There are numerous links between physical activity and effective learning. Students who participate in sports and exercise have stronger mental health, less stress, and better cognitive abilities. In other words, when children move their bodies, the minds work better. A master’s in physical education online supplies the knowledge you need to lead children in physical activities.
Physical education — or PE or gym, as it’s known to many of us — is an important part of a child’s education and growth. But simply releasing kids into a gymnasium, allowing them to play as they will, is not quite the solution. To be effective, PE needs experts who understand how to guide children in physical activities, keep them engaged, and get them moving without overworking their bodies.
PE may seem like a simple class, but a lot of thinking goes into these precious hours. With a master’s degree in physical education online, you can help young students prepare their minds and their bodies for stronger learning and better health, which includes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
We have identified 39 of the most effective online master’s in physical education. Coming from 37 different schools, these programs have a range of prices, allowing you to select the ideal program for your budget.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$15,900
Least Expensive In-state: North Carolina A&T State University ~$6,990
Least Expensive Out-of-state: University of West Georgia ~$9,600
Most Expensive: Western Michigan University ~$28,154
We have created the most reliable ranking system possible. By focusing on total cost and avoiding complex formulas, we have built a list that provides an accurate estimate for the price of these degrees. If you are looking for the most affordable master’s in physical education online, start by searching the programs above the dividing line. These are all priced below the average and have been deemed “Best Buys” by our team.
Cheapest Master’s in Physical Education Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $6,990.00 $25,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $9,600.00 | All Students |
3 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $9,929.00 | All Students |
4 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $10,500.00 | All Students |
5 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $10,808.00 | All Students |
6 | Campbellsville University | (KY) | $10,830.00 | All Students |
7 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $12,029.00 $16,394.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $12,117.00 | All Students |
9 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $12,300.00 | All Students |
10 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,888.00 | All Students |
11 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | (AR) | $12,960.00 $20,310.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $13,289.00 | All Students |
14 | Eastern Washington University | (WA) | $13,475.00 | All Students |
15 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | (IL) | $13,752.00 | All Students |
16 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $13,843.00 $27,215.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,397.00 | All Students |
18 | Bridgewater State University | (MA) | $14,655.00 | All Students |
19 | University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,826.00 | All Students |
20 | Chicago State University | (IL) | $15,060.00 $25,634.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $15,328.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Arkansas | (AR) | $15,998.00 | All Students | |
Utah State University | (UT) | $16,078.00 $17,992.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
SUNY Cortland | (NY) | $16,503.00 $19,323.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Jackson State University | (MS) | $16,632.00 | All Students | |
University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students | |
Southwest Minnesota State University | (MN) | $17,125.00 | All Students | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $17,490.00 | All Students | |
University of Idaho | (ID) | $17,670.00 | All Students | |
Central Washington University | (WA) | $17,924.00 $38,864.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $18,960.00 $17,970.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $19,680.00 | All Students | |
Cumberland University | (TN) | $19,850.00 | All Students | |
West Virginia University | (WV) | $20,400.00 | All Students | |
University of Mary | (ND) | $21,026.00 | All Students | |
Azusa Pacific University | (CA) | $22,450.00 | All Students | |
Southern Connecticut State University | (CT) | $24,680.00 | All Students | |
Canisius College | (NY) | $26,550.00 | All Students | |
Western Michigan University | (MI) | $28,154.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the master’s in physical education online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited, affordable online master’s in physical education online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the master's in health and physical education online in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire master’s in physical education online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s in health and physical education online that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest master’s in physical education online may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on affordable master’s in physical education online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get a Master’s in Physical Education Online?
Not sure if a master’s in health and physical education online is right for you? Here are a few reasons why you should consider one of these degrees:
- Add an important skill to your teaching career: If you already work as a teacher, these programs help you add an important skill to your career toolkit.
- Give kids physical education: Physical activity is important for physical and mental health. With a deep understanding of physical education, you’ll be helping kids in the gym and the classroom.
