An online bachelor’s in physical education prepares graduates for teaching roles across grade levels, from elementary school through high school. Students take courses on human anatomy and physiology, as well as topics such as sports psychology and motor development to help them shape the learning outcomes of their future students.

Some programs combine coursework with teaching certification, which will enable graduates to pursue careers in their local area. For example, Indiana Wesleyan University offers a bachelor’s with a built-in teacher licensure program that is fully online and requires students to complete a full year of student teaching internship. Graduates of this program will earn a bachelor’s in kinesiology and qualify to teach physical education at grades P-12, which may satisfy requirements for state certification.

Other online programs focus on graduate studies, particularly at the master’s level. George Mason University, for example, offers an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in health and physical education that can be completed in two years, including required courses such as Educational Theory, Principles of Teaching and Learning, and Advanced Research Methodology in Education. Students also take concentration-specific courses on subjects such as Adapted Physical Education and Coaching Pedagogy.

Saint Louis University’s master’s in physical education, also available fully online, allows graduate students to develop their knowledge of the field and gain practical teaching experience through a full-year student teaching internship. The program combines core education coursework with coursework in specializations such as adapted physical education and outdoor adventure education.