Best Master's in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching Programs by Degrees Awarded

1. 1

   West Virginia University

   Morgantown, WVPublic

   • 127Master's/yr
   • Physical Education Teacher Education, M.S.
   • On-campus
   About the program

   West Virginia University offers a fully online Physical Education Teacher Education M.S. whose 30 credit-hour curriculum aligns with SHAPE America standards and lets students choose among concentrations in curriculum and instruction, interscholastic sport administration, or models-based physical education. The program is explicitly not an initial licensure route, so it reads as advanced study for already-certified teachers, some of whom may earn a state or district endorsement upon completion. Advanced lab experiences ask students to apply their skills in K-12 settings, keeping the online coursework tied to real classrooms and gymnasiums. An accelerated B.S./M.S. pathway lets current WVU physical education and kinesiology majors move efficiently into the graduate degree. The concentration menu and endorsement orientation make it a fit for practicing physical educators specializing and advancing in their careers. A master's-level path in physical education teaching and coaching, it builds toward a career among secondary school teachers in West Virginia.

   Why it ranks here

   A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 127 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

   School site
2. 2

   The University of Texas at Austin

   Austin, TXPublic

   • 86Master's/yr
   • Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Master's Program
   • On-campus
   About the program

   The University of Texas at Austin offers a Physical Education Teacher Education master's designed for teacher-coaches, with a research-driven and culturally responsive curriculum that asks students to think critically about how physical education is taught. Rather than dividing into subject tracks, the roughly 24-month program organizes itself around three culminating routes: a Master of Arts with thesis at 30 credit hours, a Master of Arts with report at 33 hours, or a coursework-only Master of Education at 36 hours. That structure lets students calibrate how much original research they take on based on their career goals, from scholarship-minded educators to practitioners focused on classroom application. At least six credit hours must come from outside the department, encouraging a broader intellectual base. Taught on campus, the program suits current and aspiring educators who want to deepen both their teaching and their understanding of the discipline. A master's-level path in physical education teaching and coaching, it builds toward a career among secondary school teachers in Texas.

   Why it ranks here

   For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 86 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

   School site
3. 3

   Emporia State University

   Emporia, KSPublic

   • 63Master's/yr
   • $56,450State teacher pay
   • Master of Science in Health, Physical Education and Coaching
   • Higher Learning Commission (institutional)-accredited
   • Online
   About the program

   Emporia State University offers a fully online Master of Science in Health, Physical Education and Coaching aimed squarely at working coaches and physical education professionals. Established in 1996, it was the first fully accredited distance-learning master's of its kind in the country, and that history shows in a curriculum tuned to practitioners who study while they continue to teach and coach. The online format lets candidates advance their careers without relocating or stepping away from their programs. Backed by the institution's Higher Learning Commission accreditation, the degree emphasizes professional development in health, physical education, and coaching practice. It does not lead to initial teacher certification or Kansas licensure, so prospective students should confirm how it fits their own state's requirements before enrolling. This master's-level physical education teaching and coaching program prepares graduates for work as secondary school teachers in Kansas.

   Why it ranks here

   A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 63 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Kansas statewide, where elementary teachers earn a median $56,450, roughly $62,675 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

   Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

   School site
4. 4

   Azusa Pacific University

   Azusa, CAPrivate nonprofit

   • 59Master's/yr
   • $101,860Metro teacher pay
   • Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport and Physical Education concentration
   • Online
   About the program

   Azusa Pacific University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Sport and Physical Education concentration, delivered fully online and asynchronously for maximum flexibility. The 30-unit concentration leans toward curriculum design, leadership and administration, ethics, and sport psychology, and small cohorts of roughly 15 to 20 students keep the student-to-faculty ratio near ten to one. Candidates finish with a capstone project rather than a thesis, an applied endpoint that fits professionals building expertise for coaching, program leadership, or advanced teaching. This is a non-licensure degree; educators seeking a credential pursue APU's separate M.A. in Physical Education, which pairs with a Single Subject Teaching Credential leading to an SB 2042 Preliminary credential to teach and coach across K-12 and beyond. Offered by an institution accredited through WSCUC, the MS reads as a practice-focused path for those who already hold or do not need licensure. Earning a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching is a common route toward becoming one of California's secondary school teachers.

