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Best Online Physical Education (PE) Degrees

Learn what it takes to earn your online degree in physical education, from reviewing top programs to graduating with success.

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Ranking the Best Online Physical Education Degrees for 2024

If you have an interest in teaching physical education classes, coaching school sports teams, or pursuing a career in the sports industry, an online degree in physical education can be an excellent fit. But how do you know which programs are best? To help, we researched programs from across the country to identify those with the best combinations of quality, affordability, and learning flexibility. See which colleges scored the most points in our ranking below.

About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

Ball State University offers an online Master of Arts in Athletic Coaching Education for current coaches looking to take the next step in their careers. Learning outcomes include being able to design strength and conditioning programs, help athletes create mental game plans, and apply the NASPE/NCACE 8 domains of coaching competencies.

Students are able to complete the program completely online and finish in just five semesters (two classes per semester). Ball State's program was the first athletic coaching education program to be offered online and has faculty who have coached at the highest levels of national and international competition. Class sizes are kept small (12 to 20 students typically), and no GRE is required for admission.

Program Highlights:

Master of Arts in Athletic Coaching Education

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 1.5 years
  • Cost: $493/credit
  • Mode: Fully-online or blended
  • Accreditation: NCATE
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 60%

2

Jackson State University

Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson State University offers two distinct online master's degrees for those interested in teaching physical education and health. Graduate-level students in the field can choose between the Master of Education in Physical Education or the Master of Education in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. These two programs offer students the chance to pursue a generalized degree or specialize in the areas of health, physical education, dance, physiology of exercise, athletic administration, adapted physical education, and administration of physical education. Graduates of these programs are qualified to teach in secondary schools, community colleges, and organizations such as YMCAs. To qualify, students must be admitted to the school's Division of Graduate Studies and the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

Program Highlights:

Physical Education, MSEd

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 2-4 years
  • Cost: $476/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Master of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 2-4 years
  • Cost: $476/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 89%

3

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

East Carolina University offers a fully online Master of Education in Physical Education. This program is exclusively available in an online format, meaning that students have maximum flexibility to arrange studies around their existing careers and schedules. Through program coursework, students learn about both the theory and practical application of physical education pedagogy in areas including assessment, technology, supervision, and content knowledge. Graduates are prepared to effectively teach physical education to students in K-12 settings. The program does not provide licensure; students will need to obtain a teaching license in their respective states of residency and employment.

Program Highlights:

MAEd in Physical Education

  • Credits: 33
  • Length: 2-4 years
  • Cost: $264/credit (in-state); $994/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 74%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 82%

5

University of West Alabama

Livingston, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 83%

6

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

7

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 73%

8

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 43%

9

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 57%

10

Emporia State University

Emporia, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 70%

11

University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 46%

12

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 53%

13

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 66%

14

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

15

Westfield State University

Westfield, Massachusetts

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 52%

16

SUNY Brockport

Brockport, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 50%

17

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 50%

18

Utah State University

Logan, Utah

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 67%

19

Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 27:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

20

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 44%

21

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 68%

22

Mayville State University

Mayville, North Dakota

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 68%

23

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 34%

24

Faulkner University

Montgomery, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 54%
About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Wesson, Mississippi

Students who would like to earn a bachelor's degree in health, physical education, or recreation-related majors can get their start online at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Co-Lin designed this program specifically so students could complete the first two years of study online before transferring to a four-year baccalaureate program in a corresponding field. Students individualize their path of study by choosing from concentrations in athletic training, exercise science/kinesiology, and sport coaching. To make the transition to a four-year school as seamless as possible, Co-Lin has transfer partnerships with the University of West Alabama and eight Mississippi-based public universities.

Program Highlights:

University Transfer Program in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

  • Credits: 61-66
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $175/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

The Associate of Arts in Physical Education Studies at Hudson Valley Community College is ideal for students who want to proceed to a bachelor’s-level Physical Education program at a four-year college or university. While students in this program will be able to complete several general educational requirements as online courses, they’ll need to attend some classes on-campus. At HVCC, students also have the option to choose from a variety of physical education electives, including pickleball, golf, weight training, and ropes adventure. Prospective students should note that this program is primarily a transfer program.

