Physical Education Degree
As society becomes increasingly aware of the benefits of an active lifestyle and the severe health complications of obesity, professionals who have a physical education degree are more in demand than ever before. Answering this increase in demand, many community colleges now offer both traditional campus classes as well as a host of online physical education degree programs. A growing number of educators are also taking advantage of increasing their academic portfolios by enrolling in accredited e-learning physical education studies. Online or distance learning is an ideal solution for the working professional who does not want to jeopardize their tenure or simply can not leave their job to attend full time classes.
A physical education degree will give students the necessary skills involved in both coaching and teaching in a variety of areas such as:
- Recreation
- Hygiene
- Sports
- Fitness
- Nutrition
- General fitness exercise
As a professional with an education degree, an accredited online graduate degree in physical education and health in will prepare teachers for instruction from elementary to college level classes. Most studies in physical education will include a comprehensive curriculum that covers the structure, function and motion of the human body. Other core topics critical to understanding optimal physical health will include classes in:
- Sports psychology
- Biochemistry
- Human motor control systems
- Biomechanics
- Performance analysis
- Leadership skills
- Human Anatomy
Both professional and amateur athletes alike are turning to professionals with a physical education degree to help them in the area of performance analysis. Physical education instructors or trainers who can break down the various components of an athlete’s performance thereby increasing their speed or efficiency are in high demand. Another popular specialization is in the field of sports and recreation management where graduates can choose from a wide variety of work venues such as community recreation programs, workplace physical education classes and local sports and recreation centres to name a few. Those who wish to pursue a Doctorate in physical education generally focus in the area of research and often times in the study of human movement and kinesiology.
Online or e-learning is an ideal way to continue working while you earn your physical education degree. It allows you to choose the study times that are best suited to your schedule and to complete your classes in the comfort and privacy of your own home. The career choices for a graduate with an online physical education degree are practically endless as there exists such a wide choice of specialties, some of which are:
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Health club or spa manager
- Nutrition specialist
- Occupational exercise
- Camp director
- Corporate activities director
The best way to find a school that fits your particular interests is by visiting a few college search engines that offer online degree programs in physical education. Speak to community recreation centres and health clubs in your area and conducts several information interviews to see if the physical education degree you are considering is recognized by industry. Once you have several online colleges that match your goals, it is a good idea to verify their accreditation standing. You can do this by visiting the following college accreditation websites.
If studying in the United States, you can go to:
- The Regional Accreditation for Online Schools
- The National Accrediting Agency
For schools in Canada, you can visit:
- The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
The Canadian Education and Training Accredited Commission







