Most Popular Physical Education Master's Degrees Online 2025
Our list features the most popular physical education master's degree online as well as other popular options. These accredited schools are ranked by the number of graduates who earned a master's in P.E.
Key Takeaways:
- West Virginia University is #1 with 150 graduates in its online Master of Science in Physical Education, Teacher Education.
- Liberty University has over 48,000 online students, making it the most popular online school on our list.
- Ohio University has the highest median graduate earnings among P.E. master's graduates at $63,592.
See our methodology for details about our process. Following our rankings list, we also spoke with an expert in physical education who offered guidance on how online master’s programs can help educators expand their teaching impact, leadership skills, and career opportunities.
Most Popular Physical Education Master's Degrees Online 2025
Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
West Virginia University | 150 | $7,224 | N/A | 94% | |
Liberty University | 127 | $8,475 | $55,048 | 75% | |
Illinois State University | 67 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $14,482 | $58,661 | 92% | |
University of West Alabama | 63 | $14,487 | N/A | 84% | |
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville | 59 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $5,569 | $56,266 | 94% | |
Emporia State University | 55 | $13,749 | N/A | 96% | |
Ohio University - Main Campus | 48 | $9,432 | $63,592 | 95% | |
Georgia State University | 43 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $23,796 | $57,002 | 86% | |
Northwest Missouri State University | 42 | $7,946 | N/A | 94% | |
Azusa Pacific University | 33 | $22,350 | N/A | 93% | |
Pittsburg State University | 29 | $20,022 | N/A | 92% | |
Fort Hays State University | 28 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $5,417 | N/A | 82% | |
University of Arkansas | 27 | $18,207 | N/A | 93% | |
Jacksonville State University | 27 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $6,420 | N/A | 96% | |
University of South Carolina - Columbia | 25 | $30,160 | $58,076 | 88% |
Most Popular Physical Education Master's Degrees Online 2025 - Program Details
- Graduates: 150
- Annual Tuition: $7,224
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: Ranked #1 as the most popular option for an online P.E. master's degree, WVU graduates around 150 master’s-level physical education professionals annually. This tells us that there is meaningful scale behind this program. It distinguishes itself with an applied-lab model that pairs each core topic with an advanced lab, enabling you to implement new strategies in real time.
- Graduates: 127
- Annual Tuition: $8,475
- Median Salary: $47,917
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: Liberty's thesis-track Outdoor Adventure Sports specialization is a rare offer. It centers on field-specific leadership, programming, and administration. It has COSMA accreditation layered on SACSCOC institutional accreditation. The program is within the School of Business, giving you a management-first lens.
- Graduates: 67
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $14,482
- Median Salary: $50,928
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: ISU delivers this sequence 100% online for in-service physical education professionals and explicitly does not lead to licensure or endorsement, so you can focus on elevating K-12 pedagogy without adding certification coursework. Here, you can pursue graduate assistantships that provide monthly wages.
Digging into the Most Popular Online Master’s in Physical Education Degrees
Choosing a master’s in physical education is a huge decision, and you want to make the most informed choice possible. That's where data comes in.
We organized our list by popularity, measuring each program by the number of graduates completing each degree. The more students a program serves, the more established its online infrastructure tends to be, with stronger networks, peer communities, and often more resources dedicated to student support.
On our list, programs graduate anywhere from a few dozen to well over a hundred online learners. We also want to mention that the median recommendation rate is an impressive 93%, based on more than 75,000 student surveys we’ve collected. That’s a high signal of student satisfaction across the board. Below, we'll talk about more data, lay out some of the P.E. master's program features to consider, and we'll share a career coach's perspective on how to succeed in this program.
Why Popularity Matters in Physical Education
In a field as practical as physical education, an online master's degree’s reach says a lot. Programs with larger graduate counts typically have deep ties to K-12 schools, recreation agencies, and/or coaching organizations, which can translate into stronger practicum opportunities and alumni connections.
