Physical Education Teacher Degree and Certification Programs
Compare Program Types, Degree Options, PE Certification Requirements, and Online Format Considerations
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Health and Wellness
BS in Health Sciences - Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science
Master of Science in Physical Education
ES in Elementary Education- Physical Education; MS in Kinesiology- Physical Education
PhD in Health Education and Promotion
Master of Arts in Teaching: Health and Physical Education
Master of Education – Health and Physical Education
Master of Science in Education in Health and Physical Education
Where Are You Starting? Find the Right Path for Your Situation
The education path toward a physical education teaching role looks different depending on where you are right now. Whether you are still completing an undergraduate degree, making a career transition, or already teaching and pursuing further credentials, the right program type, format, and next step varies considerably. These four starting points describe the most common situations and what each typically involves.
I Am Still in College or Do Not Have a Degree Yet
If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree or have not yet earned one, a bachelor’s degree in physical education, kinesiology education, or a closely related field combined with an approved educator preparation program is the traditional entry path. Program design, required coursework, and state board approval status vary by institution.
I Have a Bachelor’s Degree, But Not in Education
Career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, sports management, or another field often pursue post-baccalaureate certificates, alternative certification programs, or a Master of Arts in Teaching. These routes vary significantly by state and program design. Ask programs specifically how your existing degree applies to their requirements.
I Am Already Teaching and Want to Add PE or Advance
Licensed educators looking to add a PE endorsement, complete a required master’s degree, or advance on a district salary schedule typically explore Master of Education programs, endorsement programs, or certificate options. These programs are generally designed for currently licensed practitioners and often do not confer initial licensure.
I Coach or Work in Fitness and Want to Move Into PE Teaching
Coaches, personal trainers, and fitness professionals with strong knowledge of movement and kinesiology often find that their background applies to subject-matter content requirements. However, a coaching credential or personal training certification does not replace a teaching license. Ask programs how your background applies before selecting a route.
PETeacherEDU.org provides resources for prospective students comparing physical education degree and teacher-preparation programs at every level. The sections below cover program types, the PE teacher certification pathway, state requirements, online format considerations, accreditation factors, common points of confusion, and questions to ask when requesting information from schools.
The Physical Education Teacher Education Pathway: A Step-by-Step Overview
Preparing for a physical education teaching role follows a general sequence, though specific steps depend on your state, your starting point, and the program you choose. The overview below outlines the common progression, with notes on where variation most often occurs.
Important: Programs can prepare you for the steps above, but a teaching license is granted by your state board of education, not by the institution. Confirm that any program you consider holds current state board approval for the state where you intend to seek licensure. Completing a program that lacks state board approval may affect your eligibility to apply for a credential.
PE Teacher Preparation Program Types: Matching the Credential to Your Goal
Physical education teacher preparation programs vary significantly in design, intended audience, and credential outcome. Understanding these differences when comparing schools helps prevent selecting a program that does not align with what your state requires or what your career goal calls for.
Bachelor’s in Physical Education / Kinesiology Education
The traditional entry path for students pursuing initial licensure as PE teachers. A bachelor’s in physical education or kinesiology education typically combines subject-matter coursework in exercise science, motor development, and health with educator preparation, pedagogy, and student teaching. State board approval of the educator preparation component makes graduates eligible to apply for a teaching credential, not the degree alone. Program titles vary; confirm that the program includes approved educator preparation, not just content coursework.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate / Alternative Certification
Designed for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. Candidates with a background in kinesiology, exercise science, coaching, or sports management often find their content knowledge applicable to subject-matter requirements. Many alternative routes allow candidates to enter a classroom on a provisional credential while completing required education coursework alongside their teaching duties. Some alternative routes may reduce or eliminate the need for a traditional unpaid student-teaching period, making the transition more accessible to working adults.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Physical Education
A graduate-level program that provides initial licensure for career changers who did not study education as undergraduates. The MAT combines pedagogy and subject-area content with a student-teaching component. This is a primary option for adult learners seeking a graduate-level credential rather than returning to earn a second bachelor’s degree. Not all MAT programs include physical education as a specialization; confirm that the specific subject endorsement is available before applying.
Master of Education (MEd)
Designed for educators who are already licensed and actively teaching. An MEd focuses on advanced instructional design, curriculum theory, or a content specialization rather than initial licensure. Many PE teachers pursue an MEd to advance on district salary schedules, satisfy state-mandated graduate requirements for license renewal, or prepare for department leadership and curriculum roles. An MEd does not confer initial licensure; it is intended for practitioners already holding a credential.
