Studying education provides students with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people after they graduate. But not everyone who earns an education degree works in the same role. Deciding what education degree program is right for you depends upon how you want to work with children. Perhaps you want to:
- educate them in the classroom
- manage the school as a whole, counsel them through personal and academic problems
- teach them to find information for themselves
No matter what role in education you aspire to, there’s a degree program that will help you achieve your goals.
Types of Educators
When you think of an education degree, the first career choice that probably comes to mind is that of a classroom teacher. Teachers work directly with students at every grade level to educate them. Teachers must earn a bachelor’s degree in education, and often another subject area as well. They must attain certification.
Some teachers teach only certain subjects, like history or mathematics. Others teach a variety of subjects to younger age groups. Special education teachers work exclusively with classes of students who have some form or disability. These teachers often need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education. At the college level, classroom instructors are known as professors, and they prepare for their work by earning a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in their subject area.
Making a Difference outside the Classroom
There are plenty of important roles in education besides that of a classroom teacher or professor. School librarians help students learn to research. School counselors work to help students overcome such problems as:
- personal
- behavioral academic
- social problems
Instructional coordinators develop the curriculum to help students learn students.
Leading the list of the top 10 highest paying careers in education are positions in higher education management and education administration. These include college deans and school principals. These education professionals may start out with a bachelor’s degree in education or a related subject. They must then complete master’s-level or higher degree programs in their chosen field, like:
- library science
- school counseling
- instructional design
Which type of education degree is right for you depends upon your goals for the future. Education consistently ranks as among the most popular majors for students in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Not every student will study the same material or prepare for the same job. Maybe your ambition is to:
- teach in the classroom
- manage a school full of students
- counsel struggling students
- develop engaging curricula
- teach students how to research on their own
You can find college degree program in the field of education that will prepare you for your desired career. Depending upon your chosen path, you might major in education as an undergraduate or a different subject related to your future goals.
Related Resources:
- 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Programs
- Should Aspiring Special Education Teachers Pursue a Specialized or General Education Degree?
- What is the Difference Between a Master’s in Education and a Master’s in Teaching?
- What Will I Study in an Online Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Program?
- Do I Still Need to Do Student Teaching if I Earn My Bachelor’s in Special Education Degree Online?