Most Popular Online Physical Education Degrees 2026
Our list of the most popular online physical education degree programs highlights accredited schools ranked by online enrollment at the undergraduate level.
Key Takeaways:
- At #1, the University of the Cumberlands leads the nation in scale, enrolling 3,531 online learners total. This places it among the top 12% of programs nationwide for online enrollment.
- Campbell University delivers the highest earnings outcomes, with PE graduates reporting median annual pay of $55,307, just four years after graduating.
- William Carey University earns perfect satisfaction scores, with a 100% recommendation rate from surveyed students.
Read our methodology for full details on data sources, eligibility criteria, and ranking controls.
List Of Accredited Online Physical Education Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | |
| Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus | 2,216 | $6,174 |
| Eastern Oregon University | 1,277 | $9,480 |
| William Carey University | 593 | $14,850 |
| Campbell University | 492 | $13,950 |
| Mayville State University | 452 | $8,145 |
| William Penn University | 351 | $13,500 |
Analyzing Our Most Popular Online Physical Education Programs: Where Students Are Flocking and Why
Physical education (PE) degrees are experiencing a steady rise in online enrollment every year that goes by. This may be because the growth in this field is strong, with a projected +12% in this field over the next decade. That's much faster than average, so opportunity is expanding even if starting salaries are modest.
Every school on this list graduates a notable number of online students at the undergraduate level, with the median online enrollment at 593 and leaders like the University of the Cumberlands (UC) hosting over 3,500 remote learners, placing it in the top 12% nationally for online participation.
When hundreds or even thousands of students choosing these online schools, it tells you it's because they have the infrastructure to support them, including well-trained faculty, tested technology, and structured student services. Plus, larger online enrollment can often mean more course availability, richer and wider-ranging communities for discussions, and more consistent term scheduling. All of these are critical factors for students balancing coursework with actual work or coaching commitments.
Comparing PE Curriculums and Special Features From Our List
At the University of the Cumberlands (UC), our most popular option, structure is everything. Students complete an unusually deep plan of study, with 93 major credits plus 42 in professional education. This mirrors on-campus licensure routes almost hour for hour. More than 200 embedded field-experience hours make sure students don鈥檛 just learn about teaching methods but can actually apply them in local schools. UC鈥檚 dual accreditation and clear alignment with Kentucky鈥檚 EPSB standards mark it as one of the few online programs with such a fully realized, licensure-ready model.
By contrast, Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) takes a more applied, cross-disciplinary approach. Its Sports and Recreation Management emphasis combines coursework in business, kinesiology, and coaching, giving graduates fluency in both the athletic and administrative sides of physical education. So, whereas UC is known for its precision, ENMU is notable for its flexibility. You can potentially pursue internships with local sports organizations and faculty-mentored research opportunities to get real experience.
Eastern Oregon University (EOU) offers another flexible option for a PE degree online, with a BA/BS choice that lets students lean either toward foreign language or the sciences, depending on your personal career goals. Its 135-credit transfer maximum 鈥� far higher than most 鈥� positions it as a natural fit for returning students or community college graduates.
William Carey University (WCU) stands out for its coaching depth and emphasis on customization. Students can pair their PE major with a minor or second major, shaping a more targeted career path in areas such as Sport Management, Community Health, or Strength and Conditioning. Dedicated courses in football, basketball, baseball, and soccer coaching make WCU a haven for future athletic specialists.
At Campbell University (CU), the focus shifts toward the science of human performance. Its integrated curriculum links pedagogy, biomechanics, motor learning, and exercise physiology with sport business exposure, helping students connect classroom strategies with movement science and real operational contexts. CU鈥檚 inclusion of Emergency Prevention and Care also speaks to the growing emphasis on health literacy and risk management in schools and fitness programs alike.
As a whole list, these bachelor's programs show that online physical education degrees no longer follow a single model. Some, like UC and WCU, emphasize teacher licensure and structured progression. Others, like ENMU and EOU, blend management, research, or fitness science. What we think unites them is a shared effort to make professional-level PE training accessible, experiential, and tailored to the increasingly complex environments where today鈥檚 educators and coaches work.
