online masters in physical education with teacher certification
Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina
Earning an online master’s in physical education is a great way to enhance your career or become a leader in your school or organization. Master’s in physical education programs are available to a variety of audiences including teachers, coaches, exercise professionals. Some programs include endorsement options while others are designed to build up on skills and knowledge to help students improve student outcomes in physical education. Earning a top master’s online in physical education doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many affordable options from regionally accredited universities throughout the United States. We have ranked the most affordable programs based on average graduate tuition rates provided by the National Education for Education Statistics. Online tuition costs may vary from these published figures so it is always important to check with the program directly to determine your actual cost.
Physical Education Teacher Career Overview
Physical education (PE) teachers provide students with an opportunity for physical activity during the school day and instruct them on health, exercise, and coordination. Physical education teachers are usually responsible for developing class plans that introduce students to PE concepts and activities. Becoming a physical education teacher online can be challenging, but there are some online teacher education programs that offer this option.
| Required Skills | Communication skills, teaching skills, patience, physical adeptness |
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | 3% (all kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers); 4% (all high school teachers)* |
| Median Salary (2019) | $44,097** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics **Payscale.com
Steps for Becoming a Physical Education Teacher Online
Traditional teacher education courses are most often in-person, but select schools with online teacher education offer options to become a PE teacher online. Although certification will likely require instances of in-person work, many of the following steps can be completed with the help of online resources.
Step 1: Research Schools and State Requirements Online
Each state has its own set of requirements for teacher certification. These requirements are readily available through the Department of Education website of the given state or states in which you wish to be licensed. Further, many states have reciprocal licensure protocols, meaning if you are licensed in one state, you will be able to be licensed to teach in another. Knowing these requirements can help you fulfill your state licensure procedures. Research schools online that offer not only distance teacher preparation programs, but those that also have options for physical education teachers.
Step 2: Complete an Online Teacher Preparation Bachelor’s Degree Program
Although rare, it is possible to find online teacher preparation programs that offer an option for physical education. These programs will help you learn about how to properly educate students in PE, as well as prepare you for licensure. Courses specific to physical education might include the following:
- Individual and team sports
- Human physiology and anatomy
- Leisure activities
- Kinesiology and biomechanics
- Physical education teaching materials and methods
- First aid
- Motor learning
- PE advanced topics
An in-person internship or student teaching experience is usually required. These bachelor’s degree programs typically span four years.
Step 3: Prepare Online to Become a Certified Physical Education Teacher
Now that you have completed an online bachelor’s degree program, you will need to become officially certified to teach. As mentioned before, the procedures for earning your teaching license can vary considerably from state to state. Typically, however, there is an exam or series of exams that you must pass to establish your competence. Study materials for these exams are often available online, although the tests usually must be taken in person. Once you have completed examinations and all other requirements and online application procedures, you will be issued a state teaching certificate. These certificates will vary in validity period from state to state, as will methods for renewing and upgrading certification.
Everybody line up! Time to get moving towards your master’s in physical education online! Getting our kids moving, learning teamwork and the joys of sport is a great professional career. To teach children safely while giving them the maximum health benefits and fun of moving helps their development in all areas of their education and growth. But getting your degree doesn’t need to take a huge bite out of your wallet—there are affordable options.
We compared the 32 schools offering a total of 36 master’s in physical education online programs to find the most affordable options—those with a cost below the national average. If you want to get your teaching license, check with your state about the program you choose, but otherwise, the field is wide open. Choose well, and you could save almost $32,000!
Average Cost (In-state): ~$17,600
Least Expensive: Eastern New Mexico University ~$10,838.76
Most Expensive: Drexel University ~$42,705
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There’s no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest master’s in physical education online. n the national average.
Affordable Online Masters in Physical Education 2020
University of Idaho – Moscow, Idaho
Physical Education & Physical Activity Pedagogy, M.Ed.
