2025 Most Affordable Online Master's in Physical Education
The cheapest online physical education master鈥檚 degrees offer an affordable way to deepen your knowledge in health, fitness, and instructional leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- Valdosta State University ranks #1 for affordability, offering its M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education for just $4,950.
- Liberty University, ranked #4 overall, stands out with 45,783 online grad students.
- The University of Northern Iowa has the highest student review score at 4.34 out of 5.
We include only accredited institutions offering fully online PE master's programs, and we manually verify all tuition. For a complete look at how we assess and rank schools, visit our methodology.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's in Physical Education
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta (GA) | $4,950 | |
| Fort Hays State University | Hays (KS) | $5,417 | |
| Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville | Edwardsville (IL) | $5,569 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $6,225 | |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville (AL) | $6,420 | |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown (WV) | $7,224 | |
| Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus | Portales (NM) | $7,479 | |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello | Monticello (AR) (and 1 other) | $7,950 | |
| University of Missouri | Columbia (MO) | $8,427 | |
| SUNY College at Brockport | Brockport (NY) | $8,475 | |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls (IA) | $8,535 | |
| Jackson State University | Jackson (MS) | $8,748 | |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | Kearney (NE) | $9,198 | |
| Ohio University - Main Campus | Athens (OH) | $9,432 | |
| Ball State University | Muncie (IN) | $10,440 |
Overview of Affordable Online Physical Education Master's Degrees
A graduate degree in PE from an accredited program provides learners with a solid foundation in various health topics, including the theories behind physical activity as well as related practices. Programs prepare graduates to work with diverse athletic abilities. Classes may include pedagogy, adapted PE, sport skill assessment, and sports psychology, to name a few. Graduates gain the necessary skills to coach others about the importance of building healthy lifelong habits, physical activity's impact on well-being, and working in teams to achieve common goals.
An online degree can be an affordable way to gain these invaluable skills. Remote classes are often conducted asynchronously, where lectures are prerecorded and students engage each other through an online learning platform. This format provides some scheduling flexibility. However, some graduate schools still have in-person requirements that are more rigid, which may include fieldwork or a student teaching internship.
On our list of the top 20 most affordable online PE master's degree program, annual tuition ranges from $4,835 to $11,175.
Funding an Online Master's in Physical Education Degree
Like their on-campus counterparts, students enrolled in an accredited online program in physical education are eligible for financial aid. To determine whether they're qualified for different types of aid and the amounts of aid available, students should submit a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) form. Federal student loans become available through this process, and they typically offer lower interest rates and better repayment plans than private loans. For additional information on financial aid programs, enrollees should check with their graduate school's financial aid office.
Online students should first seek out scholarships, fellowships, and grants because they don't have to repay these types of funding from federal, state, private, and school-based sources. Graduate students may also want to investigate work-study programs, which allow them to earn money toward their educational expenses.
Many resources are available for online students studying physical education at the graduate level. Some schools offer specialized scholarships for students enrolled in their graduate programs, such as the following:
: The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) awards $1,750 Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarships to full-time master's degree students in accredited health, physical education, recreation, or dance programs. Students must have a 3.5 GPA and be current SHAPE members. Students can sign up to be SHAPE members when applying for the scholarship, and awards also include an additional three-year student SHAPE membership for free.
: This $1,000 master's scholarship is awarded to one master's level student pursuing a health education program at an accredited school. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. The recipient will also get a free one-year SHAPE student membership.
Common Courses for an Online Physical Education Master's Degree
PE master's degree programs cover standard topics and electives to ground graduates in the knowledge and pedagogical practices associated with athletic training and sport science, such as anatomy and physiology, exercise practices, and nutrition. Coursework covers how to develop a curriculum, teach sports safely, and assess people's physical ability. In addition to taking the core online courses listed below, enrolled students are typically required to complete a practicum. For an advanced degree in PE, a practicum experience may involve participation in real-world settings, such as hands-on activities with youth, but it may only entail observation for some degree programs.
Below are some examples of standard required classes for a PE master's program:
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Physical educators need to understand the human body's systems and how they interrelate. In this course, students learn the structure and function of these systems, along with common exceptionalities. The curriculum introduces exercise physiology and nutrition, which are topics that students explore further in later courses.
Exercise Physiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology is usually a prerequisite to this course, where students explore the effects of physical activity on the human body. The curriculum covers different body systems and how they interact and react to exertion as well as the exercises and activity levels that are appropriate for various age groups.
First Aid and Safety
This course covers the fundamentals of first aid. Students learn to assess injuries, safely handle potential biohazards, and recommend further medical intervention if necessary. Most sections include a CPR certification or recertification module.
Nutrition
The faculty discuss different nutrients and how they satisfy human nutritional needs, emphasizing dietary requirements that vary by age group and developmental level. Students also practice sensitivity to the cultural, religious, and moral dietary restrictions they may encounter.
Testing and Measurements
This course teaches methods for assessing various indicators of health. Students learn how to carefully conduct tests and interpret the measurements they take. Each section also describes the fitness assessments that are mandated in-state.