Also, a popular online school like Liberty, with over 48,000 online students across disciplines, indicates scale and access, while smaller programs like Azusa Pacific’s often emphasize tight-knit cohorts and more personalized mentorship. Both ends of the spectrum serve different student needs — choosing between them is less about quality and more about whether you prefer broad reach or more personalized attention. We wanted to provide all kinds of options on this list of the most successful physical education master's programs overall.
High Marks From Peers Who Have Been There
One of the strongest signals from our data is just how consistently high recommendation rates are across these programs. In fact, the majority of schools on our list surpass the 90% recommendation rate threshold, with several pushing into the mid-90s. That’s a striking figure for any list, and it tells us that physical education master’s students — who often juggle full-time teaching, coaching, or athletic administration duties — not only persist through these programs but are endorsing them afterward.
We think peer feedback is a kind of reality check. These recommendations reflect the lived experiences of students navigating these schools.
The majority of schools on our list surpass the 90% recommendation rate threshold, with several pushing into the mid-90s...
The fact that so many programs on our list earn such high marks suggests the field has matured online in ways that directly serve working professionals.
Emporia State, for example, launched its distance-based health, physical education, and coaching master’s as early as 1996. Online programs like this demonstrate that virtual learning in physical education isn’t experimental anymore, it’s a well-established trend. And these online infrastructures are working.
These recommendation rates should provide a source of reassurance that you’ll join a community where others like you have already thrived.
Comparing P.E. Master's Programs
When looking across the most popular online master’s in physical education programs, a few themes emerged that we think can help you find the right program fit.
Scale and Reach Matter.
Programs like West Virginia University and Liberty University stand out because of their size and visibility. WVU graduates around 150 professionals each year, creating one of the largest program-specific alumni networks on our list. Liberty, meanwhile, carries the sheer scale of its 48,000 online learners across disciplines, which translates into a solid virtual infrastructure and scheduling flexibility.
Specialization Creates Differentiation.
Not every student wants the same exact outcome from a PE master’s online. Some programs carve out distinctive niches: For example, the University of South Carolina’s adapted physical education degree targets work with students with disabilities, a rare and highly in-demand focus. Other schools, like Jacksonville State, embed preparation for industry certifications (e.g., NSCA strength and conditioning), while Northwest Missouri State builds in applied coursework covering grant writing and risk management. We think specialization is becoming a defining marker in this field.
Pedagogy vs. Performance.
There’s a clear divide between programs centered on teaching practice and those designed around coaching or performance. Illinois State, for example, directs its curriculum toward K-12 pedagogy. In contrast, Ohio University’s coaching education program leans heavily into sport psychology, performance analysis, and diversity in athletics, preparing students for leadership in competitive coaching environments. This split signals that your intended career track — school-based teaching versus athletic leadership — should heavily influence your program selection.
Evidence and Research Integration.
Another theme is how programs balance research with application. Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville emphasizes evidence translation, requiring students to apply what they learn through structured reflection and faculty mentorship. Meanwhile, both Pittsburg State and Illinois State offer thesis or non-thesis options, depending on if you want to head toward doctoral study or take a practice-oriented route. These approaches ensure graduates can generate research while also applying it in real contexts.
Career Coach on How to Make Your Online Master’s in Physical Education Work for You

Career Coach
Career coach, Sofiko Saltkhutsishvili, emphasizes that an online master’s in physical education is most powerful when paired with professional experience: "From my observation, completing an online master's usually helps the most when an individual already has an established career in the industry." So, for students already working in the field — whether in schools, coaching, or wellness — the degree often becomes a tool for negotiation. “Many individuals leverage it in negotiations for raises, promotions, or new job interviews,” she explains.
But she also cautions that "an online master's might not define success for a professional." The job market, she notes, is increasingly focused on proven ability. She said, "Today's job market values skill sets over everything else." Increasingly, employers in physical education want evidence that you can deliver results in classrooms, gyms, or athletic programs.
[The] skills and ability to do the job correctly are all that matter, whether the degree has been pursued online or offline.
