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2023 Best Online Physical Education Degrees

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 4/27/2023

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2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Physical Education Badge

Online physical education degrees at the bachelor's level equip students with relevant skills to promote physical fitness and well-being. The curriculum covers the mechanics of movement, the physiology of healthy activity, and helps prepare students to work with various abilities and ages. These degree program graduates can become coaches, athletic and fitness trainers, or K-12 physical education teachers. If you're interested in this field, you should also explore our best online degree programs in physical therapy and exercise science.

View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.

2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Physical Education Badge
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Online Physical Education Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In


List Of Accredited Online Physical Education Schools

School Online Enrollment Annual Tuition
Fort Hays State University 4,411 4,411 $15,360 $15,360
Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus 1,514 $8,448
Eastern Oregon University 1,365 $21,729
Kansas State University 961 $26,316
University of Wisconsin - Superior 615 $15,705
William Carey University 312 $12,750
East Central University 276 $16,412

Fort Hays State University

  • Annual Tuition: $15,360
  • Locations: Hays (KS)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Fort Hays State University (FHSU), a medium-sized public institution, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance. The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, and prospective students can expect to learn the fundamentals of a career in physical education, including a well-rounded approach to health, wellness, and nutrition, to name a few. Courses from the curriculum include Concepts of Physical Fitness, Kinesiology, and Care and Prevention of Exercise and Sports Injuries.

At FHSU, online students complete coursework synchronously on the platform Blackboard. In addition, online students can access tech support, academic advising, career development, and more. General admission requirements are a cumulative 2.25 or higher GPA, an ACT score of 21 or higher, or a minimum SAT score of 1060.

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus

  • Annual Tuition: $8,448
  • Locations: Portales (NM)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus (ENMU) is a medium-sized, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Totaling 120 credit hours, the program has three concentrations to choose from: (1) Sports and Recreation Management, (2) Teaching Physical Education, and (3) Health and Wellness. Example coursework includes Concepts in Physical Education, Sports Finance, and Fundamentals of Sport Management.

ENMU’s online students complete coursework in synchronous and asynchronous format on Blackboard. In addition, online students can access a range of resources, such as academic advising, an online library, tutoring, and more. Admission requirements include a minimum ACT score of 17 or an SAT score of 810 or higher, official transcripts, and an application.

Eastern Oregon University

  • Annual Tuition: $21,729
  • Locations: La Grande (OR)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Eastern Oregon University (EOU) is a medium-sized, public institution, which offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Health & Human Performance. EOU’s online degree program — requiring 180 credit hours — has three concentrations: (1) Community Health, (2) Exercise Science, and (3) Physical Education & Sport. All of these concentrations require a capstone course and research project in order to graduate. Overall, students can finish the degree in three years with a full-time schedule. Graduates may become fitness trainers, health educators, physical therapists, and physical education teachers.

At EOU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and may be either synchronous or asynchronous.

Kansas State University

  • Annual Tuition: $26,316
  • Locations: Manhattan (KS)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Kansas State University (KSU) is a large, public university. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology requiring 120 credit hours. KSU highlights the importance of physical activity and combines biomechanical, physiological, and sociological perspectives. This program can be completed in four years with a full-time schedule, and graduates may work as physicians, health educators, recreation directors, and personal trainers. Some core classes for this major include Biobehavioral Bases of Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Physiology, and Social Structural Determinants of Physical Activity.

At KSU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous.

University of Wisconsin - Superior

  • Annual Tuition: $15,705
  • Locations: Superior (WI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

At the University of Wisconsin - Superior (UWSUPER), a medium-sized, public institution, students can pursue two degrees related to physical education, such as (1) Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and (2) a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health. Both programs, totaling 120 credit hours to complete, prepare students to work in various employment settings, such as school systems, government agencies, and health clinics. Sample coursework includes Human Sexuality, Kinesiology, and Principles of Nutrition.

At UWSUPER, online students complete coursework through the learning management platform, Canvas. Remote student support includes academic advising, tutoring, and a writing center. Admission requirements include ACT/SAT scores, GED scores (if applicable), and a minimum GPA.

