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If you are looking for an education degree but are confused about how much schooling you need or even what different titles such as MEd and EdD mean, you have come to the right place. Navigating the complex web of teacher requirements can be confusing. But our "How to Become a Teacher" article and this quick and easy education degree guide will help you learn about education programs at different levels and make an informed decision about which is right for you. Make sure you search our extensive education degree database for schools in your area once you pick your degree of choice. The button beneath each degree explanation takes you to a list of schools offering that program.
Bachelor's Education Degrees and Related Programs A bachelor's degree in education is intended for students who have a high school diploma, GED or associate's degree. A bachelor's degree in teaching or education generally covers a broad liberal arts education while stressing both content and pedagogy, the art of teaching. In a bachelor's degree education program, your major or minor course of study can easily become an endorsed subject for you; one you are certified as highly qualified to teach. After receiving your bachelor's degree and passing state or national teacher certification requirements and a teaching exam, you will be certified to teach in your state. For more detailed information, see our Bachelor's degree in Education article. Post-Bachelor's Certificate If you are interested in entering the teaching field with a non-teaching bachelor's degree, you can seek a post-bachelor's certificate in your state. They take anywhere from ten months to two years to complete and provide the opportunity to complete the required coursework for your state's teaching credential. Students must also pass a state or national teaching exam such as the PRAXIS to become fully licensed. Keep in mind, some states require teachers to hold a master's degree to meet state teaching requirements, so contact your state's Department of Education for specific information. Post-Professional Certificate If you are an experienced teacher seeking professional development, salary advancement or licensure renewal, a post-professional certificate may be for you. Known in the education world as continuing education, post-professional certificate programs range from 8-unit credits to 30-unit credits in size. Some can be completed in one weekend while others may take a year to complete. Program prerequisites vary widely, but all offer opportunities to advance your teaching skills, experience and outlook.
Master's Education Degrees and Related Graduate Programs Educational master's degrees add a depth of understanding to the broader liberal arts offerings of a bachelor's degree. In states where a master's degree isn't required to start teaching, students with a bachelor's degree may be able to continue teaching while earning a master's level online teaching degree. Sometimes the difference between a certificate and master's program is only 15 extra credits, but some master's programs take an additional year to complete. For more detailed information, see our Master's degree in Education article. Fifth Year Master's Degree in Education Fifth year master's degree programs allow college graduates to take another year of coursework and intensive student teaching to qualify for a teaching credential and a master's in education. Additional state requirements may have to be completed to become a certified teacher, however almost all master's programs meet state requirements. Master's Degree in Education (MEd) Of all of your educational master's degree options, the MEd tends to be the most general or non-specialized degree you can get. Teachers interested in entering educational administration, leadership or research & policy do well with this degree as it provides a nice base for further educational opportunities such as an educational specialist degree or doctorate. For more information on school management positions available with a master's degree, see our school leadership resource center. Master's in Teaching (MAT) If you are on track to become a teacher and are looking to increase your skill level and earn a higher salary, a master's in teaching degree may be your quickest ticket to career growth. Master's in Teaching degrees are specialized in a particular area of study with common degree titles such as Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction or Master of Arts in Special Education. They offer the most hands-on, classroom-centric classes of your master's choices.
Doctoral Education Degrees and Related Programs Teachers who have completed a master's degree and wish to increase their skills for advanced certification requirements or other professional objectives can complete doctoral or Educational Specialist degrees for access into higher pay and more esteemed jobs. The majority of doctoral degree-holding teachers spend their days in upper administration or as researchers or curriculum developers. For more detailed information, see our Educational Specialist or Doctoral degree in Education articles. Educational Specialist (EdS) The EdS level is the minimum preparation for school psychologists and directors of special education in most states. The EdS has become the intermediate degree for many professionals who supervise master's degree-level personnel. If you want to become a school principal, program director or upper level school district employee, an educational specialist degree will help you achieve your goals. The most common EdS degrees are: Educational Specialist in School Psychology, Special Education and Educational Administration. Doctorate in Education Degree (EdD) If you are a professional practitioner interested in becoming a university professor, superintendent of schools or applied educational researcher, the EdD was designed for you. Most doctorate programs in education require a master's degree in education or related field to begin. Doctorate level programs include approximately 15 post-master's degree classes, an exam and a research-based dissertation. The EdD is likely to be a preferred qualification for many mid-career employees, many of whom will already have master's degrees but wish to pursue studies at the doctoral level. Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degree (PhD) If you are interested in an academic research role, such as policymaker, teacher educator or educational theorist, the PhD may be your final degree of choice. Educational PhD programs emphasize the development of educational theory through research efforts that generate new or reformulate existing knowledge. Educational PhD degrees are similar to EdD degrees in requirements, but they tend to emphasize more theoretical research and understanding.  Related Article: |
