All You Need to Know About Teaching Degrees

What is a teaching degree?

A teaching degree provides a student with expertise, skill and knowledge of relevant teaching philosophies and methods. Students from all backgrounds, education levels, and experience can work in the field of education, and degree programs abound in this exciting field. Students seeking a teaching degree should have a commitment to furthering education opportunities for everyone, an interest in working with children, patience and love for the field.

What degrees must a student have to pursue a teaching degree?

As so many teaching degrees are available, there is not a single or direct route to working in the field. By degree, prerequisites include:

o Career Diploma: This degree requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
o Associates Degree: AA degrees require a high school diploma or equivalent.
o Bachelor Degree: BA degrees require an AA or a high school diploma. GED degrees are generally not acceptable for BA degree programs.
o Master Degree: Bachelor degrees are required to pursue a master degree in teaching.
o PhD: PhD programs require a master’s degree. Some programs combine a master and PhD, requiring a BA for application.

How long does it take to complete a teaching degree?

Each degree program requires a different length of time to complete. Programs vary by institution as well; traditional programs may require full-time attendance, while online programs may offer more flexibility but longer completion times.

Standard length of time for teaching degrees are:
o Career Diploma: 6 weeks to 1 year
o Associates Degree: 2 years
o Bachelor Degree: 4 years (sometimes with a 5th year for a teaching internship)
o Masters Degree: 2 years
o PhD Degree: 4 years

How much does a teaching degree program cost?

How much a program costs depends on the institution and length of program. Public schools, state schools and some online schools can provide a quality education experience for a fraction of the cost of a private institution. As the field of education does not typically pay high wages, prospective students are cautioned to keep their student loan debt as low as possible. Working during school or attending part-time degree courses are excellent methods of keeping costs low while earning a degree. A 4-year degree can cost between $40,000 and $100,000. A typical 2-year degree can cost between $5,000 and $20,000.

What are some popular teaching degrees?

A variety of teaching degrees exist for the profession of teaching. From a certificate program in early childhood education to an advanced PhD degree in education leadership, the field of education offers excellent opportunities to pursue a degree program appropriate to a student’s desired career goals. Some popular teaching degrees include:

• Career Diploma: Diploma programs can provide graduates with a variety of career opportunities, including daycare lead teachers, teacher assistants and daycare assistants. Concentrations for a career diploma in education include:
o Early Childhood Development
o Childhood Education
o Teacher Assistant

• Associates Degree: A more advanced degree, associates in education offers students careers in the areas of para education, teaching assisting, and school secretary work. Specializations can include:
o Assistant Teacher Studies
o Early Childhood Education
o Interdisciplinary Studies

• Bachelors Degree: Many bachelor degree programs in education combine a degree and student teaching experience, offering the graduate a degree and a teaching credential. Concentrations include:
o Elementary General Education Teacher
o Middle School Specialist Teacher
o High School Specialist Teacher
o Math Education
o Science Education
o ESL Education

• Master’s Degree: A graduate degree program, a naster’s allows students to focus their studies into areas of particular interest and specialization, including:
o Special Education
o Education Leadership
o Curriculum Design
o Science Education
o Math Education
o Reading Education
o Teacher Mentorship

• PhD Degree: A PhD is the highest degree one can earn, and focuses students into a narrow area of expertise while providing strong skill in all areas of education. Some PhD specializations include:
o Leadership
o Management
o Education Finance
o Education Human Resources
o Curriculum Design
o Teacher Education

What are some things a student should look for in a teaching degree?

Prospective students interested in pursuing a teaching degree should determine what their ultimate goal from a program is. Some questions they should ask include:

o Cost: Will the student earn back the money spent on the program? Is the program worth the cost? How is the institution prepared to assist the student in keeping costs down, such as grants, book borrowing or student discounts on living expenses?
o Program Goals: What careers are typically gained by finishing the program?
o Faculty: Who teaches the courses? What kind of contacts will you make in the program?
o Accreditation: Which agencies have accredited the program?