Education and Teaching Degree Programs

Teachers impact the lives of children, young adults and even professionals every day. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a kindergarten teacher or someone who devotes their life to special education, a teaching career can be one of the most rewarding vocations.

Let’s explore the world of education and teaching. Are you ready to learn more about becoming a teacher or getting an education degree? Here are the basics:

How long does it take to study education or get a teaching degree?

Teaching degrees typically take at least four years to earn, but your particular situation could vary. While most states can offer some form of teaching credential to someone with a Bachelor’s Degree (a four-year degree), some states or school districts require either a teaching certificate or a Master’s Degree. Plus, teachers who have Master’s Degrees tend to earn more than those teachers who stopped at their Bachelor’s Degree.

Most states allow teachers to earn their teaching certification upon completion of a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining your Master’s Degree can take an additional two years to complete.

No matter your choice, you can expect to spend between four and six years to start teaching. And you should plan on returning to school, occasionally, for extra certifications or training.

Where could an education degree take me?

Teachers are needed everywhere. No matter the city, state or country, there is a great need for motivated teachers who can educate and inspire students of all ages. While you might think of a traditional teaching career, like a high school history teacher, there are many more outlets for teachers. You could become a professional tutor, a special education teacher, a coach, a researcher, a professor, or an administrator.

Many teachers find that their careers change and develop. Some teachers work their way into administration, and become assistant principals, principals or school board members. Many teachers work in educational development, write textbooks and become experts on different subject matters.

Which types of education or teaching degrees are available?

Most teachers get at least Bachelor’s Degrees, but a large percentage of teachers return to school and continue studying throughout their life. Teachers like learning, so it’s no surprise that teachers stay involved in the academic world throughout their lives.

While many colleges offer basic teaching or education degrees, remember that you can become a teacher by getting a degree in History, English, Social Studies, Humanities, Liberal Studies or a variety of other majors. Many science or chemistry teachers were engineering majors in college who got teaching certificates after they graduated.

You can earn these types of degrees or certificates in the education and teaching fields:

• Certificate: Many states require some sort of certificate that authorizes you to teach in public schools. You also might need a special certification to work as a special education teacher, or an athletic coach.
• BA/BS Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year degree is the basis for a teaching career. Here, you can decide whether to specialize in elementary education, secondary (high school) education or a specialized field.
• MA/MS Master’s Degree: Many teachers get their Master’s Degrees in Education, which further establishes their credentials and can increase their earning potential.
• PhD: Teachers who earn their Doctorate degree typically plan on working in a college/university environment. These educators write scholarly papers and do research. Some teach seminars and university courses as well.