Education

What You Need to Know About Education Degree Programs

If you’re looking for a fulfilling career path, it’s tough to beat the education field. From teaching and school administration to counseling students, there are plenty of options for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Teaching is what most people think of when it comes to the education field. If you want to become a teacher, you can focus on elementary, middle school, high school, early education, and all levels of post-secondary education. You might also pursue a career in special education.

There are different requirements for teaching at different levels. You typically only need a certificate or on-the-job training to become a teaching assistant, while preschool teachers usually need at least an associate’s degree. Anyone teaching at the K-12 level will need a bachelor’s degree, with high school teachers often required to have a degree in a specific subject area. Becoming a postsecondary instructor will require a master’s degree.

Becoming a teacher at any level usually requires some student teaching. Classroom experience is a must to get comfortable in front of students, but it’s also a prerequisite for earning state licensure. There are separate licensures for different grade levels in most states, so it’s essential to check on the guidelines where you are.

Advanced education degrees aren’t just for teaching at the postsecondary level. With a master’s degree in education, you might work in school finance, curriculum development, or administration. With a doctorate, you can learn about all kinds of research analysis and strategic planning in the education field. Earning a PhD in education could also lead to working with government agencies to create and implement school policies.

You’ll find that there are many online options for earning an education degree. In many cases, you can complete coursework and work with local schools to gain the real-world teaching experience you need to get licensed. You just have to make sure that any online program features adequate preparation for certification and licensure exams in your state. Of course, you also must ensure that your online education program is properly accredited by national organizations such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The vast majority of education careers are projected to see average or better growth in the years to come. As for salary, you can expect a wide variance depending on where you live and the type of occupation. Postsecondary teachers can earn anywhere from $60,000 to over $100,000 per year depending on the state and the subject they teach. High school and elementary teachers’ salaries vary widely from state to state. Guidance counselors typically earn around $50,000 annually.

There are so many things to consider if you decide to pursue an education degree of any level. The one thing you can count on is a fulfilling professional life making a positive impact on people’s lives.