- Establish healthy lifestyles: When kids learn how to be physically active, they establish habits that can last a lifetime. As a PE expert, you’ll not only help kids, you’ll create a healthy lifestyle that can last for years!
What’s the Cost for a Master’s in Physical Education?
If you are looking for an affordable master’s in physical education online, this database provides the information you need. As you’ll see, these degrees range from less than $7,000 to over $28,000. With a spread of roughly $21,000, it’s important that you research all program costs before enrolling.
The average price for these programs is $15,900. While students can study at a faster or slower pace, these degrees usually require two years to complete. This means a typical student will pay an average of $7,950 per year for the degree.
The cheapest master’s in physical education online is the Master of Arts in Teaching / Health & Physical Education from North Carolina A&T State University. This program has a total cost of $6,990 for in-state students, which means an annual bill (again, assuming a two-year track) of only $3,495. However, this price is only for North Carolina residents. Out-of-state students pay $25,800, which is close to the most expensive degree on the list.
The least affordable master’s in physical education online is the Master of Arts in Physical Education / Adapted from Western Michigan University. This program has a total cost of $28,154.
Even if you have a massive budget for your education, take your time and research the programs so that you can find the right option for your needs. With this database, you can find a master’s in physical education online that fits your budget and your career goals.
Top Three Most Affordable Master’s in Physical Education Online
#1. North Carolina A&T State University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Health & Physical Education
North Carolina residents have access to the cheapest physical education online master’s degree. The MAT in Health and Physical Education from North Carolina A&T State University can be completed for just $6,990 for in-state students, while out-of-state students can expect tuition and fees of $25,800.
This program allows bachelor’s-trained students to gain a master’s degree and initial teaching license in a specific content area. With this concentration, students with a bachelor’s degree related to health, sports, or fitness can pivot to a K-12 teaching career. The program includes two semesters of clinical practice, allowing students to gain teaching experience and confidence before taking on their own classroom professionally.
Graduates of this CAEP-accredited degree program can become licensed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to teach health and physical education. Students planning to teach outside of the state should check with their local board of education to determine whether this program meets their educational needs.
#2. University of West Georgia – Master of Education in Physical Education
Current teachers can continue working while advancing their degree with the second cheapest online physical education master’s degree on our list. The University of West Georgia also offers the same tuition rate to both in-state and out-of-state online students, making this the cheapest program for students outside of North Carolina (the location of the #1 cheapest program). For $9,600, students will gain advanced knowledge and become experts in their content area, all with the convenience of online learning.
The program spans topics including assessment and program evaluation, methods of teaching, current trends and issues, and curriculum development in health and physical education. Students will also learn how to handle administrative and leadership responsibilities for sports and wellness programs in K-12 schools. Courses on the scientific foundations of exercise and the sociological and psychological aspects of health and physical education serve to enhance students’ expertise in this field.
#3. Valdosta State University – Master of Education in Health & Physical Education
Prepare to teach health and physical education to students from preschool through Grade 12 with this affordable degree from Valdosta State University in Georgia.The M.Ed in Health and Physical Education comes with a total cost of $9,929 for all online students.
This CAEP-accredited program is designed for current teachers who want to earn a certification in this subject area. With fully online coursework, participants can continue their jobs, and in fact, they can complete job-embedded assignments and immediately apply teachings to their classrooms. Students will gain advanced knowledge in pedagogy, research, and innovative practices in health and fitness education.
Graduates can qualify for a wide range of career options, such as:
- Athletic director
- Physical education teacher
- Coach
- Nutrition instructor
- Wellness coordinator
- Dance instructor
- Health teacher
- Sports camp director
What to Expect from a Master’s Degree in Physical Education Online
Most master’s degrees, including these online PE programs, offer completion in two years. However, some programs can be completed in a single year, while others are spread over three years. Be sure to research the schedule and talk with admissions for details.
Physical education goes far beyond running laps around a gym. These degrees show you how to effectively lead physical education classes and programs. You’ll learn the latest techniques for guiding students in physical activity. Subjects may include childhood development, exercise science, PE curriculum, and PE for elementary and high school students.