Salary and Career Outcomes After an Online Physical Education Degree
Looking at the side-by-side comparison of four-year tuition and median earnings provides a snapshot of how each our our online physical education degrees we list balances investment and outcome. (Of course, we only included the schools on our list that posted their program salary data on with the U.S. Department of Education.)
Schools like CU and EOU show particularly strong alignment between cost and early-career pay, with estimated four-year tuition between $37,000-$38,000 and graduate earnings hovering around $50,000-$55,000 four years after graduation. That ratio suggests a relatively efficient return on investment in this field.
Among the programs with reported outcomes, the salary figures line up with national patterns, according to the . Fitness trainers and instructors earn a $46,180 median, with higher pay in fitness/recreation centers ($47,180) and somewhat lower in educational services ($42,460).
We noticed that PE programs with human performance science (e.g., CU鈥檚 biomechanics/physiology) or coaching depth (e.g., WCU鈥檚 sport-specific courses) align with jobs beyond the K-12 classroom, such as personal training, group instruction, campus recreation, or community health. These are the roles that share the same national pay median noted above.
For students eyeing clinically adjacent roles, athletic trainers (a distinct, certification-dependent path that typically requires at least a bachelor鈥檚 and increasingly a master鈥檚) post a $60,250 median and +11% projected growth, underscoring how specialized credentials can shift the earnings curve in your favor.
If your online program emphasizes licensure, fieldwork, or live, mentored teaching (e.g., UC with 200+ embedded hours or MSU with NASDTEC-aligned, state-by-state guidance), your earnings trajectory often stabilizes sooner because you鈥檙e eligible for full-time teaching roles earlier and can add coaching stipends or department duties faster.
Conversely, if you steer into campus recreation or community programming, note that recreation workers carry a lower national median ($35,380), though these roles can be stepping stones to higher-paying leadership positions or to trainer/instructor pathways where demand is brisk.
Student Satisfaction and Recommendation Rates
High recommendation rates across the list above reinforce that these online schools hosting physical ed programs deliver on their promises.
WCU earns a perfect 100% recommendation rate, the highest on the list, reflecting an online format that balances structure with flexibility for working professionals.
ENMU follows closely with 96% of graduates recommending their program, showing that its large online student base 鈥� over 2,200 鈥� does not compromise quality or support.
EOU also boasts a 93% recommendation rate, paired with small-group mentorship from tenure-track faculty.
In online education, where engagement and self-direction are key, satisfaction scores correlate strongly with student persistence and success 鈥� so programs that keep learners happy are also the ones most likely to help them finish.
The Bottom Line: Why Popularity and Preparation Go Hand in Hand
The real takeaway from this year鈥檚 most popular online physical education degrees is how much they reflect the profession鈥檚 evolution. These programs aren鈥檛 just producing teachers, they鈥檙e producing adaptable professionals who move between classrooms, athletic departments, wellness initiatives, and community health programs.
The diversity of focus areas, from exercise physiology at CU to sports management at ENMU, mirrors how physical education itself has broadened to include performance science, public health, and coaching analytics, to name a few areas.
Students gravitate toward schools that have proven they can deliver high-quality online instruction, reliable field placement, and meaningful career pathways. And as national data shows, there's continually steady growth across recreation, fitness, and athletic training fields. These online degrees are positioning graduates to step into roles where health, movement, and education increasingly overlap.
FAQs About Online Physical Education Degree Programs
What Can You Expect From an Online Physical Education Degree?
Online physical education (PE) degrees are designed to prepare you to teach others the benefits of physical activity and healthy living. Courses cover topics in fitness and the health sciences, such as human anatomy, movement, injury prevention, team sport coaching, and nutrition. The curriculum may also explore the mind-body connection, motor skill development, and the impact of exercise on overall well-being.
Even fully online physical education degrees require an on-site student teaching practicum. This takes place at an approved school in your community under the supervision of an experienced teacher. This student teaching period is necessary to get a license to instruct K-12 physical education programs.
