Online Education Degrees
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Education degrees prepare students for jobs in both community and school settings at almost every learning level. School-aged education covers levels from preschool to middle school, while secondary education includes jobs and career paths working with high school populations. Postsecondary education includes undergraduate and graduate studies in colleges and universities, which may include both teaching and research positions. State and national government organizations also provide career options in both educational administration and educational research. Careers in education include a wide variety of teaching, administration, and research jobs. Individuals who have postsecondary training in education can seek positions in public and private schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. School-based professions include classroom teachers, school directors or principals, and specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school counselors. Many educators also find employment in nonprofit organizations that work in curriculum research, school design, and consulting. These individuals may help write curriculum, coach teachers, or conduct research of the quality of education in a specific geographic area.
Educators working at a postsecondary level typically have advanced degrees and training in one specialty area. These individuals may find employment in college or university settings conducting research in their given subject area and instructing courses for undergraduate or graduate students. Postsecondary administrators, such a college deans, chancellors, or school district superintendents typically hold doctorates in education with a specialization in administration or management.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Education Degrees
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Learn more about Kaplan University - Education Programs
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Early Childhood Education: Early childhood educators typically study the behavior, development, and learning of children from infancy to six years of age. Careers in early childhood education include positions such a kindergarten or preschool teacher or daycare supervisor. Degree requirements typically include an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
- Special Education: Special education focuses on the delivery of special services to exceptional populations. Special education teachers work with students who have mild to severe learning disabilities or physical challenges. These teachers learn to offer individualized instruction to meet learning challenges that may be causes by disabilities such as dyslexia, autism, attention deficit disorder, and cognitive delays.
- School Psychology and Social Work: School psychologists, social workers, and counselors provide mental health services, social-emotional support, and academic interventions for students in need. These roles typically require a master's degree in education and specialized licensing or credentials in the state where the individual is seeking employment.
- Educational Administration: Educational administrators work at all levels of public and private education. Administrators have advanced degrees and employment experience in the field of education. Positions such as school director, principal, or district superintendent are all examples of administrative positions. Educational administrators typically advance into their roles after a number of years working in the field of education because most positions require in-depth experience in schools or education-related settings.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 1.5-2 years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: 3-5 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
Most positions in education require the minimum of a bachelor's degree. Teachers, childcare workers, and paraprofessionals, such as teachers assistants, usually complete four years of undergraduate school, with a specialized focus in the level of education they wish to enter. Some entry-level positions may be open to individuals who hold an associate degree, but these are support positions, rather than teaching roles. In order to instruct in school settings, teachers must complete a credentialing program that includes a course of study and examinations.
Leadership positions in the field of education usually require an advanced degree. Roles such as school principal, school psychologist, or instructional coach typically require a minimum of five years of experience and a master's degree in the area of specialty. For example, an individual seeking a position as a school principal would need several years of experience in school settings, an advanced degree in educational administration, and a credential to practice in the state of residence or employment.
Certifications for careers in education vary depending on the level of employment, area of specialty, and state of employment. Jobs in K-12 schools require teaching and administrative credentials, while early childhood educators must pass specialized credential processes designed to ensure safety and quality care for young children. The Department of Labor offers credentialing and certification requirements for most specialties and locations throughout the United States. (Dept.of Labor)
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
Students in education programs typically complete courses in teaching and learning, curriculum development, and classroom design and management. Secondary school programs, for example, will offer coursework in instructional design as it relates to adolescent learners. High school teachers must also complete coursework in their specific area of instruction, so for example, a high school science teacher will complete core courses in science topics as well as courses in the instruction and development of high school curriculum.
Some educators seek certification in a more than one subject area, such as English, mathematics, or arts, and these programs require a mixture of coursework in the subject area as well as educational theory and design. Educational design and curriculum courses explore theories regarding how educators can design and implement effective lesson plans using current instructional materials. Prospective teachers also learn how to vary their instructions based on the needs of special student populations, such as those with learning disabilities. Most programs also require practical experiences in teaching, so candidates will be expected to serve in a school-based setting as an intern or student teacher. This practical experience in the school setting prepares candidates for employment after successful completion of their degree program.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
Most education training programs require on-site training in the form of an internship or student teaching post. Most state credentialing agencies require teachers and administrators to complete a hands-on training in the school setting prior to earning a credential to practice. This varies according to state and between public and private education sectors. Degree candidates should research the credential requirements for their their choice of geographic area and school setting prior to choosing an online degree program.
Candidates will typically enroll in a seminar course that covers advanced topics in curriculum design and classroom management. Students teachers will engage in an internship that occurs currently with their seminar studies. The goals of such coursework is to allow prospective teachers to practice a variety of instructional techniques and reflect on the outcomes. Ideally, student teachers complete a program with useful experiences that will guide their work in the classroom.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Public service positions such as social work, psychology and theology are all areas that cover similar coursework. These degrees prepare students to serve youth in a a variety settings, and although they may not lead directly to formal teaching positions, many of these positions have a great deal of crossover with teaching and other school-based jobs. Degrees in public health, nursing, and fitness also cover subject matter similar to education degrees. Programs that prepare students to serve in community, school, or government posts all require coursework in topics such as human development, health, sociology, and teaching and learning.
