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Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree

A Physical Education Teaching/Coaching Degree prepares students to become educators and coaches. It includes coursework in teaching methods, curriculum development, and coaching strategies.

This degree prepares graduates for various fitness, wellness, and health promotion roles rather than specifically for educational or coaching positions. However, those with a Physical Education Teaching/Coaching Degree may find work in roles outside of education.

In comparison, a Physical Education Degree focuses more on the science and principles of physical activity and health without the same emphasis on teaching and coaching.

All states require a certificate or license endorsing them as a public school teacher. Requirements vary from state to state and from school system to school system—what a public school requires, a private school may not. Coaches typically follow the same path and must meet education and certification credentials depending upon the state and school system.

Using the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance for a Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree

If you’re interested in pursuing a Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree and need financial help, the GI Bill, a military education benefit for service members in the Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard and their eligible dependents, covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and offers additional money for books and supplies. The GI Bill assists veterans’ transition into civilian life by offering them opportunities to further their education, acquire new skills, and find better jobs.

Using Spouse Tuition Assistance (STAP) and MyCAA for a Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree

Spouse Tuition Assistance

When seeking a Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree, military spouse tuition assistance programs assist military spouses (and sometimes dependent children) in paying for their education, whether they are in the U.S. or stationed elsewhere in the world.

At one time, all military branches offered programs following Spouse Tuition Assistance (STAP) guidelines or created something similar.

Today, while the term STAP is used interchangeably to describe various offerings by military relief organizations the programs can differ. STAP refers to the education benefits offered by military aid societies, many of which are not run by U.S. military branches or the federal government. Instead, they are private, nonprofit organizations and what they provide varies.

These organizations include:
  • Army Emergency Relief
  • Air Force Aid Society
  • Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Coast Guard Foundation

MyCAA

The workforce development program MyCAA, known formally as the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, provides financial assistance of up to $4,000 ($2,000 over two years) to eligible military spouses pursuing or maintaining a Speech Degree, certification or license to gain employment.

As long as an individual meets the necessary requirements, MyCAA will pay for individual spouses pursuing any occupation or career, if they are obtaining an Associate’s Degree or a license, certificate or certification.

Careers With Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree

Coaches and scouts typically need a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching or Physical Education to work in a school, but this depends on the state, school system, and institution. Educational requirements may vary from no formal credential to a graduate degree.

A coach needs extensive knowledge of their sport, which they typically gain through their own experiences as players. However, being a former player is not usually a requirement to coach.

A student earning this degree can also seek work outside of education and coaching. They can pursue roles in fitness and wellness industries, sports management, recreational program coordination, and health promotion.

What To Expect From a Military-Friendly Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree Program

A degree program in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching gives students the knowledge and skills to instruct in physical education or coach teams.

Students will have the opportunity to experience and develop core educational skills through sports coaching. They will also take courses as required by their state to be credentialed and participate in physical education fieldwork. These programs vary from school to school, so check with your college or university for specific program details

Select Yellow Ribbon Colleges with Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree Programs

  • Troy University- Troy University offers a Master’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching.
  • Upper Iowa University: Upper Iowa University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching.
  • University of Dayton: The University of Dayton offers a Bachelor’s Degree in  Physical Education Teaching / Coaching.
  • Houston Christian University: Houston Christian University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in  Physical Education Teaching / Coaching.

Select Military-Friendly Colleges with Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree Programs

  • National University: National University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching.

Physical Education Teaching / Coaching Degree Paths Using the GI Bill

Certificate in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching

Certificate programs exist to allow students to qualify for a specific job or bolster an already-existing degree. Certificate programs take less time than degrees. Physical Education Teaching / Coaching are offered on various topics and can include everything from curriculum planning to obtaining a teaching certification as warranted by a state that requires them, like California.

Associate’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching

An Associate's Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching can be a great stepping stone to a Bachelor’s. It’s often used to attain immediate entry-level work in a gym or in other fitness roles.

Your Future with an Associate’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching

Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching

Students earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching take coursework in sports science, health education, and teaching. They may also experience hands-on teaching and coaching experiences.

Your Future with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching

Master’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching

This graduate degree further combines education elements (curriculum design) with athletic and health topics (injury prevention, physical activity) to effectively teach and apply coaching principles.

Your Future with a Master’s Degree in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching

Doctoral Degrees in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching

Doctoral Degrees in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching prepare students to become experts and leaders in their chosen field. This program typically focuses on advanced teaching methods, research, and curriculum development.

Your Future with a PhD in Physical Education Teaching / Coaching