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become a licensed PE teacher. But an online master's degree in physical education 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. Certain online teacher licensure programs assume that you're a working professional looking to switch careers, so they're designed with a certain level of flexibility in mind.
You can generally expect to take four years at a full-time pace to complete the 120-154 credit hours needed to graduate. However, an online PE program may take five years if it's designed to prepare you for K-12 teacher certification. Attending college at a part-time pace will also extend the degree.
What Do You Learn in an Online Physical Education Degree?
A bachelor's degree curriculum blends academic coursework with experiential learning so students can develop skills to nudge others toward physical fitness. Students interested in a specialization may also choose a minor or concentration, such as health and wellness, athletic coaching, or physical activity and sports performance.
Course titles and electives may change from program to program, but learning outcomes are similar. You're likely to take the following courses or something similar during a PE bachelor's degree.
Philosophy and Psychology of Coaching: This course examines the basic concepts of sports coaching, including creating player development plans and motivating individuals and teams. Enrollees may also study coaching ethics and how to work with populations with diverse backgrounds and physical abilities.
Teaching Assessment and Management of Physical Education: This class 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 include some classroom teaching.
Administration and Organization of Physical Education: Faculty aim to equip students with a basic theoretical and practical understanding of 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: PE teachers need to understand the basic methods used to prevent, care for, and rehabilitate athletic injuries, which is this course's purpose. 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. Professors may also explore current administrative procedures, policies, and legislation.
What Can You Do With an Online Physical Education Degree?
Administrators design PE programs with the goal of producing thoughtful, effective PE teachers. But there's some career variety in this field based on the age group that graduates teach. Some PE teachers earn in physical education to become more competitive in the job market, though it's unnecessary.
Besides teaching, PE program graduates may consider a few other careers in which their skills might prove useful. The list below details some of the popular career choices for graduates of PE bachelor's programs. All pay and job outlook data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' .
- direct and instruct young students on positive lifestyle choices related to physical activity, exercise, and overall health.
- help shape the physical fitness of students ages 12-14. These typically teach more advanced sports and exercise skills than elementary students learn.
- means designing curricula and developing academic lesson plans for students to prepare them for entering the job market or secondary education.
- train and guide athletes to excel at their sport. They do this by developing training exercises and practice drills while preparing strategies for competition.
- work to increase the physical strength and stamina of clients through workout techniques, class instruction, and strength training. Most employers require trainers to hold one of many professional certifications for this occupation.
See our list of the most affordable online education degrees to find bachelor's programs suitable for any budget, and review the most affordable online master's degrees in PE to start planning for the future.
Can You Get a Physical Education Degree Online?
Many colleges offer online PE teaching degrees. These programs usually feature asynchronous courses that don't require live class meetings. But all teacher-training degrees also have student teaching requirements, so you'll need to teach at a local school for a few months toward the end of the program to gain classroom experience.
An online physical education degree at the bachelor's level offers flexible learning that covers physical fitness, wellness, and sports management. Students gain knowledge in anatomy, kinesiology, and pedagogy while developing skills in organizing activities and promoting healthy lifestyles. Many programs include practical internships, equipping graduates to excel in various professional roles amid the growing need for qualified physical educators.
Do You Need a Teaching Degree to Teach Physical Education?
You typically need an education or teaching degree to become a teacher. However, many states have alternative paths to teaching licensure to help them fill gaps in the teacher workforce. In such cases, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in another subject. This can help you qualify for provisional certification that lets you teach while you earn an education degree, such as an affordable master's degree in teaching.
How Long Does an Online Program in Physical Education Take To Complete?
College program pages will tell you that a bachelor's degree takes four years to complete with a full-time schedule. But less than half of undergraduates finish at this pace because many students work, take a part-time course load, or take leaves of absence to attend to personal matters. In addition, some PE teacher-preparation programs last more than four years in some states because student-teaching requirements take longer to satisfy.
Is a Physical Education Degree a BA or a BS?
