Earning an online master’s in physical education is a great way to enhance your career or become a leader in your school or organization. Master’s in physical education programs are available to a variety of audiences including teachers, coaches, exercise professionals. Some programs include endorsement options while others are designed to build up on skills and knowledge to help students improve student outcomes in physical education. Earning a top master’s online in physical education doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many affordable options from regionally accredited universities throughout the United States. We have ranked the most affordable programs based on average graduate tuition rates provided by the National Education for Education Statistics. Online tuition costs may vary from these published figures so it is always important to check with the program directly to determine your actual cost.
Related Resource: What is an Exercise Physiologist?
#20 – Western Michigan University – Kalamazoo, Michigan
Physical Education (MA)—Pedagogy and Adapted Concentrations
Average Graduate Tuition: $15,638/year in-state and $29,569/year out-of-state
Western Michigan University features an affordable online master’s in physical education with concentrations in pedagogy and adapted physical education. The pedagogy concentration is designed for certified physical education teachers who want to enhance their instructional and leadership skills. The adapted concentration is a hybrid program for teachers to want to provide school children with disabilities with quality physical education opportunities.
#19 – Canisius College – Buffalo, New York
Physical Education (Online) Master’s Program
Average Graduate Tuition: $14,760/year
The top online affordable physical education master’s degree program from Canisius College features two distinct paths for physical education professionals. The best-value, online physical education professional certification program is for those with their initial/provisional PE certification who want to earn their NYS professional certification as a physical educator. The economical, online physical education and athletics pathway is for those without their initial teaching certification or live outside of New York State. Students will gain a strong understanding of cutting edge topics in PE learn to apply that material in a real-world setting. Courses for both paths include:
- Advanced Teaching Methods in Physical Education
- Advanced Human Growth and Motor Development
- Authentic Assessment in Physical Education
#18 – SUNY Cortland – Cortland, New York
Physical Education Leadership Online M.S.Ed. Program
Average Graduate Tuition: $11.090/year in-state and $22,650/year out-of-state
The top affordable online master’s in physical education leadership from SUNY Cortland is for aspiring PE leaders. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop curriculum and evaluate it’s effectiveness. Online coursework covers topics like:
- Using Technology in Physical Education
- School-based Leadership
- Physical Activity and Fitness Programming
Students complete the majority of this inexpensive master’s degree program online, only coming to campus for one, two-week summer intensive. Two practicum courses allow students to collaborate with physical education leaders. The culminating experience is a school-based research project. Students will improve their school’s physical education program and make a positive impact on student learning.
#17 – SUNY College at Brockport – Brockport, New York
Physical Education/Teacher Education (MSEd)
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,090/year in-state and $22,650/year out-of-state
The College at Brockport features an affordable top online physical education/teacher education MSED for students with an undergraduate degree in physical education and want NYS initial certification in physical education.
- Analysis of Teaching Physical Education
- Behavior Management in Physical Education
- Diversity in Education
There are no on-campus residency requirements although students can choose to complete the program in a hybrid format. Graduates of this high-value, online master’s degree program are successful as physical education teachers and coaches.
#16 – University of Northern Colorado – Greeley, Colorado
Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership M.A. in Teaching
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,476/year in-state and $19,551/year out-of-state
The University of Northern Colorado Extended Campus offers a top-value online master’s in physical education and physical activity leadership. The majority of this affordable master’s degree program is available online and students only need to come to campus for a two week intensive during the summer. This 30 credit hour program can be completed in less than two years. Courses include:
- School Physical Activity Policy, Advocacy & Leadership
- Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education
- Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming
Program graduates are able to promote school-wide physical activity and create physical opportunities before, during, and after school.
#15 – West Virginia University – Morgantown, West Virginia
Physical Education Teacher Education M.S.
Average Graduate Tuition:$9,990/year in-state and $25,776/year out-of-state
West Virginia University features a top online affordable master’s in physical education for students with their initial teaching certification in PE or a related field. The fully online format is ideal for students who need to balance their education with work and family obligations. Courses include:
- Curriculum in Physical Education
- Instructional Technology in Sport and Physical Education
- Standards-Based Assessment in Physical Education
All students pay the low in-state tuition rate as part of the Southern Regional Electronic College. Graduates are ethical, collaborative learners who make a positive impact as school-community leaders.
