Education Degree Requirements

The hidden anxiety behind this search is whether the investment of time and effort — particularly the demanding student teaching semester — pays off given teacher salaries. That is a legitimate concern, and you deserve an honest answer. Teaching salaries vary dramatically by state and district, the student teaching semester is genuinely difficult (full-time teaching with no pay while still paying tuition), and the certification process adds requirements beyond a standard bachelor's degree.

But the program also leads to one of the few careers where a bachelor's degree provides immediate employment with benefits, tenure-track job security, pension eligibility, and summers with reduced obligations. The National Center for Education Statistics tracks education as a significant category of bachelor's degrees, though the number has declined in recent years¹.

For the full career and salary picture, see the education degree overview. This page covers exactly what the program requires.

Core Coursework: What Every Education Major Takes

Education programs combine educational theory, teaching methods, and extensive field experience. The structure differs between elementary and secondary tracks.

Foundational education courses (first two years):

• Introduction to Education — history and philosophy of American education, contemporary issues, and the structure of school systems.
• Educational Psychology — how students learn. Cognitive development, motivation, and learning theories.
• Human Development — child and adolescent development. Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth across age ranges.
• Foundations of Literacy — reading development, phonics, comprehension strategies, and writing instruction.
• Diversity in Education — teaching diverse learners, multicultural education, English language learners, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Education Technology — integrating technology into instruction. Learning management systems, digital tools, and assistive technology.

Teaching methods courses (junior year):

• Curriculum Design and Instructional Planning — writing lesson plans, designing units, and aligning instruction to standards.
• Classroom Management — establishing routines, behavior management strategies, and creating productive learning environments.
• Assessment and Evaluation — designing tests, rubrics, and formative assessments. Data-driven instruction and standardized testing.
• Content-Specific Methods — how to teach your specific subject(s). Elementary majors take methods courses for reading, math, science, and social studies. Secondary majors take methods courses for their content area.
• Special Education Foundations — understanding IEPs, accommodations, modifications, and the legal framework for serving students with disabilities.

Field experience progression:

• Freshman/Sophomore — 30-50 hours of classroom observation
• Junior — 50-100 hours of classroom participation (assisting teachers, working with small groups, teaching mini-lessons)
• Senior — 12-16 weeks of full-time student teaching under a cooperating teacher

Elementary vs Secondary: Which Track?

Elementary education (K-6 or K-8) — you become a generalist. Coursework covers teaching methods for all core subjects: reading, math, science, social studies, and often art and music integration. Content courses are broader but shallower. You will not specialize in one subject.

Secondary education (6-12 or 9-12) — you become a content specialist. You typically complete a major or substantial minor in your teaching subject (English, math, science, social studies, world languages) alongside your education coursework. This often means more total credits and careful scheduling.

Special education — some programs offer this as a standalone major; others offer it as an endorsement added to elementary or secondary certification. Special education teachers are in high demand and often receive additional salary incentives.

Early childhood education (Pre-K to 3) — focused on the youngest learners. Different developmental frameworks and teaching approaches than K-6 programs.

Common Concentrations and Specializations

STEM education — teaching math and science with emphasis on inquiry-based and hands-on instruction. High demand for qualified STEM teachers, often with signing bonuses.

English as a Second Language (ESL)/TESOL — teaching English language learners. Can be a standalone endorsement or concentration. Growing demand in most school districts.

Special education — working with students who have learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and other exceptionalities. Chronic teacher shortage in this area.

Reading specialist — focused on literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention. Usually requires a master's degree for the full reading specialist certification.

Physical education/health — teaching physical education, health, and coaching. Separate certification in most states.

Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

Education programs typically have a formal admission process separate from university admission, occurring between sophomore and junior year.

Common admission requirements:

• Minimum cumulative GPA (2.5 to 3.0 at most programs)
• Passing scores on basic skills tests (Praxis Core or state-specific exams in reading, writing, and math)
• Completed prerequisite education courses with minimum grades
• Background check clearance (criminal history, child abuse clearances)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement about your teaching philosophy

Certification exam requirements (completed before or during student teaching):

• Praxis Core Academic Skills (reading, writing, math) — or state equivalent
• Praxis Subject Assessment(s) — content knowledge in your teaching area
• edTPA or state-specific performance assessment — portfolio-based assessment of your teaching practice

These exams are separate from your university coursework and involve additional fees and study time.

