An associate's degree in physical education prepares students for careers in school programs or physical training. Learn more about what an associate's degree program involves, common course topics and career prospects with this degree.
Is an Associate's Degree in Physical Education Right For Me?
You can expect to complete an associate's degree program in two years. This is a good option for you if you are interested in beginning your education in physical education, but are not ready to commit to a four-year degree program. In addition to preparing you to become a physical education teacher, some schools may also focus on teaching coaching and refereeing skills, safety management and effective exercise techniques.
A closely related program would be an associate's degree in kinesiology. While also meant to prepare you for a four-year degree program, an associate's degree in kinesiology trains you for more immediate employment opportunities. While physical education programs focus more on the educational aspects of sport and exercise, kinesiology programs tend to be more specific to the science of movement, and effectiveness of exercise and training.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Options</b></td><td> Associate's degree in physical education or kinesiology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Health, fitness, coaching, anatomy, physiology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Opportunities</b></td><td> Physical education teacher (requires additional education), personal trainer</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $40,510 (<i>for all fitness trainers and instructors</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 15% growth (<i>for all fitness trainers and instructors</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesWillITake">What Classes Will I Take?</h3><p>The associate's degree program is meant to prepare you for a four-year degree program, and you will be required to take many general education classes, such as history and English. If you are interested in a physical education associate's degree program, you may take classes such as:
</p><ul><li>Coaching
</li><li>Health
</li><li>Fitness
</li><li>Anatomy
</li></ul><p>If your interest lies more with the kinesiology program, you may take classes such as:
</p><ul><li>Physical Fitness
</li><li>Physiology
</li><li>Dance
</li><li>Kinesiology
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>If you choose to obtain an associate's degree in physical education, you will most likely be encouraged to continue on to a four-year degree program. The associate's degree will not qualify you to teach physical education at a K-12 school level.
</p><p>An associate's degree in kinesiology will prepare you for a four-year degree program and train you for immediate employment. Most of the jobs that will be available to you after obtaining an associate's degree in kinesiology have to do with physical training, such as a personal trainer in a gym or fitness center.</p>
