Physical Education Degree Online Programs

Physical education degree online programs and online health education degree programs are offered at the bachelor and master degree level via campus online distance learning depending on the institution.

Physical education courses are taken in primary and secondary education to encourages psychomotor learning using play and movement. Physical ed activities are aimed at promoting physical fitness, instilling knowledge about physical importance of mental well-being a well as strategies. Specializations in online physical education masters degree programs include recreation, health education, physical education, sports, and coaching. Physical education programs are increasingly important as health issues related to heart diseases and obesity infiltrate K-12 schools. This makes P. E teachers and health instructors more important in the lives of students. A degree in physical and health education provides the skills and knowledge that K-12 teachers, instructors, personal trainers, and coaches need to work with their students and clients in order to help them maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Selected Physical Education Degree Online Programs

Capella University - Online

• Master of Science in Psychology/Sport Psychology

University of the Rockies

• Master of Arts in Psychology - Sports and Performance Psychology

Liberty University

• MS in Sport Management Admin-Non Thesis
• MS in Sport Management Admin-Thesis

Selected Health Education Programs

A.T. Still University

• Doctor of Health Education
• Master of Health Education

Walden University

• B.S. in Health Studies

Kaplan University

• Advanced Start BS in Health and Wellness
• Advanced Start BS in Health Science
• BS in Health Science
• BS in Health and Wellness

South University

• Associate of Science in Allied Health Science
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

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Physical Education Training and Courses

Physical and health education degrees courses are taught at various levels including bachelor, master, and doctoral degree level. Students in physical education graduate programs can concentrate or specialize in a given area for example kinesiology, various sports, and exercise techniques. Many online physical education degree programs may have a campus component to their online courses, dealing with the physical or practical aspects of their courses. Physical education master courses may include:

• Health and physical education (P.E. Theory)
• Kinesiology
• Sports psychology
• Intercollegiate sports coaching
• First Aid training
• CPR training
• Sports psychology
• Exercise physiology
• Instructional methods for physical and health education
• Measurement, assessment and evaluation in P.E. Programs

In addition, the degree may also include training in leadership, program assessment and evaluation. Sports-specific courses might include: Swimming, team sports, gymnastics, racquet sports, physical fitness, aquatic sports and aerobic fitness.

A bachelor's degree is required to work in K-12 education and in addition, all states require teachers to be certified or licensed, particularly for those working in public school settings. Many states also require teachers to take continuing education classes, for example a Master's Degree in Physical and Health Education. In Physical education degree online programs, master's and doctoral degree students would also be required to take research methods courses in order to complete their dissertation thesis, or independent research project.

Physical Education Careers

With an advanced degree in physical and health education you can work in various positions including serving as an athletic program director. You can also work as a researcher or a health education professor in higher education.

With a master's degree in physical educating you can specialize in a particular area for example child health education, physical activity, epidemiology, sports psychology, stress management, kinesiology, bio-mechanics, exercise physiology, and physical fitness assessment. Graduates of physical education degree online programs who enjoy the K-12 environment continue to work with their students even after graduation. Beyond K-12 education, the list of career options is extensive:

• Athletic Training
• Health Educating
• Physical Education Teacher
• Fitness Specialist
• Personal Trainer
• Recreation Specialist
• Dance Medicine and Science
• Geriatric Fitness Specialist
• Athletic Coach
• Dance Teacher
• Sports Management
• Sports Medicine
  

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The career outlook is therefore positive looking. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports projected employment of health educators is expected to grow by 18%. In 2008, the median annual income for health educators was $44,000 in May 2008. The middle 50% made between $33,170 and $60,810.

The lowest 10% earned less than $26,210 while the highest 10% earned over $78,260. The BLS reports that kindergarten, middle school, elementary and secondary school teachers in public K-12 education made around $50,000-$55,000 in 2009. Sports coaches earn around $35,000 annually. Coaching and athletic positions are expected to increase by 25% from 2008 to 2018. Physical education degree online programs continue to be popular as the need to a healthy nation continues to be a factor in success in learning.

Physical education degree online programs and health education degrees