Degree Requirements

Different careers come with different educational expectations, and knowing these requirements early can help you plan ahead. Many fields have specific expectations for coursework, prerequisites, training, and licensing, and those details often vary from one career path to another. The resources below explain what it takes to qualify for roles in healthcare, veterinary medicine, education, and many other professions. You can use this information to compare options, understand academic expectations, and determine which pathway best aligns with your long-term goals.

Common Degree Requirements

Can You Take the NCLEX Without Going to Nursing School?

Most states require nursing school before taking the NCLEX, though a few exceptions exist for experienced medical professionals under specific conditions.

What are the Education Requirements to Be a Veterinarian?

To become a veterinarian, you need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and obtain a professional license in your state. Keep reading to learn more about veterinarian education requirements and how to become a veterinarian.

Dentist Education Requirements: How Long Does It Take?

Learn dentist education requirements, how long it takes to become a dentist, the steps to earn licensure, and what salary and career outlook you can expect.

What Are the Math Requirements To Become an X-Ray Technician?

Discover the essential x-ray tech math requirements for aspiring X-ray technicians. Learn the key mathematical skills needed for success in this field.

What Education Is Required to Be a Pediatrician?

Pediatricians work with patients from infancy through young adulthood. Read on to learn about pediatrician education requirements and how to become a pediatrician.

15 High-Paying Majors That Don't Require Math

Explore a variety of high-paying majors that don’t require math. Learn what counts as a no math major, potential career paths, salaries, and top programs.

What are the Required Math Courses for Chemical Engineering Majors?

If you are considering a major in chemical engineering, you will have to take advanced math courses in addition to the required courses in chemistry and physics. Read on to learn about these courses, and others needed to earn a degree in this field.

What are the Pros and Cons of Being a Cake Decorator?

Cake decorators are often able find work in restaurants, bakeries and gourmet markets. Read on in order to learn about the pros and cons of pursuing a career in baking and becoming a professional cake decorator.

What Are the Requirements for a Healthcare Informatics Systems Career?

If you have an interest or background in either healthcare or information technology, a career in healthcare informatics systems could be for you. Continue reading for more information.

What Are the Requirements for a Sonography Certification?

Certification is common for sonographers--those who operate ultrasound technology to create diagnostic images of patients. You may pursue certification from organizations including the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

What are the Requirements for a Human Services Career?

The requirements for a career in human services depend on the choice of career path. Although people work in human services with only a high school diploma, a degree is generally considered essential for advancement and higher wages.

What Are the Requirements for a Customer Relationship Management Career?

Customer relationship management is a business strategy that works to retain a company's customers rather than trying to find new ones. The educational requirements for a career in customer relationship management depend on whether one wants to enter the business side or the technical side of the field.

What Are the Requirements for a Medical Residency?

In case you are interested in attending medical school but are not sure what a medical residency entails, this article might prove helpful. Read on to learn what you will need to do to begin a medical residency and the different steps that are required to complete this component of professional medical training.

What Are the Requirements For a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?

Entry-level vocational rehabilitation specialist positions may only require bachelor's degrees; however, advanced positions may require a master's degree. Read on for information regarding the educational requirements you will need to enter the field of vocational rehabilitation.

What are the Requirements for Becoming a School Administrator?

To become a public school administrator at the elementary or secondary level, you typically need a graduate degree and a license. Most schools prefer to hire administrators with previous teaching experience as well. Read on to learn more about the requirements for becoming a school administrator.

What Are the Requirements for Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician?

Certification is not usually required for employment as a sterile processing technician, but having it can improve your resume. Read on to learn how long it takes to become a certified sterile processing technician and the requirements involved.

What are the Requirements for Becoming a Fire Safety Inspector?

Fire safety inspectors can help prevent fires before they start. Career requirements can vary by state. Learn more about the certification, education and training that's typically required to become a fire safety inspector.

What are the Requirements for Becoming a History Teacher?

Read on to learn what education and certification are required to become a history teacher. Get information about different specialties and levels of teaching that are available in the field of history.

What are the Requirements for Becoming an Armed Security Officer?

Armed security officers patrol and protect private, commercial, and public property from illegal or dangerous activity. Read on to discover how to become an armed security guard, including armed security guard requirements and how to get a license.

What are the Requirements for Most Online Master's Degrees?

The requirements for earning online master's degrees begin with getting into the program. This is because admission to most reputable online master's degree programs is somewhat competitive. To engage in courses and complete assignments in your online graduate program, you will need access to certain technologies. Both of these requirements are described in further detail below.

What are the Requirements for Starting a Career in Child Care?

