Bachelor’s Degree in Education: Requirements & Program Guide 2026
A bachelor's degree in education is the traditional first step toward a K-12 teaching license: four years of coursework plus a state-approved teacher preparation program, culminating in supervised student teaching. Some accelerated tracks finish in three years, and career-changers with a degree in another field can often reach the classroom through alternative certification instead. Every state's educator-licensing agency sets the specific exams and coursework required to convert the degree into a license.
Every state requires at least a bachelor's degree to hold a standard K-12 teaching license, but the path to that degree branches more than most people expect. Some programs run the traditional four years, others compress the same requirements into three. Some students major in education directly, others major in a subject like history or biology and add teaching coursework on top. And for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in something else entirely, alternative certification can skip the second degree altogether. If you're still weighing which teaching degree to choose, this guide walks through what a bachelor's in education covers, how the timeline and format options differ, and where the degree can take you once you have it.
What a Bachelor's Degree in Education Covers
A bachelor's degree in education prepares you to teach within the school system, public or private, and to work within your state's curriculum standards once you're in front of a class. The degree is offered at the bachelor's, master's, and doctorate level, and a bachelor's-level teacher-preparation pathway is a common route toward meeting initial teacher-licensure requirements.
Programs typically split into grade-band specializations, commonly elementary, middle, and secondary, though the exact grade spans and endorsement structures for each are set by each state and can vary. Preschool and adult-education roles exist too, usually as separate specializations within the same degree track.
Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science in Education
Schools typically offer either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education. The practical difference is usually the coursework balance: a BA carries more humanities credits, a BS leans toward math and science. Neither is the "better" credential for licensure, since your state's educator-licensing agency cares about the accredited program and coursework completed, not the degree letters.
Bachelor of Education Degree Requirements
To begin working toward a bachelor's degree in education, you'll need proof of high school graduation, acceptable ACT or SAT scores where the school requires them, and a completed application to a college with an accredited education program. Some states or programs require a basic-skills assessment or another demonstration of competency, such as Praxis Core in jurisdictions or programs that use it, but requirements and accepted exams vary. Background checks or fingerprinting may also be required, though the stage at which this happens (program admission, clinical placement, credentialing, or employment) depends on your state and program.
Accreditation from a body like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is common among education programs, but it isn't a universal requirement: some state-approved programs hold different or additional accreditations. Check with your state's educator-licensing agency and the specific program before assuming CAEP status either way.
Program Length: Four Years, Three Years, or a Different Path Entirely
Most bachelor's degree programs in education run three to five years at a full course load of two semesters a year, with four years being typical. A smaller number of schools offer accelerated tracks that compress the same requirements into three years by condensing general-education coursework. These work best for students who can handle a heavier course load without also working full-time.
The bachelor's-plus-approved-preparation-program sequence is the traditional route into teaching, but it isn't the only one. Career-changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field can often pursue alternative certification instead, but the structure of these pathways differs substantially by state: some let candidates begin teaching under a mentor while finishing coursework and exams, while others require completing requirements before entering the classroom. Check with your state's educator-licensing agency for how your state's pathway works.
Other Related Bachelor's Degrees in Education
Click on the links below to expand information on other related bachelor's degrees in education and see details on degree requirements and courses needed.
Interested in earning a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development Degree: Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate? Getting a Bachelor’s degree online or in person in Child Development can be a smart move. A degree in Child Development can lead to jobs in fields such as day care worker, teacher’s aide, or camp director. This type of degree can also be part of a teaching degree or lead into a Master’s program.
Get more information on earning a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Degree Guide: Certificate to PhD. A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education can lead to a promising and fulfilling career as a preschool teacher in a public or private setting. This type of degree can be earned online or in person, though programs will vary as to what type of classes are offered. Earning a Bachelor’s that leads to a teaching certificate can be a great step toward a career in working with young children.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education can be a first step in a lifelong career as an elementary school teacher. Bachelor’s degrees can be obtained fully online from most colleges and universities. Making sure to find an accredited program is necessary in Elementary Education if you desire a teacher’s license upon graduation. Interested in earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Degree: Bachelor's to Doctorate Guide?
