2023 Best Online Physical Education Degrees

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 (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 (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 (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.

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 (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 (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.