William Carey University

  • Annual Tuition: $12,750
  • Locations: Hattiesburg (MS)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

William Carey University (WCU) is a medium-sized, private institution. WCU offers both an online Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and an online Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, the latter of which requires a minor. Minor options include Coaching, Recreation, and Special Education. Each bachelor’s program requires 120 credit hours, and students can complete their degree in four years with a full-time schedule. Some core classes across these majors include Organization & Administration of Physical Education, The Care & Prevention of Sports Injuries, and Leisure Services.

At WCU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is 100% online and asynchronous.

East Central University

  • Annual Tuition: $16,412
  • Locations: Ada (OK)
  • Accreditation: HLC

East Central University (ECU) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, which requires 124 credits. This program helps students understand key topics, such as sports nutrition, first aid, strength, conditioning, and motor learning. Some core classes for this major include Theory of Coaching, Fundamentals of Sports Administration, and Health Promotion. This program can be completed in four years with a full-time schedule. Graduates may work as athletic or personal trainers, recreation directors, and wellness directors, to name a few options.

At ECU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous.

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Overview of Online Physical Education Degrees

Online physical education (PE) degrees are designed to prepare you to teach others the benefits of physical activity and healthy living. Courses cover topics in fitness and the health sciences, such as human anatomy, movement, injury prevention, team sport coaching, and nutrition. The curriculum may also explore the mind-body connection, motor skill development, and the impact of exercise on overall well-being. 

Even fully online physical education degrees require an on-site student teaching practicum. This takes place at an approved school in your community under the supervision of an experienced teacher. This student teaching period is necessary to get a license to instruct K-12 physical education programs.

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become a licensed PE teacher. But an online master's degree program might be a good option for you if you already have a bachelor's degree in another subject and want to launch your teaching career. Certain online teacher licensure programs assume that you're a working professional looking to switch careers, so they're designed with a certain level of flexibility in mind. 

You can generally expect to take four years at a full-time pace to complete the 120-154 credit hours needed to graduate. However, an online PE program may take five years if it's designed to prepare you for K-12 teacher certification. Attending college part time will also extend the degree.

Admission Requirements

Most schools require official high school transcripts or GED test scores to be eligible for enrollment. Many also have a minimum GPA requirement for college applicants, which is generally 2.0 or higher. Prerequisites vary by program but often include English, laboratory science, math, and social sciences.

Other admission requirements for first-year students may include the following:

Common Courses in Physical Education Programs

A bachelor's degree curriculum blends academic coursework with experiential learning so students can develop skills to nudge others toward physical fitness. Students interested in a specialization may also choose a minor or concentration, such as health and wellness, athletic coaching, or physical activity and sports performance.

Course titles and electives may change from program to program, but learning outcomes are similar. You're likely to take the following courses or something similar during a PE bachelor's degree.

Philosophy and Psychology of Coaching

This course examines the basic concepts of sports coaching, including creating player development plans and motivating individuals and teams. Enrollees may also study coaching ethics and how to work with populations with diverse backgrounds and physical abilities.

Teaching Assessment and Management of Physical Education

This class explores source materials and assessment tools to use when selecting activities, planning and organizing instruction, and developing physical education teaching plans in elementary school. Coursework may also include some classroom teaching.

Administration and Organization of Physical Education

Faculty aim to equip students with a basic theoretical and practical understanding of developing, organizing, and implementing physical education and athletic programs. Topics may include management and organizational structure, budgeting, and program evaluation.

The Care and Prevention of Sports Injuries

PE teachers need to understand the basic methods used to prevent, care for, and rehabilitate athletic injuries, which is this course's purpose. Instruction may also explain the trainer's role in their relationship with athletes to keep them fit and healthy,

Physical Education for the Exceptional Child

Course content includes the best practices in planning, implementing, and adapting existing physical education and activity programs for young learners with disabilities. Professors may also explore current administrative procedures, policies, and legislation.

Physical Education Careers

Administrators design PE programs with the goal of producing thoughtful, effective PE teachers. But there's some career variety in this field based on the age group that graduates teach. Some PE teachers earn National Board Certification in physical education to become more competitive in the job market, though it's not necessary.

