by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general was the 54th most popular major nationwide with 13,944 degrees awarded. This represents a 1.1% reduction in phys ed degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 14,096.
This year's Best Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General Schools ranking compares 148 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of phys ed programs later in this article.
A major in phys ed prepares you for careers in which teaching others how to do something is crucial. Talking to others to convey information effectively and giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times are all required skills for careers related to this major.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most phys ed degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific phys ed careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different phys ed degree levels. Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest phys ed degree you can get. The type of phys ed degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| 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 bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to phys ed, with approximately 24.6% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to phys ed tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 27.2% |
| Doctoral Degree | 16.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 12.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 11.6% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 10.0% |
About 55.6% of workers in careers related to phys ed obtain at least bachelor's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general have received.
This of course varies depending on which phys ed career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your phys ed degree? Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General careers are expected to grow 11.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | 329,200 | 10.0% |
| Coaches and Scouts | 311,700 | 12.9% |
| Recreation and Fitness Studies Professors | 22,600 | 9.7% |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | 12,700 | 7.6% |
As you might expect, salaries for phys ed graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for sports kinesiology and physical education/fitness general 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 |
| Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | $44,580 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $43,870 |
With over 637 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.
One of 5 majors within the Health & Physical Education area of study, Sports Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness General has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 32,740 |
| Sports Management | 16,971 |
| Outdoor Health & Physical Education/Fitness | 1,441 |
| Physical Fitness Technician | 1,436 |
| Sports Studies | 614 |