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,266/year in-state and $24,902/year out-of-state
The top online affordable master’s in physical education and physical activity pedagogy offered by the University of Idaho can be completed in just one year of study. Students can complete all coursework online and can begin their studies during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The high-value online curriculum allows students to be actively engaged in problem-based research that addresses physical activity pedagogy in the classroom setting.
- Physical Activity Assessment and Enrichment
- Healthy Active Lifestyle Assessment and Intervention
- Program Development
There are two low-priced, online master’s degree program options including one for certified teachers who want to continue their study of physical activity pedagogy and another for students with a bachelor’s degree who want a graduate degree and teacher certification in physical education.
Auburn University at Montgomery – Montgomery, Alabama
Master’s in Physical Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,146/year in-state and $16,056
Auburn University at Montgomery features a top online affordable master’s in physical education that prepares students to teach physical education to students in PK-12 settings. Both are traditional master’s degrees and an education specialist plan of study are available in an online format. Course offerings include:
- Advanced Adapted Physical Education
- Advanced Sociology of Sports & Physical Activity
- Elementary Methods in Physical Education
Online students have some fees waived that are normally charged to on-campus students, potentially saving them hundreds each semester.
Georgia State University – Atlanta, Georgia
Health and Physical Education, M.Ed.
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,020/year in-state and $22,518/year out-of-state
The College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University features an affordable top health and physical education master’s in education program for PK-12 health and physical education teachers. This economical, 36 credit hour, online master’s degree program includes unique elective course offerings such as:
- Instruction for Students with Disabilities in Physical Education and Sport
- Grant Writing and Fundraising
- Classroom Management Theory and Strategy
Students can further reduce their tuition cost by applying for various awards, assistantships, and fellowships.
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, Illinois
M.S. in Education in Kinesiology with a Specialization in Physical Education and Coaching Pedagogy
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,925/year
The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers an inexpensive, online MSEd in physical education and coaching pedagogy. While this affordable, online master’s degree program does not lead to teacher certification, students benefit from a unique curriculum that integrates theory and practice in physical education. Required courses include:
- Physical Activity and Mental Health
- Diversity in Physical Education and Sport
- Behavioral Analysis of Exercise
Faculty members use Blackboard to facilitate student engagement in research and it’s application to physical education and coaching.
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus – Portales, New Mexico
Online M.S. in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport Administration
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,778/year in-state and $8,985/year out-of-state
The top online master’s in physical education with an emphasis in sport administration from Eastern New Mexico University focuses on management. Working students can complete this high-value, online master’s degree program without the need to come to campus. Online courses include:
- Social and Psychological Aspects of Sport
- Management and Leadership in Sport
- Ethics in Sport
Students view recorded lectures via Mediasite and they actively participate using Collaborate or YouTube. Online students receive support through the Online Writing Center and the Golden Student Success Center. Worried about cost? Students living outside of New Mexico taking six hours or less each semester pay the low in-state tuition rate!
University of West Alabama – Livingston, Alabama
M.S. Physical Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,678/year in-state and $13,356/year out-of-state
The University of West Alabama features a top affordable master’s online in physical education with four concentration areas. Students can choose to focus on:
- Athletic Training
- Exercise Science
- Physical Education
- Sport Management
This cheap, 33 credit hour, online master’s degree program is for students seeking a master’s who plan to work in corporate fitness, collegiate athletics, sport management, or hospital settings. There are no residency requirements and most students can complete their degree in one to two years. Students can help keep their tuition low by applying for grants and scholarships.
Emporia State University – Emporia, Kansas
Online Master’s in Health, Physical Education, & Recreation
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,328/year in-state and $19,403/year out-of-state (in-district tuition rates are $6,238/year)
The Teachers College at Emporia State University features an affordable top online master’s in health, physical education, and recreation (HPER). This low-priced program was the first fully accredited online master’s degree program in the U.S. Online courses are taught by doctoral level faculty and many are nationally recognized experts in their field.