Besides teaching, PE program graduates may consider a few other careers in which their skills might prove useful. The list below details some of the popular career choices for graduates of PE bachelor's programs. All pay and job outlook data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

Annual Median Salary:  $61,350
Job Growth Rate: 4%

Elementary school PE teachers direct and instruct young students on positive lifestyle choices related to physical activity, exercise, and overall health.

Middle School Teachers

Annual Median Salary:  $61,320
Job Growth Rate: 4%

Middle school teachers help shape the physical fitness of students ages 12-14. These typically teach more advanced sports and exercise skills than elementary students learn.

High School Teachers

Annual Median Salary:  $61,820
Job Growth Rate: 5%

Teaching high school means designing curricula and developing academic lesson plans for students to prepare them for entering the job market or secondary education.

Coaches

Annual Median Salary:  $38,970
Job Growth Rate: 20%

Coaches train and guide athletes to excel at their sport. They do this by developing training exercises and practice drills while preparing strategies for competition.

Fitness Trainers

Annual Median Salary:  $40,700
Job Growth Rate: 19%

Fitness trainers work to increase the physical strength and stamina of clients through workout techniques, class instruction, and strength training. Most employers require trainers to hold one of many professional certifications for this occupation.

Funding a PE Degree

With the rising cost of tuition across the country, you might be looking for ways to save money in college. Most students can't afford to pay for tuition and fees up front, so they apply for various forms of financial aid. This includes gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid — such as grants, scholarships, and work-study program funding — but also education loans. Because gift aid is competitive, most students take on at least some student loan debt.

You can start your financial aid journey by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This may help you qualify for aid from the federal government, state governments, or private donors. Contact a financial aid officer at any schools you're considering to learn about offerings from the college or outside sources, which could be awarded based on need, merit, ethnic background, or field of study.

See our list of the most affordable online education degrees to find bachelor's programs suitable for any budget, and review the most affordable online master's degrees in PE to start planning for the future.

What Else Should You Consider?

You can weigh many factors when deciding on a college path. As you research your options, ask yourself the questions below to help clarify what you want and whether a program might suit you.

Is This College Accredited? 

Institutional accreditation helps ensure that a school has met quality education standards set by an independent agency. You typically need to attend an accredited college in order to receive federal financial aid or transfer credits to another accredited school. You can verify a school's accreditation status using the Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Is This Degree Program Accredited? 

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) evaluates the quality of individual teacher-training programs. It's generally not necessary to attend a CAEP-approved PE program to earn a license, but you should check your state's requirements using resources from the nonprofit TEACH.

Do I Want to Teach PE or Work In Another Exercise-related Profession?

It's important to set career goals so you can get the right education to help you meet them. For example, you may prefer to work as an exercise physiologist helping injured patients or a health education specialist who teaches communities about healthy lifestyle choices. In these cases, you might instead opt for a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or health education

What Would My Dream College Offer?

Use your creativity to answer this question. Perhaps your ideal school provides a high level of financial aid, virtual support for a disability, and a particular professor whose work you respect. Or maybe you're more concerned with attending a hybrid program so you can have a mix of online and on-campus interaction. Think through your most important considerations and see which schools match them most closely. 

Do I Want To Enroll In an Online Degree?

Online learning may be more flexible than in-person education, which requires you to be in a certain place at a specific time. Distance programs can help you balance school with work and anything else in your life. However, it's harder to build a professional network with people you never meet face to face, so you need to make sure you establish good working relationships while student teaching. 

Read our Guide to Starting Your Online Education if you decide that remote learning is for you.

FAQs About Physical Education Degrees

Can You Get a Physical Education Degree Online?


Many colleges offer online PE teaching degrees. These programs usually feature asynchronous courses that don't require live class meetings. But all teacher-training degrees also have student teaching requirements, so you'll need to teach at a local school for a few months toward the end of the program to gain classroom experience.

Do You Need a Teaching Degree to Teach Physical Education?


You typically need an education or teaching degree to become a teacher. However, many states have alternative paths to teaching licensure to help them fill gaps in the teacher workforce. In such cases, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in another subject. This can help you qualify for provisional certification that lets you teach while you earn an education degree, which is usually a master's degree.

How Long Does an Online Program in Physical Education Take To Complete?


