What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Education?
Several career and education opportunities are available to those with bachelor's degrees in education. Read more to find out what you can do with an undergraduate education degree.
Field Overview
A bachelor's degree in education offers a liberal arts-based educational experience with a focus on the theories of learning and child/adolescent development. Most programs require students to complete certain general education requirements in addition to the core education-related coursework. Graduates of bachelor's degree programs in education may pursue a variety of career options, as well as further education.
Important Facts About These Occupations
| Primary School Teacher | School Principal | |
|---|---|---|
| On-the-Job Training | Internship or residency | None |
| Licensure | Licensure or certification required in all states | Licensure required in most states |
| Key Skills | Communication skills, creativity, physical stamina | Communication, interpersonal and leadership skills |
| Work Environment | Public and private schools; usually no teaching during summer | Public and private schools; year-round schedule |
Primary or Secondary School Teacher
Many school teachers hold bachelor's degrees in education. School teachers are responsible for the education of primary or secondary age school children (grades K-12). Although some high school teachers may hold degrees in fields other than education, such as math or English, a bachelor's degree in education can help prepare them for working in a classroom setting.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), the employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to increase by about 5% between 2021 and 2031. Job opportunities available to high school teachers will also grow by an estimated four percent during the same time frame. In May 2021, elementary school teachers earned a median annual salary of $61,400, per the BLS; the Bureau published median annual earnings made by high school teachers as $61,820 the same year.
School Administrator
A bachelor's degree program in education can prepare you for a variety of administrative roles in educational environments. Nearly all schools, including primary and secondary schools, employ a number of administrators and counselors. People in these positions may help guide students in several capacities or help the school run in an efficient manner. It is important to note that some of these administrator positions may require additional certifications or advanced degrees.
The BLS indicated that the median salary earned by elementary and high school administrators was $98,420 in May 2021. The same source projects job growth for elementary, middle, and high school principals of 5% from 2021 to 2031.
Non-Education Related Career
Because many entry-level positions only require that applicants have four-year degrees, a bachelor's degree in education may qualify students for careers unrelated to education. Many business positions, such as entry-level assistant positions, may be available to students with this degree. A four-year degree shows employers that an applicant is organized and capable of completing a specific goal. Armed with a bachelor's degree in education, you may obtain an entry-level business position and learn on the job.
Graduate School
Many students with bachelor's degrees in education choose to pursue advanced degrees in the field. A master's degree program in education introduces students to advanced topics and usually allows them to concentrate their studies in particular areas of education, such as early childhood education, adolescent education, and science education. Students with a bachelor's degree in education may also choose to pursue graduate studies in other fields, such as law or healthcare.