PE Endorsement and Certificate Programs
Short-form credentials that allow licensed educators to add a physical education endorsement, expand their teaching area to include health education, or satisfy continuing education requirements. These are generally not designed for initial licensure and typically require an existing teaching license as a prerequisite. Eligibility and credit requirements vary by state and institution.
| Program Type | Who It Fits | Licensure Role | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s in PE / Kinesiology Education | Traditional undergraduates | Initial licensure (if state board-approved) | 4 years |
| Post-Bacc / Alt Certification | Career changers with an existing degree | Provisional to initial licensure; varies by state | 1-2 years |
| Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) | Career changers seeking graduate-level entry | Initial licensure at the graduate level | 1-2 years |
| Master of Education (MEd) | Licensed, practicing educators | Advancement and salary lane; not initial licensure | 1-2 years |
| PE Endorsement / Certificate | Licensed educators adding credentials | Endorsement or renewal credit; not initial licensure | Varies |
Program type descriptions reflect general patterns. Specific requirements, credit expectations, and licensure alignment vary by school, state, and program design. Confirm details directly with any program you are considering.
Kinesiology degree vs. PE education degree: A Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology or Exercise Science develops content knowledge in movement, physiology, and sports science, but does not typically include the educator preparation, pedagogy training, and student teaching required for a teaching license. A physical education degree or teacher-preparation program combines subject-matter coursework with approved educator preparation. If your goal is to teach PE in a public school, confirm that the program includes state board-approved educator preparation, not kinesiology content alone.
Featured Physical Education Teacher Preparation Programs
These programs offer degree and teacher-preparation options connected to physical education. Compare options by degree level, format, and state availability. Contact programs directly to request information on state authorization, accreditation status, and other program specifics.
PROS
The first program in the nation combining preparation for both the health & wellness coaching and fitness science fields Three academic tracks — Fitness Science / Health and Wellness Coaching / Health Promotion — allow students to align coursework with specific career or certification goals The Health and Wellness Coaching track prepares students to sit for the National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBHWC) exam through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching Backed by ASU's College of Health Solutions and supported by a large faculty base and significant ongoing partnerships with organizations including Mayo Clinic / Banner Health / and HonorHealth ASU has been widely recognized for innovation in higher education with #1 rankings from U.S. News and World Report Coursework includes hands-on experiential learning Curriculum covers healthy eating / behavior change / coaching communication / fitness programming / diabetes prevention / social determinants of health and more Graduates receive a standard ASU diploma that does not indicate whether the degree was earned online or in personCONS
ASU's academic programs that prepare students for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements; completing this program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states This is a health sciences degree program and does not confer K-12 teacher certification or lead to an educator preparation credentialPROS
Liberty's online B.Ed. / M.A.T. / M.Ed. / Ed.S. / and Ed.D. degrees are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 8-week course format with 8 start dates per year and no set login times for most courses to provide significant schedule flexibility for working adults Online programs backed by a respected brick-and-mortar campus Can be completed in as few as 1.5 years — transfer up to 50% of a graduate degree Discounted tuition rates are available for eligible active duty / Reserve / Guard / and veteran service members and their spouses Nonprofit Christian university with more than 600 online degree programs at every level from associate's through doctoral Pioneer in distance education since 1985 No standardized tests required for admission (exceptions may apply to certain doctoral programs)CONS
This is a non-licensure program and is not a state-approved educator preparation program; it will not lead to initial teacher certification in any state All coursework is developed from a biblical worldview which may be a consideration for some prospective studentsPROS
Four concentrations — Athletic Training / Exercise Science / Physical Education / Sport Management — allow students to build a specialized graduate degree aligned to their professional goals Curriculum developed by R.T. Floyd who was a past president of the NATA Research and Education Foundation and a widely recognized authority in athletic training and physical education All educator certification programs at UWA are CAEP accredited while the institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 33 credit hours completable in 1-2 years A majority of UWA students receive some form of financial aid 8-week course format designed for working adults with flexible online scheduling along with personal enrollment counselor and success coach support Career pathways span hospitals / corporate fitness settings / collegiate athletics / sport management organizations and more Highly accessible admissions with a straightforward application process and step-by-step enrollment guidanceCONS
This is a non-certification program and does not lead to Alabama teaching certification or K-12 teaching licensure in any state The Athletic Training concentration requires BOC (Board of Certification) certification or eligibility as a prerequisite for enrollment in the concentrationPE Teacher Requirements: What the Path Involves
The path toward a physical education teaching role involves several distinct categories of requirements. These are separate decisions, and meeting one does not automatically satisfy another. The overview below separates the most common requirement types to help you ask more specific questions when evaluating programs.