Skills You'll Build (and What Employers Actually Value)

Instructional design — creating effective learning experiences that meet specific objectives. This skill transfers to corporate training, curriculum development, and educational technology careers.

Communication and presentation — teaching is constant public speaking and audience adaptation. You learn to explain complex ideas at appropriate levels, manage group dynamics, and respond to questions on the spot.

Assessment and data analysis — measuring learning, analyzing assessment data, and adjusting instruction accordingly. Data-driven decision-making is increasingly expected in schools.

Classroom management — organizing groups of people, managing behavior, and maintaining productive environments. Valuable in any leadership or management role.

Differentiation and adaptability — modifying instruction to meet diverse learning needs. The ability to adapt your approach on the fly is valued in any field that involves working with people.

What Nobody Tells You About Education Requirements

The student teaching semester is the hardest thing you will do in college. It is harder than any exam, paper, or project. You are responsible for planning lessons, managing a classroom, grading, communicating with parents, and attending faculty meetings — all while being evaluated by your cooperating teacher and a university supervisor. It is also the most valuable experience in the program because it shows you what the job actually requires.

Certification is a moving target. State certification requirements change, sometimes in the middle of your program. New testing requirements, portfolio assessments, and endorsement rules can shift between your freshman year and graduation. Stay in close contact with your advisor and check your state education department website regularly.

The content knowledge requirements for secondary teachers are real. If you want to teach high school chemistry, you need to know chemistry well enough to answer student questions that go beyond the textbook. Education methods courses teach you how to teach, but your content knowledge determines what you can teach effectively.

Alternative certification programs exist, and they are not inferior. Many states allow career changers to become teachers through alternative certification programs that do not require a traditional education degree. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field and are considering teaching, an alternative program may be faster than returning for a second degree.

Teacher burnout is high, and the program does not fully prepare you for it. The emotional demands of teaching — managing student crises, communicating with difficult parents, dealing with administrative requirements — are mentioned in education courses but not experienced until student teaching and your first years in the classroom.

FAQ

How long does it take to become a certified teacher?

A bachelor's degree in education typically takes four to five years (the fifth year is sometimes needed for secondary education majors who must complete both education coursework and a content major). After graduation, you must pass state certification exams, which some students complete during their senior year. From start to finish, the timeline is usually four to five years from college entry to holding a teaching license.

Can I teach without an education degree?

Yes, through alternative certification programs available in most states. If you have a bachelor's degree in any field, you can often enter a one- to two-year alternative certification program that combines coursework with supervised classroom experience. Some states allow emergency or provisional certification for shortage areas, letting you begin teaching while completing certification requirements.

What GPA do I need for an education program?

Most programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 for admission to the teacher education program (separate from university admission). Some states set minimum GPA requirements for certification. Competitive programs and school districts may look for higher GPAs, but teaching experience and strong student teaching evaluations matter more to employers than GPA.

How much does student teaching cost?

Student teaching itself has no separate cost, but you pay full tuition for the semester while receiving no compensation for your full-time teaching work. You also incur costs for travel to your placement school, professional clothing, and materials for your classroom. Budget for a semester of expenses with minimal or no outside employment income.

Which teaching subjects have the most job openings?

Special education, mathematics, science (particularly chemistry and physics), English as a Second Language, and career/technical education consistently have the highest demand and lowest competition across most states². Some shortage areas offer signing bonuses, loan forgiveness, or accelerated certification.

Can I teach in a different state than where I got certified?

Yes, but transferring certification between states is not automatic. Most states have reciprocity agreements that allow out-of-state teachers to obtain certification through an expedited process, but you may need to pass that state's specific exams or meet additional requirements. Research the specific requirements of any state where you plan to teach before relocating.

More on this degree:

• Education Degree Guide — Overview
• Is It Worth It?
• Career Paths
• Salary Data
• How Hard Is It?
• Internships
• Best Colleges