What Types of Education Degrees Can I Obtain?

Education Degrees by Level of Education

The majority of bachelor’s degree programs in education are divided initially by grade level. There are typically four different types of undergraduate education degrees by level. Students can major in the education of early childhood, elementary, secondary, and adult or higher education learners.

Early childhood development students take a number of courses that are designed to prepare them for the education of children from birth to pre-kindergarten age. Many of the courses in these programs are focused on child development and behavioral psychology. Early childhood students also complete courses such as language acquisition and reading methods.

Elementary and secondary education programs are meant to get future educators ready for grades kindergarten through sixth grades or seventh through twelfth grades. In some programs, particularly for the secondary level, education undergraduate students also complete major or minor course work in areas such as mathematics, history, English, or social studies.

While less common at the undergraduate level, education students can also find programs that focus on strategies and techniques to teaching adults and in alternative education classrooms. These programs are also found at the graduate level.

Concentrations and Programs for Specialized Learning

Like adult learning, many concentrations in an area of specialized learning are found at the graduate level. Some examples of common specializations in education include reading and literacy, English as a second language (ESL), special education, and gifted and talented. These programs prepare future educators with advanced course work, practicums, field work, and observation in classrooms. Many graduates of these programs go on to work in positions in classrooms and as intervention specialists.

In addition, education degree programs are often focused on subject area, including special curriculums such as music, art, or physical education. These programs require completion of additional courses in these specific areas at either the undergraduate or graduate degree level. Additional information on specialty areas needed in education, visit the National Education Association website.

Preparing for Education Positions Outside of the Classroom

Many of the education degrees that are designed for educators to handle administration, course materials, and other important tasks in a school that take place outside of a classroom are found at the graduate education level. Some of the common degree possibilities include learning technologies, educational leadership, and curriculum development and design. There are also a number of universities that offer additional endorsements and certificates in these areas.

All types of educators are needed in order to create learning environments to ensure the success of all students in every grade and with a variety of needs. When an individual is considering what type of education degrees can I obtain, whether at the undergraduate or graduate degree level, those future educators can find programs to prepare for the classroom, specialist, or administration position.