Requirements for starting a career in childcare include experience working with children (obtained possibly through volunteering), patience, enthusiasm and understanding. Other career requirements include the ability to pass background checks and the willingness to obtain certification and licensure if needed. If you would like to build a childcare career, read on for further details.

What are the Requirements for Entrance into Two-Year Colleges?

Many students opt to enter two-year colleges before going on to pursue degrees at four-year colleges or universities. These students must meet certain entrance requirements, which are usually quite lenient, though they do vary from state to state and even from one school to another. Read on for more information regarding the requirements for entrance into two-year colleges.

What are the Requirements for Enrolling in a MBA Program?

Every school sets its own prerequisite requirements that students must meet for enrolling in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. These typically include previous college degree requirements along with coursework, test score and experience requirements. Find more information on MBA enrollment requirements in this article.

What are the Requirements for Guidance Counseling Licensure?

Becoming a guidance counselor allows you to work through societal and developmental issues to counsel children on various issues related to their career, college or community. Learn about education requirements, degree coursework, certification and licensure.

What Are the Requirements of a Radiologist Assistant Degree Program?

The radiologist assistant (RA) position was developed in 1995 to meet the needs of a growing patient base in radiological procedures. Radiologist assistants must adhere to very specific educational requirements involving the degree level obtained, the RA exam and a clinical portfolio in order to practice as RAs.

What are the Requirements for Sports Nutrition Certification?

Sports nutritionists are consultant dietitians who provide their nutritional expertise specifically to sports teams. Several professional organizations offer certification for sports nutrition specialists, and each has its own requirements. Read on to learn how to become a certified sports nutritionist.

What Are the Requirements to be a Drama Teacher?

Drama teachers' primary duties are to produce plays, nurture the arts in schools and teach acting and set design skills to a variety of students. Learn about what you'll need in order to become a drama teacher and get information on degree options, coursework and licensure.

What are the Requirements to Be a Certified Registered Nurse?

To become a certified registered nurse (RN), you must graduate from a state-approved nursing school, pass a licensure exam, then pass a specialty certification exam. Read on to learn more about the requirements to be a certified registered nurse.

What Are the Requirements to be a Chiropractic Assistant?

Like many medical practitioners, chiropractors rely on assistants to help with treatments or run the office. To become a chiropractic assistant, you typically need to earn a relevant postsecondary certificate or degree, though a high school diploma may be sufficient for some positions. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are the Requirements to be a Drug Alcohol Counselor?

As a drug alcohol counselor, you help patients who have a substance addiction. Your work helps to put individuals and their families on the road back to a healthy lifestyle. If you enjoy helping others and having a positive role in their lives, this may be a career for you.

What are the Requirements to be a Game Artist?

A game artist or video game artist brings the visual elements in a video game to life. If you want to combine classical art training with computer and graphic design, a career in game artistry might be right for you. Most of these professionals have completed a college-level certificate or degree program.

What Are the Requirements of an Online Bachelor's Degree?

If you're interested in earning a college degree, you may be able to complete it online. Most online bachelor's degree programs have similar course requirements as on-campus programs. However, online programs usually use course management systems and incorporate asynchronous learning. Read on to find out about specific requirements for earning a bachelor's degree online.

What are the Requirements to be a College Counselor?

College counselors help students with personal, social and academic issues. Continue reading to find out about training requirements, program coursework and online options.

What Are the Requirements to be a College Art Teacher?

Read about the degree options and curricula for master's degrees and doctorates that prepare you to teach studio art, art history or art education at junior colleges and universities.

What Are the Requirements to be a Psychotherapist?

As a psychotherapist, you blend therapeutic methods with listening skills to help clients with mental problems. Read on to see how to start a career in this field.

What Are the Requirements of an Associate's Degree in Psychology?

Earning an associate's degree in psychology can be a cost-effective way to learn about the field and earn college credits toward a 4-year degree. Read on to learn more about requirements for this degree level.

What Are the Requirements to be a High School Psychology Teacher?

Explore degree programs that could prepare you to teach psychology in high schools, including bachelor's degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates and online master's degrees.

What Are the Requirements to be a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists promote healthy teeth and gums in children and adolescents. Becoming a dentist requires the completion of an undergraduate program and dental school, as well as earning licensure and voluntary board certification. Read on to learn more about the requirements to become a pediatric dentist.

What Are the Requirements to be a Health Care Inspector?

Health care inspectors must possess excellent communication skills and be able to pay close attention to details. This position may go by other titles, including health facilities inspector, medical facilities inspector, compliance inspector, or health care facilities inspector. Read on to learn the job duties and requirements to become a health inspector.

