Popular majors that make the Bachelor of Science degree list include Computer Science, Business, Economics, Nursing, Chemical Engineering, and Biology. This ranges from dancers, singers and actors to painters and sculptors, just to name a few. Like the BS degree, the main difference between a BFA and a BA program is the tendency to focus more on major concentrations than on general studies. For example, my degree was a B.S. While there are some professional pathways where people with an associates degree can earn equal amounts or more than those with a bachelors degree, a bachelors degree will lead to higher earning potential in the long run than lesser educational qualifications. Thankfully, most districts also require you to complete PD and will offer it through mandatory or optional training sessions, so gaining many of your hours shouldnt be burdensome. Curriculum and Instruction, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D. The more content you know, the more confident youll be teaching high school students. If you hope to teach young learners, you may take coursework specific to that age groups needsthe same goes if you want to teach secondary students. 2022 EducationDegree.com. Check your states requirements to see what tests you need to take. Dual degrees can give you an in-depth understanding of a topic you hope to teach, like science or English, as well as a solid foundation in education. There are many financial aid options available to yousome of which are specific to teachers. Know that a bachelor degree is required for your career, Have already earned more than 60 semester college credits or hold at least one associate degree, Know that a graduate or professional degree will be required for your long term career goals. Activities in fieldwork include observation, reflection, planning, bulletin boards, sitting in on parent/teacher conference, grading, and lesson planning. Before applying, answer these important questions: Some careers may require a very specific type of bachelor degree. The most common requirements include the following: Most bachelors degree programs take four years to complete, depending upon your personal circumstances, although there are exceptions. 6 Ways to Get College Credit for Work & Life Experience These degrees may include B.A., B.S., and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Associate degrees, on the other hand, typically prepare graduates for entry-level work with the basic skills and knowledge needed in a field. Check to see which of the highest paying careers fall within specific interests by looking at their data. Additional hours can be taken at local colleges, through organizations related to your field, or online courses. Online bachelor degrees will also base tuition on in-state and out-of-state status. For example, if the goal is to become a public school teacher, a states Board of Education will require, at minimum, a bachelors degree in education. Even when unemployment is high, the unemployment for people with bachelor degrees is lower than that of those with only a high school diploma by at least a few percentage points. When it comes to the Praxis, states will generally require the Core Academic Skills for Educators test, plus any subject-specific tests. Below is a traditional route for individuals that enrolled in WGU with no transfer credits. BS degree jobs, for instance, the field of engineering, often pay more than their BA counterparts in education or the arts. For further information, visit our masters, doctorate, and education specialist pages. I wake up every day smiling, knowing I can grow, influence a life, love a child, and love what I do, says teacher Colette Byrne. If you stay on the path to a degree, but continue to borrow every year of your study, keep track of the loan totals and what your payments will look like after you graduate. options.
If youre licensed in English and social studies, you could teach 12th grade English one year and sophomore history the next. . For jobs where a bachelors degree is not required, employers are still likely to prefer those with the degree over those with less education. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Your relationship with your mentor teacher is essential, as they are often your best reference when applying for jobs. A majority of accredited institutions offer accelerated or degree completion programs in online formats, which have proven to be a great way to earn a degree quickly and efficiently. The decision to fund a bachelors degree by borrowing money is not only impactful on the individual, but on the nations economy as well. If you have an associates degree you may also be eligible to enroll in an accelerated, 90 credit online bachelors degree program. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Your bachelors degree in education will provide you with a broad liberal arts education, as well as a firm foundation of teaching knowledge and expertise. You will almost definitely have to complete student teaching as well, where you will work with a mentor teacher to create curricula, teach classes, grade papers, and solve problems with increasing levels of responsibility as you go through your time. Heres an estimated overview: Depending upon your school, your bachelors in education program may have some variance in coursework from another, but for the most part, you will complete your liberal arts and general classes during your first two years and more specialized coursework in years three, four and possibly five. GetEducated.com is a consumer group that publishes online college rankings along the dimensions that matter most to online students themselves: affordability and credibility. This plan can be an easy and affordable bachelors degree journey. The goal of a BFA program is for its graduates to gain specific competencies and enter professional, studio-based spheres in fields including design, fine arts and other distinctive crafts. A B.A. | Associate vs. degrees, though you can often focus more on courses relating to your chosen field. That degree will need to include some very specific courses. Will that bachelors degree transfer into a masters degree if I decide to further my educational goals in the future? After a student completes the first two years of their four-year bachelor degree, they have earned their associates degree. Most schools maintain websites containing this information, as well as descriptions of the features that make their programs unique. In general, high school teacher certification requirements include passing state mandated tests of basic skills, usually during the sophomore year, completing a teacher education program, and then passing content and education tests in particular subject areas such as the Praxis. Teachers are also eligible for Educator Expense Tax Deductions, even if they teach in private schools or have claimed the standard deduction. While there are differences in the types of bachelors in education degrees, all can lead to a career in the classroom. The Bachelor of Secondary Education is the meat of training required to teach in public schools. You can also find scholarships that are not affiliated with a particular school, such as ones through nonprofits and professional organizations. Historically, the term college degree meant a bachelors or traditional four-year degree. Today, it may be referred to as a baccalaureate degree, a BA, BFA or a BS. Regionally accredited liberal arts colleges award a majority of the bachelor degrees in the United States. Tuition and fees can range from just a couple thousand dollars to over $150,000. