Specialize in Physical Education, Recreation Education, or Sports Psychology with an Online Education Degree

A program you might least expect to be available through online education is the educational degree in Physical Education. At one time simply referred to by most students as "gym class," Physical Education in today's schools has become varied and specialized; for example, you might choose "Recreation Education," or "Sports Psychology" for your particular focus.
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Capella University has a Master of Science in Psychology/Sport Psychology that is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to work effectively and help train athletes on such issues as performance, motivation, and stress management. Coursework includes psychology theories, human behavior, research methodology, biological basis of behavior, performance enhancements, and more.

Ashford University Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management with specializations in Physical Education, Recreation, and more. The PE program provides students with a well-rounded education in organizational skill development and sport sciences. The recreation concentration provides students with fundamental knowledge of the recreation industry and recreation organizations, including recreational/sports activities and functions.

Salem University Online offers a Bachelor’s with a concentration in Sports Management program.  This program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to begin or advance their career in the field of Sports Management.  Coursework includes Event Management, Economics of Sports, Principles of Sports Management, Ethics of Sports, and More.

What to do with a degree in physical education
Teaching physical education is no longer as simple as watching a classroom of students engage in 45 minutes of a particular sport. Things like teamwork, effort, participation, and good sportsmanship have always been areas for student evaluation, but today's physical education teachers are also knowledgeable in physical education history, sports sciences, group behaviors, organizational skills and decision making. Graduates of a physical education or sports psychology program may find themselves working with general education classes, coaching a team or working with individual athletes on such issues as motivation, stress management, or performance.

Public School Education—Most common career for Phys. Ed. Degree
A graduate with a Bachelor or Masters degree in physical education or recreation education will find the most career opportunities in a public school environment. While physical education was once the class period that seemed almost optional with students using the time to make up tests in other classes or for out of school appointments, etc., today people from principals to pediatric physicians recognize that physical education is a crucial part of student development. The Journal of Sports and Exercise Physiology has conducted numerous studies which led to the conclusions that students who engage in a regular schedule of physical activity perform better in their other classes, both in terms of academic achievement and in classroom behavior. It's not just 50 minutes of free time, but an important period when students learn everything from teamwork to strategy while participating in rigorous activity.

Additional degrees that take physical education a step beyond the norm are degrees in the Art of Recreation and Sport Tourism. If you want to get into sports medicine, you might choose a degree in the science of kinesiology which could open the door to becoming a personal trainer, a fitness club manager, a rehabilitation specialist or researcher in sport equipment. You could also be an ergonomist, teacher or coach. A degree in recreation or sports tourism could lead to a career as a program coordinator, public relations specialist, or recreation therapy, just to name a few.

Expected Salaries
According to the 2000 CaPS survey, graduates with degrees in Physical Education received average salaries ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 per year after five years. Those who pursue graduate degrees could expect more. Most positions are found in schools or colleges where graduates may work as recreation or sport directors. Those with degrees in Sports and Recreation were more likely to find employment in the travel services field. However, many more opportunities have become available since the survey was conducted.

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