Exploring Career Options with a Physical Education Degree

Are you passionate about physical exercise and dream of inspiring others to live active and healthy lives? Do you feel called to educate others to live healthy lives through fitness, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally? A degree in physical education can be a gateway to a diverse range of fulfilling and impactful careers. For over 50 years, rigorous physical education degree programs have provided aspiring physical education teachers with the skills and knowledge to excel in a wide variety of careers as trainers, coaches, and educators. Physical education is a diverse field, with many unique career paths that empower you to help others stay healthy. This article explores the numerous career paths available to graduates with a physical education degree, highlighting the roles, responsibilities, educational requirements, and salary expectations associated with each option.

The Value of a Physical Education Degree

A physical education degree provides a strong foundation in exercise science, kinesiology, and health education. It equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote physical activity, wellness, and healthy lifestyles across various settings. When you earn your bachelor’s degree in physical education, you’ll benefit from a high-quality educational experience built around a dedication to wellness and social justice for everyone. You’ll join a thriving community of students, faculty, and alumni who share your passion for education and physical activity.

Core Knowledge and Skills

As a physical education degree major, you’ll gain foundational knowledge and skills in topics including nutrition, exercise physiology, and different types of physical activity. Exercise science is a multidisciplinary field of study involving the active human body in the areas of anatomy, physiology, metabolism, and kinetics. Kinesiology is the scientific study of movement and the human body. Exercise science, on the other hand, studies the active human body through the lenses of anatomy, physiology, metabolism, and kinetics.

Career Paths in Physical Education

A physical education degree opens doors to various career paths, each with its unique focus and responsibilities. Here's an overview of some popular career options:

Physical Education Teacher

Physical education teachers work in a huge variety of settings, from schools and summer camps to healthcare facilities and sports agencies. A physical education teacher plays a key role in reversing the trend needed to instruct all students. If you know academics is the career path you want to pursue, the single subject teaching credential may be the path for you.

Responsibilities: Instructing students in physical activities, developing lesson plans, assessing student performance, and promoting healthy habits.
Settings: Elementary, middle, and high schools.
Requirements: A bachelor's degree in physical education and state teaching certification are typically required.

Recreation and Youth Development Specialist

Our Recreation and Youth Development concentrations prepare you to develop and implement safe and effective physical activity programs for people of all ages in various settings.

Responsibilities: Designing and implementing recreational programs for children, adolescents, and adults in community centers, parks, and recreational facilities.
Settings: Community centers, YMCA/YWCA organizations, parks and recreation departments.
Requirements: A bachelor's degree in recreation, physical education, or a related field is often preferred.

Athletic Trainer

To become an athletic trainer, you must graduate with a master’s degree from an accredited professional athletic training program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). This allows you to become licensed in the state in which you intend to practice. Once certified, you must meet ongoing educational requirements to maintain certification.

Responsibilities: Preventing and treating athletic injuries, providing first aid, and rehabilitating athletes.
Settings: Schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and sports medicine clinics.
Requirements: A bachelor's degree in athletic training or a related field, certification from the Board of Certification (BOC), and state licensure are typically required.

Exercise Physiologist

An exercise physiologist designs physical activity programs aimed at improving key areas of physical fitness, such as muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular function.

Responsibilities: Assessing patients' fitness levels, developing exercise programs, and monitoring progress in clinical and rehabilitation settings.
Settings: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and wellness centers.
Requirements: You typically need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, or a related healthcare field to become an exercise physiologist.

Fitness and Wellness Business Owner

A fitness and wellness business owner is responsible for managing and operating their own facility, which can include gyms, yoga studios, personal training services, wellness centers, or health coaching.

Responsibilities: Managing and operating a fitness or wellness business, including marketing, sales, and customer service.
Settings: Gyms, fitness studios, wellness centers, and private practices.
Requirements: As a business owner, you have the flexibility to pursue any level of education you choose. However, a healthcare-related undergraduate degree can provide valuable health and wellness expertise.

Personal Trainer

A personal trainer leads, instructs, and motivates individuals or groups in physical activities such as strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and stretching. Their clients range across all ages and athletic abilities. Personal trainers typically work in gyms, fitness centers, private studios, rehabilitation centers, with sports teams, or at resorts.

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Responsibilities: Developing and implementing personalized exercise programs for clients, providing guidance on nutrition and lifestyle, and motivating clients to achieve their fitness goals.
Settings: Gyms, fitness centers, and private studios.
Requirements: While a high school diploma can open doors, many employers prefer candidates with an undergraduate degree in recreation, fitness, or a healthcare-related field.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

A cardiac rehabilitation specialist supports heart attack survivors in improving their heart health by developing personalized fitness plans that involve monitoring blood pressure and oxygen levels.

Responsibilities: Helping patients recover from heart conditions through exercise and lifestyle modifications.
Settings: Hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
Education: A bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field is required; popular options include exercise science, kinesiology, physical therapy, or exercise physiology.

Recreation and Sports Director

A recreation and sports director manages and oversees recreation and sports programs within an institution, organization, or community. Their responsibilities typically include developing programs, managing staff, overseeing budgets and fundraising efforts, managing facilities, engaging with the community, and coordinating events.

Responsibilities: Planning, organizing, and directing recreational and sports programs in community or institutional settings.
Settings: Community centers, parks and recreation departments, and universities.
Requirements: Depending on the organization, a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management, leisure studies, or a related field may be necessary. Since this is a senior-level position, a master’s degree is often preferred.