Saltkhutsishvili advises students who don't have any prior experience in the field to build a portfolio of applied work. This can be achieved through internships or volunteering before graduation. This way, students can back up their academic training with practical proof.
Her takeaway is simple but significant: a master’s credential matters, but it is not the whole story. As she puts it, “Ultimately, the skills and ability to do the job correctly are all that matter, whether the degree has been pursued online or offline.” For prospective students, the degree should be seen as a a way to sharpen expertise and gain leverage, but career advancement will always hinge on demonstrating skills in real-world settings.
FAQs About A Physical Education Master's Degree Online
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Physical Education?
Admission requirements will vary depending on the program; some programs require a bachelor’s degree in education, kinesiology, physical education, or a related field such as athletic training, while others simply require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
Other program requirements may include a minimum GPA, GRE or other test scores, letters of recommendation, or a background in teaching. Most online programs require 30-36 credit hours, which can be completed in around one to two years when enrolled full time.
What Courses Are Included in a Master’s in Physical Education Program?
The curriculum for a physical education program will vary, of course, depending on the focus. However, it's likely to cover some of the basics, like health and wellness, teaching methods, curriculum development, physical education assessments, social psychology, and some of the controversial health issues.
Programs may include online courses such as Motor Learning, Risk Management in Physical Education and Athletics, Sport Psychology, and Statistics in Education and Health Professions.
Students may be required to complete some type of final research project, and students in teaching programs may be required to complete fieldwork in the classroom.
What Concentrations Are Available in Master’s in Physical Education Programs?
While most physical education programs prepare students to be PE teachers in the K-12 school system, there are a few concentrations for people to pursue particular interests.
Choosing a specialization can uniquely prepare students for a career in their chosen field, and can differentiate them from other job candidates by their credentials and experience.
- Adapted physical education: Teachers trained in adapted physical education specialize in inclusive curriculums and coaching methods for students with disabilities. Programs will cover physical education and activities for students with disabilities, design and implementation of effective curriculums, and may include courses on development of motor skills or legal issues in special education.
- Sport coaching: Coaching programs equip students with the skills necessary to meet the needs of school, community, and club sport teams. Coaches can work with professional teams or individual athletes, and may focus on specific sports such as football or basketball. Programs may cover coaching techniques, sport psychology, motor development, and creating healthy competitive environments.
- Sport management or sports administration: Sport management master's programs are geared towards students interested in the business side of athletics. These programs prepare students for a wide range of positions in the sport industry. Graduates may pursue careers in sales, marketing, event management, or athletic administration, for example, and may work for college or professional sport teams.
- Curriculum development: Programs with an emphasis on leadership and the use of research to enhance teaching methods will prepare students to create effective physical education programs. While most physical education degree programs include courses on curriculum development, some programs focus on how to conduct, interpret, and implement research to improve student learning.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's Degree in Physical Education?
With a master’s degree in physical education, a teaching career is the most common end goal. Teachers can be employed in a K-12 grade setting, after acquiring a public school teaching certificate, or at a college, university, or community center teaching health and physical fitness.
Here are some career options for physical education majors:
who work with kindergarten and elementary school students focus on developing motor skills and performing continuously more advanced physical activities depending on the age level. Children typically start with skills like hopping, running, and skipping, and work their way up to activities like distance running or active games like soccer. Students also learn about the importance of physical activity and health.
educate students in more advanced areas including dance, field games and sports, fitness knowledge, nutrition, and stress management. Physical education curriculum for grades six through eight are much more focused on complex games and sports to teach students skills like offensive and defensive skills, shooting, dribbling, passing, receiving, and serving in net games such as badminton or volleyball.
High school students are expected to build on their previous physical education experience to develop advanced skills in specific sports or activities. make sure their students are skilled in at least two physical activities that students can incorporate into their daily lives, such as hiking or other outdoor pursuits, weight lifting, net games, or other functional physical activities. High school students also should be well-versed in safety during physical activity, group activity, rules and etiquette, fitness knowledge, and other skills necessary to lead healthy active lives.
work directly with athletes or sports teams to help them train and practice for games, tournaments, or other sports events. Coaches often work part-time, and some teachers coach school teams on top of their regular job. Pay can vary widely depending on the team and sport. Those who work for colleges, universities, and professional schools tend to be the highest-paid with a median salary of $48,710 per year.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Online Master’s in Physical Education Program?
