2022 Best Online Master's in Physical Education
The following list presents the best online master’s degree in physical education in terms of alumni's annual salary rate. Prospective students have a variety of specialties to choose from, such as physical education, kinesiology, and dance education. A master’s in physical education prepares students for a career teaching others about the lifelong benefits of physical activity in schools, fitness centers, and other group fitness settings. Some programs also tailor their coursework to meet the requirements for taking state licensing and certification exams. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in engaging, hands-on positions, including roles in schools and various agencies. For those wanting to take a different route than teaching, a master’s degree in physical education can prepare them for a career as an exercise physiologist, which has an annual salary of $47,940.
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Online Physical Education Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In
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Annual Tuition: $7,023
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2022 Best Online Master's in Physical Education
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University - Main Campus | $51,871 | ||
| Central Washington University | 81 | $47,842 | |
| Canisius College | 79 | $47,188 | |
| Georgia Southern University | 77 | $45,899 | |
| University of South Florida Online | 74 | $44,824 | |
| University of Northern Colorado | 73 | $44,599 | |
| University of Wyoming | 72 | $44,149 |
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Ranking Details
#1 Ohio University - Main Campus
- Salary Score: 88
- Median Starting Salary: $51,871
- Locations: Athens (OH)
- Accreditation: HLC
Ohio University (OU) is a large, public institution offering a Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Sciences, Coaching Education. Totaling a minimum of 30 credits hours, this program is designed for students interested in coaching careers, such as teaching youth sports, intercollegiate athletics, or even Olympic sports. Some of the core courses students take during the program include Coaching Symposium, Foundations of Coaching, Ethics and Diversity, and Injury Prevention and Risk Management. In addition, to complete the program, students are required to complete a coaching performance evaluation portfolio for their capstone project.
OU hosts nearly 8,000 fully online students. Online students at OU utilize the Blackboard digital learning platform to engage in discussion forums and complete assignments. The coursework is asynchronous, which means that students can set their own study schedules.
#2 Central Washington University
- Salary Score: 81
- Median Starting Salary: $47,842
- Locations: Ellensburg (WA)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Central Washington University (CWU) offers an online Master of Science in Health and Physical Education for educators looking for a flexible program to fit their schedules. The program lasts for two years (or five quarters), with 45 credit hours. Students can expect to take courses like Psycho-Social Perspectives in Health & Physical Education, Skills-based Health Education, Program Promotion & Grant Writing in Health & Physical Education, and Instructional Models in Physical Education.
CWU's program is facilitated in an asynchronous format on Canvas, a digital learning platform, with students required to take at least two classes each quarter. Applicants must apply to CWU’s graduate school and possess a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field to enroll.
#3 Canisius College
- Salary Score: 79
- Median Starting Salary: $47,188
- Locations: Buffalo (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Canisius College is a small, private nonprofit offering an online Master of Science in Physical Education and Athletics. This program, housed within their School of Education & Human Services, offers two paths for prospective students: (1) Physical Education - Professional Certification for those wanting to receive a certification and (2) Physical Education & Athletics. Each program is 30 credit hours with part- and full-time options available. Students must complete a physical education portfolio, mission statement, updated resume, sample lesson plans, and all assignments to receive a degree at the program's culmination.
Students in the program will take online courses through the instructional program, Desire2Learn. Online students at Canisius can use this integrated learning platform to interact with their professors and peers through discussion boards, collect and turn in assignments, and see their grades.
#5 Georgia Southern University
- Salary Score: 77
- Median Starting Salary: $45,899
- Locations: Statesboro (GA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Georgia Southern University (GS) — a public institution — offers two online degree programs relating to physical education: (1) a Master of Science in Kinesiology and (2) Master of Arts in Teaching Health and Physical Education Grades P-12. The Master of Science in Kinesiology is a 36-credit-hour program offered online, and it's designed for physical education teachers who want to renew their teaching certificate in Health and Physical Education. GS's online Master of Arts in Teaching Health and Physical Education is a 36-credit-hour program that meets all requirements for a Georgia T-5 Health and Physical Education Certification (P-12). While the program is entirely online, students must complete internship and teaching requirements in Georgia.
At GS, the entire graduate program is fully online. And similar to traditional, in-person programs, graduate students are offered advisement from faculty.
#6 University of South Florida Online
- Salary Score: 74
- Median Starting Salary: $44,824
- Locations: Tampa (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of South Florida (USF) is a large, public institution that offers a fully online Master of Arts in Physical Education. The program requires 30 credit hours, which includes six core courses, 18 content specialization courses, and six elective courses. Some of the program’s courses include Foundations of Measurement, Clinical Supervision in Physical Education, Sport Psychology, and Analysis of Research in Physical Education. At the program’s completion, students will be required to take a comprehensive exam in order to graduate.
The courses for this degree program at USF are 100% online through the learning management system called Canvas. This digital tool promotes online collaboration between students and professors. Additionally, online students can access tutoring services, test preparation resources, career services, and the counseling center.
