Education FAQs
Find answers to common education FAQs, including questions about teaching credentials, degree requirements, licensure, costs, and career pathways in education.
Pursuing a career in education often comes with important questions about degree requirements, licensure, specialization options, and job outlook. Whether you’re considering becoming a classroom teacher, instructional coordinator, or school administrator, understanding the basics can help you plan your next steps.
Education pathways can vary by state, grade level, and subject area. Reviewing frequently asked questions can provide clarity about what to expect from preparation programs and professional requirements.
What Degree Do You Need to Work in Education?
Degree requirements depend on the specific role and setting. Many teaching positions in public schools require at least a bachelor’s degree in education or in a subject area combined with a teacher preparation program.
Some roles, such as school counseling, administration, or curriculum leadership, may require a master’s degree or higher. Private schools and alternative education settings may have different academic expectations.
How Does Teacher Licensure Work?
Teacher licensure requirements are established at the state level and typically include completing an approved preparation program. Candidates may also need to pass subject-specific exams and background checks before earning certification.
Licenses often need to be renewed periodically through continuing education or professional development credits. Because requirements vary, reviewing your state’s guidelines is an important step in the process.
Can You Earn an Education Degree Online?
Many colleges and universities offer online or hybrid education degree programs. These formats may combine virtual coursework with in-person field experiences such as student teaching placements.
Online programs can provide flexibility for working adults or career changers. However, hands-on classroom experience remains a key component of most teacher preparation pathways.
What Specializations Are Available in Education?
Education programs often allow students to focus on specific grade levels or subject areas. Common specializations include elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, and subject-specific endorsements.
Some programs also offer concentrations in areas such as English as a Second Language (ESL), educational technology, or reading instruction. Choosing a specialization can shape both coursework and future career opportunities.
How Much Does an Education Degree Cost?
Costs vary depending on the institution, program length, and residency status. Public universities may offer lower tuition rates for in-state students, while private institutions may have different pricing structures.
In addition to tuition, students should consider fees, textbooks, testing costs, and licensure application expenses. Scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs for educators may help reduce overall costs for eligible candidates.
What Can You Do With an Education Degree?
An education degree can prepare graduates for roles in public and private schools, as well as in community organizations and educational nonprofits. Some graduates pursue classroom teaching positions, while others move into training, curriculum development, or administrative roles.
Career paths may expand with additional certifications or advanced degrees. Understanding long-term opportunities can help you select a program that supports your professional goals.
Explore Resources on Education FAQs
The resources on this page address common questions about education degrees, licensure requirements, specializations, and career pathways. Reviewing these FAQs can help you better understand what to expect as you plan for a future in education.
Is 29 Too Old To Start Teaching?
Find out if you're too old to become a teacher at 29. Get answers to other questions you may have about starting a teaching career and whether or not it's the right path for you.
Is an Education Degree Right for Me?
An undergraduate education degree is right for anyone seeking a career in helping young people reach their full potential in academic studies for becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
Is 35 Too Old To Get an Education Degree?
It's not too old to get an education degree at 35. There are several different career tracks in education you can start with a bachelor's degree in education.
Is 40 Too Old To Get a Degree in Education?
Are you asking yourself if 40 is too old for an education degree? Discover how age adds value to teaching, proving it's never too late to follow your passion.
What Are Advanced Education Degrees?
Teachers who want to become specialized or expand the subject matter they're qualified to teach may pursue an advanced education degree. Many degree programs are also designed for aspiring administrators, like principals and instructional coordinators. Program options are numerous, and your aspirations within the field of education can help determine which advanced degree you should pursue.
What Are the Top Colleges for Education Degrees?
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.
What Does An Educational Consultant Do?
Educational consultants work with students, parents, teachers, and other educational professionals to improve learning experiences. They help develop curriculum, guide students through college enrollment, and help teachers find new ways to engage students efficiently.
What Level of Education Do You Need to Become a Teacher?