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Applied Psychology in HPER
- Ethics in HPER and Sport
Students can choose to complete a thesis or non-thesis program option. Most working students can complete the program in about two years
University of Nebraska at Kearney – Kearney, Nebraska
Online Physical Education Master Teacher Master of Arts in Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $5,892/year in-state and $12,930/year out-of-state
The top online affordable master’s in physical education offered by the University of Nebraska Kearney is a master teacher program for K-12 teachers to want to make a positive impact on student learning in the physical education setting. Students can choose from a concentration in pedagogy or special populations depending on their professional interests. This economical, 36 credit hour, online master’s degree program includes coursework in:
- Physiology of Exercise
- Physical Education for Students with Disabilities
- Analysis of Physical Education Teaching
The pedagogy emphasis is for students interested in the art and science behind teaching physical education to children and adults. The special populations area of emphasis leads to an Adapted Physical Education endorsement by the Nebraska Department of Education.
University of Arkansas at Monticello – Monticello, Arkansas
Master of Physical Education and Coaching
Average Graduate Tuition: $4,839/year in-state and $9,249/year out-of-state
The University of Arkansas at Monticello features an online affordable master’s in physical education and coaching. Online courses include:
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Risk Management and Legal Issues in Sports
- Applied Research and Evaluation Application in Athletic
This inexpensive, 30 credit hour master’s degree program is offered entirely online and emphasizes advanced knowledge and instructional expertise in a variety of settings. To be considered for admission, students should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Graduates are well prepared for leadership roles in athletic coaching, fitness, and other athletic related careers.
Valdosta State University – Valdosta, Georgia
M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $4,482/year in-state and $16,146/year out-of-state
Our most affordable online master’s in physical education is offered by Valdosta State University. VSU features a cheap, 33 credit hour, online MEd health and physical education program offered through the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education designed for PK-12 physical education teachers.
- Technology Applications in Physical Education
- Assessment Applications in Physical Education
- Physical Education for Professional Learners
Students can complete this high-value, 33 credit hour, online master’s degree program in just five semesters without the need to come to campus. To be considered for admission, applicants should have an initial teaching certification in health or physical education (or both). The National Council on Teacher Quality voted this top online physical education master’s program as a “Top 5 Best Value Program.”
Most Affordable Master’s in Physical Education Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern New Mexico UniversityMaster of Science in Physical Education / Sports Administration 36 | (NM) | $10,838.76$14,148.96 | In-StateOut-of-State |
| 2 | Valdosta State UniversityMaster of Education in Health & Physical Education 36 | (GA) | $11,149.00 | All Students |
| 3 | Emporia State UniversityMaster of Science in Health, Physical Education & Recreation 36 | (KS) | $11,847.52$16,006.24 | In-StateOut-of-State |
| 4 | University of Arkansas at MonticelloMaster of Education in Physical Education & Coaching 36 | (AR) | $12,301.50$19,651.50 | In-StateOut-of-State |
| 5 | University of Nebraska at KearneyMaster of Science in Education / Physical Education Master Teacher 36 | (NE) | $12,769.00$17,197.00 | In-StateOut-of-State |
| 6 | Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleMaster of Science in Education / Kinesiology: Physical Education & Coaching Pedagogy | (IL) | $12,910.00 | All Students |
| 7 | Ball State UniversityMaster of Arts in Athletic Coaching Education 36 | (IN) | $12,972.00$19,152.00 | In-StateOut-of-State |
| 8 | Jacksonville State UniversityMaster of Science in Education / Physical Education 36 | (AL) | $13,060.00 | All Students |
| 9 | SUNY CortlandMaster of Science in Education in Physical Education / Leadership Master of Science in Education in Physical Education / Coaching Pedagogy | (NY) | $14,405.00$28,865.00 | In-StateOut-of-State |