Is an Online Master's in Physical Education Worth It?
Each prospective student must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of earning a master's degree in PE and doing so through distance learning. While tuition rates for online programs are often cheaper than on-campus degrees, a remote education may not suit every applicant's learning style.
Potential Benefits
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This degree can lead to a variety of career paths in the fitness and wellness industry. For example, you can enter a career as a fitness and wellness coordinator or a health educator in settings ranging from hospitals and nonprofits to government institutions and private businesses.
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Physical education teachers rate their career happiness above average, placing them in the top 32% of all careers, according to an ongoing . They score 3.5 out of 5 stars in job satisfaction, comparable to related roles such as sports writers, fitness trainers, and school principals.
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UU直播 education offers increased flexibility. Since many post-baccalaureate students are already entrenched in the workforce, an online degree makes advanced study possible, allowing individuals to study around their current obligations.
Potential Drawbacks
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Unless you want to pursue a leadership role, acquiring a master's degree in physical education may be an unnecessary step. require only a high school diploma or a bachelor's degree.
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Earning this advanced degree may not significantly improve your financial situation. For example, PE teachers with a master's degree only earn an average of than those with bachelor's degrees, whereas other types of teachers can experience a salary jump from $10-20,000. Furthermore, master's graduates of teaching programs take an average of .
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It may be challenging to form a tight-knit group with your fellow peers and mentors due to the nature of an online degree. Since most online communication is written, you may also lose the chance to fine-tune your proficiency in oration, an essential teaching skill.
Ultimately, whether an online master's in physical education is worth it depends on individual goals and circumstances. For those seeking flexibility and the ability to balance work and study, online education can be a practical and valuable option. It opens up diverse career opportunities in the fitness and wellness industry and can lead to high job satisfaction. However, it is essential to consider the potential financial benefits and personal learning preferences. Prospective students should carefully evaluate their career aspirations and the specific advantages and drawbacks of an online program to make an informed decision.
Student Reviews of Online Physical Education Programs
The University of Nebraska at Kearney has been great! I have felt empowered to seek out help from students and faculty alike to help me in my degree program. Excellent discussion techniques and real-world application have been crucial to successfully completing my online courses. My career will be enriched through my experience taking online classes from UNK.
Review Date: 11/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
NIU's PETE is great! There are a lot of alumni that are always willing to connect with current students. I just started my secondary clinical rotation and was nervous going in, thinking I had no idea what I was doing. After teaching a few classes, my cooperating teacher was very impressed and I know that I have the great faculty at NIU to thank for that!
Review Date: 3/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
My school does an incredible job of meeting the needs of a diverse campus. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is not only the flagship of the delta but it is a historical black university that many successful people have attended. I have learned so much more than just information about my major (Education). I have learned what it takes to be successful in life itself. I have really enjoyed my matriculation and would recommend it to anyone. The School of Education in itself prepares you far... Read More
Review Date: 4/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
The Physical education program at Montclair State University is a very well rounded program.The program has just enough tools to succed in teaching their students. We have the space,technology, and equpitment to better understand learning units. This is my first semester at Montclair State so i have yet to see any cons about this program. Everyone welcomed me warmly and freely.
Review Date: 9/29/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
This university is outstanding. If you Google Arizona State University, you can see the exceptional reviews and awards it has received, but once you go here and actually experience the greatness for yourself, you will understand why the university should be on the top of your list for schooling. Not only myself, but my classmates have all raved about their experiences here as well, each of them loved their professors and the quality of education they received. Trust me, this is the school for you!... Read More
Review Date: 3/30/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Arizona State University is very clear with their Physical Education program. This program really helped me get ready to become a teacher by taking us into a gymnasium and giving us teaching scenarios to act out. They also made sure to give us prompt feedback with every assignment.
Review Date: 3/17/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
The counselor that contacted me at the beginning of the process is extremely helpful and always makes time for me. She made sure that I had everything I needed and had me prepared for the first day of school. The teachers were also very helpful and had a passion for what they were teaching. They were willing to help the students and wanted to make sure they knew the class material. The website they have for students is easy to use and is very helpful. I recommend this program and school to everyone.... Read More
Review Date: 1/5/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
UF has taught me more than I ever imagined. I have not only learned the expected knowledge of the human body and how it performs, but also valuable life lessons and information about myself. The professors of the HHP college are outstanding. They are welcoming and available to all students. They also, for the most part, care just as much about teaching their students as they do about their research. There are always bad eggs in every college, but there seem to be less than typical in HHP. The most... Read More
Review Date: 7/31/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Overall I had a good experience at UNCP. However I think there are a few things that need to be changed. The curriculum could use some changes. First it seems kind of outdated and it also feels like some classes overlap because the same professors teach different classes so you end up hearing the same things in two different classes. There weren't many good projects that were hands on to help you get more experience in the field either. The only hard project was doing the thesis/capstone which is... Read More
Review Date: 7/12/2017
Would Recommend: Yes