#7 University of Northern Colorado
- Salary Score: 73
- Median Starting Salary: $44,599
- Locations: Greeley (CO)
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a medium-sized, public institution offering two programs related to physical education: (1) a Master of Arts in Dance Education and (2) Master of Arts in Physical Education/Physical Activity Leadership. The Master of Arts in Dance Education is a 33-credit hour program requiring a thesis. Students will learn instructional methods for choreography, dance performance, and injury prevention. In addition, two in-person workshops on UNC’s campus are required during the summer semesters. UNC’s Master of Arts in Physical Education/Physical Activity Leadership is a 30-credit-hour program lasting 18 months. Coursework includes Assessment in Sport Pedagogy, School-based Nutrition and Wellness, and others.
Even online students must spend two weeks on UNC’s campus during the program. Each program requires two short face-to-face summer workshops. For dance master's students, the workshops delve into choreography and learning dance forms, while PE leadership students will continue to learn about advanced pedagogy techniques and physical activity promotion.
#8 University of Wyoming
- Salary Score: 72
- Median Starting Salary: $44,149
- Locations: Laramie (WY)
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of Wyoming (UW) offers an emphasis for distant learners in their online Master of Science in Kinesiology and Health division: Physical Education Teacher Education. This program is designed for teachers who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree and licensure for physical education. The program, which is a minimum of 30 credit hours, requires a culminating paper or case study presentation before a student can graduate with their degree. Prospective students must find a graduate faculty member to act as their academic advisor before applying to the program.
At UW, online degree options cater to working professionals with full-time schedules, allowing for maximum flexibility through an asynchronous format.
What can you do with a master's in physical education degree?
With a master’s degree in physical education, possible career paths include teaching PE, coaching, and scouting. Teachers can be employed in a K-12 grade setting, after acquiring a public school teaching certificate, or at a university teaching health and physical fitness. Coaches and scouts can work for teams or individual athletes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is $60,660. Middle school teachers earned a median salary of $60,810 a year, while high school teachers earned a median annual salary of $62,870. By contrast, coaches and scouts earned a median salary of $36,330 and employment outlook is expected to grow 26% through 2030. Other career opportunities in physical education could involve working in recreational sports settings, community outreach programs, and fitness centers.
Employment outlook for teachers in general is 10% through 2030, according to the BLS. For coaches and scouts during this same period, job growth is expected to increase much faster than average at 26% though a master's degree is not required to enter these fields. However, career opportunities for graduates with a master's degree in physical education could involve working in recreational sports settings, community outreach programs, and fitness centers.
Online Master's in Physical Education Degree Overview
Graduate-level physical education degrees include Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Education programs. Master of Arts programs focus on artistic and social aspects of health and wellness, such as dance theory or community programs, while Master of Science programs focus more on the scientific aspects of health and wellness, such as anatomy and physiology. Master of Education programs focus on providing advanced teaching methods to prepare graduates to become skilled educators.
Program Requirements
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in athletics as a teacher, personal trainer, or coach should consider a master's degree in physical education. Admission requirements will vary depending on the program; some programs require a bachelor’s degree in education, physical education, or a related field such as kinesiology or athletic training, while others simply require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Other program requirements may include a minimum GPA, GRE or other test scores, letters of recommendation, or a background in teaching. Most online programs require 30–36 credits, which can be completed in one to two and a half years.
Curriculum
The curriculum for a physical education program will also vary depending upon the focus but may cover health and wellness, teaching methods, curriculum development, physical education assessments, social psychology, or controversial health issues. Programs may include courses such as Motor Learning, Risk Management in Physical Education and Athletics, Sport Psychology, and Statistics in Education and Health Professions. Students may be required to complete some type of final research project, and students in teaching programs may be required to complete fieldwork in the classroom.
How to Choose a Program
When looking for an online master’s in physical education program, it is important to consider program and school accreditation, class flexibility, the variety of credits offered, fieldwork or on-site requirements, and support and resources available for graduates. The ability to tailor credits to fulfill your specific career aspirations, such as a focus on sports management or coaching, can also be an important factor in choosing a program.
Students should also ensure they have a plan for completing any required fieldwork or student teaching, and that it can be done at a convenient location. Alumni networks and career services offered through the school can also benefit graduates interested in networking or finding assistance with job placement.
The Importance of Accreditation for Master's in Physical Education Programs
Accreditation is a thorough and ongoing review that signals to schools, students, professionals, and employers that a program meets universal standards of quality. Students who attend accredited programs are more likely to be eligible for scholarships, grants, federal student aid, licensure, certification, and to transfer credits or continue their education.
Students should pursue programs with national or regional accreditation to ensure their credentials will be considered legitimate in their chosen field. While institutions seek accreditation as a whole, there are organizations that grant accreditation to specific programs as well.
Students looking to pursue a career as a physical education teacher will need to check licensure requirements for their state. Some states simply require students to complete an accredited program, while some require programs to be accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly known as NCATE and TEAC.
