What can you do with a Health and Physical Education degree?

First, some facts. Of the Health and Physical Education graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 389 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Health and Physical Education graduates have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 67%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 35% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), which is right in line with the average across all fields.

See the details:

View a random Health and Physical Education graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 23%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2014 from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health and Physical Education. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Event Team Member
Ale-8-One Bottling Company
2014 - Present
The position of Event Team Member does not require any specific knowledge or skills related to Health and Physical Education, focusing instead on general event assistance.

Inventory Specialist
RxCrossroads
Mar 2015 - Present
The role of Inventory Specialist may engage some health-related logistics or organizational skills that could relate to health and physical education, but it is not directly tied to the core qualifications of the degree.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Health and Physical Education degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Health and Physical Education reveals a clear trend toward teaching and coaching roles in educational settings. A significant number of individuals went on to become Physical Education teachers, health educators, or coaches at various educational institutions, ranging from elementary to high school levels. Positions such as these are directly relevant to their degrees, as they require a solid understanding of physical fitness, health education, and pedagogical strategies that align closely with the core curricula of these programs.

In addition to teaching, many graduates took on coaching roles in sports, leveraging their educational training in physical education. This includes positions like Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and various roles within athletics departments, which emphasize not only fitness but also teamwork, discipline, and health principles. Such positions frequently involve applying specific skills and knowledge from their academic background, solidifying their relevance in the field.

That said, there are also numerous examples of graduates who ventured into professions less directly related to Health and Physical Education. Some have taken on roles in sales, marketing, and management, which, while potentially benefiting from some skills gleaned during their education, do not directly utilize the health and physical fitness knowledge. For example, positions such as customer service representatives, bank tellers, or administrative roles were prevalent in the data, indicating that not all graduates remain within the realm of physical education or health, leading to a mix of relevant and less relevant job placements.

Overall, while a significant amount of graduates from Health and Physical Education programs successfully found roles that are directly aligned with their educational background, a notable portion transitioned into jobs that diverged from the field, suggesting that the breadth of skills they acquired allows for versatility in their career paths. Nevertheless, teaching and coaching remain the most common and relevant career choices for these individuals, underscoring the effectiveness of their degree programs in preparing them for such vital roles in health education and physical fitness within communities.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Health and Physical Education graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Health and Physical Education graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from health and physical education programs, it's clear that many of them launch their careers in positions that are directly relevant to their field of study. In fact, a significant number take up roles as physical education teachers soon after graduation. This is a common starting point, as seen in the profiles of many individuals who began teaching right after completing their degrees. Some even maintained positions in education for several years, demonstrating a clear commitment to their chosen field. For instance, graduates who held teaching roles often moved into similar roles at different institutions or advanced into administrative positions over time.

Over the years—specifically five to ten years later—many graduates have continued in educational roles but also transitioned into more specialized positions. Several have taken on coaching roles, athletic director positions, or even expanded into fitness training and wellness coaching. These paths show a natural progression where these individuals leverage their foundational education skills to branch out into different areas of health and physical education as they gain more experience. For example, individuals who started as teachers often moved into coaching or administrative roles. Others opened their own businesses in fitness or health consultancy, indicating a solid grasp of the skills they acquired during their degrees.

However, it's also important to note that not every graduate finds their way into roles directly related to health and physical education. A portion of these individuals end up in unrelated fields, particularly in areas like sales, management, or business development. This shift might reflect either a change in career interest or perhaps challenges in securing a position that directly aligns with their degree. Some graduates take jobs in customer service, banking, or administrative roles, which are clearly far from their education background. Therefore, while the trajectory of many graduates indicates a successful alignment with career paths in health and physical education, there is also a notable group whose career paths diverged from their original training.

In conclusion, health and physical education graduates generally start strong in teaching or coaching roles right after graduation, and many build upon that foundation by promoting health and physical fitness in various settings. However, the experience is mixed with a notable percentage venturing into unrelated fields. This suggests that while a degree in health and physical education provides a robust entry point into certain careers, adapting to and navigating the job market can lead some to explore significantly different paths.

How hard is a Health and Physical Education degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education is generally considered on the easier side compared to some other majors, but it still has its challenges. You’ll be doing a mix of coursework that includes nutrition, exercise science, and even psychology, which can require some serious studying and participation in practical activities. If you enjoy staying active, learning about fitness, and working with others, you might find it pretty engaging and not too overwhelming. But like any degree, it’s all about how much effort you put in and your genuine interest in the subjects, so it can definitely be a smooth ride or a bit bumpy depending on your passion and commitment!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Health and Physical Education.

Do Health and Physical Education graduates tend to make good money?

When you look at the job trajectories of the Health and Physical Education graduates from various universities, it seems like many are finding steady employment, particularly in teaching and coaching positions. However, salaries can vary widely based on the role and location. For instance, those working as teachers in public schools may earn decent salaries that can provide for a comfortable lifestyle, especially if they have been in the profession for many years. On the flip side, coaching positions, internships, and early-career roles like health coaches or personal trainers often come with lower salaries, which might not sustain a solid financial footing until they advance further in their careers.

Overall, while many graduates are on paths that could lead them to decent earnings down the line, it’s fair to say that right at the start, especially for those in entry-level positions or part-time roles, the income may not be very high. It's essential for these graduates to leverage opportunities for advancement and further education, as the growth potential in many of these fields can lead to significant salary increases over time.

What buzzwords do Health and Physical Education graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Health and Physical Education. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Health and Physical Education?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Health and Physical Education (ordered by the average relevance score of their Health and Physical Education graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Montclair State University 79 10