When looking for an online master’s in physical education program, it is important to consider program and school accreditation, class flexibility, fieldwork or on-site requirements, licensure qualifications, and support and resources available for graduates, such as alumni networks or career services.
The ability to choose a concentration or specific classes that match your career goals, such as a focus on sports management or coaching, can also be an important factor in choosing a college program.
If students are not currently licensed teachers, they should make sure their program will qualify them to be a licensed teacher in their state. Students should also ensure they have a plan for completing any required fieldwork or student teaching, and that it can be done at a convenient location.
Finally, those looking to save money on their degree and keep student debt down should consider an affordable online master's in physical education or our list of the most affordable online master's degrees in exercise science.
Why Is Accreditation Important for Online Master’s in Physical Education Programs?
When choosing an online degree, accreditation is one of the most important things to look for. Accreditation is a thorough and ongoing review that signals to schools, students, professionals, and employers that a program meets universal standards of quality.
Going to an accredited school is a requirement for federal student aid, licensure, certification, and to transfer credits or build on their education through a doctorate or post-graduate certificate.
While entire colleges are accredited, there are organizations that grant accreditation to specific programs as well. Students looking to pursue a career as a physical education teacher will need to check licensure requirements for their state. Some states simply require students to complete their degree at an accredited college, while some students choose a program accredited by the (CAEP), formerly known as NCATE and TEAC.
Some programs were previously accredited by SHAPE America, formerly known as NASPE, which is no longer evaluating curriculums. The main accrediting body for physical education programs is now CAEP, but some program pages still have SHAPE or NASPE listed as a programmatic accreditor. These programs will remain accredited through CAEP until their status expires and they must renew accreditation.
Other physical education programmatic accreditors include the (COSMA) and the (CAATE).
Can You Get a Physical Education Master's Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a master's in physical education online. In fact, it's very common for teachers to earn their teaching degree online. While most teaching programs do require some in-person components necessary for licensure, such as student teaching, online students can often complete these requirements at a school in their local area.
Do You Need a Teaching Degree To Teach Physical Education?
The requirements for teaching vary depending on the state, but all states require teachers to be licensed to work in public schools. This means all potential physical education teachers who want to work in a public school will need to earn a teaching degree or credential of some kind. Private schools will also usually require licensure, although that can vary depending on the school.
What Is a Master’s Degree in Physical Education?
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in athletics as a teacher or coach should consider a master's degree in physical education. Graduate-level physical education degrees include a Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Education.
A Master of Arts focuses on artistic and social aspects of health and wellness, such as dance theory or community programs, while a Master of Science focuses more on the scientific aspects of health and wellness, such as anatomy and physiology. A Master of Education focuses on providing advanced teaching methods in order to prepare graduate students to become skilled educators.
Some master's programs in health and physical education are teacher preparation programs, which means they lead to licensure for students who aren't teachers yet. Other graduate programs are designed for teachers who are currently licensed to help them build on their current knowledge and experience.
Many current teachers earn their master's in education to help them become better teachers, make them more employable, advance their careers, and earn higher salaries, which a graduate degree can often qualify them for.
Master's degrees in physical education usually take one to two years to complete. This can vary depending on the type of degree you're looking for, however. Teachers with valid teaching certification can often finish their program in less than two years because they don't have to meet the same licensure requirements as new teachers. For those who are new to the profession, master's programs typically take at least two years to complete necessary coursework and internship hours.
Student Reviews of Online Physical Education Programs
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
Helpful for Career: Yes
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
Helpful for Career: 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
Helpful for Career: 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
Helpful for Career: No
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
Helpful for Career: No
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
Helpful for Career: No
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
Helpful for Career: 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
Helpful for Career: No
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
Helpful for Career: Yes