Is Physical Education a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The physical education major is often misunderstood as an easy course of study, yet it requires rigorous academic work and practical skills. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 30% of students in physical education programs report a higher-than-average workload. This highlights the need to look beyond stereotypes when assessing the difficulty of the major.

This article explores the course rigor, workload demands, necessary physical and cognitive skills, and factors such as individual learning styles that influence how challenging students find physical education. Understanding these elements can help prospective students make informed decisions about pursuing this field.

Key Benefits of Physical Education as a Major

Physical education majors gain practical skills in health, fitness, and pedagogy, supporting career changers aiming for roles in wellness or coaching.
Programs offer flexible schedules and applied learning, aiding full-time workers returning to school in balancing study with professional life.
Traditional undergraduates develop confidence managing science and psychology coursework, enhancing critical thinking and preparation for specialized careers.

Where Does Physical Education Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Physical education is generally not listed among the most challenging college majors in national difficulty rankings. These rankings often consider factors such as workload intensity, the level of technical or analytical skills required, and the amount of practicum, lab, or fieldwork involved. Physical education programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on practicum experiences but usually require less advanced math or scientific analysis than fields like engineering, chemistry, or physics.

For instance, student-faculty ratios in physical education typically range between 14:1 and 23:1, suggesting reasonably sized classes that support more focused teaching and a balanced workload.

The difficulty of physical education can vary significantly depending on the institution and individual student strengths. Majors such as engineering, nursing, or biochemistry often demand greater technical expertise and longer hours in labs and study, making them commonly regarded as harder. Students with strong physical skills and comfort in public speaking may find physical education more manageable, while those less confident in these areas might experience more challenges.

Some schools incorporate more rigorous science coursework or extended teaching practicums, increasing the commitment required. Ultimately, how difficult a major feels depends on personal abilities and preparation, so students should evaluate their own strengths relative to the demands of physical education and related programs.

What Factors Make Physical Education a Hard Major?

Physical education majors face distinct challenges due to both rigorous academic requirements and complex skill demands. These challenges contribute to the overall difficulty of completing a physical education degree while meeting all performance standards.

Academic rigor: Students must complete a wide range of courses including kinesiology, exercise physiology, anatomy, and educational theory, often requiring a minimum grade of C or better in all major classes. This level of expectation highlights the academic requirements for physical education majors and ensures a strong foundation in both science and pedagogy.
Time commitment: The physical education degree workload and challenges often include completing up to 134 total credit hours, exceeding typical undergraduate expectations. Beyond classroom hours, commitments to internships, fieldwork, and clinical residencies demand significant time investment to gain practical teaching and fitness experience.
Technical and analytical complexity: Students must develop proficiency in curriculum design, educational assessment, and instructional strategies. Passing standardized exams such as the PRAXIS or state content tests with set minimum scores adds to the analytical demands of the major.
Field-specific demands: Physical education majors are responsible for maintaining personal fitness standards and passing various fitness proficiency tests covering running, strength, flexibility, and body composition. Failure to meet these physical benchmarks can delay graduation and increase pressure on students.

Those interested in exploring options to accelerate their studies while managing these challenges can consider accredited accelerated degree programs online, which may offer more flexible pathways.

What share of all undergraduates take any online course?

Who Is a Good Fit for a Physical Education Major?

Understanding the qualities of successful physical education students is essential, as this major demands not only physical engagement but also mental resilience and social skills. Students who possess certain personal traits needed for physical education majors are more likely to navigate the program's active and collaborative learning environment effectively.

Physical self-concept: Students with high confidence in their athletic abilities tend to embrace the hands-on nature of the coursework and maintain a positive attitude toward exercise, which helps them overcome physical challenges with determination.

Sports interest: A genuine passion for sports and wellness motivates learners to engage deeply with the curriculum, making it easier to adapt to high activity demands and practical teaching experiences.

Teamwork and leadership: Excelling in group environments enables these students to thrive in collaborative projects and classroom management, which are integral to the major.

Self-control and patience: These traits support perseverance through rigorous physical tasks and help maintain focus during long hours of training and study.

Empathy and communication skills: The ability to connect with peers and future learners fosters an inclusive atmosphere essential for effective coaching and teaching.

Those interested in finding colleges offering open enrollment should consider how these personal characteristics align with their goals.

How Can You Make a Physical Education Major Easier?

Physical education can feel demanding due to its combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. However, applying targeted strategies can help students handle the workload and improve their learning experience.

Establish a consistent study habit: Break down complex topics like anatomy and kinesiology into manageable daily sessions to enhance memory and avoid last-minute stress.
Prioritize time management: Use planners or digital tools to balance coursework, labs, and physical practice, ensuring steady progress across all components.
Build strong science fundamentals: Early mastery of subjects like biology, chemistry, and nutrition eases the path to more advanced courses.
Leverage academic support: Engage with tutoring centers, study groups, and instructors to clarify difficult concepts and stay motivated.
Practice skills beyond class: Regular hands-on activities like movement drills and fitness instruction reinforce learning and increase teaching confidence.