Explore what level of education you need to become a teacher, uncover degree requirements and certification processes, and start your teaching career today.
What are General Education Courses?
General education courses are courses, outside of the student's field of study, that he or she must complete in order to obtain a degree. The purpose of general education courses is to expand students' perspectives and improve their skills in analytical and critical thinking.
What is Education Science?
If you're interested in researching the ways that teachers can improve, you might consider studying education science. If you're wondering what this field is all about, read on to find out more.
What is a Holistic Education Degree?
A holistic education graduate program teaches you about innovative and untraditional forms of teaching, and may prepare you to advance as a schoolteacher, an instructional coordinator or an education administrator. Read on for program and related career information.
What is the Value of Education in the U.S.?
The value of education can mean different things. To some people, value may mean how much they can earn. Others may see the value of education as the amount of job opportunities they will have after graduation. For you, value could mean something different, such as the social benefits you may get from having an education. Read on to explore some perspectives on education's value.
Is a Teaching Degree Worth the Debt in 2025? Pros & Cons
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.
Is a Teaching Degree Right for Me?
Decide if a teaching degree is right for you with this overview of what teaching majors study and the many career advantages and opportunities it offers.
Is an Elementary Education Degree Easy?
Elementary education degrees aren't the hardest degrees out there, but there are still some tricky parts, like student teaching, included in these programs.
Is an Elementary Education Degree Worth It?
If you're pursuing a career as a teacher, you may wonder if an elementary education degree is right for you. This degree has both advantages and disadvantages.
Is an Online Education Degree Worth It?
Career goals and schedules are some factors to assess if an online education degree is worth it. See an overview of online education degrees and their benefits.
Is It Worth Getting a Master's in Education?
A master's in education can benefit many careers and not only those that require one for employment. If you are a teacher just beginning a career, you may want to advance your career with a master's. Explore just how a master's can benefit your career and how to achieve one below.
Is an Online Teaching Degree Hard? Pros and Cons
An online teaching degree can present both benefits and challenges. Compare pros and cons with tips like enrolling in self-paced courses and setting a routine.
Is 25 Too Old to Get an Education Degree?
25 is not too late to complete a degree in education. Adult students can bring rich life experiences and valuable perspective to an education degree program.
Is 30 Too Old To Become a Teacher?
Is 30 too old to become a teacher? Certainly not. If you have an affinity for and passion for teaching, it's not too late to follow your dreams. Find your answers here.
Is 30 Too Old to Get an Educational Leadership Degree?
Due to experience requirements, 30 isn't too old to get an educational leadership degree. In most cases, 30 is the perfect age to begin this degree program.
Is 30 Too Old to Get an Education Degree?
30 is not too old to enroll in a degree program in education. Many do not begin work in education until their 30s or even later. Getting a degree in education at 30 offers benefits like great focus, clear goals, and additional life experience.
Is 30 Too Old to Get a Teaching Degree?
Getting a teaching degree at 30 comes with many benefits such as job security, job fulfillment, and the ability to achieve your professional goals. There are a variety of jobs that require teaching degrees and it's never too late to advance your education.
Is 35 Too Late To Become a Teacher? 4 Tips on Becoming a Teacher in Your 30s
Is 35 too late to become a teacher? Check out the top tips for how to become a teacher in your 30s, as well as the benefits of teaching as an experienced adult.
Is 35 Too Old To Get a Teaching Degree?
There are many advantages to earning a teaching degree at 35. There are a wide range of jobs that can benefit from a teaching degree such as tutors, curriculum designers, and even human resources.
Is 35 Too Old to Get an Educational Leadership Degree?
35 isn't too old to get an educational leadership degree, for many students this is the perfect age to pursue this degree and advance their education careers.
Is 45 Too Old to Get a Special Education Degree?
You're not too old to pursue a degree in special education at 45. Getting this degree at any age can lead to rewarding opportunities to advance or change your career.