Sports Performance Specialist

A sports performance specialist helps individuals or teams enhance their athletic performance through targeted training and conditioning programs.

Responsibilities: Designing and implementing training programs to improve athletic performance.
Settings: Schools, colleges, and professional sports teams.
Requirements: While an undergraduate degree isn’t always mandatory, it can enhance your chances of securing a position and increase your earning potential. Degrees in fields such as exercise science, sports science, physical education, or kinesiology are particularly beneficial.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

A strength and conditioning coach enhances athletic performance through strength training, conditioning, and injury prevention.

Responsibilities: Developing and implementing strength and conditioning programs for athletes.
Settings: Schools, colleges, and professional sports teams.
Requirements: Most positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. A master’s degree may be necessary for some roles.

Wellness Coach

A wellness coach helps individuals make sustainable lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and well-being. They typically assess a client’s current health status, assist in establishing realistic goals, create personalized wellness plans, educate clients on various health topics, and provide ongoing support throughout the process. Wellness coaches can find employment in a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, community health organizations, schools and universities, health food stores, sports teams, and wellness resorts.

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Responsibilities: Helping individuals adopt healthy behaviors and achieve wellness goals.
Settings: Healthcare facilities, corporate wellness programs, and private practices.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree isn’t always required, but obtaining one in a related field such as nutrition, exercise science, psychology, or public health can provide a strong foundation.

Fitness Sales Representative

With a blend of business acumen, marketing expertise, customer service skills, and healthcare knowledge, a fitness sales representative promotes and sells fitness-related products and services, including gym memberships, personal training sessions, and fitness equipment.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The career outlook for physical education professionals is generally positive, driven by an increasing emphasis on health and wellness. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physical education trainers and teachers is predicted to grow 39% percent over the next decade, about four times the national average for other occupations. Exercise science positions, and many other related healthcare jobs, are in high demand due to steady growth driven by an increased global awareness of health and wellness. An aging population and a greater overall emphasis on preventative care are also major contributing factors. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for exercise physiologists in particular is expected to grow 10% between 2023 and 2033. There are many career paths that provide you with the opportunity to make a positive impact while also earning a lucrative salary.

Salaries vary depending on the specific role, education, experience, and location. Here's a glimpse of the average salaries for some of the careers mentioned above:

Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist: According to Salary.com, average salary is around $80,000 but the range typically falls between $71,000 and $91,000.
Community Health Director: Salary.com provides an average of $79,000 with a range between $69,000 and $91,000.
Exercise Physiologist: The average salary for an exercise physiologist is around $55,000, with a range from $35,000 to over $77,000.
Fitness Sales Representative: According to Talent.com, the average fitness sales salary is around $35,000.
Personal Trainer: The average salary for personal trainers and instructors is around $46,000 with a range between $26,000 and $80,000. However, you can earn more if you work with high-paying clients or at exclusive clubs.
Sports Performance Specialist: The average salary for a sports performance specialist is $68,000, with most professionals earning between $51,000 and $83,500.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: The average salary is $66,000 with a range between $59,000 and $74,000. However, six-figure salaries (or more) are possible if you work with certain amateur or professional sports teams.

Keep in mind that these figures are averages and can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and education.

Tips for Career Advancement

To maximize your career potential with a physical education degree, consider the following tips:

Pursue Advanced Education: The minimum for many entry-level positions is a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. Depending on the role, a master’s degree and/or certifications may be required or preferred. Even if a master’s degree and specific certifications aren’t mandatory, advanced education and training can deepen your knowledge, enhance your career prospects, and potentially increase your salary. Consider pursuing a master’s degree based on your career interests: Advanced academic options, such as a Master of Science in Exercise Science, can provide you with enhanced training and education.
Acquire Relevant Certifications: Many of the roles we previously mentioned require specific certifications that can enhance your qualifications. Consider specializing and additional training/certifications: Certain specializations, such as sports psychology or rehabilitation, tend to offer higher salaries.
Develop a Strong Professional Profile: It’s important to create a clear, well-rounded representation of your skills, background, and experience.
Seek Out High-Paying Positions: Once you’ve gained the necessary education, qualifications, and experience for your desired role, it’s time to start applying. Research companies and industries that offer competitive salaries and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and achievements.
Gain Hands-On Experience: Get hands-on experience in physical education. Graduate with real-world experience through physical education internships in facilities that align with your career choice. You’ll also have many opportunities to serve your community through various volunteer programs that help you build a strong resume.

Choosing the Right Program

When selecting a physical education program, consider the following factors:

Accreditation: Is the program long-standing and reputable? Is it accredited?
Faculty Expertise: Are you passionate about physical exercise? Do you dream of sharing that passion to inspire others to live active and healthy lives? For over 50 years, our rigorous physical education degree program has provided aspiring physical education teachers with the skills and knowledge to excel in a wide variety of careers as trainers, coaches and educators. Thanks to small class sizes, you’ll receive attention and support from our dedicated physical education teachers who have years of experience both in college classrooms and in schools teaching children.
Hands-on experience: You’ll also have many opportunities to serve your community through various volunteer programs that help you build a strong resume.
Career Services: From the moment you become a member of our Ramily, you’ll be supported by our exceptional Academic Success Counselors and advisors in Career Development Services.
Community: Our physical education students develop meaningful, lifelong relationships with each other, as well as our faculty and members of their communities. Join our Physical Education Majors Club to participate in fun campus events and get to know your fellow physical education degree majors.

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