#14– Jacksonville State University – Morgantown, West Virginia
Master of Science in Education in Physical Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,168/year in-state and $18,336/year out-of-state
Jacksonville State University features three different online affordable master’s degree programs in physical education. Students can choose to pursue a:
- M.S. in Education in Physical Education with a Concentration in Nutrition
- M.S. in Education in Physical Education with a Concentration in Teacher Education
- M.S. in Education in Physical Education with a Concentration in Human Performance
The inexpensive, online teacher education program is for current practitioners working with K-12 students in physical education. The high-value, online nutrition concentration prepares students to sit for the ISSN Certified Sport Nutrition exam. The low-priced, online concentration in human performance is for students planning a career in strength and conditioning, adult fitness and wellness, and corporate fitness. All of these economical, online master’s degree programs can be completed in two years of study.
#13 – University of Northern Iowa – Cedar Falls, Iowa
Physical Education – Pedagogy (MA)
Average Graduate Tuition:$9,159/year in-state and $19,633/year out-of-state
The University of Northern Iowa features a top online affordable master’s in physical education for teachers and coaches of PK-12 students. There are no on-campus residency requirements and students can complete assignments when it’s most convenient. Online courses include:
- Effective Teaching in Physical Education
- Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education
- Contemporary Issues in Physical Education and Athletics
This cheap, online master’s degree program follows a cohort model. Students can complete the high-value online program in six semesters alongside other PK-12 physical education educators. Courses are offered in eight-week online modules using Adobe Connect and eLearning.
#12 – The University of Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee
M.S. in Health Studies with a Concentration Physical Education Teacher Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,054/year in-state and $17,838/year out-of-state
The affordable top online physical education teacher education master’s degree program from the University of Memphis Global is a 36 credit hour program focused on teaching and learning in physical education. Students can choose to complete either a thesis or a project. The high-value, online curriculum provides a thorough overview of the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) field for students planning to continue on to a PhD program. Elective courses allow students to explore their personal interests and career goals.
#11– University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, Arkansas
Online Master of Education in Physical Education
Average Graduate Tuition:$7,563/year in-state and $20,477/year out-of-state
The University of Arkansas features a top online affordable master’s in physical education taught by nationally recognized faculty. This low-cost, 33 credit hour master’s degree program is available 100% online and takes two years to complete. Required courses include:
- Sport Skill Assessment and Instructional Strategies
- Scientific Principles of Movement and Performance
- Professional Issues in Physical Education and Sport
To be considered for admission, students should have a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field. Students must pass a comprehensive exam and have a minimum 3.0 GPA to complete the program.
#10– University of Idaho – Moscow, Idaho
Physical Education & Physical Activity Pedagogy, M.Ed.
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,266/year in-state and $24,902/year out-of-state
The top online affordable master’s in physical education and physical activity pedagogy offered by the University of Idaho can be completed in just one year of study. Students can complete all coursework online and can begin their studies during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The high-value online curriculum allows students to be actively engaged in problem-based research that addresses physical activity pedagogy in the classroom setting.
- Physical Activity Assessment and Enrichment
- Healthy Active Lifestyle Assessment and Intervention
- Program Development
There are two low-priced, online master’s degree program options including one for certified teachers who want to continue their study of physical activity pedagogy and another for students with a bachelor’s degree who want a graduate degree and teacher certification in physical education.
#9 – Auburn University at Montgomery – Montgomery, Alabama
Master’s in Physical Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,146/year in-state and $16,056
Auburn University at Montgomery features a top online affordable master’s in physical education that prepares students to teach physical education to students in PK-12 settings. Both are traditional master’s degrees and an education specialist plan of study are available in an online format. Course offerings include:
- Advanced Adapted Physical Education
- Advanced Sociology of Sports & Physical Activity
- Elementary Methods in Physical Education
Online students have some fees waived that are normally charged to on-campus students, potentially saving them hundreds each semester.
#8 – Georgia State University – Atlanta, Georgia
Health and Physical Education, M.Ed.
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,020/year in-state and $22,518/year out-of-state
The College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University features an affordable top health and physical education master’s in education program for PK-12 health and physical education teachers. This economical, 36 credit hour, online master’s degree program includes unique elective course offerings such as:
- Instruction for Students with Disabilities in Physical Education and Sport
- Grant Writing and Fundraising
- Classroom Management Theory and Strategy
Students can further reduce their tuition cost by applying for various awards, assistantships, and fellowships.
#7 – Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, Illinois
M.S. in Education in Kinesiology with a Specialization in Physical Education and Coaching Pedagogy
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,925/year
The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers an inexpensive, online MSEd in physical education and coaching pedagogy. While this affordable, online master’s degree program does not lead to teacher certification, students benefit from a unique curriculum that integrates theory and practice in physical education. Required courses include:
- Physical Activity and Mental Health
- Diversity in Physical Education and Sport
- Behavioral Analysis of Exercise
Faculty members use Blackboard to facilitate student engagement in research and it’s application to physical education and coaching.