Education Requirements
Most states require a bachelor’s degree at a minimum to teach in a public school setting. The degree must come from an accredited institution. Some states require that the degree be in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field. Confirm your target state’s education requirements with the state board of education, since institutional requirements alone do not determine eligibility.
Educator Preparation Program Completion
Earning a degree is not the same as completing an approved educator preparation program. The educator preparation component must be separately state-approved and includes pedagogy, curriculum methods, and a clinical student-teaching placement. Ask any program whether its educator preparation component holds current approval in the state where you plan to seek licensure.
PE Subject-Matter Content Requirements
States and programs typically require coursework covering kinesiology, exercise physiology, motor development, biomechanics, and physical education curriculum design. Some states specify minimum credit-hour requirements for PE content. Ask programs how their content-area curriculum aligns with your target state’s requirements and how that preparation maps to any required subject-matter content exam.
Student Teaching and Fieldwork
Traditional educator preparation programs require a supervised clinical placement at an approved school, completed in person. PE student teaching typically takes place in a gymnasium, outdoor setting, or multi-purpose facility under a licensed mentor teacher. The number of required hours, placement format, and whether the placement can be arranged in your geographic area vary by program and state.
Licensure Exams
Many states require one or more assessments before a credential is issued, which may include basic skills, pedagogy, or subject-matter exams. Exam names, formats, and required passing scores vary by state. Several states use their own state-developed exams rather than national assessments. Confirm your specific state’s current exam requirements with the state board of education before selecting a program.
Background Checks and Clearances
All states require background checks, fingerprinting, and clearances before a teaching credential is issued. Some programs require clearances before the student-teaching placement begins. Ask programs at what point in the timeline background check requirements apply, and what documentation is needed for both program admission and the state credential application.
Meeting program admission requirements and completing a degree program are necessary steps, but they do not automatically result in a teaching credential. Your state board of education issues the credential after you complete all state-specific requirements, including passing required exams and submitting a licensure application. Confirming that your program holds current state board approval is an essential step before enrolling.
PE Teacher Certification Requirements Vary by State
Physical education teacher certification is governed by state boards of education, not by universities or national professional organizations. Required exams, approved program types, grade-band scope, and application procedures depend entirely on the state where you intend to teach. Confirming your state’s specific requirements before selecting a program prevents a mismatch between what a program offers and what your state board requires.
How exam and certification requirements vary by state:
Many states use a physical education subject-matter assessment administered as part of the Praxis series or a comparable national assessment, but each state sets its own required passing score. A candidate who meets the passing threshold in one state may not meet another state’s requirement on the same exam.
Texas, Florida, and California administer their own state-specific PE content assessments rather than national exams. Candidates pursuing certification in those states must prepare specifically for the state-developed assessment frameworks.
Some states issue a combined Health and Physical Education credential. Others issue separate endorsements for physical education only. Confirming which credential structure your target state uses before selecting a program affects which coursework and preparation you will need.
Grade-band scope also varies. Most states issue a K-12 PE credential, but some states differentiate between elementary and secondary PE endorsements. Confirm which grade levels your target credential covers in your state.
State-specific requirement guides are available for the states below. If your state is not listed, your state board of education is the authoritative source for current PE certification requirements.
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Find PE certification requirements for your state.
PETeacherEDU.org maintains state-specific guides covering PE program approval requirements, required assessments, grade-band scope, and certification application steps. Find your state’s requirements before comparing programs.
Online PE Teacher Programs: What Can Be Completed Remotely and What Cannot
When programs describe themselves as online or hybrid, that description refers to how academic coursework is delivered. The clinical component of teacher preparation, including student teaching, requires in-person participation at a school. PE student teaching specifically takes place in a gymnasium, athletic field, or multi-use facility. No portion of the clinical placement can be completed remotely, regardless of how coursework is delivered.
| Program Component | Typical Delivery Format |
|---|---|
| Lectures, readings, and academic coursework | Often online, depending on the program |
| Education foundations and pedagogy coursework | Often online, depending on the program |
| Kinesiology, exercise science, and health theory coursework | Often online, some programs require in-person lab or activity components for certain courses |
| PE activity courses and movement skills labs | Often in-person or hybrid; ask each program specifically how activity-based requirements are structured in their online or hybrid format |
| Student teaching and clinical fieldwork | Generally completed in person at an approved school site |
Delivery formats reflect general patterns. Individual programs vary. Ask each program specifically about activity-based requirements and in-person obligations when requesting information.