College program pages will tell you that a bachelor's degree takes four years to complete with a full-time schedule. But less than half of undergraduates finish at this pace because many students work, take a part-time course load, or take leaves of absence to attend to personal matters. In addition, some PE teacher-preparation programs last more than four years in some states because student-teaching requirements take longer to satisfy.

Is a Physical Education Degree a BA or a BS?


PE degrees come in both bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) varieties. The differences between them are minimal when it comes to required courses in the major. BAs may require slightly more humanities courses in the general education portion of a program, whereas BSs may call for a few more math and science classes.

Overview of Online Physical Education Degrees

Online physical education (PE) degrees are designed to prepare you to teach others the benefits of physical activity and healthy living. Courses cover topics in fitness and the health sciences, such as human anatomy, movement, injury prevention, team sport coaching, and nutrition. The curriculum may also explore the mind-body connection, motor skill development, and the impact of exercise on overall well-being. 

Even fully online physical education degrees require an on-site student teaching practicum. This takes place at an approved school in your community under the supervision of an experienced teacher. This student teaching period is necessary to get a license to instruct K-12 physical education programs.

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become a licensed PE teacher. But an online master's degree program might be a good option for you if you already have a bachelor's degree in another subject and want to launch your teaching career. Certain online teacher licensure programs assume that you're a working professional looking to switch careers, so they're designed with a certain level of flexibility in mind. 

You can generally expect to take four years at a full-time pace to complete the 120-154 credit hours needed to graduate. However, an online PE program may take five years if it's designed to prepare you for K-12 teacher certification. Attending college part time will also extend the degree.

Admission Requirements

Most schools require official high school transcripts or GED test scores to be eligible for enrollment. Many also have a minimum GPA requirement for college applicants, which is generally 2.0 or higher. Prerequisites vary by program but often include English, laboratory science, math, and social sciences.

Other admission requirements for first-year students may include the following:

Common Courses in Physical Education Programs

A bachelor's degree curriculum blends academic coursework with experiential learning so students can develop skills to nudge others toward physical fitness. Students interested in a specialization may also choose a minor or concentration, such as health and wellness, athletic coaching, or physical activity and sports performance.

Course titles and electives may change from program to program, but learning outcomes are similar. You're likely to take the following courses or something similar during a PE bachelor's degree.

Philosophy and Psychology of Coaching

This course examines the basic concepts of sports coaching, including creating player development plans and motivating individuals and teams. Enrollees may also study coaching ethics and how to work with populations with diverse backgrounds and physical abilities.

Teaching Assessment and Management of Physical Education

This class explores source materials and assessment tools to use when selecting activities, planning and organizing instruction, and developing physical education teaching plans in elementary school. Coursework may also include some classroom teaching.

Administration and Organization of Physical Education

Faculty aim to equip students with a basic theoretical and practical understanding of developing, organizing, and implementing physical education and athletic programs. Topics may include management and organizational structure, budgeting, and program evaluation.

The Care and Prevention of Sports Injuries

PE teachers need to understand the basic methods used to prevent, care for, and rehabilitate athletic injuries, which is this course's purpose. Instruction may also explain the trainer's role in their relationship with athletes to keep them fit and healthy,

Physical Education for the Exceptional Child

Course content includes the best practices in planning, implementing, and adapting existing physical education and activity programs for young learners with disabilities. Professors may also explore current administrative procedures, policies, and legislation.

Physical Education Careers

Administrators design PE programs with the goal of producing thoughtful, effective PE teachers. But there's some career variety in this field based on the age group that graduates teach. Some PE teachers earn National Board Certification in physical education to become more competitive in the job market, though it's not necessary.

Besides teaching, PE program graduates may consider a few other careers in which their skills might prove useful. The list below details some of the popular career choices for graduates of PE bachelor's programs. All pay and job outlook data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

Annual Median Salary:  $61,350
Job Growth Rate: 4%

Elementary school PE teachers direct and instruct young students on positive lifestyle choices related to physical activity, exercise, and overall health.

Middle School Teachers

Annual Median Salary:  $61,320
Job Growth Rate: 4%

Middle school teachers help shape the physical fitness of students ages 12-14. These typically teach more advanced sports and exercise skills than elementary students learn.