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). There are two basic categories of student loans: federal student loans, with reasonable, fixed interest rates; and private student loans offered by banks and other institutions such as schools or state agencies. When choosing your school, its essential to thoroughly investigate what they charge versus what you can afford. The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a vocational or professional degree. All you need is one click and youre on your way. On average, more education means higher earnings. Aside from job satisfaction, there are numerous other benefits of becoming a teacher, including job security, built-in salary increases, and paid holidays. Full-time undergraduate students must be enrolled in a certain number of competency units (CUs) per term. B.S. Today it is easier to find a bachelor degree program to fit your schedule and career goals than ever before. Online programs allow students to continue their work or fulfill family commitments while balancing a successful education. At all levels, teachers for subjects like art, music, physical education, and foreign language are needed. The federal government also has loan forgiveness programs for those who meet specific qualifications, such as minimum years of service, working in Title I schools or teaching high-need topics like STEM subjects and special education. Unsurprisingly, student loans disproportionately affect minority students and women. This basically alludes to success in any professional arena through studies in a mixture of subjects. English Language Learners (ELL): Youll complete 40 50 credits in courses such as linguistic theory; culture and diversity; second language development; English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills; and understanding and teaching English language, among others. Most states require you to renew your license periodically. You will need to complete student teaching to earn your certification or licensing in your state. *Does not include Special Education or Career/Technical Education. This training consists of general education classes, education courses with field work, and the final year or semester dedicated to student teaching. Earning a bachelors degree is a must if you aspire to teach, but there are a couple options to think about as you solidify your decision. You will also learn about topics such as child development and relevant curriculum building. Both types of student loans have much lower interest rates than credit cards, so shop around for a loan before considering making tuition and fee payments on credit cards. While a bachelors degree is a valuable investment for the financial future, as most people will earn more money with a degree than without one, it remains important to borrow money carefully. Application requirements vary widely among universities. We can help! To do this, you will generally need to complete a minimum number of professional development (PD) hours. Some of these are free, while others can cost hundreds of dollarsfor the latter, see if your school district will subsidize some of the costs. There are bachelors degree programs in a wide variety of majors, including areas of STEM, social sciences, arts, government, and all types of specific subjects. View GetEducateds list of the cheapest colleges for an online bachelors degree and see if they offer your intended major. Bachelor Degree | How Long Does it Take? Below are the most common degree names; some institutions may give them other titles. Use this to examine the type of curriculum commonly required. A bachelors degree is the educational qualification necessary for. Because of this, its essential to only gain licensure in subjects you actually would want to teach! You usually have the option of double majoring as well, meaning you earn two separate bachelors degrees. | Student Loan Tips | Is It Worth It? Some schools will allow you to focus on whatever youre passionate about. All Star Directories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. A doctorate could be a good fit if you want to work at the highest levels of district administration, in educational policy, or as a professor. To teach in public K12 schools, you generally need a minimum of a bachelors degree. While there are many ways to become a teacher, the most straightforward path is through a bachelors degree in education. An education specialist certificate can also lead to career advancement opportunities. High school teachers are required by law to be certified in public schools. Returning or part-time students may take longer or shorter times to complete their degrees. Below are the nationwide salary and growth expectations for teachers. If you attend part-time so you can balance school with life or work, it will take longer to graduate. The unemployment rate for those with a bachelors is also about half the rate of those with a high school diploma, at 2.2% to 3.7%. Monterey, VA 24465. Cost benefits can vary depending on the kind of field into which a person is entering. All of our information is sourced directly from college and university websites as well government websites such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But, nearly anyone can succeed in these courses. The National Council for Teacher Quality (NCTQ), a research organization dedicated to improving our schools and used in many of our rankings including our 10 Best Online Bachelors in High School Education, ranks programs in Content Area Preparation, Student Teaching, and more. While they may be given for similar reasons as scholarships, they are frequently awarded solely based on academic merit or volunteerism success, as past work may indicate future success. These are different than teacher practicums, which are required if you already hold certification to teach. BS students, more often than not, focus specifically on the field of their major and tend to be extremely career-focused. This system of study increases the working adults chances of moving toward higher paying jobs within their field of study. Bachelor degrees in the medical field, for example, are more likely to be Bachelor of Science degrees. Schools will often publish this information on their sites, but you can dig into a Google search or contact the school directly if you cant find the information. Online learning comes