Teaching Colleges & Universities


Examining Teaching Degrees
America's renewed focus on increasing its competitiveness and preparing workers for the new economy makes now a particularly important, exciting time for students in teaching colleges.

Inside America's Teaching Colleges
While a bachelor's degree is the standard requirement for faculty of public schools in all 50 states, those interested in teaching must also earn a formal teaching license, as prescribed by individual states. Teaching colleges provide students with the coursework needed to prepare them for the classroom, and the knowledge and ability to complete their licensing exams upon graduation.
Teaching degrees are generally earned by completing the following:
  • Education coursework, which may include such subjects as educational psychology, philosophy of education, instructional technology, teaching methods, or special education
  • Coursework in students' areas of concentration--for instance, math, science, or history
  • Practical experience gained through one semester of supervised student teaching.
A Multitude of Teaching Careers
As education continues to evolve, offering various options for part- or full-time students, so too do the career options available for those with teaching degrees. Here is a sampling of teaching settings, as well as general educational requirements:
  • Preschool: Each state's requirements differ, and range from high school diploma to a college degree.
  • Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary: Schools in K-12 require that teachers possess bachelor's degrees and teaching licenses.
  • Postsecondary: Colleges' and universities' requirements vary, but faculty are generally required to possess at least a master's degree, and doctoral degrees for full-time faculty are standard. Teaching licenses are not required, and schools accept degrees in other areas than education.
  • Vocational: Public school requirements apply here, although private schools may have differing requirements.
  • Other educational specialties: Education administration, librarian, counseling, and special education are just a few of the specialties that generally require teaching experience as well as postgraduate education in those specialties.
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