by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you enjoy working out and helping other get into shape, consider majoring in Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
In this major you will get to take classes in exercise science, biology, anatomy, physical education, nutrition, exercise techniques, and injury prevention. These classes will prepare you to teach others proper exercise and nutrition, monitor gym facilities, teach physical education classes, and improve athletic performance. A degree in this field allows students to work in a relaxed environment while improving the health and lifestyle of others.
While the general Health and Physical Education/Fitness major will allow students to learn about the field as a whole, some may decide they want to focus on a specific aspect of health and fitness. Areas of specialization available to students are Sport and Fitness Administration and Management, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Physical Fitness Technician, and Sports Studies.
Health & Physical Education was the 11th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 66,552 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Health & Physical Education Schools ranking analyzes 553 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for health & physical education students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of phys ed programs later in this article.
Students in Health and Physical Education will have to work closely with others, making interpersonal skills extremely important. Trainers and other health professionals must have the customer service skills to sell their services to new customers as well as retain those they already work with. Listening and problem solving skills will help professionals listen to the issues and goals of clients and develop health and exercise plans to help them meet those goals.
Health and Physical Education professionals work full time in varying environments. Those who pursue Physical Education often work in a school setting, while trainers and fitness technicians are employed in gyms or recreation centers. Some graduates work as personal trainers and may travel to clients' homes.
Summer jobs and internships will allow students to work in the field as fitness class instructors or other lower level employees. This experience will allow students to work in the field and decide if they wish to make it a career.
Along with a degree in Health and Physical Education/Fitness, professionals must also be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While some employers will provide this training, graduates who already have the certification will be more competitive in the job market.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic health & physical education program qualifications, to serve in some phys ed careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Phys Ed degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in health & physical education to something that takes less time like a . Different health & physical education degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A master's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to phys ed, with approximately 28.8% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for phys ed workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 30.5% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 27.4% |
| Doctoral Degree | 10.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 7.9% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 6.4% |
70.4% of phys ed workers have at least a bachelor's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in health & physical education have received.
This of course varies depending on which phys ed career you choose.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduates have found jobs in a variety of locations from recreation centers and gyms to schools, resorts, health clubs, and hospitals. Since graduates have the skills to personalize fitness programs, some have decided to become self-employed.
Many people are beginning to understand the importance of health and fitness, causing an increased demand for professionals in this field.
Want a job when you graduate with your phys ed degree? Health & Physical Education careers are expected to grow 11.8% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to health & physical education.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | 329,200 | 10.0% |
| Coaches and Scouts | 311,700 | 12.9% |
| Athletic Trainers | 34,100 | 22.7% |
| Recreation and Fitness Studies Professors | 22,600 | 9.7% |
| Exercise Physiologists | 17,100 | 13.2% |
Fit 2 of your passions – business and sports – into 1 degree when you earn your sport management MBA at Southern New Hampshire University.
Pursue opportunities in collegiate and professional sport management organizations with the support of this well-established online master's degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Recently graduated health & physical education students earned an average of $34,086 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $11,749 to as high as $77,396. As you might expect, salaries for phys ed graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for health & physical education graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers phys ed grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $87,030 |
| Recreation and Fitness Studies Professors | $72,190 |
| Exercise Physiologists | $54,760 |
| Athletic Trainers | $49,280 |
| Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | $44,580 |
With over 3,268 different phys ed degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased phys ed school rankings to help you with this.
Health & Physical Education is one of 4 different types of Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 32,435 |
| Sports Management | 17,486 |
| Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General | 13,335 |
| Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness | 1,377 |
| Physical Fitness Technician | 1,336 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Recreation Administration | 2,826 |
| Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | 2,818 |
| Outdoor Education | 313 |
| Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | 232 |