with benefits and drawbacks. Online programs allow you to create your own schedule and complete assignments at your pace within the designated framework of the program. While some states, such as Massachusetts, require state-specific tests, most use the Praxis exams. Loans You can obtain loans through the federal government or private institutions. It equips graduates with skills and knowledge in a particular field that will lead them to professional work and intermediate management jobs. Classes will include elementary school math, social studies and science; principles of elementary education; digital technologies; literacy; and teaching children with exceptionalities. Below is a sample online Bachelor of Science degree from Western Governors University. Living expenses can vary depending on the students circumstances. in elementary, secondary, or subject-specific education, while others provide a general background in these topics. Finding a distance education program that offers year-round courses may offer another alternative, for those with the time commitment and motivation. Some offer degrees in a particular subject area with a focus on teaching. Consider your daily responsibilities and find a program that allows you to meet them. Should I consider a two-year program (2+2) then transfer into a four-year university bachelor program? In addition, you can talk to students or graduates of a program to learn more about what the program is like; the institutions department heads or alumni groups may help you find someone to talk to. Many people who entered the workforce without a bachelors are now returning to complete their degree online and gain access to a higher lifetime earning potential. If you have a bachelors in one areasay Art Historyand are trying to re-tool to work in another area, such as Human Resources, consider adding a certificate to your resume rather than trying to earn a second bachelors degree. If you choose to focus on a specific electiveor even coresubject, you can also generally teach at any grade level with relevant licensure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports salaries for professionals with bachelors degrees. Education program curricula stress both the content and pedagogy of teaching. Some of the most common majors include Digital Media Communications, Journalism, Modern Languages, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Some colleges may provide a set rate for distance education, regardless of residency; however these rates vary widely from school-to-school and program-to-program. Some examples of these include: Your chosen concentration also will affect the courses you take. From the mid-17th through the late 19th century, education in America was not compulsory and went through 8th grade and focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic. After a student completes the first two years of their four-year bachelor degree, they have earned their associates degree. Whether you want to jump-start your career, a bachelor degree isa great choice. ), Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration, Master of Science in Education, BS in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Doctor of Education (EdD), Education Specialist (EdS), Master of Arts in Teaching online, Master of Arts in Teaching Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages online, Master of Education in School Counseling online, Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership online, MEd in Curriculum & Instruction, MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Education Leadership, MS in Higher Education Administration, What to expect from a bachelors in education program, Top-ranked online bachelors degrees in education, Career pathways and specialties in teaching, Opportunities in the field with advanced degrees, numerous other benefits of becoming a teacher, Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. This can include observing teachers and volunteering in classrooms. First of all, what and who do you want to teach? The majority of degree-holding early childhood education and elementary teachers graduate from a school of education with a bachelors degree in teaching. While you may be hired initially to teach, say, first grade, you could be moved to sixth grade if the district sees a need at that level. Special Education: Your bachelors program curriculum includes 45 60 credits of classes, including child assessment, educational psychology, behavior, communication, disabled student instruction, and curriculum development. Tuition for a bachelors degree varies significantly from school to school, and published fees are not what most students will actually end up paying. The College Board published a report stating the median tuition for a full-time student at public or private, not-for-profit four-year institutions in 2019-2020 averages out at $12,710. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management. Some of these will require additional training, while others may not. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Student loans are often part of the financial aid package that a school will offer, but taking out a loan remains a students choice. Taking out huge loans for a bachelors education requires paying loans back while starting a career. Dual Degrees Some schools allow you to simultaneously major in a non-education subject and education. Grants and financial aid will often significantly reduce the actual cost, so a more expensive institution may provide enough aid to make the tuition cost lower than that of a cheaper school that gives less aid. While a bachelors degree is a four-year degree, the associates degree takes two years to complete. Many of the highest paid occupations for people with a bachelors degree are in STEM fields, though there are several other occupations for those in other majors which also pay well. If you want to work with elementary students, seek out a school with a quality elementary ed program. Among online programs that offer a bachelors in education, be aware that some are geared for future classroom teachers and have a licensure path, while others offer a solid base in education study but do not lead to licensure.
Traditionally, post-secondary undergraduate degrees take four years to completeencompassing 120 semester credits or around 40 college courses. For those enrolled in a college using a quarter system rather than a semester system, it takes a minimum of 180 quarter credits. The job growth rate through 2030 is expected to rest at 7 8%, which is right in line with the national average for all careers. Elementary school teachers may hope to teach a particular grade level, but its important to remember you might not have total control over this. You are already on a great website to be proactive in your search for the right degree program and the right school. Like elementary teachers, secondary teachers are generally employed at the district level rather than the school level.