PE degrees come in both bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) varieties. The differences between them are minimal when it comes to required courses in the major. BAs may require slightly more humanities courses in the general education portion of a program, whereas BSs may call for a few more math and science classes.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Choosing an Online Physical Education Program?
You can weigh many factors when deciding on a college path. As you research your options, ask yourself the questions below to help clarify what you want and whether a program might suit you.
Is This College Accredited?
Institutional accreditation helps ensure that a school has met quality education standards set by an independent agency. You typically need to attend an accredited college in order to receive federal financial aid or transfer credits to another accredited school. You can verify a school's accreditation status using the Department of Education's .
Is This Degree Program Accredited?
The (CAEP) evaluates the quality of individual teacher-training programs. It's generally not necessary to attend a CAEP-approved PE program to earn a license, but you should check your state's requirements using resources from the nonprofit .
Do I Want to Teach PE or Work In Another Exercise-related Profession?
It's important to set career goals so you can get the right education to help you meet them. For example, you may prefer to work as an helping injured patients or a who teaches communities about healthy lifestyle choices. In these cases, you might instead opt for a bachelor's degree in exercise science, a kinesiology degree, or a health education degree.
What Would My Dream College Offer?
Use your creativity to answer this question. Perhaps your ideal school provides a high level of financial aid, virtual support for a disability, and a particular professor whose work you respect. Or maybe you're more concerned with attending a hybrid program so you can have a mix of online and on-campus interaction. Think through your most important considerations and see which schools match them most closely.
Do I Want To Enroll In an Online Degree?
Online learning may be more flexible than in-person education, which requires you to be in a certain place at a specific time. Distance programs can help you balance school with work and anything else in your life. However, it's harder to build a professional network with people you never meet face to face, so you need to make sure you establish good working relationships while student teaching.
Student Reviews of Online Physical Education Programs
If you get financial aid, look elsewhere. They will take your money and not give you what they owe you back. Only person worth anything there is Dr. Nesbitt. She cares about your future. The others do not care about your future as a college should. Not worth the hassle to go to school here.
Review Date: 12/19/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Throughout my time spent at Adelphi I truly enjoyed my program. In regards to my education itself I feel I am fully prepared for the career I am seeking. The amount of support I had when I was enrolled in my university was amazing. However my thoughts and feelings of Adelphi all changed post graduation. I have had NO guidence getting certified as a teacher beyond the exams. I have had NO one reach out to me regarding my next steps in life. This university does not care about you post graduation.
Review Date: 9/15/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus is a place where not only science matter, but the arts and sport are giving great importance. Most commonly known as "El Colegio" the university will teach you your desire mayor area, but also love for your country and yourself. Is a great to evolve as a person and to also become an holistic member of society.
Review Date: 10/4/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Completing my bachelor's degree at Ferrum College was the best decision I could have made when looking for a school. The three and a half years I attended Ferrum were the most fulfilling and exciting years of my life thus far. I chose Ferrum because of the home-like feeling the campus gave me. Professors knew students by name, class sizes were no larger than 28 students, and there were always things to do on campus to have you involved with the school community. As a competitive athlete on the softball... Read More
Review Date: 7/2/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Cincinnati as a whole was a fantastic place to drive personal growth. The Health Education program that I took part in however, lacked transparency in regards to the lack of earning potential. This was of no fault to the professors, they were great and helped me to really understand the sciences behind the human body but I felt that overall the program was lacking in terms of the quantity of those science based courses that truly contributed to the knowledge base that I would need... Read More
Review Date: 11/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Kinesiology department and Physical Education teacher program at Cal State Fullerton were phenomenal. The professors were extremely knowledgable and supportive, providing a high-quality education and preparing us as future educators. Upon earning my degree, I felt extremely well-prepared to go into my career as a physical educator.
Review Date: 7/15/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Florida is an incredible learning opportunity. As a Health education and Behavior major, I found my coursework to be interesting and my professors to be of the highest quality. I was able to partner with a professor my final year to work on a research paper and it has been extremely beneficial after graduation to have that experience.