When I spoke with a graduate who majored in physical education, she reflected on her personal journey to manage the challenges. She shared that staying disciplined with her study routine helped her avoid feeling overwhelmed, saying, "Breaking study material into small daily goals made a huge difference." She also found that joining study groups provided both academic support and emotional encouragement during tougher semesters.

One obstacle was balancing time between classes and maintaining her own fitness, which she navigated by carefully scheduling activities and sticking to a plan. Her advice was to be proactive in seeking help and to view skill practice as a key part of learning rather than just homework. Overall, she described the experience as demanding but rewarding, emphasizing that adopting deliberate strategies was essential to making the major more manageable.

Are Admissions to Physical Education Programs Competitive?

Admissions to physical education programs tend to be less competitive compared to many other fields, particularly at large public universities where there is ample program capacity and moderate applicant numbers. Acceptance rates often range between 40% and over 70%, reflecting relatively accessible entry compared to STEM or business majors. While some elite or specialized schools may have stricter selection criteria due to limited spots or strong reputations, most physical education programs maintain moderate admission standards without intense competition.

Selectivity varies widely across institutions based on factors like expected academic performance, prerequisite courses, and relevant experience. Typically, programs look for SAT scores between 1000 and 1300 and high school GPAs ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 or higher. Some schools require foundational classes in biology or health, while others value involvement in volunteer coaching or athletics. Student interest in physical education has remained consistent, with the major ranking 54th in popularity nationally and nearly 14,000 degrees granted each year.

When I spoke with a professional who graduated with a physical education degree, he recalled that the admissions process felt "straightforward but thoughtful." He shared that while he didn't face intense competition, he valued how schools assessed both academic records and practical experience. "It wasn't just grades," he explained, "they wanted to see my commitment through coaching youth sports and volunteering." His journey highlighted a blend of academic expectations and personal passion, making admission attainable yet meaningful.

What share of adult nondegree credential holders lack a college degree?

Is an Online Physical Education Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Determining whether an online physical education program is harder, easier, or similarly challenging compared to an on-campus program depends on several factors unique to each learning format. Both paths demand dedication, but their differing structures influence academic experiences.

Below is a comparison of the online physical education degree vs traditional programs based on key aspects affecting student workload and engagement:

Academic Expectations and Workload: Both online and traditional curricula meet similar academic standards and learning outcomes, so the difficulty of online physical education programs aligns closely with that of in-person programs.
Flexibility and Pacing: Online programs offer greater control over scheduling, accommodating students balancing work or family, but require strong self-motivation and disciplined time management.
Interaction and Support: On-campus students benefit from immediate feedback, face-to-face supervision, and spontaneous peer collaboration, whereas online learners may face reduced direct interaction, making some practical skills harder to develop.
Learning Environment: Physical distractions and technological challenges can affect online students' focus, potentially decreasing engagement compared to traditional classroom settings.
Challenges Unique to Each Format: While online students navigate isolation and hands-on activity limitations, research shows some find the personalized feedback and teacher responsiveness in online settings particularly positive.

For those interested in advancing their education beyond physical education, exploring the highest paying masters degree options can be beneficial for long-term career planning.

Are Accelerated Physical Education Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated physical education programs are generally more challenging than traditional formats due to condensed timelines, faster pacing, and increased workload intensity. Students must quickly absorb and demonstrate mastery of physical skills and theoretical concepts, which can make the experience more demanding. Below is a comparison highlighting key differences between accelerated and traditional physical education programs.

Course pacing and content density: Accelerated programs deliver a full semester's material in weeks instead of months, requiring rapid learning and adaptation.
Workload management: Students who excel under pressure may handle the intense and continuous assignments, while others may struggle to keep up with the demands.
Academic expectations and skill demands: The accelerated format requires quicker mastery of physical and theoretical competencies, increasing stress and performance pressure.
Learning retention and stress levels: Compressed schedules reduce repetition and practice opportunities, which can affect skill retention and elevate stress compared to the more gradual traditional approach.
Flexibility and daily structure: Accelerated programs often have strict, intensive schedules, whereas traditional programs allow more balance between coursework and life responsibilities.

The differences between accelerated and traditional physical education programs highlight the importance of considering one's ability to manage time and stress when choosing a degree path. Additionally, the academic workload in accelerated physical education degrees can be intense but manageable for disciplined students. Prospective students seeking options might explore online cheap colleges offering different program formats to find what suits their learning style and life situation.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Physical Education?

Students majoring in physical education can often handle a part-time job, though success depends on academic demands and personal circumstances. The intensity of coursework-including lab hours, projects, and technical assignments-affects available time, as does the flexibility of class schedules. Students with strong study habits and effective time management are more likely to balance both responsibilities. Additionally, maintaining a moderate course load and meeting GPA standards plays a key role in managing work and study commitments.

Balancing employment with a physical education major often involves strategic choices. Many students reduce their credit load or select jobs with flexible hours to accommodate practicum and fieldwork requirements. Campus or online academic support services further help ease the workload. Because upper-level courses and student teaching demand more focus, some students find part-time work challenging during those periods.

Those who succeed typically adapt by prioritizing coursework and choosing work environments that align with their schedules and energy levels.

What Jobs Do Physical Education Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for physical education graduates vary in difficulty, responsibility, and skill requirements. While some jobs align closely with the academic and practical rigor of the degree itself, others present challenges in areas like management or interpersonal skills rather than through traditional academic demands.

Physical Education Teacher: This role involves developing lesson plans and teaching K-12 students about fitness, health, and motor skills. It requires significant preparation, classroom management, and ongoing education, making it as demanding as the fieldwork and coursework experienced in the major.
Athletic Coach: Coaches plan training, motivate athletes, and strategize for competitions, often in schools or clubs. The role is physically and emotionally demanding but emphasizes leadership and mentorship over academic rigor, posing a distinct kind of challenge.
Athletic Director: Athletic directors oversee sports programs, manage budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance. Their responsibilities surpass the academic demands of the degree by focusing on administration, personnel management, and high-stakes decision-making.
Fitness Trainer/Wellness Coordinator: These professionals design exercise programs, lead group sessions, and advise on lifestyle changes. Their work is typically less academically demanding but can be physically intense and requires strong interpersonal skills.
Adapted Physical Education Specialist: Specialists create individualized programs for students with disabilities, requiring additional certifications and collaboration with other professionals. This career is often more demanding than the degree itself due to the specialized knowledge and patience needed.

Those exploring physical education careers may also consider factors like physical education teacher salary by state to evaluate regional opportunities. Moreover, many graduates aim for high paying exercise science jobs for PE majors, balancing the degree's rigor with financial outcomes. For students researching options that fit their lifestyle, most affordable online universities for working students can offer flexible learning paths that accommodate continued professional development.

Do Physical Education Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no clear link between the difficulty of a physical education major and higher salaries for graduates. While the coursework involves exercise science, pedagogy, and athletic training, salary differences mainly arise from career choices rather than academic demands. For example, a physical education teacher might earn around $75,000 annually, whereas a fitness trainer with the same degree could make about $40,700.

These disparities reflect market demand and certification requirements more than the major's complexity. Earnings depend largely on the specific profession and the skills valued within that job market.

Salary outcomes for physical education graduates differ based on factors like job role, location, and experience. Teachers in New York, for instance, earn approximately $87,050 annually, higher than their counterparts in New Jersey at $78,090. Advanced degrees can add about $3,800 to teachers' salaries after a few years, and coaching can provide additional income between $868 and $7,418 depending on sport and district funding.

Growth in coaching jobs, projected at 26% through 2030, alongside health educators earning roughly $62,120 compared to coaches' $36,330 median salary, highlights how job sector and demand strongly shape earnings for these graduates.

What Graduates Say About Physical Education as Their Major

Marjorie: "Majoring in physical education was definitely challenging, especially balancing the intense coursework with practical training. However, the hands-on learning made it incredibly rewarding, equipping me with skills that directly impacted my career as a fitness coach. Considering the average cost of attendance was around $25,000 per year, I feel the investment was justified by the personal growth and job opportunities it opened up. "

Jason: "Reflecting on my journey through physical education, I wouldn't say it was easy, but it was certainly manageable with dedication. The major deepened my understanding of human movement and wellness, which transformed how I approach my work as a rehabilitation therapist. Financially, it required some careful planning since tuition and materials added up quickly, yet the knowledge gained was invaluable to my profession. "

Alexander: "The rigor of physical education as a major is often underestimated; it demands both academic study and physical endurance. The experience sharpened my organizational and leadership skills, which have been crucial in my role as a sports program coordinator. While the costs totaled nearly $20,000 annually including fees and books, the return on that investment in terms of career development has been significant."

Other Things You Should Know About Physical Education Degrees

Does physical education require strong science skills?

Yes, physical education majors often need a solid understanding of sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. These subjects involve detailed study of the human body and its movement, requiring students to grasp complex biological concepts and apply them practically.

What types of practical skills do physical education students develop?

Students develop a range of practical skills including coaching techniques, physical assessment, exercise program design, and injury prevention methods. These skills are essential for careers in fitness training, coaching, and rehabilitation, and require hands-on practice alongside theoretical learning.

Are internships or fieldwork mandatory in physical education programs?

Most physical education programs require internships, student teaching, or practical fieldwork to provide real-world experience. These placements allow students to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings such as schools, sports teams, or health clubs, which is crucial for skill development and employment readiness.

Do physical education majors need strong communication skills?

Absolutely. Physical education students must effectively communicate instructions, motivate individuals, and collaborate with colleagues or clients. Developing strong verbal and interpersonal skills is vital, as much of the profession involves teaching, counseling, and teamwork.