   Why it ranks here

   For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 59 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, where elementary teachers earn a median $101,860, roughly $89,692 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

   Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

   School site
5. 5

   Ohio University-Main Campus

   Athens, OHPublic

   • 56Master's/yr
   • Physical Education Pedagogy concentration (M.Ed./M.S., School of Recreation and Sport Sciences)
   • On-campus
   About the program

   Ohio University offers a Physical Education Pedagogy concentration, available as an M.Ed. or M.S. through its School of Recreation and Sport Sciences, for teachers who want to sharpen their instructional craft. Applicants must already hold teaching certification from an accredited undergraduate program, which positions the degree as an advanced study option for practicing physical educators rather than a first path to licensure. Students choose between a thesis track of 45 quarter hours, including six thesis hours, and a non-thesis track of at least 50 quarter hours, letting them lean toward research or applied practice. A related Coaching Education concentration in the same school offers a parallel option for those focused on athletics. Full-time students typically complete the concentration in a single academic year on campus. As a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as secondary school teachers in Ohio.

   Why it ranks here

   Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 56 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

   School site
6. 6

   Valdosta State University

   Valdosta, GAPublic

   • 52Master's/yr
   • Master of Education in Health and Physical Education
   • Online
   About the program

   Valdosta State University offers an online Master of Education in Health and Physical Education aimed squarely at practicing teachers rather than newcomers. Admission requires a valid level-four professional teaching certificate in Health and/or Physical Education, and applicants must be currently employed at least 20 hours per week as a P-12 teacher in the field, so the coursework builds directly on daily classroom work. The single-major program carries no named concentrations, keeping the focus tight on advancing pedagogy across 33 credit hours. It admits only for summer semester, a rhythm that fits teachers coming off the school year, and culminates in an advanced portfolio that documents growth in practice. Graduates may become eligible to upgrade to level-5 certification, marking the degree as a career-advancement credential for those already in the profession. Graduates of this physical education teaching and coaching program at the master's level often go on to work as secondary school teachers.

   Why it ranks here

   A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 52 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

   School site
7. 7

   Northwest Missouri State University

   Maryville, MOPublic

   • 49Master's/yr
   • Master of Science in Education in Health and Physical Education
   • Online
   About the program

   Northwest Missouri State University offers a Master of Science in Education in Health and Physical Education, an online degree aimed at practicing educators who want to grow professionally rather than earn an initial license. A teaching license is not required for admission, and the program is explicitly built for teachers already in the field, with coursework emphasizing adapted physical education, comprehensive school health, and contemporary teaching approaches. The thirty credit-hour, ten-course design can be completed in as few as twelve months, and pay-by-the-course tuition with multiple annual start dates keeps it flexible and affordable for working teachers. Every class is taught by professional faculty, including current and former SHAPE America board members, which lends the program strong ties to the field's national leadership. The university's educator preparation is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. As a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as secondary school teachers in Missouri.

   Why it ranks here

   Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 49 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

   School site
8. 8

   University of Kansas

   Lawrence, KSPublic

   • 46Master's/yr
   • Master of Science in Education in Health Education and Psychology of Physical Activity
   • On-campus
   About the program

   The University of Kansas offers a Master of Science in Education in Health Education and Psychology of Physical Activity, a concentration within its broader MSE in Health, Sport Management, and Exercise Science. Rather than training K-12 physical education teachers, the program examines the psychological factors that shape how and why people move, making it a fit for students drawn to the behavioral side of health and activity. Candidates choose between a 30-hour thesis pathway for those headed toward research or doctoral study and a 36-hour non-thesis pathway that culminates in an examination. Its home alongside exercise science and sport management concentrations situates the degree within a wider applied-health department. The emphasis on the psychology of physical activity gives it a distinct scholarly identity within KU's education programs. A master's-level path in physical education teaching and coaching, it builds toward a career among secondary school teachers in Kansas.