Review Date: 3/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I had a unique experience at Montclair State University. During that time I was exposed to the realm of health and physical education ecosystem. I was taught by very knowledgeable professors who not only helped me academically but also were there during my time of emotional need after my Father passed away. The school did an excellent job in understanding and cooperating during the times of my family hardship.
Review Date: 9/18/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great program if your goal is to become a physical education teacher, or sports coach. If that is not your goal then it is a pretty pointless degree. The program itself is full of great instructors that prepare you very well for what to expect as a teacher or coach. The university is small, and intimate. Its easy to get to know a lot of people there. The student base is diverse, and the campus is located in beautiful Miami Shores.
Review Date: 3/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Barry University is a fine institution. I studied Physical Education, and obtained my Bachelor's degree. The knowledge I gained from the program more than prepared me for the challenges I would face in the work-place. I do, however, believe that the degree I obtained was not the right choice for me. If you want to become a coach, P.E. teacher, or trainer, then it's a perfectly fine program.
Review Date: 3/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Love UTM! One of the best decisions I've ever made. I got very involved with different organizations on campus and that really helped me grow into the person I am now. My advisor is now one of my dear friends, and we still keep in contact. I go back every year, mostly for work, but always get to see some of my old teachers and that is just a testament to how much they truly care about you!
Review Date: 8/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Upper Iowa University was a great experience for me. it's a small university in which its easy to get extra help for schoolwork. Also, they have exellent programs for anyone would like to become and athletic trainer, coach, or administration. Also, its a great steppingstone for people who would like to pursue graduate school in any health field. For example, I am using my bachelors in fitness/wellness to pursue my doctorate in pharmacy.
Review Date: 6/10/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It was a cheaper option than most schools. With the price came some compromise in quality of education and the entire experience. there's no such thing as a 4 year degree at this school.
Review Date: 5/31/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Bethel was a great place if you want to feel like you're a part of something bigger than just a University. Many opportunities that welcome newcomers regardless of past experiences. Awesome place to find out where you want your faith to lead you. The advisors were the best I have ever had.
Review Date: 2/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
South Carolina State University is a great school in the heart of Orangeburg, South Carolina. The school prepared first year students with campus life and getting acquainted with other students and different ethnicities. The professors help the students and prepare the students for their career paths and enable them with real life situations. What I love most about South Carolina State University is the student life and how supportive they are of sports and showing school spirit. I especially love... Read More
Review Date: 8/31/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Delta State University is an excellent school with a great small school atmosphere. Classes sizes are small and allow for a more personal experience. The instructors are caring and always helpful. The advisors treat you as an individual and help guide you throughout your selected program. I would highly recommend Delta State University!
Review Date: 8/7/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Whitewater is a backpack school surrounded by a great community. The sports programs and facilities are impeccable the business and education programs are the crowned jewels however you can obtain a quality education from whitewater in any field that they offer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the university. the food the atmosphere, playing football, the bars and restaurants (pumpers and Mitchell's & Gus Pizza and Chicken) many memories and overall a good place worth checking out on your journey... Read More
Review Date: 9/26/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Wonderful time enjoying learning, trying new things and meeting new people. Really loved involving myself into the dance programs my school had to offer. Life long friends have come from school as well as many life experiences.
Review Date: 5/31/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Mississippi State is a great institution. However, I found that minorities tend to not get the same attention as their Caucasian peers. I saw a lot of minority students get caught up in the system. Some were suspended and others were told that they could no longer attend due to academic probation. My experience was not as such, but my downfall came in the form of an adviser who had no regard for my future. Please be attentive and take charge of your destiny. Fact check and don't assume that everything... Read More
Review Date: 6/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My college was thorough and did a good job in providing the necessary skills that I needed to become a Physical Education teacher. I did have a problem with some of the instructors. They seemed to have favorites and didn't really take the time to help me through my student teaching process. I did graduate and went on to teach physical education. I stayed home when I had my own little ones and now I am teaching Special Education in Hawaii.
Review Date: 4/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes