Wondering if a master’s in physical education is worth it? Over half of public school teachers hold a master’s, and those with an MEd earn median salaries of $67,000 — far more than the $52,500 average for bachelor’s-only educators. An online MEd in Physical Education can sharpen your skills, lead to leadership roles, and fit around your work schedule. OMD will show you top programs and how a master’s can advance your physical education career.
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An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
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A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
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Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
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What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
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Program Breakdown: 3 Popular Online Phys Ed Master’s Programs
University of West Alabama — Online MEd in Physical Education P-12
UWA offers an affordable, accelerated online MEd in Physical Education that provides current teachers with enhanced instructional strategies and a deeper understanding of how to engage students in lifelong fitness. The curriculum builds on foundational teaching skills with advanced concepts in educational planning, statistics, and instructional technology specific to physical education. Graduates qualify for Alabama’s Class A (master’s level) teaching certification in physical education, which can lead to higher pay and expanded job opportunities.
The 33-credit program is delivered entirely online and can be completed in as little as one year. Students benefit from UWA’s one-on-one Mentor Collective, pairing them with an experienced mentor for support. A major feature of the program is its low per-credit tuition and high percentage of students receiving financial aid.
Duration: One year
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $429 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (with teacher education background)
- Valid teaching certificate in Physical Education (P-12)
- Completed online application
- Fingerprint/background clearance
Auburn University at Montgomery — MEd in Kinesiology: Physical Education
Auburn University at Montgomery features an online MEd in Kinesiology with a Physical Education concentration that blends pedagogy and sport science. This 33-credit program is delivered primarily online with a required practicum in a school setting for hands-on experience.
The curriculum includes advanced courses in teaching methods, motor development, sociology of sport, and research in kinesiology. Most students finish in about 1.5 years, making it a flexible option for working educators. Because AUM’s program prepares teachers for Class A certification, it’s ideal for those aiming to increase their earning potential and move into roles like PE department head or athletic director.
Duration: 1.5 years (full-time and part-time options available)
Mode: Online, with a required local practicum component
Cost: $465 per credit (in-state); $511 per credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Valid Alabama Class B teaching certificate in Physical Education (or equivalent initial teacher licensure)
- Official transcripts of all college work
Eastern Washington University — Online MEd in Health and Physical Education
The fully-online Master of Education in Health and Physical Education from Eastern Washington University is ideal for currently-licensed teachers who want dual expertise in health and PE. The program consists of 49 quarter-credit hours (14 courses) and can be completed in as few as 14 months. Students learn to manage a gym class for diverse abilities, apply exercise science concepts, and meet National K–12 PE standards.
A unique feature is the inclusion of a supervised internship, allowing students to apply new strategies gained in a practical setting. Graduates emerge prepared to become leaders in health and PE instruction as veteran teachers, curriculum specialists, and coaches integrating wellness education into school programs.
Courses run 6 weeks each with seven start dates per year, so you can begin and progress through your studies on your own timeline.
Duration: 14 months
Mode: 100% online with supervised internship
Cost: $325 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Valid teaching certificate (any state) required by graduation
- Teaching experience recommended
- Applications submittals include official transcripts of undergraduate coursework and a professional resume
Understanding the Cost of an Online Phys Ed MEd
Financing your online MEd in Physical Education involves understanding tuition rates and fees. Most programs charge per credit, so your total cost is the per-credit rate multiplied by the total number of required credits.
Many online programs offer in-state tuition rates to all students regardless of state residency, keeping costs lower for out-of-state learners. When budgeting for your education, be sure to factor in additional costs for program fees (technology, online learning, practicum, etc.), books and materials, a quality computer, and internet access.
Don’t forget that a full range of financial aid resources for online master’s programs are available to help qualifying students lower their total phys ed degree price tag. They include student loans, scholarships and grants, teacher tuition discounts, and more. Employer tuition assistance opportunities are often available to working educators as well.
Below is a snapshot of current tuition costs for the three online physical education master’s programs profiled above:
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Alabama | 33 | $429 | $14,157 |
| Auburn Univ. at Montgomery | 33 | $465 | $15,345 |
| Eastern Washington Univ. | 49 | $325 | $15,925 |
Online Phys Ed Master’s Programs: FAQs
Do I need to be a licensed teacher to pursue an online MEd in Physical Education?
In most cases, yes. Online MEd programs in PE are typically designed for certified educators, so you’ll generally need a valid teaching license in physical education (or a related field) to be admitted. If you’re not yet a licensed teacher, you might consider a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Physical Education or an alternative certification program. Some universities offer parallel tracks for initial licensure, but the MEd itself assumes you’re already in the classroom and looking to advance your credentials.
Can I work full-time while earning my MEd in Physical Education online?
Again, in most cases, yes. Most online MEd programs are built specifically for working teachers. In fact, many programs explicitly encourage students to continue teaching or coaching during the program. Coursework is often delivered asynchronously, meaning you can log in and complete assignments on your own schedule. You’ll typically take one or two courses at a time. Plan on dedicating 10 to 15 hours per week for your studies. In short, the flexible pacing and online delivery make it very feasible for you to successfully take on full-time teaching and your master’s studies at the same time..
What is the workload like for an online MEd in Physical Education?
