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First, some facts. Of the 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 50 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Physical Education graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 56% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Physical Education graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor's of Science-Sport and Exercise Science in Physical Education. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPhysical Education Teacher Good Shepherd Catholic School Jun 2021 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGHigh Performance Strength and ConditioningUCAM Universidad Catlica San Antonio de Murcia 2017 - 2017 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job paths of people who graduated with a degree in Physical Education, it's clear that many find roles directly related to teaching and coaching. A significant number of graduates have taken up positions as Physical Education Teachers or coaches at various levels, including middle and high schools. These roles engage extensively with the core principles of their degree, requiring a solid understanding of physical fitness, sports, and health education. Positions like Head Volleyball Coach, Physical Education Teacher, and Assistant Basketball Coach are standout examples where their education clearly informs their daily responsibilities, ensuring that their jobs are not just relevant but essential to utilizing their academic training.
However, it’s also notable that a sizable portion of these graduates have taken on roles that drift far from the original intent of their degree. Jobs in administration, sales, and other unrelated fields appeared frequently, where the skills gained from their education are less applicable. For instance, positions such as Sales Manager, Technical Representative, and even roles in hospitality did not require the physical education expertise they originally trained for. This mix indicates a bit of a mismatch between some graduates' career paths and their educational background, suggesting that while there are good opportunities in teaching and coaching, many graduates end up in jobs where their skills and knowledge may not be fully utilized.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Physical Education graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of Physical Education graduates, there seems to be a mix of relevant and non-relevant career paths taken after graduation. For many, the first jobs right out of college often include roles such as physical education teachers, coaches, or athletic trainers, which align nicely with their degrees. For instance, graduates from universities like Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Southern Indiana quickly stepped into teaching or coaching positions, showing a direct application of their studies. However, not everyone follows this path; some initial jobs might be more tangential, like student services roles or administrative positions, which may not fully utilize their educational background.
Fast forward five to ten years later, we see a diversification in career paths. While some graduates remain in education, taking on more advanced teaching roles, coaching positions, or administrative roles within school districts, others drift away from the core physical education field entirely. For example, various graduates found themselves in sales, IT, or entirely different sectors like construction or coaching at different levels. This shift might indicate a need to explore broader career opportunities or perhaps a struggle in finding stable roles strictly within physical education. Overall, while some graduates do appear to have successful and relevant careers, a significant number find themselves in jobs that don’t directly connect to their degrees, reflecting the unpredictability of career paths post-graduation.
A Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty—it really depends on your strengths and interests. If you love sports, fitness, and staying active, you might find most of the coursework enjoyable and engaging. The major often includes a mix of theory (like health sciences and pedagogy) and practical components (like coaching and physical fitness), so it won’t be all textbook learning. Compared to some other more theory-heavy degrees, it might feel a bit easier, especially if you’re passionate about physical activity. However, don’t underestimate the workload; you'll still have to stay on top of assignments, projects, and potentially challenging courses related to health and education. Overall, if you’re into being active and learning how to promote fitness, it can be a fun journey!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Physical Education.
Looking at the job histories of these Physical Education graduates, it seems like they have had a mixed bag in terms of earnings. Those in education, like PE teachers and coaches, tend to have more stable but generally lower salaries, especially given how long some have stayed in those positions. For example, the graduates from Middle Tennessee State University and Alabama State University have been sticking with school systems, and while they may love their jobs, they might not be raking in big bucks. On the flip side, some graduates like the one from SUNY Cortland who transitioned into sales management positions at Quench USA seem more likely to make decent money, given the nature of sales and management roles.
Overall, it seems that if you go into physical education with a focus on teaching and coaching, you might find job security but could end up at a lower salary range. However, those who branch out into management or sales roles generally have the potential to earn more over time. It's really about how these graduates choose to use their degrees after college and the paths they take that will impact their financial success in the long run!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Physical Education. This may or may not be useful:
