10 Alternatives to Getting an Elementary Education Degree

If you are planning to become an elementary school teacher, you will likely need to complete a bachelor's degree program in a field related to working with kids. But what specific degree should you pursue? Do you need to earn an elementary education degree, or can you choose another type of program?

Teacher requirements vary by state, but most states require prospective teachers to hold a bachelor's or master's degree or to complete a post-baccalaureate certification program in a field related to their teaching specialization. Education and teaching degrees are typically recommended, but it's possible to get into teaching with a bachelor's degree in any field.

Some good alternative options for aspiring elementary teachers include educational psychology, special education, and youth development. Keep reading to learn more.

Top 10 Bachelor's Degrees Related to Elementary Education

While a bachelor's degree in elementary education can help you become teacher, you can pursue teacher certification with many bachelor's degree programs. Let's take a look at some great options that help learners prepare to teach elementary school grade levels.

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

A bachelor's degree in early childhood education prepares students to work with very young children from birth through prekindergarten. Coursework in these programs typically focuses on teaching introductory motor and cognitive skills like counting and walking.

Elementary school teachers work with slightly older students, ranging from kindergarten through sixth grade. If you are interested in teaching younger grade levels, such as kindergarteners or first graders, an early childhood education degree can lend itself well to your career goals by helping you learn to interact with young children.

Bachelor's in Secondary Education

Secondary education degrees provide training in working with high school students. Learners in this type of degree program learn advanced teaching theories and gain skills for working with older students.

If you want to teach older grade levels in elementary education, such as fifth and sixth graders, a secondary education degree can prepare you to deal with the unique physical, mental, and social issues these students may be dealing with.

Bachelor's in Special Education

A special education bachelor's degree is designed to help teachers educate students with mental, physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. These students can be found at all grade levels so a special education degree can benefit aspiring teachers, regardless of their specific career goals.

Those hoping to work with disabled children at the elementary level can benefit from a special education degree. Even if you don't plan to pursue a career in special education, this type of degree program can help you develop skills in providing individualized education tailored to each student.

Bachelor's in Educational Psychology

Educational psychology degrees explore the ways humans learn new information and retain existing information. They provide an in-depth study of social, cognitive, and emotional learning processes.

A strong understanding of how students learn can benefit teachers at any degree level. This type of degree can help you pursue an elementary education career while also keeping your future career options open.

Bachelor's in Child Development

A child development degree is interdisciplinary in nature. It helps students understand how children develop from birth through adolescence. It explores emotional, physical, social, and cognitive factors through this development.

This type of degree can lead to numerous careers working with children. Aspiring teachers can benefit from this type of degree by gaining an in-depth understanding of childhood development and the factors that affect it.

Bachelor's in Social Work

A social work degree prepares students to advocate and support those who need extra help. These groups may include children, disabled people, those recovering from addictions, and those dealing with mental issues.

A social work degree can benefit aspiring teachers by helping them learn about the various factors that may be affecting their school performance and development. It can also help them advocate for children in their class who may need additional resources or support.

Bachelor's in Educational Administration

A degree in educational administration prepares students to work for schools and school districts in administrative roles. Aspiring teachers in this program learn about effective leadership techniques, managing budgets, and writing educational policies.

This is a great degree for someone hoping to teach elementary school children and pursue leadership positions later in their career.

Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders

This type of degree program explores various communication styles and disorders. Students learn to evaluate, diagnose, and treat conditions that can affect communication.

Elementary school teachers frequently encounter children who struggle with speaking and other forms of communication. Being able to recognize these conditions and provide the appropriate resources for these students can be a valuable skill for any teacher.

Bachelor's in Youth Development

A youth development degree is similar to a child development program. It's a broad program that teaches students about factors contributing to children's development and how to provide them with the support they need as they grow.

This type of program is a great option for aspiring elementary teachers, as it provides a strong understanding of how to support and work with children at various stages of development.

Bachelor's in Art or Music Education

An art or music education degree helps students learn to teach various forms of art and music. These programs may provide a broad general education of music or art topics or may allow students to focus on a specific form of art or music.

Both art and music can be an essential part of an elementary school kid's education. Elementary teachers with a background in art or music education can help instill the love of art or music in their students, ultimately aiding the children with their growth and development.

FAQs About Similar Degrees to Elementary Education

If you have more questions about pursuing teacher education programs other than elementary education, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some commonly asked questions you may have.

Are There Alternative Routes to Teaching Licensure?

While the traditional path involves obtaining an education-related bachelor's degree, completing student teaching experiences, and passing certification exams, there are many ways to pursue a teaching certificate or license. You could pursue a degree in a specific subject area you would like to teach, or even in an unrelated field, then complete a master's degree or alternative certification program.

In some states, if you already have experience as a substitute teacher or paraprofessional, you may be able to complete a short-term teacher preparation program that leads to licensure.

Can I Still Become a Teacher Without an Elementary Education Degree?

Yes, there are many different degrees you can pursue to become a teacher. Other education degrees can help you become a teacher, as can education-related degrees like educational technology and teaching English as a second language.

You can even pursue a teaching career path with an unrelated bachelor's degree if you fulfill any additional state eligibility requirements to obtain a teaching license.

What Degree Should I Pursue if I Want to Work with Children but Not as a Classroom Teacher?

Many careers involve working with children outside of the classroom setting. If you want a non-teaching career that allows you to work with children, consider the following options:

• speech pathology
• physical therapy
• counseling
• public health
• sports and recreation

Can I Work in Education Without a Teaching Degree?

In most states, you can work as a teacher with any bachelor's degree, though you may need to pursue additional education to meet licensing requirements. Education degrees teach key skills in classroom management and specific content areas, but it is possible to learn these skills through other training programs and extensive field experience.

Can I Still Become a Teacher if I Have a Degree in Another Field?

It's important to check the specific education requirements for becoming a teacher in your state. However, in most states, you don't need an education degree to pursue a teaching career.

A bachelor's degree in any field can act as a good starting point when working toward a teaching position. Though you may need additional training, you can still become a teacher without pursuing a separate teaching-specific degree.