   Why it ranks here

   For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 46 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

   School site
9. 9

   University of West Alabama

   Livingston, ALPublic

   • 42Master's/yr
   • $61,380State teacher pay
   • Physical Education, Pre-School - Grade Twelve (P-12)
   • Online
   About the program

   The University of West Alabama offers a Master of Education in Physical Education, Pre-School through Grade Twelve, a fully online certification track designed around the schedules of working teachers. The M.Ed. is the licensure pathway, leading to Alabama P-12 teacher certification in physical education, and an Alt-A route opens the same destination to candidates who arrive without a prior education degree. Delivered online with an average one-year completion time, the program moves quickly for educators eager to add or elevate a credential. UWA keeps this certification track distinct from its non-licensure M.S. in Physical Education, which spreads across athletic training, exercise science, physical education, and sport management concentrations and does not lead to licensure. Accredited by CAEP and offered by an institution regionally accredited through SACSCOC, the M.Ed. reads as a focused, efficient route to state certification. A master's-level path in physical education teaching and coaching, it builds toward a career among secondary school teachers in Alabama.

   Why it ranks here

   Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 42 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Alabama statewide, where elementary teachers earn a median $61,380, roughly $69,104 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

   Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

   School site
10. 10

    CUNY Brooklyn College

    Brooklyn, NYPublic

    • 39Master's/yr
    • $96,900Metro teacher pay
    • Physical Education Teacher, Master of Science in Education
    • Licensed by the New York State Education Department-accredited
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Brooklyn College offers a Master of Science in Education for physical education teachers, licensed by the New York State Education Department and structured around three tracks that meet candidates wherever they stand on the certification ladder. The Professional Track carries students directly to Professional certification, the Pre-Professional Track builds toward Initial and then Professional certification after three years of full-time teaching, and the TransB Certificate Program routes candidates to Transitional B certification. A supervised student teaching practicum in public and private schools anchors the degree in real classrooms, and fingerprint verification is required for placements with the New York City Department of Education. The program's deep roots in the city are evident in its graduates, who make up a large share of New York City's Pre-K-12 physical education teachers. Delivered on campus, it functions as a direct pipeline into the city's public schools. A master's-level path in physical education teaching and coaching, it builds toward a career among secondary school teachers in New York.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 39 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, where elementary teachers earn a median $96,900, roughly $86,085 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
11. 11

    University of South Carolina-Columbia

    Columbia, SCPublic

    • 38Master's/yr
    • $60,050Metro teacher pay
    • Physical Education, M.A.T. (PK-12 Certification)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    The University of South Carolina offers a Master of Arts in Teaching in Physical Education, an on-campus, two-year degree that leads to initial PK-12 physical education teacher licensure for candidates whose bachelor's degree is outside teaching. The program pairs thirty-nine credit hours of physical education coursework with six hours of general education study and is aligned with SHAPE America's National Initial Physical Education Teacher Education Standards. Its clinical internship is deliberately split between elementary and secondary placements and extends into community settings such as YMCAs, giving candidates practice teaching across the full age range and beyond the school building. Preparation for the Praxis exam is built into the path toward certification. The structure reads as a comprehensive, licensure-focused route for subject-area graduates committed to becoming physical education teachers. This master's-level physical education teaching and coaching program prepares graduates for work as secondary school teachers in South Carolina.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 38 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Columbia, SC, where elementary teachers earn a median $60,050, roughly $64,114 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
12. 12

