2022 Best Online Physical Education Degrees
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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.
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Online Physical Education Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
William Carey University
Annual Tuition: $12,750
3 Programs (view all)
List Of Accredited Online Physical Education Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays State University | ||
| 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.
Overview of Online Physical Education Degrees
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for becoming a licensed physical education teacher. However, an online teacher licensure 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. For those already working as teachers who wish to add to their skillset or who are looking to make a career switch, online master's degree programs are also available.
But if you're starting from scratch, you can get a physical education degree online at the bachelor's level. Distance learning allows you to pursue coaching, sports performance, or a number of careers working with individuals and teams in various other health and fitness settings. Online physical education degrees are designed to prepare individuals to teach others the benefits of physical activity and healthy living.
Courses cover various health sciences and fitness topics, such as human anatomy, movement, injury prevention, team sport coaching, and nutrition. The curriculum may also explore the mind-body connection, development of motor skills, and the impact of healthy moving on overall well-being. Be mindful that the best online physical education degree requires an on-site teaching practicum for students pursuing teacher licensure to instruct K-12 physical education programs.
Full-time students determined to pursuephysical education degrees online can generally expect to take four years in order to complete approximately 154 credit hours. The program may take five years for students enrolled in programs that also prepare them for K-12 teacher certification. Programs may take longer for part-time students. Upon completing their degree and student teaching experience, graduates can apply for state licensure where they want to teach.
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 applicants, generally a 2.0 score 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:
- One year of a foreign language or fine arts
- SAT or ACT standardized test scores
- A personal essay or letter of intent
- A completed application and nonrefundable fee of approximately $50
Common Courses in Physical Education Programs
Degree program curriculum blends rigorous academic coursework with experiential learning so students can develop skills to empower others to become physically fit. Students interested in a specialization may also choose a concentration or minor, such as health and physical education, athletic coaching, or physical activity and sports performance.
While course titles and electives may change from program to program, outcomes and learning objectives are similar:
Philosophy and Psychology of Coaching
This course examines the basic concepts of sports coaching, including creating player development plans and motivating individuals and teams. In addition, students may study the ethics of coaching and how to work with populations of diverse backgrounds and physical abilities.
Teaching Assessment and Management of Physical Education
This course 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 require a classroom teaching experience.
Administration and Organization of Physical Education
This course is designed to equip students with basic theoretical and practical understanding about 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
This course is designed to increase students' knowledge and understanding of sports medicine and the basic methods used to prevent, care and rehabilitate athletic injuries. 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. Instruction may also explore current administrative procedures, policies, and legislation.
Interested in learning about similar programs? Explore online bachelor's degrees in exercise science, personal training, or health education.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures a school has met quality education standards. It may also be necessary to apply for federal financial aid or transfer credits to another accredited school to meet additional educational goals. By earning an accredited online physical education degree, you'll be better prepared to apply for licensure upon graduation.
Students interested in teaching physical education at the elementary, middle, or high school level should look for programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Prospective students can verify school and CAEP accreditation status on the Department of Education's Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs database.
Careers with a Degree in Physical Education
Popular career paths include becoming elementary, middle, or high school teachers, which also requires state teacher certification. Though not necessary, some also earn National Board Certification in physical education to become more competitive in the job market.
Licensed physical education teachers work with children of all ages and abilities to teach them about exercising, teamwork, and making healthy choices. They also plan lessons and manage classrooms. High-growth occupations for graduates who do not end up teaching include athletic training, coaching, and fitness training.
K-12 Physical Education Teachers
Public school K-12 physical education teachers direct and instruct young students on positive lifestyle choices as they relate to physical activity, exercise, and overall health.
High School Teachers
Teaching high school means designing curricula and developing academic lesson plans for students to prepare them for entering the job market or secondary education.
Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers assist athletes in training correctly and safely. They may also diagnose and treat various muscle and bone injuries.
Coaches
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
Fitness trainers motivate others through exercise. They work to increase the physical strength and stamina of clients through workout techniques, class instruction, and strength training.
Funding a PE Degree
With the rising cost of tuition across the country, you might be looking for ways to save money in college. If you're unable to pay your tuition fees upfront — something most students can't afford — there are ways to help shave off a portion of the cost, such as scholarships. These lump sums are awarded to those who meet specific requirements. They can be competitive, however, which is why most students opt to take on student loan debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Become a PE Teacher Online?
Yes, you can earn your physical education degree online. However, keep in mind that you'll likely need to complete an in-class teaching experience in order to graduate and earn your teaching license. For remote students of physical education programs, this may provide an opportunity to develop and implement an activity that will allow you to assess student performance and outcomes.
How Much Does an Online Physical Education Degree Cost?
Tuition for the online physical education degree programs on our rankings list ranges from $8,488 to $26,316 per year.
How Long Does an Online Program in Physical Education Take To Complete?
It can take approximately four years to finish an online physical education degree program if you maintain a full-time pace. Becoming a licensed teacher may take extra time, however, because it requires completing a student teaching experience before taking the licensure exam.
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