ISSA College of Exercise Science
  • Academic Programs
    • Program Overview
    • Bachelor's Degree
    • Associate Degree
    • Master Trainer Certificate
  • Financial Aid
  • Military Benefits
  • About CES
  • Class Start Dates
  • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Contact Us

College of Exercise Science Academic Programs

Breakdown

Bachelor’s Degree


The Bachelor of Exercise Science degree program pushes student knowledge further with an in-depth focus on kinesiology, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, exercise programming, and management.

A total of 180 credits are needed to graduate. Coursework is broken down into 18 quarters. Each quarter typically consists of 2 classes and a fitness certification course or externship. If you wish to accelerate the program you can  increase the number of credits you take each quarter. A maximum of 18 credits can be taken each quarter. 

Learn More →

CREDIT REQUIREMENT BREAKDOWN

  • 45 General Education
  • 75 Core
  • 60 Electives

Up to 120 credits can be transferred from other accredited institutions.

This program is federal student aid eligible.
Learn more about federal student aid

Associate Degree


The Associate of Science in Exercise Science degree program grounds you in the fundamentals of personal training by exposing you to both the theories and practices of this dynamic field. 

 A total of 90 credits are needed to graduate. Typically, students divide their studies into 9 quarters. Each quarter typically consists of one certification course and a supporting gen-ed or elective. You can accelerate your studies and complete the program in as few as 6 quarters (18 months) by taking more credits per quarter, or progress at a slower pace to fit your schedule. 

Learn More →

CREDIT REQUIREMENT BREAKDOWN

  • 30 General Education
  • 30 Core
  • 30 Electives

Up to 60 credits can be transferred from other accredited institutions. 

This program is federal student aid eligible.
Learn more about federal student aid

Master Trainer Certificate


The Master Trainer program is designed to fully equip graduates with a comprehensive foundation of both the science and practice of personal training, fitness nutrition, and fitness programing for special populations. The curriculum prepares graduates to properly assess, train, and motivate the general population, clients needing fitness nutrition coaching, and special populations.

Graduates of the program earn the Master Trainer designation plus six individual course certifications through ISSA LLC.*


Finish the program in as few as two quarters as a full-time student, or pace your coursework overtime for up to six quarters.

 

Learn More →

Program Foundation

  • Certified Fitness Trainer

+5 specialization courses

Choose from:

  • Nutrition
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Corrective Exercise
  • Group Fitness
  • Bodybuilding
  • Youth Fitness
  • Senior Fitness
  • Exercise Therapy

This program is federal student aid eligible.
Learn more about federal student aid


*Certification is issued by ISSA LLC. ISSA LLC is a separate professional certifying organization and is not owned or operated by the ISSA College of Exercise Science.

Img-DEAC-Logo

DEAC Accredited

Our institution is proud to be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Asset 1

Download our degree guide and discover if the College of Exercise Science is the right choice for you

Our Degree Guide will answer your questions and give you all the information you need to decide if a degree from the College of Exercise Science is the right path to help you achieve your goals.

Military and Military Spouse Certificate Options

Military service members and their spouses can use military benefits for individual certificate programs.


Air Force TA may cover certificate programs related to your job in the Air Force. Consult your education department counselor to learn if your job qualifies. Connect with a CES Military Specialist for assistance every step of the way.

Available certificate programs:

  • Master Trainer (personal training + five specializations)
  • Elite Trainer (personal training + two specializations)
  • Certified Fitness Trainer (personal training)
  • Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
  • Specialist in Strength and Conditioning
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • Specialist in Group Fitness
  • Bodybuilding Specialist
  • Youth Fitness Trainer
  • Specialist in Sports Nutrition
  • Specialist in Senior Fitness
  • Specialist in Exercise Therapy

Army service members who do not wish to pursue a degree can utilize Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) for certification courses. Connect with a CES Military Specialist for more on how to activate your CA benefits.

 

Note: Soldiers have a combined fiscal year limit not to exceed $4000 for use toward TA and CA.