    Springfield College

    Springfield, MAPrivate nonprofit

    • 35Master's/yr
    • Physical Education: Initial Licensure (Master of Education or Master of Science)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Springfield College offers a Physical Education: Initial Licensure program leading to a Master of Education or Master of Science, a distinctive path that combines a graduate degree with entry into the teaching profession in a single 40-credit, four-semester sequence. Candidates choose PreK-8 elementary or grades 5-12 secondary licensure tracks, earning Massachusetts initial teacher licensure and preparing for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. What sets the program apart is its integration of degree and licensure, still uncommon nationally, so students are not stacking credentials in separate stages. Field-based experiences begin in the very first semester and build sequentially toward a full-semester student-teaching capstone, grounding coursework in real classrooms throughout. The design reads as an efficient, immersive route for those committed to becoming physical educators. Related programs in Advanced Pedagogy and Adapted Physical Education serve teachers with different goals. Graduates of this physical education teaching and coaching program at the master's level often go on to work as secondary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 35 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

    School site
13. 13

    Northern Illinois University

    Dekalb, ILPublic

    • 35Master's/yr
    • Master of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Northern Illinois University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education built for graduates who want to specialize within the movement sciences rather than earn a K-12 teaching credential. Students choose among concentrations in Exercise Physiology, Physical Education Pedagogy, and Sport and Exercise Psychology, giving the program both a laboratory and an applied character. The choice between thesis and non-thesis tracks lets research-bound students prepare for doctoral study while practitioners emphasize hands-on competency. Graduate assistantships and applied internship and consulting opportunities with NIU Athletics anchor the coursework in real training and performance settings. The Sport and Exercise Psychology track can prepare students to pursue the Certified Mental Performance Consultant credential, and the program's ties to recognized accrediting bodies signal serious professional grounding across its specializations. Graduates of this physical education teaching and coaching program at the master's level often go on to work as secondary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 35 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

    School site
14. 14

    Manhattanville University

    Purchase, NYPrivate nonprofit

    • 34Master's/yr
    • $96,900Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Teaching in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Manhattanville offers a Master of Arts in Teaching in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy that leads to New York State physical education teacher certification. The non-thesis structure, capped by a comprehensive exam and a student teaching semester in the final term, keeps the focus on classroom readiness rather than a research project. Credit requirements range from 39 to 57 depending on the prerequisite coursework a candidate still needs, and the average student finishes in about two and a half years, with a five-year maximum window. Classes meet on weeknight evenings, a schedule clearly designed to accommodate students who work during the day. Together these features frame it as a practice-oriented licensure pathway built for working adults entering the physical education profession. As a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as secondary school teachers in New York.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 34 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, where elementary teachers earn a median $96,900, roughly $86,085 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
15. 15

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville, ARPublicOnline available

    • 32Master's/yr
    • $61,010Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Education in Physical Education
    • Online
    About the program

    The University of Arkansas offers an online Master of Education in Physical Education aimed squarely at practitioners already in the field, from physical education teachers to athletic directors and coaches. Its part-time rhythm, six credit hours per semester toward a two-year finish, confirms a design meant to fold around a full-time job rather than interrupt it. Housed in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, the degree stays distinct from the department's Master of Science in Kinesiology, which centers on adapted movement science or exercise science with thesis and non-thesis options. That separation positions the M.Ed. as the applied, leadership-minded choice for those staying in schools and athletics. It suits working professionals seeking graduate standing in physical education on a manageable timeline. Graduates of this physical education teaching and coaching program at the master's level often go on to work as secondary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 32 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR, where elementary teachers earn a median $61,010, roughly $66,785 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
16. 16

    Adelphi University

    Garden City, NYPrivate nonprofit

    • 31Master's/yr
    • $96,900Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Physical Education
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Adelphi University offers a Master of Arts in Physical Education that leads to New York State Teacher Certification and openly serves candidates at very different starting points. Three tracks, Professional, In-Service, and Pre-Service, sort applicants by whether they already hold PE certification, are certified in another area, or are career changers entering the field for the first time, with the Pre-Service path requiring full-time student teaching five days a week. Fieldwork sits at the center of the experience, including an internship course with placements in New York City and Long Island schools, and graduates must pass the Content Specialty Test in Physical Education to complete certification. Evening classes and rolling admission with five entry points a year signal a program engineered around working adults and shifting schedules. Depending on prior certification, students typically finish in one and a half to two years. As a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as secondary school teachers in New York.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 31 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, where elementary teachers earn a median $96,900, roughly $86,085 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
17. 17