A Bachelor’s degree in Library Science is available through numerous colleges and universities. Classes can take between three and five years to complete with a full time class load. Some classes that may be required include "Library Administration", "Information Services and Sources", and "Introduction to Librarianship". Many colleges offer these types of classes both online and on campus in some part. Read about what it takes to earn a Library Science: Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Guide Bachelor's Degree.
A Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education can lead to a fulfilling career as a secondary education teacher in a specific subject or grade level. Assuming you have a high school diploma and have been accepted into an accredited Bachelor’s program, financial aid is available for both online and face to face classes. Get more information on earning a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education: Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Options.
See details on getting a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education Degree: Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Options. A Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education can be earned online or in person, as long as the institution is accredited. Since Special Education Degrees typically lead to teacher certification, student teaching will likely be required for this type of degree. Most colleges and universities offer candidates the opportunity to specialize in an area of Special Education.
Becoming a Certified Teacher in Your State
The specific requirements for certification, from exam names to required coursework hours, are set independently by each state's educator-licensing agency. Use the map below to check requirements where you plan to teach.
Coursework You'll Take for a Bachelor's in Education
Course sequences vary by school, but most bachelor's in education programs build around a similar core: Foundations of Education (the profession's philosophical, sociological, and historical roots), Instructional Technology (appropriate classroom use of digital tools), and Educational Psychology (the theories that inform instructional practice). Beyond that core, expect coursework in child development, literacy and numeracy instruction, and differentiating instruction for students with disabilities or gifted-learner needs. Nearly every program also requires a practicum placement in an actual classroom alongside a certified mentor teacher, plus a completed professional teaching portfolio before graduation.
Bachelor of Education Degree Specialties
Elementary Education
Elementary Education generally covers the early grades through some point in the upper elementary or middle grades, with one teacher typically responsible for every subject for a single group of students, but the exact grade span and credential structure is set by each state and varies. Specializations like music, art, physical education, and special education also exist at the elementary level. Read more on our Elementary School Teacher career page.
Secondary Education
Secondary Education programs lead toward certification generally covering the middle and high school years, with the exact grade span set by each state, and usually require specializing in one or two subject areas. Where an elementary teacher covers multiple subjects for one class, a secondary teacher typically teaches a single subject to several classes each day. Many secondary-track graduates go on to become High School Teachers or Middle School Teachers.
Reading and Literacy
Reading and Literacy runs as a thread through every grade band, from early comprehension skills in preschool through analytical literature study in the college-prep years. It's also a standalone specialization for teachers focused on struggling readers, though a formal Reading Specialist credential often involves additional degree, coursework, experience, or assessment requirements beyond the bachelor's, set independently by each state.
English Language Learning (ELL/ESL)
ESL teachers are in high demand, working with non-native English speakers to build reading, writing, and speaking skills while they progress through the standard curriculum. The role often includes translating for parents and acting as a liaison between families and classroom teachers until a student's English reaches grade-level proficiency.
Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education Online
Completing all or part of a bachelor's degree online can save time for students juggling work or family responsibilities, and it opens up a wider range of schools since geographic distance stops being a factor. Confirm that the specific program meets the educator-preparation requirements of the state where you intend to seek licensure. Teacher-preparation programs generally include supervised clinical experience, though format and hour requirements vary by program and state, so an online program may still involve in-person observation hours and student teaching. Self-directed online coursework also demands more independent motivation than a fixed class schedule, so it's worth being honest about which format you'll actually finish.
Example: A Bachelor's Degree in Education Program
Program structure varies by school, but the University of Michigan's School of Education offers a representative look at what a Bachelor of Arts in Education involves.
University of Michigan, School of Education
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Required Courses: Coursework differs depending on whether a candidate pursues the secondary-education track with a subject specialty or the elementary-education track, plus the general-education classes required of all bachelor's degrees.
Admission Requirements: Official high school transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement, plus any additional requirements specific to the education program.
Tuition: Contact the program directly for current figures, since these change from year to year.
Bachelor's Degree in Education Scholarships
A bachelor's degree in education is a real financial commitment, and students can offset part of the cost through grants and scholarships built for future teachers.
Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation
The CKSF scholarship skips the application and GPA requirements entirely: the competition runs on one or more quizzes covering common knowledge and other subjects, with awards ranging from $250 to $2,500.
NCTM Scholarships
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics offers scholarships, grants, and awards to students preparing to teach math, as part of its broader goal of connecting math instruction to other subjects and strengthening conceptual understanding. You can find more options on our Scholarships and Grants page.
Career Pathways with a Bachelor's Degree in Education
A bachelor's degree in education opens paths across several specialty areas, each with its own subject-specific coursework and credentialing steps: earn the degree, complete a teacher preparation program, pass the required exams, and meet any other requirements your state's educator-licensing agency sets. Below are some of the career paths a bachelor's in education can lead to.
High School English Teacher
A high school English teacher introduces students to different forms of literature while building their academic and creative writing skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, secondary school teachers earned a mean annual salary of $76,320 as of May 2025, though actual pay varies by district, state, and experience. High school English teachers generally work with high-school-age students, though the exact grade span authorized under a secondary credential is set by each state. Read more on becoming an English Teacher.
ESL Teacher
English as a Second Language teachers can work at any grade or age level, sometimes splitting time across more than one school in a district. These teachers help students with little to no English proficiency build reading, writing, and speaking skills, and often serve as a go-between for students, classroom teachers, and parents.
Elementary Education Teacher
An elementary education teacher is typically certified to teach the early grade levels, covering every subject for the same group of students throughout the school day aside from elective periods, though the specific grade span varies by state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers earned a median annual salary of $63,970 as of May 2025. Read more about a career as an Elementary School Teacher.
Music Teacher
Many states offer broad or multi-grade music credentials, but the authorized grade span varies by state, and most music teachers work primarily in either primary or secondary settings rather than crossing over. Pay is comparable to a core-subject teacher's, and a music teacher's day often spans multiple grade levels, each with its own standards to meet. Some music teachers take on band or choir director roles at the upper grades. Read more on our Music Teacher career page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in education?
Most programs take three to five years, with four years being the norm. A smaller number of schools offer accelerated three-year tracks for students who can handle a heavier course load without also working full-time.
Do I need a bachelor's degree in education specifically, or can any bachelor's degree work?
Many secondary teachers major in a subject like history, biology, or English rather than education itself, then complete teaching requirements through a separate preparation program. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, alternative certification can often get you into the classroom without a second bachelor's degree, though the specific pathway and its structure vary by state.
Is a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science better for becoming a teacher?
Neither is inherently better for licensure: your state's educator-licensing agency evaluates the accredited program and coursework completed, not whether the degree is titled BA or BS.
Can I earn a bachelor's degree in education fully online?
Much of the coursework can be completed online, but teacher-preparation programs generally include supervised clinical experience, and format and hour requirements vary by program and state, so confirm what your specific program requires.
What can I do with a bachelor's degree in education besides classroom teaching?
A bachelor's in education can lead toward roles like academic coach, education specialist, or school board member, though principal or professor roles typically require a master's degree or doctorate on top of it.
- The bachelor's-plus-EPP sequence is traditional, not mandatory - career-changers with an unrelated bachelor's degree can often reach the classroom through alternative certification instead, though the structure differs substantially by state.
- Basic-skills testing requirements vary - some states or programs require a competency assessment, such as Praxis Core where it's used, but requirements and accepted exams differ by state and program.
- Accreditation isn't one-size-fits-all - CAEP accreditation is common but not universally required, so check with your state's educator-licensing agency and the specific program.
- Your state's educator-licensing agency sets the actual requirements - exam names, coursework hours, and certification steps vary by state, so confirm specifics where you plan to teach.
- Program length varies more than people expect - standard tracks run four years, but accelerated three-year options and online formats both exist for students who need a different pace.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, and High School Teachers. Job growth projections (2024-2034) are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, Projections Central. Figures reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2026.
Choosing where to earn your degree matters as much as choosing to earn one at all. The sponsored programs listed here include both traditional and accelerated formats, and several work with students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field.