriculum
All of the degrees at Parker University are designed for fitness innovators, science-driven professionals, and performance optimizers who understand that real results come from psychology, physiology, and nutrition working together.
We know that elite training isn’t just about sweat, it’s about strategy.
But why Parker University?
Because “just work harder” isn’t a plan.
Because we go beyond meal plans and the next superfood bandwagon. Our programs: Sport Psychology, Strength & Human Performance, Nutrition Science, and Functional Nutrition are designed for those who want to dive deeper than the basics. Whether you’re coaching elite athletes, optimizing recovery, or revolutionizing wellness, we equip you with the expertise, credentials, and real-world experience to lead in this evolving field.
Because we go beyond training bodies; we focus on decoding them.
Ready to trade trends for truth?
Explore our science-backed programs today.
Sport Psychology: https://www.parker.edu/academics/bs-sports-psychology/
Strength & Human Performance (BS): https://www.parker.edu/academics/bachelor-of-science-degree-in-strength-and-human-performance/
Strength & Human Performance (MS): https://www.parker.edu/academics/master-of-science-degree-in-strength-and-human-performance/
Nutrition Science: https://www.parker.edu/academics/nutritional-sciences/
Functional Nutrition (MS): https://www.parker.edu/academics/ms-functional-nutrition/