Program Highlights:

Physical Education Studies (AA)

  • Credits: 62
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $211-$422/credit
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 65%

Can You Earn a Physical Education Degree Online?

Online physical education degrees are available with flexible learning options to meet the needs of students. Hybrid or blended course formats are offered where students attend in-person kinesthetically-focused classes and complete remaining academic or theory-heavy classes online. Alternatively, fully online physical education programs are available at associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. These programs offer coursework delivered through online learning platforms, followed by hands-on training through internships, clinical placements, and service-learning opportunities. In the following sections, we explore the different types of online physical education degrees available.

Online Associate Degree in Physical Education

The two-year associate degree in physical education serves as a stepping stone for students who want to continue their education and pursue a four-year degree. This degree equips students with foundational knowledge in physical sciences, sports studies, physical education, and related fields. In addition to physical education classes, you will also take liberal arts courses such as biology, chemistry, psychology, and health. Many students choose to earn an associate degree to gain a comprehensive introduction to the field before moving on to a more advanced four-year bachelor’s program. Fortunately, credits earned in an accredited associate degree program can usually transfer to a bachelor’s program, particularly those earned in general education classes.

  • Movement and Motor Activities
    In this class, students learn to examine the relationship between motor skills and movement activities. The class allows learners to study human development and motor skills and their relation to overall physical fitness. This foundational course helps students develop basic skills in movement analysis and prepares them for further kinesthetically focused work in more advanced classes.
  • Life Fitness Concepts
    This foundational class help students understand the concepts, principles, and values of proper nutrition, stress management, and physical fitness. Professors help learners explore negative lifestyles and their impact on the body. Upon completing the introductory sections in this course, students then learn to write their own exercise prescriptions.
  • Anatomy and Physiology
    Remote students study human anatomy, normal physiology, and diseases. This class covers introductory-level topics including basic cellular function, metabolism, body tissue, and the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Depending on the program, learners may go on to study the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education

If you’re interested in becoming a physical education teacher or working in education more broadly, a bachelor’s degree in physical education is a great place to start. These programs typically offer coursework in classroom management, effective communication, and leadership skills necessary to succeed as a teacher. In addition to learning about physical education and healthy living, students in these programs also learn how to teach basic to advanced physical education topics. However, a bachelor’s degree in physical education also opens doors to many other careers beyond teaching, including nonprofit work, wellness counseling, and fitness coaching. With this degree, you’ll have a solid foundation to succeed in a variety of fields related to physical education and health.

  • Elementary methods in health education
    This class is centered around preparing students to teach physical education in public and private schools. The curriculum is typically centered around both state and national standards and allow students to acquire the necessary teaching competencies. The class often requires students to develop and present lesson plans, whether online or in-person.
  • Substance abuse and health issues
    Bachelor’s degree seekers in this class take a close look at over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs that are widely used in the U.S. Students explore the proper uses of medication, drug addiction, and the physical and mental impact of substance use. You will learn about healthy alternatives to medication and focus on the best health-related decisions for those confronted by substance use.
  • Student Teaching and Preparation
    These types of classes typically take place during your third and fourth year of the bachelor’s degree. They serve as the culminating experiences in your preparation as a teacher. Depending on the program, each student teaching training course requires them to complete several weeks of full-time teaching experience in a classroom. You will be required to deliver appropriate classroom instruction, develop curriculum plans, use learning technology, and use the latest student assessment strategies.

Online Master’s Degree in Physical Education

If you want to take your physical education career to the next level, consider earning a master’s degree. These programs allow you to refine your teaching skills and gain advanced training in a specialized area of the field, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market and increasing your earning potential. To be eligible for these programs, you typically need an undergraduate degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field. A master’s degree in physical education can also qualify you for work outside of the classroom, such as in health consulting, life coaching, sports management, and other related fields.