The workload is comparable to a traditional master’s program, but the scheduling is more flexible. Expect a mix of video lectures, readings, and weekly discussion posts with your classmates. Assignments often include lesson plan designs, case studies, and reflections on your teaching practice. Many programs require a capstone project or a comprehensive exam instead of a thesis. If a practicum or internship is required, you’ll arrange to complete it at a local school (often your own).
Because courses are compressed into six- to eight-week modules, the pace can be intense. Time management is key, but if you allocate regular weekly study time and stay organized, the workload is manageable.
Why is accreditation important for online MEd programs in Physical Education?
Proper accreditation is critical in choosing an online MEd degree. It ensures that your program meets important standards of academic quality, and that you’ll be eligible for teaching license upgrades as well as many forms of financial aid. First and foremost, you’ll want to confirm that your college or university is institutionally accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized regional or national accrediting agency. Also look for CAEP accreditation (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) for the degree program itself.
Can I continue with my academic studies to pursue a doctoral degree after earning my MEd in Physical Education?
You absolutely can. It’s not unusual, in fact, for MEd degree holders to pursue a PhD or EdD in Physical Education. The Physical Education PhD is a research-focused credential designed to prepare its earners for top-level positions in advanced research and postsecondary faculty teaching. The EdD in Physical Education is designed more for those seeking administrative or other leadership positions with colleges and universities, sports organizations, healthcare institutions, and even government agencies. Regardless of which degree type you’re interested in, an MEd in Physical Education is a necessary stepping stone in your doctoral pursuit.
Career Opportunities for MEd in Physical Education Graduates
An MEd in Physical Education equips you for a variety of rewarding careers in education and athletics. Many graduates continue as K-12 PE teachers, garnering higher salaries through public school systems with pay scales that reward teachers with advanced degrees. MEd grads are also prepared to take on leadership positions like lead teacher, department head, or athletic director.
Others move into roles as curriculum specialists, designing district-wide PE programs and ensuring standards alignment. The takeaway here is that your MEd gives you the pedagogical depth and credibility to advance in teaching, take on educational leadership roles, or even teach future PE educators at the collegiate level.
Here’s a look at five popular career paths for MEd in Physical Education degree holders:
| Career | Projected Growth | Median Pay | Top 10% Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Physical Education Teacher (High School) | -1% | $65,220 | $106,380 |
| Instructional Coordinator (Curriculum Specialist) | +2% | $74,620 | $109,500 |
| School Administrator (Principal or Athletic Director) | -1% | $103,460 | $163,010 |
| Athletics Coach/Scout (School or College Coach) | +9% | $45,910 | $95,620 |
| Postsecondary PE Instructor (College Professor) | +8% | $75,770 | $148,610 |
Note: An MEd alone may not suffice for some of these roles. For example, principals often need additional certification, and college professors may require a doctorate. But your MEd in Physical Education is a crucial stepping stone, providing the advanced knowledge and credentials valued in these careers.
10 Helpful Resources for Phys Ed Students & Professionals
- Global PhysEd Voxcast — Hosted by Jorge Rodriguez, this voxcast features informal discussions with innovative PE teachers globally, sharing ideas on pedagogy, cultural perspectives in PE, and how to keep students active. A great way to hear diverse experiences and feel part of a global community.
- OPEN Physical Education Curriculum — A free, standards-based curriculum project that provides downloadable units, lesson plans, and posters created by teachers for teachers. The materials are aligned with national standards and include assessments.
- PE Central — Online hub for PE lesson plans and assessments. PE Central features thousands of user-submitted games, activities, and teaching tips for all grade levels.
- The PE Geek — A popular blog and podcast by Jarrod Robinson focusing on technology in physical education. The PE Geek introduces cutting-edge apps, gadgets, and tech strategies to enhance physical education classes. From utilizing heart-rate monitors to gamifying fitness, this resource helps you become a tech-savvy PE teacher.
- PE Scholar — An online community and publication for PE and sports science professionals. PE Scholar features articles on PE pedagogy, research summaries, and even job postings. It’s like a digital magazine where you can read about innovative practices and download resources.
- The PE Specialist — Blog and resource site from veteran elementary PE teacher Ben Landers that offers practical tips, equipment hacks, and ready-made lesson resources. Perfect for new teachers looking for mentorship and inspiration from someone who’s in the physical education trenches every day.
- PE Universe — Social network and video-sharing platform for PE teachers. PE Universe allows educators to share videos of their favorite games, drills, and teaching tips. A valuable resource for visual learners who want to see an activity in action before trying it themselves.
- The #PhysEd Blog— The #PhysEd Blog delves into practical teaching strategies, class management, and curriculum design. You’ll find downloadable tools (like PE game charts), blog posts, and podcast episodes that discuss how to create meaningful PE experiences.
- Playing with Research in Health and Physical Education — Podcast bridging research and practice. Each episode brings on scholars and educators to discuss recent research in PE, coaching, and health education, and how that research can be applied in real education settings.
- SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) — The premier U.S. professional association for PE and health teachers. SHAPE America’s website offers standards, best practice guidelines, webinars, and lesson ideas. Site visitors can also access journals and connect with a nationwide network of PE professionals.