| 10 |  University of West AlabamaMaster of Science in Physical Education | (AL) | $14,457.00 | All Students |
| 11 | University of West AlabamaMaster of Education in Physical Education, P-12 36 | (AL) | $14,886.00 | All Students |
| 12 | Auburn University at MontgomeryMaster of Education in Physical Education 36 | (AL) | $14,891.00$15,221.00 | In-StateOut-of-State |
| 13 |  Greenville UniversityMaster of Arts in Education / Coaching | (IL) | $14,966.00 | All Students |
| 14 | SUNY College at BrockportMaster of Science in Education / Physical Education/Teacher Education | (NY) | $15,271.00$17,687.80 | In-StateOut-of-State |
| 15 | University of ArkansasMaster of Education in Physical Education 36 | (AR) | $15,304.08 | All Students |
| 16 |  Point Park UniversityMaster of Education in Athletic Coaching | (PA) | $15,450.00 | All Students |
| 17 | University of Northern IowaMaster of Arts in Physical Education / Teaching – Pedagogy | (IA) | $15,688.00 | All Students |
| 18 | Georgia State UniversityMaster of Education in Health & Physical Education 36 | (GA) | $15,816.00 | All Students |
| 19 | Adams State UniversityMaster of Science in Kinesiology / Coaching | (CO) | $16,400.80 | All Students |
| 20 | University of IdahoMaster of Education in Physical Education & Physical Activity Pedagogy 36 | (ID) | $16,650.00 | All Students |
| 21 | University of Northern ColoradoMaster of Arts in Sports Coaching | (CO) | $16,950.00 | All Students |
| 22 | West Virginia UniversityMaster of Science in Physical Education Teacher Education | (WV) | $17,340.00$43,770.00 | In-StateOut-of-State |
How Much Money Does a Physical Education Teacher Make
Whether they’re instructing school kids on gymnastics, physical fitness or basketball, physical education teachers are responsible for helping students develop strength, agility, flexibility and endurance. Following their schools’ curricula, physical education teachers plan activities for students and instruct them on sports’ rules and regulations. They also teach health education classes. If you want to work as a physical education teacher with a master’s degree, you can expect to earn an average salary between $45,000 and $50,000 annually.
Salary Over $45,000
The average annual salary for a physical education teacher with a master’s degree was $46,000 as of 2013, according to the job site Simply Hired. To become a physical education teacher, you typically need the minimum of a bachelor’s degree in physical education. You must also pass an examination through your state to earn your physical education teacher’s certification and license. Other important qualifications are physical strength, stamina and patience and instructional and communication skills.
Top Pay in D.C.
In 2013, average salaries for physical education teachers with master’s degrees varied the most in the South region, according to Simply Hired, where they earned the lowest salaries of $36,000 in Mississippi and the highest of $72,000 in Washington, D.C. If you worked as a physical education teacher with a master’s degree in South Dakota or Minnesota, you’d earn an average of $36,000 or $49,000, respectively — the lowest and highest salaries in the Midwest. In the Northeast, you’d make $41,000 to $56,000 per year in Maine or Massachusetts, respectively. In the West, these teachers earned the least in Montana and the most in California or Alaska at $37,000 and $52,000, respectively.
Earn Less Than Teachers
While physical education teachers with master’s degrees averaged $46,000 in 2013, the job site Indeed reported average annual salaries of $41,000 for all physical education teachers. By comparison, high school teachers made $57,770 per year on average as of May 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Middle school teachers averaged $56,280 annually, the BLS reported.
Below Average to Average Job Outlook
The BLS doesn’t forecast jobs for physical education teachers. It estimates a 17 percent increase in employment for middle school teachers through 2020, which is statistically about average. Increases in school enrollments are expected to produce most of the jobs in middle schools. Most schools have fewer physical education teachers than other types of teachers, but you may still find more job opportunities in middle schools with increasing enrollments. The BLS forecasts only a 7 percent increase in jobs for teachers in high schools during this decade, a below average growth rate.