    Jacksonville State University

    Jacksonville, ALPublic

    • 28Master's/yr
    • $61,200Metro teacher pay
    • Physical Education P-12 (Master of Science in Education)
    • Alabama State Board of Education approved program-accredited
    • Online
    About the program

    Jacksonville State University offers a Master of Science in Education in Physical Education P-12, an online degree built for teachers who already hold a bachelor's-level educator certificate in the field. Admission requires that valid certificate, signaling a program meant to deepen the practice of licensed PE teachers rather than launch new ones. Across 30 to 33 graduate semester hours, candidates work through applied exercise physiology, adapted PE and curriculum coursework, a special-education survey course, and a research component, blending content depth with classroom relevance. Completion leads to eligibility for master's-level professional educator certification in Physical Education P-12 in Alabama, with the certification recommendation required within 60 months of finishing. Approved by the Alabama State Board of Education, it sits within a kinesiology department that also runs separate Human Performance and Nutrition tracks. This master's-level physical education teaching and coaching program prepares graduates for work as secondary school teachers in Alabama.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 28 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Anniston-Oxford, AL, where elementary teachers earn a median $61,200, roughly $71,205 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
18. 18

    University of Nebraska at Kearney

    Kearney, NEPublic

    • 27Master's/yr
    • $62,380State teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in Physical Education
    • Online
    About the program

    The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers a Master of Arts in Education in Physical Education, a fully online degree marketed as a master-teacher credential for educators deepening their practice. Its thirty-six credit hours let students choose between a Pedagogy emphasis and an Adapted Physical Education emphasis, and the degree culminates in a comprehensive project, comprehensive exam, or thesis. The program itself does not confer a PE teaching endorsement, but the Adapted Physical Education emphasis leads to a Nebraska Department of Education endorsement for students who already hold a Nebraska teaching certificate. That structure signals a program built for certified teachers extending their expertise rather than entering the profession. Graduates are also positioned to pursue National Board Certification in Physical Education, reinforcing its focus on advanced professional standing. Earning a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching is a common route toward becoming one of Nebraska's secondary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 27 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Nebraska statewide, where elementary teachers earn a median $62,380, roughly $69,232 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
19. 19

    Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

    Baton Rouge, LAPublicOnline available

    • 26Master's/yr
    • $59,310Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Science in Kinesiology, Social & Behavioral Sciences concentration
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    Louisiana State University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration, a hybrid program that approaches human movement through the lenses of pedagogy and psychology rather than physiology alone. This track centers on sport pedagogy and the psychology of physical activity, with coursework such as Pedagogy in Physical Education that prepares students for teaching, coaching, and continued doctoral study. It sits within a broader kinesiology degree that also houses Exercise Physiology and Motor Behavior concentrations, giving students a research-rich environment even as they specialize in the behavioral side of the discipline. The emphasis on how people learn and experience physical activity makes it a strong fit for those drawn to the instructional and mentoring dimensions of the field. A separate online specialization in Health Promotion and Sport Performance rounds out the department's graduate offerings. Graduates of this physical education teaching and coaching program at the master's level often go on to work as secondary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 26 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Baton Rouge, LA, where elementary teachers earn a median $59,310, roughly $65,334 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
20. 20

    Michigan State University

    East Lansing, MIPublic

    • 26Master's/yr
    • Master of Science in Kinesiology
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Michigan State University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology, a research-intensive campus program organized around four areas of study: Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience, Exercise Physiology, Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity, and Strength and Conditioning. Students choose between a thesis-based Plan A, which reserves six of its 30 credits for thesis research, and a non-thesis Plan B that substitutes an internship or project plus a certifying exam. That structure lets the degree serve both aspiring scholars and practitioners headed into applied performance and coaching roles. The scientific breadth of its concentrations signals a program that treats kinesiology as a rigorous laboratory discipline. Per the MSU Registrar, the program is in an admissions moratorium effective Fall 2026 through Summer 2027. As a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as secondary school teachers in Michigan.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 26 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