State Eligibility for Online Programs
Online programs may not be authorized to enroll students in every state, and state authorization does not automatically mean your state board approves the program’s educator preparation component. Confirm both: whether the program is authorized to serve students in your state, and whether its educator preparation component holds approval in the state where you plan to seek licensure. These are two separate questions.
Timeline and Scheduling Factors
The program timeline is affected by the starting point, enrollment pace, transfer credit availability, and the scheduling of the student-teaching placement. Part-time enrollment options are available in some programs and can extend the overall timeline while keeping the workload manageable alongside work obligations. Ask programs for a realistic timeline for someone in your specific situation before committing to a start date.
Student Teaching Placement Logistics for PE
PE student-teaching placements require access to a gym, outdoor space, or multi-use athletic facility at the assigned school. If you are geographically distant from the program’s home institution, confirm how placements are arranged in your area. Some programs have established relationships with school districts across multiple states; others provide guidance and expect students to confirm local availability on their own.
Evaluating PE Teacher Preparation Programs: Accreditation and Quality Factors
When comparing physical education teacher preparation programs, a few verification points help ensure the program aligns with your state’s requirements and your personal goals. The checklist below covers the most important factors to confirm when requesting information from schools.
State Board of Education Approval
Confirm the program holds current approval from the state board of education in the state where you intend to seek licensure. This approval is separate from national accreditation and directly governs whether graduates are eligible to apply for a teaching credential. A program can be nationally accredited and still not hold approval in your specific state.
Institutional Accreditation
Programs delivered by accredited institutions generally satisfy requirements for financial aid eligibility and credit transferability. Ask whether the institution holds current institutional accreditation. Accreditation status can be verified through the accrediting body’s published database.
Educator Preparation Program Approval (CAEP or Equivalent)
Programs may hold CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation or another state-recognized approval of their educator preparation component. When held, this accreditation specifically evaluates the educator preparation program’s curriculum, clinical practice, and outcomes rather than the institution’s overall quality.
PE Content Depth and Kinesiology Preparation
Physical education teacher preparation programs typically require coursework in exercise physiology, motor learning and development, biomechanics, PE curriculum and assessment, and health-related fitness concepts. Confirm how the program’s content-area coursework aligns with your target state’s subject-matter requirements and how it maps to any required content exam.
Student Teaching Placement Support
Programs vary in how they support the PE student-teaching placement. Some programs have established relationships with school districts across multiple states and can coordinate gym-based or multi-use facility placements in your area. Others provide a list of approved schools and expect students to confirm availability on their own. Ask specifically how placement support works and whether placements are available in your geographic area when requesting information.
Questions to Ask About Cost and Value
Cost factors to ask programs about include total program fees, per-credit-hour pricing, required materials or technology fees, and whether transfer credits from prior kinesiology or exercise science coursework can reduce the time and cost in the program. Ask about financial aid options available to those who may qualify and whether employer tuition assistance applies. See our PE teacher career overview for context on the credentialing.
Common Confusion Points: Clearing Up What the PE Teaching Path Actually Involves
Several common misconceptions lead prospective PE teachers to invest time in the wrong program or misunderstand what the next step actually involves. The clarifications below address the most frequently encountered points of confusion.
Confusion: Kinesiology Degree = Teaching License
Clarification: Content Knowledge Alone Does Not Confer a License
A degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or sports science provides valuable subject-matter background but does not typically include the educator preparation component required for a teaching credential. A PE teacher preparation program adds pedagogy, curriculum methods, classroom management, and student teaching to the content coursework. Confirm whether any program you are evaluating includes state board-approved educator preparation, not content coursework alone.
Confusion: Coaching Credential =CredentialLicense
Clarification: These Are Separate Credentials
Coaching certifications allow individuals to lead athletic teams, but do not authorize them to instruct students in physical education classes in most states. Teaching PE in a public school K-12 setting requires a state-issued teaching credential. Some states allow coaches who are not licensed teachers to coach at the high school level under certain conditions, but this is a separate question from teaching PE. Confirm your specific state’s requirements with the state board of education.
Confusion: Personal Training Certification = PE Teacher Preparation
Clarification: These Serve Different Settings and Purposes
Personal training certifications are designed for fitness instruction in gym or private client settings, not for K-12 school instruction. They do not satisfy educator preparation or licensure requirements in any state. A background in personal training may apply toward subject-matter content knowledge, but it does not substitute for completing an approved teacher preparation program.
Confusion: PE Teaching and Adaptive PE Are the Same Path
Clarification: Adaptive PE Requires Distinct Preparation
Adaptive physical education, which serves students with disabilities, requires specialized training in assessing movement needs, modifying instruction, and working within IEP frameworks. It is a distinct area of practice from general PE instruction and may require additional coursework, training, or endorsements depending on the state. If your goal is adaptive PE, the preparation path, program type, and credential requirements differ from those for general PE teaching.