#6 – Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus – Portales, New Mexico
Online M.S. in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport Administration
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,778/year in-state and $8,985/year out-of-state
The top online master’s in physical education with an emphasis in sport administration from Eastern New Mexico University focuses on management. Working students can complete this high-value, online master’s degree program without the need to come to campus. Online courses include:
- Social and Psychological Aspects of Sport
- Management and Leadership in Sport
- Ethics in Sport
Students view recorded lectures via Mediasite and they actively participate using Collaborate or YouTube. Online students receive support through the Online Writing Center and the Golden Student Success Center. Worried about cost? Students living outside of New Mexico taking six hours or less each semester pay the low in-state tuition rate!
#5 – University of West Alabama – Livingston, Alabama
M.S. Physical Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,678/year in-state and $13,356/year out-of-state
The University of West Alabama features a top affordable master’s online in physical education with four concentration areas. Students can choose to focus on:
- Athletic Training
- Exercise Science
- Physical Education
- Sport Management
This cheap, 33 credit hour, online master’s degree program is for students seeking a master’s who plan to work in corporate fitness, collegiate athletics, sport management, or hospital settings. There are no residency requirements and most students can complete their degree in one to two years. Students can help keep their tuition low by applying for grants and scholarships.
#4 – Emporia State University – Emporia, Kansas
Online Master’s in Health, Physical Education, & Recreation
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,328/year in-state and $19,403/year out-of-state (in-district tuition rates are $6,238/year)
The Teachers College at Emporia State University features an affordable top online master’s in health, physical education, and recreation (HPER). This low-priced program was the first fully accredited online master’s degree program in the U.S. Online courses are taught by doctoral level faculty and many are nationally recognized experts in their field.
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Applied Psychology in HPER
- Ethics in HPER and Sport
Students can choose to complete a thesis or non-thesis program option. Most working students can complete the program in about two years
#3 – University of Nebraska at Kearney – Kearney, Nebraska
Online Physical Education Master Teacher Master of Arts in Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $5,892/year in-state and $12,930/year out-of-state
The top online affordable master’s in physical education offered by the University of Nebraska Kearney is a master teacher program for K-12 teachers to want to make a positive impact on student learning in the physical education setting. Students can choose from a concentration in pedagogy or special populations depending on their professional interests. This economical, 36 credit hour, online master’s degree program includes coursework in:
- Physiology of Exercise
- Physical Education for Students with Disabilities
- Analysis of Physical Education Teaching
The pedagogy emphasis is for students interested in the art and science behind teaching physical education to children and adults. The special populations area of emphasis leads to an Adapted Physical Education endorsement by the Nebraska Department of Education.
#2 – University of Arkansas at Monticello – Monticello, Arkansas
Master of Physical Education and Coaching
Average Graduate Tuition: $4,839/year in-state and $9,249/year out-of-state
The University of Arkansas at Monticello features an online affordable master’s in physical education and coaching. Online courses include:
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Risk Management and Legal Issues in Sports
- Applied Research and Evaluation Application in Athletic
This inexpensive, 30 credit hour master’s degree program is offered entirely online and emphasizes advanced knowledge and instructional expertise in a variety of settings. To be considered for admission, students should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Graduates are well prepared for leadership roles in athletic coaching, fitness, and other athletic related careers.
#1 – Valdosta State University – Valdosta, Georgia
M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education
Average Graduate Tuition: $4,482/year in-state and $16,146/year out-of-state
Our most affordable online master’s in physical education is offered by Valdosta State University. VSU features a cheap, 33 credit hour, online MEd health and physical education program offered through the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education designed for PK-12 physical education teachers.
- Technology Applications in Physical Education
- Assessment Applications in Physical Education
- Physical Education for Professional Learners
Students can complete this high-value, 33 credit hour, online master’s degree program in just five semesters without the need to come to campus. To be considered for admission, applicants should have an initial teaching certification in health or physical education (or both). The National Council on Teacher Quality voted this top online physical education master’s program as a “Top 5 Best Value Program.”
Other Articles of Interest:
- 10 Best Online Masters in Parks and Recreation Management
- 25 Best Return On Investment Degrees in Sports Management (Bachelor’s)
- 10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Sports Science Degree Programs
- 50 Best Master’s in Sports Science Degree Programs (Campus)
- 20 Best Online Masters in Sports Coaching
- 25 Best Online Master’s in Sports Management Degree Programs
- 20 Best Online Master’s in Sports Psychology Degree Programs
- 20 Best Bachelor’s Degrees for Future Sports Management Professionals
- How Do You Become a Physical Therapist?