To be an effective physical educator, you need to understand basic education practices, such as classroom management and student assessment. The curriculum in these programs will combine the study of education as a career plus exercise science, physical development, child motor skills, and other aspects important to educators in this area.
One thing you’ll learn from many of these degrees is how to advocate for physical education. Sadly, physical education has been declining in recent years. Often seen as unneeded, physical education has been underfunded and under-prioritized. After a master’s in health and physical education online, you’ll know how to argue in support of physical education so that more students can have the benefit of an active lifestyle.
When choosing a program, you’ll have options that include master of arts, master of science, and master of education. There is a lot of overlap. However, a master of arts will be more abstract, while a master of science in education focuses on scientific research and data. A master of education, on the other hand, tends to center on the organization and administration of schools. Many principals, for instance, have master of education degrees.
Online Master’s Degrees in Physical Education: Structure and Courses
There are dozens of programs in this database. Each program is different, so it’s hard to describe the structure and courses in generalized statements. It’s best to look at a few examples so you better understand the coursework and overall structure of these online master’s in physical education programs.
University of West Georgia – Master of Education in Physical Education
If you are a current faculty member at a K-12 school and want to become an expert in physical education, this degree is a good option. The program requires 30 credit hours of study. Coursework incorporates curriculum design, child development, legal issues in physical education, and more. To graduate, students must complete a comprehensive exam.
Classes in this program are all lumped into a block of “required core courses.” The courses hold titles like “Curriculum Development in Health and Physical Education,” “Scientific Foundations of Exercise,” and “Developing the Whole Child for 21st Century Learning.” There are options available for some course requirements. For example, students must either complete an analysis of research in teaching or a course on research in human studies.
University of West Alabama – Master of Science in Physical Education
This master of science is available in three areas of emphasis, including PE. The program comprises a professional courses section, which requires six credit hours, and a larger concentration section, which includes 27 credit hours.
The professional courses focus on broad topics for all teachers. Subjects include education statistics, research techniques, and human performance. The PE area of emphasis includes courses like “Physical Education in the Elementary School,” “Adapted Physical Education,” and “Organization and Administration in Health and Human Performance.” Students completing the PE emphasis must pass all five of the three-hour courses in this section.
University of Northern Iowa – Master of Arts in Physical Education / Teaching – Pedagogy
One of the Midwest’s premier teaching schools, the University of Northern Iowa offers this advanced physical education master’s program to aspiring and current physical educators. The course sequence allows for graduation in two years over six semesters, with students taking six credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and three credits during the summers.
Classes in this program include “Motor Control and Learning,” “Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education,” and “Contemporary and Inclusive Issues in Physical Education.” Once complete, students can design school-based activity programs and advocate for physical education.
Online Master’s in Physical Education Accreditation
Accreditation, which is a review and approval process for schools, helps colleges and universities stay at the highest level of education. It also helps students choose reliable degrees, as accredited schools have passed the test for educational quality.
An entire college or university can have institutional accreditation. Granted by regional bodies, institutional accreditation shows that the whole school has met a high level of quality. All the online programs on our site have institutional accreditation.
The other form of accreditation is programmatic. As the name suggests, this type covers only the specific program. For example, a school may have its pharmacy degrees accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Because the online degrees on this list are education programs, they have accreditation from education-based groups. Specifically, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits a variety of degrees on this list.
CAEP-accredited schools in this database include:
- University of North Georgia – Master of Arts in Teaching / Health & PE
- University of Nebraska at Kearney – Master of Science in Education / Physical Education Master Teacher
- Georgia Southern University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Health & Physical Education
- University of South Florida – Master of Arts in Physical Education
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania – Master of Science in Health Education
You’ll notice that many degrees do not have programmatic accreditation. In fact, the majority of master’s in physical education online degrees on this list are not programmatically accredited. However, all come from accredited schools, so you can rely on them to deliver a high-quality education.
