Best Online Physical Education Programs

Thomas Broderick
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Updated on April 17, 2024
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PE teachers can make a positive impact on people’s lives. Learn more about the best online physical education degree programs.

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.

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Best Online Physical Education Programs of 2024

#1 Best Online Physical Education Programs

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

  • Location-markerLafayette, LA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,407
  • Out-of-state$19,135
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,511
  • Out-of-state$19,239
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled16,225
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment44%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Physical Education Programs

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Location-markerHattiesburg, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,094
  • Out-of-state$11,094
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,094
  • Out-of-state$11,094
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate96%
  • Students Enrolled14,146
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-check 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.

Popular Careers in Physical Education
JobsMedian 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
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics

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.

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