What Can I Do with an Education Degree?

There is perhaps no better way to positively impact the lives of children or assure a brighter future for our world than to become an educator. Whether you see yourself working to shape young minds when they are at their most curious and impressionable or you picture yourself in a rigorous collegiate environment; whether you think you can have your biggest impact by working with special needs learners or you believe your best contributions will be made as a guidance counselor; whether your passion draws you to science, physical education, literature or the nearly infinite array of subjects that you could ultimately teach, your path begins with a degree in education.

But of course, since this is a diverse field with a ton of different paths, you have a lot of different degree options. Ultimately, if you hope to become a public school teacher, a librarian, a guidance counselor, or any number of other important positions in the education sphere, you will need to earn at least a Bachelor’s Degree, which each state requires before you’ll be allowed to sit for a state licensing exam. Some states, districts, schools, or positions may even require a minimum of a Master’s Degree in teaching or education. However, there are a lot of different paths to earning either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. There are also a lot of non-teaching roles in education that you could qualify for with an associate or bachelor’s degree.

How far you hope to go in your degree studies will depend on how far you plan to go in your education career, and in what kind of setting you hope to practice your skills. Below, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know in order to decide which option, or options, apply to you.

If you already have a pretty good idea of how you’d like to get started, you might be interested in checking out The 20 Best Online Master of Education Degree Programs, The 25 Best Online Master in Higher Education Degree Programs, or The 30 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Degree Programs.

You might also want to jump straight to our list of The Best Online Teaching Degrees.

If you need a little more information, continue on.

Covered in this article:

Let’s start with the one thing you absolutely must be sure of before you proceed: accreditation.

What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?

The last thing you want to do is waste time and money on a degree that won’t be taken seriously by future employers. That’s why it is absolutely imperative that you make sure your school has the proper accreditation before you proceed.

As with most other higher education disciplines, accreditation is of critical importance in determining where to obtain an Education degree. Program accreditation is granted by accrediting agencies that are formally recognized by the Department of Education. Only accredited colleges or universities are eligible for financial aid. Moreover, accreditation typically indicates that an institution is not only maintaining its standards but that it continues to advance and remain current within its field. As you proceed in your search, you’ll find both institutional accreditation and program accreditation. The former refers to school wide accreditation and the latter refers to the accreditation conferred upon your specific discipline and degree program.

Regional Accrediting Agencies

The institutional accrediting sector is divided into regional and national accrediting agencies. Generally, regional accrediting agencies confer greater credibility and merit. When you’re investigating a college or university, you’ll want to look for the “stamp of approval” from one of the following regional accrediting agencies:

Program Accreditation

When it comes to national accrediting agencies, reputations may vary. In some cases, program specific accrediting agencies may hold a great deal of importance. Some professions and places of employment will require that your degree has been conferred by a course of study with program specific national accreditation. This is true of education, where the credibility of your degree depends very much on whether or not you’ve earned it from an institution accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

The CAEP was formed in 2013 by the merging of two leading accrediting agenies, the The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)—which was founded in 1954—and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)—which was founded in 1997.

The merger ultimately made the CAEP the singular accreditation group in the education sphere. As of 2016, any accreditation standards imposed by either NCATE or TEAC have been replaced by CAEP standards.

Stated simply, when you’re seeking an education degree program of any kind and at any level, make sure that it has been accredited by the CAEP.

The easiest way to determine accreditation status is to contact your school of choice, or visit the CAEP website, which provides a searchable database of accredited institutions and degree programs. You can also take a look at the Department of Education’s database of all recognized accreditors within its purview.

Or, to learn a little more about navigating the tricky accreditation landscape, check out Accreditation of Colleges and Universities: Who’s Accrediting the Accreditors?

Now that you get the idea, let’s take a look at some of your degree options.

What Kinds of Education Degrees Are There?

Associate Degree in Education

As with most professions, the Associate Degree in education is a good starting point, one that can make the pursuit of a higher degree more affordable in the long run. Typically a 2-year engagement, an associate degree program in education will provide you with some introductory level instruction, a focus on basic teaching theories, and practical instruction in teaching, most likely at the elementary education level. You’ll also typically take a requisite set of liberal arts courses alongside your concentration in education. Earning an associate degree will immediately qualify you to work as a teacher’s assistant. In some contexts, you may also be qualified to work as a preschool teacher or in a daycare/childcare setting. However, if you ultimately plan to become a public school teacher at the elementary school level or beyond, or to serve in a more advanced role in the field, you will need to continue into a bachelor’s degree program.

What Courses Will I Take?