  • Nutrition and Exercise Science
    In this class, you will study a diverse overview of food sources, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and physiological scenarios that impact our health and athletic performance. You will also learn to design nutritional regiments, evaluate athletic performance, examine nutritional supplements, and explore the bodily and societal impact of illegal substances. This advanced course typically requires a series of prerequisites including human anatomy and physiology and courses in fitness training.
  • Sports Psychology
    The field of sports psychology is helpful for graduate students interested in examining athletic performance, exercise science, and physical education. You will study the essential research findings and theories that inform our knowledge of athletic performance and current research in the field. Although this class is quite theory-driven, it is helpful for all graduate students aspiring to work in the health and fitness or sports industries.
  • Motor Behavior and Disabled Learners
    In this class, you will focus on motor development principles by studying relevant research and applications for coaching individuals with disabilities. Additionally, you will examine legislation, administrative rulings, and litigation related to special education topics. Ultimately, you will understand the legal policies and procedures to deliver appropriate education for disabled students.

Online Physical Education Degree Program FAQs

With the recent expansion of online learning opportunities and wealth of information available on the internet, it can be difficult to discern valuable information sources from clever advertising or generally uninformed content. In the section below, we have answered a series of important questions to consider for all prospective online physical education degree seekers.

How do you become a certified physical education teacher?

After completing a
bachelor’s degree in physical education or a related field and a
student teaching internship in a physical education setting, you will
need to take your state’s physical education certification exam. Most
states require three Praxis tests on academic skills, subject
assessments, and teaching knowledge. This exam ensures that you have
obtained the minimum standard of education and knowledge to
effectively teach in your subject area. Aspiring physical education
teachers can obtain certification in several categories such as early
childhood education, K-12 instruction, and special needs populations.
After passing the exams, you need to apply for a state teaching
license.

How long do you have to go to school to be a PE teacher?

The amount of time you spend in school is significantly related to your desired career path. In most cases, to secure a physical education teaching position in a public or private school, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Your bachelor’s degree, coupled with the required student teaching or internship hours, may take four or more years to complete. If you enroll as a part-time learner, it will take longer to complete all of the required coursework before you can register for student teaching experiences and proceed with state certification exams and licensure.

How much does an online degree in physical education cost?

The cost of your physical education degree depends on the length of the program, type of school, and your availability each semester. Distance students enrolled in self-paced, asynchronous online programs can sometimes get through course materials more quickly than students in cohort learning formats or traditional on-campus classes. Sometimes colleges and universities offer tuition discounts when a student takes more credits per semester than the standard full-time amount. Tuition fees and regulations vary per school, and each program will likely offer some kind of time- or money-saving option. The table below offers a look at the typical number of credits and cost for online college degrees in physical education.

School Name No. of Credits Cost/Credit Total Cost
Grand Canyon University 120 (B.S.) $395 $47,400
University of Arkansas 33 (M.Ed.) $430 $14,190
University of Southern Mississippi 30 (M.S.) $479 $14,370
Coastline Community College 60 (A.A.) $265 $15,900
Allen Community College 64 (A.A.) $60 $3,840

What is the salary of a PE teacher?

Your earning potential as a physical education teacher varies by state, position, and your level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest 10% of high school teachers earn less than $39,740, while the highest 10% earn more than $97,500 in 2018. Similarly, middle school teachers earned comparable wages during the same year, with the lowest 10% earning a median income of $39,090, and the highest 10% earning more than $93,180. An added bonus of pursuing a career as a physical education teacher is the likelihood of coaching options and related activities to increase your income.

Are physical education teachers in demand?

The outlook for physical education teachers looks bright. According to Projections Central, an employment research site partially funded by a U.S. Department of Labor grant, the number of teaching positions in educational institutions should increase by 9.9% by 2026. At this rate, that equates to new 97,000 jobs. Comparatively, jobs for health educators will increase by 14.6%, or approximately 8,900 new jobs, by 2026. Given that the average growth for all other careers in the U.S. is 7.4% by 2026, the career outlook for physical education degree-holders looks promising.