Background: With instructional formats changing due to COVID, it is essential to examine the effect of a physical activity and wellness course (PED 101) on college student wellness and motivation when courses had to be delivered fully online. Aim: This research examines the effect of an online physical activity and wellness course on wellness and motivation during the COIVD-19 pandemic. Methods: A pre and posttest survey methodology was utilized to measure changes in wellness and motivation among college students enrolled in a physical activity and wellness course within an Instructional Physical Activity Program at a medium-size university in southeastern United States. A split by gender was included. The Wellness Inventory, which includes 12 dimensions of wellness was utilized to assess wellness and motivation. Results: Participants' wellness increased from pre- to post- across all 12 dimensions of wellness. Motivation to change in those 12 dimensions of wellness also increased from pre- to post-assessment during the pandemic semester. There were significant changes between the pre- and post-assessment scores for all dimensions of wellness and motivation for male and female participants. Conclusions: Including whole person wellness and motivation content in college-level Instructional Physical Activity Program curriculum may enhance students' overall wellness and motivation for wellness promoting behaviors even during a traumatic, challenging or atypical semester.