Some programs were previously accredited by SHAPE America, formerly known as NASPE, which is no longer evaluating curriculums. The main accrediting body for physical education programs is now CAEP, but some program pages still have SHAPE or NASPE listed as a programmatic accreditor. These programs will remain accredited through CAEP until their status expires and they must renew accreditation.
Other physical education programmatic accreditors include the Commission on Sports Management Accreditation (COSMA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). For students who would like to check that their program is accredited by a legitimate organization, a full list of approved accrediting bodies can be found here.
What kinds of master's in physical education specializations are available?
While most physical education programs prepare students to be PE teachers in the K-12 school system, there are a few concentrations for people to pursue particular interests. Seeking a specialized degree can uniquely prepare students for a career in their chosen field, and can differentiate them from other job candidates by their credentials and experience.
Adapted physical education: Teachers trained in adapted physical education specialize in inclusive curriculums and coaching methods for students with disabilities. This degree will prepare graduates to work in general and adapted physical education settings, such as elementary schools or with adapted sport teams. Programs will cover physical education and activities for students with disabilities, design and implementation of effective curriculums, and may include courses on development of motor skills or legal issues in special education.
Sport coaching: Coaching programs equip students with the skills necessary to meet the needs of school, community, and club sport teams. Graduates will be ready to enter the changing field of athletics with the experience needed to train teams and athletes. Coaches can work with professional teams or individual athletes, and may focus on specific sports such as football or basketball. Programs may cover coaching techniques, sport psychology, motor development, and creating healthy competitive environments.
Sport management/administration: Sport management programs are geared towards students interested in the business side of athletics. These programs prepare students for a wide range of positions in the sport industry. Graduates may pursue careers in sales, marketing, event management, or athletic administration, for example, and may work for college or professional sport teams. Coursework may include sports marketing and finance, public relations, social, cultural, and ethical aspects of sports, and legal issues in sports administration.
Curriculum development: Programs with an emphasis on leadership and the use of research to enhance teaching methods will prepare students to create effective physical education programs. While most physical education degrees include courses on curriculum development, some programs focus on how to conduct, interpret, and implement research to improve student learning. Courses will likely cover leadership, curriculum construction, research methods, and technology use in physical education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I finance a master's in physical education program?
Students considering a master's in physical education program have access to a variety of resources to help them finance their degree. These resources include scholarships, grants, loans, and tuition reimbursement programs available through employers. The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) provides a list of available resources, including scholarships for health and wellness degrees.
Students pursuing a career as a teacher may be eligible to have a portion of their federal student loans forgiven under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Eligibility for these programs depends on the type of student loan you have and your employment after graduation. There are also many state-sponsored loan forgiveness programs for teachers. The American Federation of Teachers offers a tool to search for loan forgiveness and funding programs here.
How should I choose a program?
When looking for an online master’s in physical education program, it is important to consider program and school accreditation, class flexibility, the variety of credits offered, fieldwork or on-site requirements, and support and resources available for graduates. The ability to tailor credits to fulfill your specific career aspirations, such as a focus on sports management or coaching, can also be an important factor in choosing a program. Students should also ensure they have a plan for completing any required fieldwork or student teaching, and that it can be done at a convenient location. Alumni networks and career services offered through the school can also benefit graduates interested in networking or finding assistance with job placement.
What professional industry associations are available for physical educators?
Joining a professional network can benefit students while in school and long past graduation. Professional associations allow students to make connections, provide opportunities for career development, and can help ease the transition from program to employment. Many of these organizations offer discounted student membership prices and can help students develop additional skills, knowledge, and professional contacts to achieve their career goals.
American Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America): SHAPE America is a leading national organization that actively promotes quality physical education from preschool to university levels. Their K-12 PE standards are used in school districts across the United States to shape curriculums. They provide members with educational resources, tools, and programs for educators to better meet the unique needs of students in physical education.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): The American College of Sports Medicine is an excellent resource for sports medicine students and professionals. Their members include trainers, academic researchers, and physicians. ACSM members gain access to academic journals, continuing education materials, a sports medicine podcast, and other resources for a range of professionals in the field. They also have a members-only career portal with resources for resume writing and career development.
American School Health Association (ASHA): The American School Health Association advocates for creating collaborative, coordinated healthy school environments. They promote quality nursing, health and physical education, counseling, social services, and nutrition to best support school-aged children. Members gain exclusive access to the Journal of School Health, discounts on their annual conference and other educational support resources, and free Continuing Education credits through webinars, conferences, and self-studies.
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE): SOPHE is a nonprofit organization that works to improve public health through education and advocacy. They emphasize a holistic approach to public health by connecting behavioral science and health education. SOPHE members can participate in the larger public health education conversation, access journals and resources to continue education, become trained in public health advocacy, and connect with other professionals in the field.
National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA): The NRPA supports public health by supporting parks and recreation organizations. They emphasize conservation, health and wellness initiatives, and equal access to programs. Individuals and organizations can become NRPA members and gain access to educational resources, professional development tools, volunteer and leadership opportunities, and grant and fundraising support.
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