High School Teachers

Annual Median Salary:  $61,820
Job Growth Rate: 5%

Teaching high school means designing curricula and developing academic lesson plans for students to prepare them for entering the job market or secondary education.

Coaches

Annual Median Salary:  $38,970
Job Growth Rate: 20%

Coaches train and guide athletes to excel at their sport. They do this by developing training exercises and practice drills while preparing strategies for competition.

Fitness Trainers

Annual Median Salary:  $40,700
Job Growth Rate: 19%

Fitness trainers work to increase the physical strength and stamina of clients through workout techniques, class instruction, and strength training. Most employers require trainers to hold one of many professional certifications for this occupation.

Funding a PE Degree

With the rising cost of tuition across the country, you might be looking for ways to save money in college. Most students can't afford to pay for tuition and fees up front, so they apply for various forms of financial aid. This includes gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid — such as grants, scholarships, and work-study program funding — but also education loans. Because gift aid is competitive, most students take on at least some student loan debt.

You can start your financial aid journey by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This may help you qualify for aid from the federal government, state governments, or private donors. Contact a financial aid officer at any schools you're considering to learn about offerings from the college or outside sources, which could be awarded based on need, merit, ethnic background, or field of study.

See our list of the most affordable online education degrees to find bachelor's programs suitable for any budget, and review the most affordable online master's degrees in PE to start planning for the future.

What Else Should You Consider?

You can weigh many factors when deciding on a college path. As you research your options, ask yourself the questions below to help clarify what you want and whether a program might suit you.

Is This College Accredited? 

Institutional accreditation helps ensure that a school has met quality education standards set by an independent agency. You typically need to attend an accredited college in order to receive federal financial aid or transfer credits to another accredited school. You can verify a school's accreditation status using the Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Is This Degree Program Accredited? 

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) evaluates the quality of individual teacher-training programs. It's generally not necessary to attend a CAEP-approved PE program to earn a license, but you should check your state's requirements using resources from the nonprofit TEACH.

Do I Want to Teach PE or Work In Another Exercise-related Profession?

It's important to set career goals so you can get the right education to help you meet them. For example, you may prefer to work as an exercise physiologist helping injured patients or a health education specialist who teaches communities about healthy lifestyle choices. In these cases, you might instead opt for a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or health education

What Would My Dream College Offer?

Use your creativity to answer this question. Perhaps your ideal school provides a high level of financial aid, virtual support for a disability, and a particular professor whose work you respect. Or maybe you're more concerned with attending a hybrid program so you can have a mix of online and on-campus interaction. Think through your most important considerations and see which schools match them most closely. 

Do I Want To Enroll In an Online Degree?

Online learning may be more flexible than in-person education, which requires you to be in a certain place at a specific time. Distance programs can help you balance school with work and anything else in your life. However, it's harder to build a professional network with people you never meet face to face, so you need to make sure you establish good working relationships while student teaching. 

Read our Guide to Starting Your Online Education if you decide that remote learning is for you.

FAQs About Physical Education Degrees

Can You Get a Physical Education Degree Online?


Many colleges offer online PE teaching degrees. These programs usually feature asynchronous courses that don't require live class meetings. But all teacher-training degrees also have student teaching requirements, so you'll need to teach at a local school for a few months toward the end of the program to gain classroom experience.

Do You Need a Teaching Degree to Teach Physical Education?


You typically need an education or teaching degree to become a teacher. However, many states have alternative paths to teaching licensure to help them fill gaps in the teacher workforce. In such cases, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in another subject. This can help you qualify for provisional certification that lets you teach while you earn an education degree, which is usually a master's degree.

How Long Does an Online Program in Physical Education Take To Complete?


College program pages will tell you that a bachelor's degree takes four years to complete with a full-time schedule. But less than half of undergraduates finish at this pace because many students work, take a part-time course load, or take leaves of absence to attend to personal matters. In addition, some PE teacher-preparation programs last more than four years in some states because student-teaching requirements take longer to satisfy.

Is a Physical Education Degree a BA or a BS?


PE degrees come in both bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) varieties. The differences between them are minimal when it comes to required courses in the major. BAs may require slightly more humanities courses in the general education portion of a program, whereas BSs may call for a few more math and science classes.

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