Bachelor's Degrees in Education
Learn what bachelor’s degrees in education include, the skills they build, and how these programs prepare you for teaching, classroom support, and leadership roles.
A bachelor’s degree in education provides the academic foundation and practical training you need if you’re interested in working with children or adolescents in school settings. These programs introduce learning theory, instructional strategies, and child development concepts that shape effective teaching.
Supervised fieldwork helps you connect classroom study to real-world practice and build confidence in instructional settings. The degree offers a solid starting point for those planning to pursue teacher licensure or explore a variety of education-related careers.
What You Learn in an Education Bachelor’s Program
Education bachelor’s degrees combine general education classes with major coursework that helps you understand how students learn and how teachers support that process. You’ll study classroom management, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and educational psychology—subjects that give you the tools to create meaningful learning experiences and foster student growth.
Most programs also allow you to specialize by grade level or subject area. You may choose early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, or special education. Each track tailors your coursework to the age group or teaching focus you plan to pursue.
Career Paths With a Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Graduates are typically eligible to pursue state teacher licensure, which allows you to lead classrooms in public or private schools. As a new teacher, you’ll begin developing your instructional style, communication skills, and classroom routines, often with guidance from mentors and administrators.
These early experiences help you build confidence and prepare for a long-term career in education. Common roles for education bachelor’s graduates include:
- elementary or secondary teacher (with licensure)
- special education teacher
- preschool or early childhood educator
- reading or intervention support assistant
- substitute teacher
- after-school or enrichment program leader
Depending on state regulations and school requirements, some positions may require additional certification.
Advancing Your Education Career
Many education graduates pursue further coursework or certifications after earning their initial license. Endorsements in areas such as reading, English as a Second Language (ESL), or special education can broaden your job options. You might also continue into a master’s program in education, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership, which can lead to administrative roles or specialized instructional positions.
Professional development remains an ongoing part of an education career. Workshops, continuing education credits, and classroom experience help you refine your skills, stay current with new teaching methods, and continue growing as an educator.
Explore Resources on Education Bachelor’s Degrees
As you explore teaching pathways, the articles below offer more detail on licensure, specialization options, and long-term career opportunities. These resources can help you choose the bachelor’s degree route that aligns with your goals in the education field.
Learn about some of the top colleges offering early childhood education degree programs in 2024. Get answers to frequently asked questions about early childhood education.
Early childhood education degrees prepare students to work with young learners from birth to around eight years old in daycare centers, schools, and preschools.
Special education teachers usually need at least a bachelor's degree in special education, a degree offered by many excellent colleges across the U.S.
Degrees in secondary education are offered online at all levels by many colleges and universities. Before enrolling in a program, there is a lot of information to be considered and many questions to ask.
Are you interested in studying education and becoming a teacher? Check out our article on the best undergraduate teaching programs that can be completed online.
This article outlines top elementary education degree programs from some of the best colleges in the country to help aspiring educators teach young children.
Learn about the best double majors to pair with an elementary education degree, with an overview of how each one can benefit you in a teaching role and FAQs about the advantages of choosing to double major.
Double majors with education degrees increase career opportunities by equipping you with a broader range of skills to implement effective teaching strategies.
With this overview of the top double majors for an early childhood education degree and the benefits and challenges to expect from a double major program, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals.
Elementary education degrees cover several important topics, including child development, classroom management, and methods of teaching diverse learners.
The early childhood education degree curriculum covers child development, teaching methods, and practical experiences to prepare educators for working with young children.
A bachelor's degree in early childhood education prepares students to teach and care for children from birth to age eight, focusing on child development and learning strategies.
A bachelor's degree in Christian education teaches biblical studies and theological education, equipping students to teach in religious organizations.
A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity prepares students to protect systems and data from cyber threats, blending technical skills with critical thinking.
An elementary education degree prepares students to teach in K-6 classrooms. Students learn child development, classroom management, and curriculum design.
An elementary education degree with a STEM emphasis prepares K-6 teachers to incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into their curriculum.
A bachelor's degree in mathematics for secondary education prepares students to teach math in grades 6 through 12, focusing on advanced math concepts and effective teaching strategies.
Explore the highest demand teaching jobs. Learn which subject areas face shortages, why new teachers are needed, and how schools fill critical positions.
Discover some of the key characteristics of top-ranked education programs in the nation. Read about three schools with well-regarded education programs, and check the national rankings for ten additional schools. Explore the undergraduate and graduate education degree programs you could pursue at these schools.
Read about three schools with top programs in higher education administration, and find out what degrees you could pursue at each school. Check the national rankings for these schools' higher education administration programs. Learn about the characteristics of a good program in this field.
See how to choose a top school offering physical education programs. Three good schools are discussed in detail below - including programs offered, areas of specialization, and career options after graduation.
College-level early childhood education classes (ECE) focus on topics related to child development, social skills, safety and nutrition. Students can learn about the theories behind early childhood education and discover how curricula are developed for children under the age of eight. Continue reading to find out what topics are covered in early childhood education college classes.
Review the typical characteristics of top-ranked elementary education programs. Explore three schools with top programs in this field, chosen based on their national elementary education program rankings. Read about the elementary education degrees you could pursue at each of these schools.
Teaching degrees are necessary if you want to pursue a career in education, but you may be wondering if this degree is worth taking on student loan debt.
A bachelor's degree in special education isn't required to teach it. Teaching experience, licensure, and a bachelor's degree in any area can start this career.