Admissions for an Online Master’s in Physical Education
Master’s degrees represent a high level of academic achievement. You should anticipate some of the most challenging classes you’ve ever experienced. To ensure students can make it through these rigorous programs, schools set high bars for admission. Only doctorate-level programs are more difficult and more selective.
The main requirement is a bachelor’s degree. For these programs, you’ll need a bachelor’s in teaching, physical education, kinesiology (the study of human movement), or another related subject.
Some schools have GPA requirements as well. Usually this requirement is somewhere between 2.5 and 3.0. If you do not meet the minimum GPA for your preferred school, it may be possible to enroll under the condition that you maintain good grades through the first semester.
Graduate schools also require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from professional and academic contacts. Current employers and supervisors, as well as past professors, are eligible to write reference lettters on your behalf.
Some programs also require a current teacher’s license, although there are plenty of programs that do not hold this requirement. If you are not a teacher, you can still find many options for your degree.
North Carolina A&T State University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Health & Physical Education
Let’s look at one example. The cheapest master’s in physical education online comes from North Carolina A&T State University. To enroll in its Master of Arts in Teaching / Health & Physical Education, you need a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 credit hours of related coursework. You must have a 2.8 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The admission process for a master’s degree can be expansive and detailed. However, if you have a decent academic background and professional experience in education or physical activity, you will likely find a program that accepts your application.
Licensing and Certification Requirements for PE Teachers
While the daily work may look different, PE teachers are considered, as far as state governments are concerned, as classroom teachers. They need many of the same certifications and licenses as a teacher in math, science, history, or writing.
To work as a PE teacher, you’ll need to complete a teaching program, pass state-required exams, and obtain the right licensing.
In Texas, for example, you need to qualify for the initial Texas teacher’s certificate and pass two exams: one in pedagogy and professional responsibilities, and another that is specific to physical education. The physical education portion of testing includes health-related physical knowledge, movement skills, and how to create a physical education program.
Once complete, you can apply for a probationary certificate and ultimately secure a full standard teaching certificate.
Only graduates who work as PE teachers in public schools need a certificate. If you work as an instructional coordinator or teacher at a private school, you likely will not need licensing.
Salary and Outlook for PE Teachers
Unfortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not compile information precisely for PE teachers. However, the teaching profession as a whole, regardless of specialty, can bring strong incomes.
High school teachers, for example, have a median annual salary of $62,360, which is roughly $16,000 more than the median for all occupations. The top 10% in this career earn over $101,000 a year, so there is plenty of room for high salaries, especially if you have a master’s degree, which tends to bring more income.
Elementary teachers have similar numbers. The median annual income for these educators is $61,620 a year, while the top 10% earn over $101,000.
Job growth, however, may be limited. Teaching careers are directly tied to city, county, and state budgets, as well as taxpayer funds through the federal government. With tight budgets across the country, teacher hiring may slow. This could be especially true for PE, which, right or wrong, is often cut before math, science, and technology education.
What’s Next in Your Education
After a master’s degree, you may assume that your learning is complete. This is not the case. Teachers, including PE teachers, need to meet specific requirements for continuing education to maintain their certification.
Each state sets its own certification renewal requirements, so each area is different. However, you will be required to meet minimum hours for continuing education, often called Continuing Education Credits or CTUs. Teachers can earn these credits by attending seminars, completing online classes, taking tests, and meeting a variety of academic requirements.
If you wish to continue your academic career and become even more knowledgeable in physical education and teaching, it’s possible to complete a doctorate in education. A doctorate in physical education, for example, will advance your understanding of physical activity, exercise, and teaching practices. Doctorates, especially Ph.D.s, are often held by university professors.
Your Degree, Your Future!
With this list, you can find an online master’s in physical education that meets your specific needs. Whether you want to advance your teaching career, earn more money, or simply become a better educator for your students, these degrees will help you build an even brighter future! Explore GetEducated.com today for more information on the top degrees in education.