Introduction to Elementary Education
Education Technology
Theories of Learning
Current Trends in Education
Child Psychology and Development
Instructional Techniques

What’s the Difference between an AA and an AS in Education?

Both the Associate of Arts (AA) and an Associate of Science (AS) in education are designed to help you transition into a four-year program upon completion. The AA is your best bet if you’re seeking a general introduction to the discipline of education alongside a traditional liberal arts education. The AS, by contrast, provides a greater focus on math and science courses, making it an attractive option for those who ultimately plan to teach in STEM-related fields.

Now that you know what to look for, check out our list of The Best Online Teaching Degrees here!

Bachelor of Education

If you plan to become a teacher at the early education, elementary school, or high school level, the most basic threshold for qualification is a bachelor’s degree. All states require that you have at least a bachelor’s degree in order to sit for a licensing exam. In fact, many bachelor’s programs come with a built-in teacher education program that leads to licensure. If you complete an education program that does not include licensure, you will have to enroll in an alternative teaching certification program after earning your bachelor’s degree (though some certification programs may allow you to be simultaneously enrolled in your bachelor’s program). It will typically take 4-5 years to complete both an education degree and certification program. This investment of time is absolutely necessary if you plan to teach at the public elementary, middle, high-school or special education level. Some private schools may not require you to hold a bachelor’s degree and state-issued license. Still, even in a private school setting, these credentials will give you an edge when it comes to hiring. As part of your bachelor’s program, you will typically choose a specific area of concentration in education, including such features as age group; public, private or religious setting; subject matter, etc. It’s also not a bad idea to minor in the subject matter you eventually hope to teach. Determining where and whom you hope to teach will help you choose courses and earn the bachelor’s degree that makes the most sense for you.

What Courses Will I Take?

Learning, the Mind and Education
Diversity in Education
Introduction to Pedagogy
Research in Education
Curriculum Foundations (multiple subjects)
Educational Psychology
Instructional Technology
Early Language and Literacy

What’s the Difference between a BA and a BS in Education?

As with an Associate’s Degree, the primary difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in education is that the former will provide a parallel liberal arts education while the latter will include a greater focus on math and science courses.

Now that you know what to look for, check out The Best Online Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree Programs or dive into our list of The Best Online Teaching Degrees here!

Master of Education

When it comes time to earn your Masters Degree, you have a lot of options. A Master’s program in teaching is typically about 30 credit hours, or one year of study. In fact, a lot of undergraduate education programs will give you the option of continuing directly from your bachelor’s degree into a one-year master’s program. If this is an option for you, it could be a tremendous way to save time and money.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, your masters program will really be all about your area of focus or specialization. If you haven’t yet earned your state-issued license to teach (either through your bachelor’s or alternate certification program), you may be able to enter directly into a master’s program that leads to both certification and a degree. This is another cost-effective way to kill two birds with one stone.

If you have already earned your license—and perhaps even a job teaching out in the real world—a master’s degree is a great way to advance your professional knowledge, not to mention your job prospects and pay grade.

You’ll study advanced concepts in curriculum, educational psychology, policy and special education. You’ll also develop a master’s thesis, preferably related to the area of education where you hope to ultimately work. While a master’s degree may be optional for most teachers, it is highly recommended for aspiring principals, college administrators, and professors, as well as those with specialized areas of interest like special education, childhood development, curriculum development, or education policy orientation.

What Courses Will Will I Take?
Your Master’s Degree will revolve closely around your chosen area of concentration. While there are likely some core courses specific to your degree program, your electives and the capstone course in which you develop your thesis will be tailored directly to the focus of your studies. You will likely work directly with a mentor on your thesis project, as well as on the research, composition, and analytical skills needed to complete it well.

What’s the Difference between an MIT and a MEd in Education?

The degree that you pursue will have a lot to do with how you ultimately plan to apply it in a professional setting. The Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) is the more general option, one that provides classroom educators with pathways to organizational leadership and administration, as well as a segue into possible doctorate programs or other specialized degrees. The Master’s in Teaching (MIT) is the preferred degree for those educators who hope to improve their skills and salary prospects while remaining in the classroom. Specific areas of concentration include the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts in Special Education and quite a few others.

In fact, once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree in education, there are a lot of directions you could turn in pursuit of a master’s degree.

If you’re looking for a general education degree program, start with The 20 Best Online Master of Education Degree Programs.