What Are the Requirements to be a Personal or Athletic Trainer?

If you'd like to work in a fitness or sports setting and you're interested in helping people lead healthy, athletic lifestyles, a career as a personal or athletic trainer could be right for you. Read on to learn about the education and certification options for these careers.

What Are the Requirements to Be a Med Tech?

A med tech, also called a clinical laboratory technician or medical laboratory technician, performs medical testing that helps doctors and other healthcare providers determine the health and condition of patients. Read on to learn more about the education, licensing, and certification of med techs.

What Are the Requirements to be a Health Teacher?

Health teachers instruct students on healthy life practices and physical education in schools and other community settings. Continue reading to learn about the education and training you'll need to become a health teacher. You'll also find out more information on professional certification and licensing.

What Are the Requirements to be a Hospital Administrator?

Healthcare administrators handle all aspects of the day-to-day running of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Find out how to become a hospital administrator, the education needed, and the other prerequisites that must be met to enter the field of hospital administration.

What Are the Requirements to be a Middle School Math Teacher?

Learn about the education and certification requirements for becoming a middle school math teacher. Get information about online programs, and examine the expectations for employment growth and salaries in this profession.

What Are the Requirements to be a High School Biology Teacher?

Get information on the online and classroom-based degree options to prepare for a career as a high school biology teacher. Learn about licensing and certification options, including alternate licensure and national certification.

What Are the Requirements to be a High School Principal?

The job duties of high school principals include managing the school budget and implementing policies. Learn the education and experience you'll need to become a principal, and discover the median salary for this career.

What Are the Requirements to be a Pediatric Surgeon?

Pediatric surgeons are specialized surgeons who perform operations on children, from infancy into late adolescence. Read on to learn about how to become a pediatric surgeon and pediatric surgeon education.

What Are the Requirements to be an Optometrist?

Optometrists serve patients of all ages to check their vision. You'll need to earn a Doctor of Optometry and become licensed to work in this profession.

What Are the Requirements to be a Pharmacist?

Aspiring pharmacists typically need to complete a doctoral program and supervised clinical experiences; they also need to obtain state licensure. Read on to learn more about career pathways in community, specialty, or research pharmacy.

What Are the Requirements to be an Elementary School Teacher?

As an elementary school teacher, you'll aid children with their social, mental, physical and emotional development. To teach in public elementary schools, you'll need a bachelor's degree and state licensure. Read on for more details about the qualifications for elementary school teachers, and review the job outlook and salary potential.

What Are the Requirements to be a Physical Therapy Aide?

Physical therapy aides typically need a high school diploma in order to enter the field. Read on to learn more about the education and skills requirements for a physical therapy aide.

What Are the Requirements to Be Director of Nursing in a Long-Term Care Facility?

Long-term care facilities often employ a director of nursing. This individual oversees and coordinates the activities and duties of its nursing staff. Read on to find out about the requirements for this position.

What Are the Requirements to be a Water Aerobics Instructor?

Water aerobics instructors typically need certification training in life guarding, CPR, and water fitness. Read on to see if water aerobics instructor training is a path you may want to explore.

What Are the Requirements to be an Oncology Nurse?

Your role as an oncology nurse will encompass much more than administering chemotherapy or assisting in surgery. You will often be the primary medical contact for cancer patients, providing essential education and support, not only to the patient, but also to his or her family. Read on to learn more about the requirements to become an oncology nurse.

What Are the Requirements to be a Sports Physical Therapist?

Sports physical therapists usually need to earn a graduate degree and obtain professional licensure. Keep reading to learn more about degree options and licensing requirements in this field.

What Are the Requirements to be a School Nurse?

As a school nurse, you'll work in an educational setting and care for students and faculty members. The work of a school nurse may involve accessing students for injuries or illnesses, stopping the spread of communicable diseases or conditions, such as head lice, and implementing activities to keep the school environment as healthy as possible. Read on to learn more about the requirements to become a school nurse.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

Learn about becoming a labor and delivery nurse, including all education, certification, and experience requirements.

What are the Requirements to Become a Gym Teacher?

Gym teachers, also called physical education teachers, provide students in kindergarten through 12th grade instruction in physical fitness, sports, and health. Requirements for becoming a gym teacher vary by state. This article discusses educational and professional requirements for becoming a gym teacher.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Business Manager?

While there are different types of business managers, a general business manager job description includes helping lead your organization to reach its business goals. Learn how to become a business manager and the different requirements here.

What are the Requirements To Become a Commercial Airline Pilot?