    School site
21. 21

    Pittsburg State University

    Pittsburg, KSPublicOnline available

    • 24Master's/yr
    • $56,450State teacher pay
    • Master of Science in Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Physical Education emphasis
    • Online
    About the program

    Pittsburg State University offers an online Master of Science in Health, Human Performance and Recreation with a Physical Education emphasis, built to flex around the goals of individual students. The program's defining choice is between a Thesis Option, aimed at in-depth research and doctoral preparation, and a Coursework Option that lets students demonstrate competency through research papers, portfolios, practice, internships, or comprehensive exams. That dual structure serves both aspiring scholars and practicing professionals within the same degree. Delivered online, it reaches physical education professionals who need to study while remaining in their positions. The emphasis keeps the focus on health, human performance, and recreation applied to physical education settings. Graduates of this physical education teaching and coaching program at the master's level often go on to work as secondary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 24 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Kansas statewide, where elementary teachers earn a median $56,450, roughly $62,675 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
22. 22

    Fort Hays State University

    Hays, KSPublic

    • 24Master's/yr
    • Master of Science in Health and Human Performance (Movement and Sport Studies)
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    Fort Hays State University offers a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance with a Movement and Sport Studies concentration, one of three tracks alongside Exercise Science and Sport Administration. The 32-credit structure pairs a 17-hour core with 15 hours of electives, giving students room to shape the degree toward sports performance analysis, physical activity research, or fitness program development. An optional thesis track serves those with research ambitions, while a required comprehensive exam ensures every graduate demonstrates command of the field. Offered both on campus and online, the program accommodates students who are studying alongside professional commitments. The result is a flexible, applied degree for people who want to understand movement and sport scientifically without committing to a single narrow specialization. This master's-level physical education teaching and coaching program prepares graduates for work as secondary school teachers in Kansas.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 24 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

    School site
23. 23

    Delta State University

    Cleveland, MSPublicOnline available

    • 24Master's/yr
    • $49,790State teacher pay
    • Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    Delta State University offers a Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance, a hybrid degree that combines in-person and online coursework rather than a fully remote path. Students can shape the degree around focus areas in athletic administration and management, human performance, and exercise science and fitness management, which gives it the feel of a flexible program serving several career directions across athletics and fitness. Graduate assistantships in athletic coaching, athletic training, sports information, and personal training let students gain hands-on experience while they study, reinforcing the applied orientation. The mix of campus and online delivery suits candidates who want in-person contact without fully relocating their schedules. The program centers on sport and human performance rather than K-12 teaching preparation. A master's-level path in physical education teaching and coaching, it builds toward a career among secondary school teachers in Mississippi.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 24 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Mississippi statewide, where elementary teachers earn a median $49,790, roughly $57,261 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site
24. 24

    University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

    Pittsburgh, PAPublic

    • 21Master's/yr
    About the program

    Prospective students should consult the offering institution directly for the current degree name, format, and any licensure or certification outcomes. As a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as secondary school teachers in Pennsylvania.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 21 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort.

    School site
25. 25

    Hofstra University

    Hempstead, NYPrivate nonprofit

    • 21Master's/yr
    • $96,900Metro teacher pay
    • Physical Education, Master of Science
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Hofstra University offers a Master of Science in Physical Education that prepares candidates to meet New York State initial teacher certification requirements for PreK-12 physical education. The 36 to 39 credit program is heavily field-based, requiring two semesters of student teaching and an internship in which candidates coach a middle or high school interscholastic team for at least one full season. That combination of classroom teaching and competitive coaching signals a preparation aimed at educators who will lead both PE instruction and athletics. Admission includes an interview with the graduate program director, adding a personal, selective step to entry. Taught on campus, it reads as a hands-on, teaching-and-coaching pathway into New York's schools. Earning a master's degree in physical education teaching and coaching is a common route toward becoming one of New York's secondary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 21 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, where elementary teachers earn a median $96,900, roughly $86,085 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    School site

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