Available courses:

  • Master Trainer (personal training + five specializations)
  • Elite Trainer (personal training + two specializations)
  • Certified Fitness Trainer (personal training)
  • Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
  • Specialist in Strength and Conditioning
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • Specialist in Group Fitness
  • Bodybuilding Specialist
  • Youth Fitness Trainer
  • Specialist in Sports Nutrition
  • Specialist in Senior Fitness
  • Specialist in Exercise Therapy

TA may cover certificate programs under certain circumstances. You will need to consult your education department counselor to evaluate your options. Connect with a CES Military Specialist for assistance every step of the way.

Available certificate programs:

  • Master Trainer (personal training + five specializations)
  • Elite Trainer (personal training + two specializations)
  • Certified Fitness Trainer (personal training)
  • Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
  • Specialist in Strength and Conditioning
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • Specialist in Group Fitness
  • Bodybuilding Specialist
  • Youth Fitness Trainer
  • Specialist in Sports Nutrition
  • Specialist in Senior Fitness
  • Specialist in Exercise Therapy

Marines are eligible to obtain one TA-funded certificate during their careers. Choose a single cert or enroll in one of our Advanced Trainer programs, which combine personal training and industry-relevant specializations. Connect with a CES Military Specialist to find the program that fits your goals.

Available certificate programs:

  • Master Trainer (personal training + five specializations)
  • Elite Trainer (personal training + two specializations)
  • Certified Fitness Trainer (personal training)
  • Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
  • Specialist in Strength and Conditioning
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • Specialist in Group Fitness
  • Bodybuilding Specialist
  • Youth Fitness Trainer
  • Specialist in Sports Nutrition
  • Specialist in Senior Fitness
  • Specialist in Exercise Therapy

Currently, Navy TA can only be used toward an associate or bachelor’s degree at the College of Exercise Science. 

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship Program provides up to $4000 toward a CES associate degree or certificate program. Connect with a Military Specialist to identify the right program for your goals. 

Available certificate programs:

  • Master Trainer (personal training + five specializations)
  • Elite Trainer (personal training + two specializations)
  • Certified Fitness Trainer (personal training)
  • Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
  • Specialist in Strength and Conditioning
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • Specialist in Group Fitness
  • Bodybuilding Specialist
  • Youth Fitness Trainer
  • Specialist in Sports Nutrition
  • Specialist in Senior Fitness
  • Specialist in Exercise Therapy

BENEFITS FOR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS

We are committed to helping you achieve your goals

Designated as a Military Friendly School, the ISSA College of Exercise Science works hard to help both active duty service members and veterans achieve their education goals. Our programs are specifically designed to be flexible so you can easily manage your coursework during your service.

Learn More →

Curious about financial aid?

The ISSA College of Exercise Science is a Title IV school, and our bachelor’s degree program, associate degree program, and Master Trainer certificate program are all eligible for federal student aid.

Learn More →
ISSA-logo
Apply Now →

Academic Programs

Program Overview

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master Trainer Certificate

 

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Overview

Hatfield Memorial Scholarship

 

Military Benefits

Military Benefits Overview

 

Admissions & Resources

Class Start Dates

Admissions Policy

Alumni Resources

Transferring Credit

Tuition

Cost of Attendance

CA BPPE

Textbooks

Enrollment Agreement

Net Price Calculator

School Performance Fact Sheet

Technology Requirements

 

Current Students

Classroom Login

Populi Login

Academic Calendar

Policies

Transcripts

Tools

Graduation

Connect

Return to program

 

About Us

About the College of Exercise Science

Accreditation

Founders

Mission Statement

State Authorization

Blog

 

Catalog


Consumer Info

Back to Top

Accreditation           Consumer Info           Terms and Conditions           Catalog           CA BPPE Annual Report           School Performance Fact Sheet

International Sports Sciences Association | 1015 Mark Avenue, Suite 1013 | Carpinteria CA 93013 | USA | 1-800-650-4772 ces-support@issaonline.edu