Find out what it takes to become a commercial airline pilot, including all education, certification, and licensing requirements.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Kindergarten Teacher?

Learn about bachelor's degrees and student teaching requirements to earn state licensure as a kindergarten teacher or kindergarten special education teacher.

What are the Requirements to Become a Correction Officer?

Corrections officers work in prisons and jails to oversee inmates and provide security in the facilities. Read on to learn about the specific requirements necessary to pursue this career.

What Are the Requirements To Become a Diplomat?

Discover the different types of diplomats and the steps to become a diplomat.

What are the Requirements to Becoming a Health Insurance Agent?

Health insurance agents sell insurance policies to companies or individuals that cover a recipient's income loss and medical care if they become sick or hurt. Continue reading to learn more about the requirements to become a health insurance agent.

What Are the Requirements to Become an Insurance Fraud Investigator?

Although becoming an insurance fraud investigator commonly requires a background in law enforcement, you can choose from several educational paths in your quest to become an insurance fraud investigator. Keep reading to learn more about academic options in this field, as well as voluntary certification.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Private School Teacher?

Find out the education and certification requirements for becoming a teacher in a private school. Discover the daily responsibilities of private school teachers.

What Are the Requirements to Become an Electronics Technician?

If you're looking to apply your interests and skills to a career working with electronics, you may be curious about what it takes to land a position as an electronics technician. Keep reading to learn more about this occupation and its requirements.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Natural Health Consultant?

Natural health consultants work in natural health and medicine. They may be self-employed and often advise clients on the efficacy of various natural remedies and practices. Although there are no specific education requirements for natural health consultants, they should have an understanding of a variety of natural health methodologies. A degree or certificate from a natural health college may help consultants secure a job or develop a clientele list.

What are the Requirements to Become a Police Detective?

Job requirements for detectives include completion of a police academy training program, along with some on-the-job training. Detectives must also meet physical standards, be 21 years of age and pass a background check. For more info, keep reading.

What Are the Requirements to Become an Agriculture Teacher?

As well as educating students about agriculture, some agriculture teachers help farmers and homeowners develop effective agricultural practices. Learn about the degree programs you can pursue in agricultural education, the other qualifications for becoming an agriculture teacher, coursework and online study options.

What Are the Requirements to Become an EEG Technologist?

EEG technologists, sometimes known as electroneurodiagnostic technologists, are proficient in the use of electroencephalograph (EEG) machines to measure the brain functions of patients. Different types of equipment are used to conduct other types of electroneurodiagnostic tests, such as polysomnograms, nerve conduction studies, or evoked potentials. Keep reading if you want to find out the education and licensure requirements for EEG technologists.

What are the Requirements to Become a Wedding Officiant?

Wedding officiants bind the contract between individuals within a wedding ceremony. Read on to learn more about who can become a wedding officiant and how.

What Education Do I Need to Be a Composer?

If you're an aspiring composer, entering a postsecondary music degree program could help you enhance your musical skills. Both undergraduate and graduate programs in composition are available.

What Education Do I Need for a Medical Records Management Career?

Medical records technicians and managers handle and organize medical records and other data. They are also responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of all data. Read on for more information about the education requirements for a career in this healthcare management field.

What Education Do I Need for a Career in Forestry?

Forestry is a diverse industry that offers careers in land and timber management and resource conservation. Most forestry jobs can be obtained with an associate's or a bachelor's degree. This article explores the education that is necessary for different types of careers in forestry.

What Education and Training Is Needed to Become a Video Editor?

To become a video editor, many professionals will earn a bachelor's degree, perhaps by attending film school. Some will complete apprenticeships and other hands-on training, and many video editors should expect to study in continuing education classes.

What Education Do I Need for a Career in Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineering is a combination of engineering methods and medical or biological research. Because of the nature of the field, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for individuals working in biomedical engineering, although graduate degrees are also available for those seeking to specialize or advance in their careers. Read on to learn more about these education options.

What Education Do I Need for a Government Accounting Job?

Learn about the education requirements for government accounting, from degrees to specialized certifications like the CGFM. Find your path to a public sector role.

What Education & Training is Needed to Become a Wellness Coach?

Learn how to become a certified wellness coach through the necessary education and training programs. Get to know what the day-to-day work is like, the projected job growth, and median income to determine if this career is right for you.

What Education and Training is Needed for a Social Worker Career?

The education and training needed for a job as a social worker includes a Bachelor's in Social Work degree and a Master of Social Work degree. After earning the required degrees, aspiring social workers can seek state licensure and professional certification. Read on for more details about the requirements for a career in social work.

