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
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
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 2024) |
|---|---|
| Coach or Scout | $45,920 |
| Fitness Trainer | $46,180 |
| High School Teacher | $64,580 |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 |
| Recreational Therapist | $60,280 |
Frequently Asked Questions About a Degree in Physical Education
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.
