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.
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.
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.
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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.
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