What Education Do I Need to Be a Wedding Photographer?

While there are no formal education requirements for wedding photographers, postsecondary training can be helpful and very useful. Read on for more information.

What Education Do I Need To Become a Business Analyst?

To become a business analyst, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree, but many in the field pursue certification or master's degrees to further their careers.

What Education Do I Need to be an Airline Pilot?

Airline pilots transport passengers for commercial airlines. Read on to learn about the education needed to be a pilot, including the flight training you can receive from universities, flight schools or the military.

What Education Do I Need To Become a Counselor?

Counselors often work with vulnerable populations, and as a result, often need a bachelor's degree as well as a graduate degree and license to practice.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Cartoonist?

Students interested in how to become a cartoonist can begin their career by earning a bachelor's degree in one of several different fields. Learn about the different cartoonist program options, as well as other cartoonist requirements.

What Education Do I Need to Be an Attorney?

If you're interested in becoming a law attorney, then you'll need about seven years of postsecondary education. To become an attorney, you must have a bachelor's degree, take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), complete three years of law school and pass the written bar exam.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Health Care Administrator?

To become a health care administrator, you usually need a bachelor's or master's degree. Read on for more information about the education required for different types of health care administrator positions.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Lawyer?

Discover what education and other requirements you need to become a lawyer.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Med Tech?

The term 'med tech' can refer to medical technologists and medical technicians, two distinct professions with differing educational requirements. Read below to find out the differences between these jobs and the educational requirements for each.

What Education Do I Need To Become a Cybersecurity Specialist?

To become a cybersecurity specialist, you usually need a bachelor's degree, though some purse o options like master's degrees, certifications, and bootcamps.

What Education Do I Need To Become a Data Analyst?

Data analysts usually need at least a bachelor's degree, but many opt to earn graduate degrees or pursue certifications to enhance their technical skills.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Media Specialist?

The term 'media specialist' is very broad and can refer to several different types of careers, each with different educational requirements that range from an associate's degree to a master's degree. Read on to find out the educational requirements for four different types of media specialists.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Personal Trainer?

Personal trainers work with either a single person or a small group of people to help them set and achieve their fitness goals. Read on to learn more about education and certification requirements for personal trainers.

What Education Do I Need To Become a Pastor?

To become a pastor, you generally need to meet certain education requirements such as a bachelor's or master's level degree in theology or a related field.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Forensic Psychiatrist?

Forensic psychiatry is a sub-specialty of the medical profession dealing with the intersection of the legal system and mental health. Working in this field requires a medical education and post-graduate training. Read on to learn more about the education requirements to become a forensic psychiatrist.

What Education Do I Need to Become an Anesthesiologist?

Find out what education such as degree level and residencies is required to become an anesthesiologist. Get details on program requirements, professional licensure, and career prospects.

What Education Do I Need To Become an Accountant?

Most accountants have at least bachelor's degrees, and many earn master's degrees. Additionally, many accountants opt to obtain professional certifications.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Singer?

Learn more about a singer career. Find out what kind of education you need to become a singer, including private lessons, undergraduate programs, or graduate degrees.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Poet?

A degree program in English or creative writing can help you hone your poetry writing skills and develop your talent. Continue reading to learn about how you may become a poet without formal education and look at coursework you may complete in a degree program if you decide to complete a college-level course of study.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Psychologist?

Psychologist education typically includes both undergraduate- and graduate-level education. Those wondering how to become a psychologist can learn about the educational requirements at each postsecondary level, as well as licensure requirements.

What Education Do I Need To Become a Web Developer?

There are no specific educational requirements to become a web developer, many hold bachelor's degrees, professional certificates, or even master's degrees.

What Education Do I Need To Become an IT Manager?

IT managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in IT, but many choose to advance their skills with a master's degree or certification program.

What Education Do You Need to Be a Medical Laboratory Technologist?

Careers in this field generally require an undergraduate degree and licensure. For more information about educational requirements and licensure, read on.

What Education Do I Need to Become an Avionics Technician?

In addition to formal education and other requirements, avionics technicians must also have valid licenses or certificates. This article discusses the educational and related requirements to becoming an avionics technician.

What Education Does an Astronomer Need?

To become an astronomer, you typically need to earn a Ph.D. degree. If you're wondering how to become an astronomer, read below to learn about what kind of education is needed, plus what astronomers' job responsibilities are and the career outlook in astronomy.

What Education Do I Need To Become a Nurse?

To become a registered nurse, all states require nurses to earn a nursing degree, pass a nursing exam, and obtain a nursing license through the state.