Best Online Physical Education Programs
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A University of Kansas study from 2023 shows that physical education teachers make a long-term impact on students' physical health. Teachers with a positive attitude toward exercise inspire these same feelings in learners. You can make a difference by enrolling in an online physical education degree program.
An online bachelor's in physical education program can qualify you to work in K-12 schools if you meet your state's teacher licensure requirements. Typical teacher-preparation programs require student teaching and classes in pedagogy.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Physical Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Physical Education Programs of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $380
Out-of-State | $380
Credits to Graduate: 120
The bachelor's in kinesiology program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is offered 100% online and features a health and wellness concentration. You can enroll in January, March, June, August, or October.
This curriculum takes a research-heavy approach, and you'll have to give many presentations to prepare for your future career in health education. Coursework includes classes like health promotion program planning, basic human nutrition, and health behavior theories.
The program also prepares you to take the national certification exam to become a certified health education specialist.
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $422
Out-of-State | $422
Credits to Graduate: 120
The bachelor's in sports coaching at the University of Southern Mississippi prepares you to coach in various settings. The program focuses on understanding the psychology and motivation of athletes.
You'll also gain knowledge on athlete safety and learn how to teach the rules and regulations of specific sports, as well as the skills necessary for those sports. Courses include sport pedagogy, sport psychology, and adapted physical education. The program ends with a senior capstone course.
As an online student, you'll gain access to many of the same resources as in-person learners. You can take advantage of an online writing center, online tutoring, and technology support.
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What Courses Will You Take in an Online Bachelor's in Physical Education Program?
As an education major, you can expect to take many of the same general courses as others. Of course, you'll also have more specialized classes that focus on physical health and well-being. Some of the courses you may choose from are as follows:
Anatomy and Physiology
This course details the structures and functions of organs, tissues, and systems within the human body. A more physical education-oriented curriculum may detail the principles of injury prevention, movement, and healing.
Kinesiology
In this course, you'll build a practical knowledge of the neurological, skeletal, and muscular systems and assess how these impact movement. You'll learn about balance and mobility. And you'll also study various injury prevention methods and treatments.
Exercise Physiology
You'll learn how various types of training impact the body, specifically through the lenses of weight management and disease prevention. In this course, you'll also explore how individuals can use proper technique and nutrition to optimize desired results.
Physical Education Teacher Education Methods
This course details how you can apply wellness and child development principles to meet age-appropriate fitness needs. You may build curriculum development and class management skills. This course may include a practicum or fieldwork component.
Methods of Teaching and Assessing Health
In this class, you'll learn how to design curricula to meet learning objectives and approach sensitive topics like substance use, mental health, nutrition, and human sexuality. You may also learn to conduct classes and evaluate learning outcomes.
What Can You Do With an Online Degree in Physical Education?
An online physical education degree program prepares you to work inside as well as outside the education field. Start exploring careers as soon as possible. Your college's career center advisors can help you narrow your options and find the best fit.
Some careers below may require extra education, training, or certification. You may earn less than the median salary for a specific role in your first job after graduation.
| Jobs | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Coach or Scout | $45,910 |
| Fitness Trainer | $46,480 |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Middle School Teacher | $64,290 |
| Recreational Therapist | $57,120 |
Frequently Asked Questions About a Degree in Physical Education
Is a bachelor's in physical education worth it?
Yes, if you want a career helping people live healthier, more active lives. Many programs' curricula focus on K-12 education, but you can use your degree in other career paths.
Contact a school's admissions department to learn more about their online physical education program's application requirements, curriculum, and graduate outcomes. This information can help you pick the right school and program.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a degree in physical education?
Graduates with a bachelor's in physical education can earn the most as K-12 teachers. These roles offer the highest median salaries, according to the BLS. Experienced physical education educators can make over $60,000 per year working at a middle or high school.
Work with your school's career counselors to explore these and other job opportunities. You may discover career paths with greater salary potential.
How much does a bachelor's in physical education degree cost?
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that public school students' average annual cost of attendance (COA) exceeded $14,000 during the 2020-2021 school year. Degree-seekers at private, nonprofit colleges paid more than $28,000. Some private schools charge much more.
You can lower your COA by applying for scholarships. Many schools' financial aid websites link to scholarship databases and other resources. Living with family during your education can also help you save money.