Confusion: Submitting an Inquiry = Applying for a Job or a License
Clarification: Requesting Program Information Is a Research Step
Submitting a request for information through this guide connects you with educational programs that may match your goals. It is not an application for employment, an application for licensure, or a commitment to enroll. Schools will follow up with information about their programs. You are under no obligation to enroll, and your consent to be contacted does not affect your eligibility for any credential.
Ready to Look at Programs?
The featured programs above include options with degree and teacher-preparation pathways connected to physical education. Compare options by degree level, format, and state availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to teach PE?
Public school PE teaching in most states requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and completion of a state-approved educator preparation program. The specific degree title varies; some programs are titled physical education, kinesiology, or health and physical education. The key requirement is that the program includes approved educator preparation, not just content coursework in kinesiology or exercise science. Graduate-level programs, such as a Master of Arts in Teaching, are available for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field.
Can I complete a PE teacher program online?
Many PE teacher preparation programs deliver academic, pedagogy, and theory coursework online. However, student teaching is generally completed in person at an approved school setting. Physical education student teaching specifically takes place in a gymnasium, outdoor instructional environment, or multi-use facility. Some programs also have in-person requirements for activity-based courses. When evaluating online programs, confirm what in-person requirements apply, how student teaching placements are arranged, and whether the program holds state board approval in the state where you plan to seek licensure.
What exams do PE teachers typically need to pass?
Exam requirements vary by state. Many states require one or more assessments before a teaching credential is issued, which may include basic skills, pedagogy, or subject-matter exams in physical education. Many states use a physical education content knowledge assessment from the Praxis series, but each state sets its own passing score. Several states, including Texas, Florida, and California, administer their own state-developed PE content exams rather than national assessments. A candidate who meets a passing threshold in one state may not meet another state’s requirement on the same exam. Confirm your state’s current exam requirements with the state board of education before selecting a program.
How long does a PE teacher preparation program typically take?
Program length varies by credential level, enrollment pace, and program design. A traditional bachelor’s degree in physical education or kinesiology typically takes 4 years. Post-baccalaureate and alternative certification programs commonly take one to two years. MAT programs typically take one to two years as well. Part-time enrollment can extend timelines across all program types. The student-teaching placement timeline also depends on when placements are available and how your program schedules the clinical component. Ask each program what a realistic timeline looks like for someone in your specific situation.
I have a kinesiology degree. Can I teach PE without going back for another four-year degree?
Having a degree in kinesiology or exercise science may satisfy subject-matter content requirements in some states and programs, thereby reducing the coursework required. Career changers with an existing degree in kinesiology often pursue post-baccalaureate certificates, alternative certification programs, or a Master of Arts in Teaching rather than returning to earn a second undergraduate degree. How your existing degree applies varies by program and state. Ask programs specifically how a kinesiology background affects your required coursework and whether it satisfies any subject-matter prerequisites before applying.
Does a PE teaching license cover coaching?
A PE teaching license authorizes you to instruct physical education in a school setting, but does not automatically qualify you to coach athletic teams. Many schools or states require separate coaching certifications or other qualifications before a person can coach. Coaching requirements vary by state, school district, and sport. Many PE teachers hold both a teaching license and coaching credentials, and some school districts prioritize hiring PE teachers for coaching positions, but these are separate authorizations. Confirm your state’s specific coaching requirements with the relevant governing body.
What happens after I submit a request for information?
Submitting a request for information connects you with educational programs that may match your stated goals and interests. Representatives from schools may reach out by email, phone, or text to provide information about their programs. This is a research step, not an application for admission. You are under no obligation to enroll in any program after receiving information. Reviewing information from more than one program is a standard part of comparing options and making a well-informed decision. See our PE teacher salary and career information for context on the field before you begin comparing programs.
Ready to Compare PE Teacher Education Programs?
Browse programs connected to physical education degrees and teacher-preparation pathways. Compare options by degree level, format, and state availability to find programs that fit your goals and your state’s requirements.
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Program formats, state certification requirements, exam requirements, and accreditation status are subject to change. This guide reflects general conditions as of 2026 and is intended solely as a planning reference. State boards of education set education requirements, certification eligibility criteria, and credential rules, which may differ from information presented here. Always verify current requirements with your state board of education and confirm program details, accreditation status, and state authorization with the institution before requesting information or enrolling. No guarantee of enrollment, licensure, exam passage, employment, or specific salary is expressed or implied.