On the other hand, if you have a pretty good idea of where you’re headed, consider any of the following paths, depending entirely upon your personal interests and professional goals:

Doctor of Education

If you ultimately aspire to pursue a career in academic research, in administrative leadership, or as a university professor, you may want to consider pursuing a doctorate degree. In order to do so, you must have earned a Master’s Degree in education or a related field. This is a terminal degree that qualifies you to engage high-level policy, curriculum, and pedagogy issues, as well as to work in the top positions at an array of educational outlets, research institutions and private companies. This could be a good step for you if you ultimately hope to become university faculty, hold office in the Department of Education, serve as an executive officer in a school district, or oversee professional development for a large corporation. The length of your degree program will depend on your area of focus, as will the nature of the courses that you decide to take.

What’s the Difference between a PhD and an EdD?

If you ultimately intend to pursue a career in academia, you’ll likely want to earn your PhD in Education. This will provide you with the theoretical basis and research experience to both work and contribute to the field. If you anticipate landing a hands-on leadership role in the field of education, the Doctorate of Education (EdD) might suit your needs. This one will provide you with the practical skills to serve in a leadership role in education, government agencies, non-profits, or in the training department of a business or corporation.

What Kind of Licensing or Certification Do I Need?

Teaching Certification

In order to become a classroom teacher in a public school setting, you must earn a bachelor’s degree and complete a teaching certification program. In many cases, your undergraduate program will include the courses required to earn your teaching certification. If that is not the case—or if you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in an alternate field—you can enter into a standalone teaching certification program. This will provide you with the coursework and experience needed to earn licensure in your state. (Bear in mind that some states actually require you to have a Master’s Degree in education before you can enter your certification program. Contact the Department of Education in your state to learn more). Depending on the amount of coursework you’ve completed up to this point, your certification program could take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Once this is complete, you will qualify to sit for the licensing exam in your state. Some states use a national exam like PRAXIS, while others employ their own licensing examination.

Once again, we would advise visiting the Department of Education for your state to find out more.

Continuing Education Certifications

As an educator, you also have a fairly enormous spectrum of opportunities for continuing education. While working as an educator in the field, you can engage in certification programs in a nearly endless array of specializations and areas of interest. Depending up subject matter and rigor, a certification could take anywhere from a few credits and hours to a full year of study. The decision to pursue post-professional certification is entirely optional and depends largely upon your interests and ambitions, as opposed to any professional mandate.

With that said, before entering into a licensing or certification program, be sure that it is awarded by a reputable association or group. Most associations or groups will require you to complete an education program or workshop to earn your certification.

What can I do with an Education degree?

Your Education degree can be the key to a wide range of Education Careers. As we’ve noted, you have a lot of options when it comes to the level, setting, and discipline in which you’ll practice your skills. To learn more about your options, consider a few of the top careers in your field:

What kind of salary can I earn with an Education degree?

As noted above, you have a lot of options as an aspiring educator. Your area of specialization and the academic level at which you choose to teach will have a direct bearing on your earning potential.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a look at the salary range you can expect for a number of popular teaching roles:

Adult Literacy/HS Equivalency Diploma Teachers: Median Pay, 2016—$50,650
Librarians: Median Pay, 2016—$57,680
Career and Technical Education Teachers: Median Pay, 2016—$54,020
High School Teachers: Median Pay, 2016—$58,030
Instructional Coordinators: Median Pay, 2016—$62,460
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers: Median Pay, 2016—$55,490
Library Technicians and Assistants: Median Pay, 2016—$28,440
Middle School Teachers: Median Pay, 2016—$56,720
Postsecondary Teachers: Median Pay, 2016—$75,430
Preschool Teachers: Median Pay, 2016—$$28,790
Special Education Teachers: Median Pay, 2016—$57,910
Teacher Assistants: Median Pay, 2016—$25,410

Are There Professional Education Associations or Societies I should join?

Professional Associations are a fantastic way to make connections in your field, learn about valuable seminars or certifications, and improve your own credentials. The association or associations you choose to join will depend to an extent on the career path you take. Look for Education associations that correspond with your academic or professional concentration.

National Education Association: The NEA is not just the largest professional teaching organization in the U.S. but the largest professional association in the country as well. With 3 million members across all 50 states, the NEA also serves as the lead union providing labor advocacy for educational professionals and a key lobby group in Washington, D.C., where it makes its headquarters.

Association of American Educations: The AAE is the largest non-union professional association of teachers in the U.S. and provides members with access to professional resources, the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants, lobby activities, and legal advocacy as needed.

State Teachers Associations: Each state also has an affiliate teaching association that is at once affiliated with the NEA and acts independently on behalf of a state’s teachers. Active membership in your state teacher’s association could provide a wide range of benefits from networking and access to resources to discount convention admission and participation in professional development workshops.

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Now that you know a bit more about how to earn a degree in Education, check out The Best Online Teaching Degrees and find the best school school for you!

If you’re looking for something more specific, take a look below: