[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree, and they often focus on teaching specific populations and subjects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When pursuing teaching degrees, prospective students need to consider many factors, including costs vs. benefits, career opportunities, and location. Aspiring teachers also need to think about their ideal student population or chosen specialization, and what degree level will help them achieve their ideal career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide offers detailed resources to help you make informed decisions when earning a teaching degree. It explores teaching specialties, ranks the best programs, and helps prospective learners find the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]best online colleges[/hen-ui-link]. This guide also covers education-adjacent pathways, career options, and news.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Deciding to Pursue a Teaching Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]TheBestSchools’s teaching resources help students make the best decision for their unique situations. These include a list of [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guides/online-teaching-jobs/”]considerations for aspiring teachers[/hen-ui-link] and information about [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/education-degrees/”]education degrees[/hen-ui-link]. We also look beyond the training and provide [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/education-degrees/”]teaching career information[/hen-ui-link], including information about [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guides/online-teaching-jobs/”]online teaching careers[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/teaching-requirements-by-state/”]state requirements for teachers[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/teaching-degree/”]What To Know Before Becoming a Teacher[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/education-degrees/”]What Is an Education Degree?[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/education-degrees/”]What Can You Do with an Education Degree?[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/teaching-requirements-by-state/”]Teaching Requirements By State[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Selecting a Teaching Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing the right school, teaching degree, and program takes time and research. TheBestSchools hopes to simplify the process of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]choosing a college[/hen-ui-link] and exploring [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]college degree levels[/hen-ui-link]. We also offer rankings of the most popular online colleges and the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-teaching/”]best online teaching degrees[/hen-ui-link], along with details on how to use our rankings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online study allows prospective teaching students to access programs across the country. Our resources simplify the selection process by highlighting what makes the nation’s best programs stand out. We also provide information on how to improve your educational journey and postgraduate results.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]How to Pick a College[/hen-ui-link]
• Rankings: How to Use Them
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-teaching/”]Best Online Teaching Degrees[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Different Types of Teaching Degrees?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective teachers can pursue programs at every level, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Depending on chosen career pathway, enrollees can often also specialize their studies. Some concentrate on a particular subject area, while others specialize in population, like special education, early childhood education, or K-12 learners.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]TheBestSchools offers rankings, information, and resource guides for all of these degree types, programs, and career paths. We delve into the different degree levels and types of degrees, comparing bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees, along with Ph.D and Ed.D. programs. We can help you identify what teaching degree to choose by matching your interests with the ideal career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”associate”]Associate Degrees in Teaching[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees in teaching offer graduates access to several educational and career options. Associate degree-holders can become childcare workers, preschool teachers, and teaching assistants. Some pursue teaching positions in private schools, while others continue into bachelor’s programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]TheBestSchools offers information and rankings for the best online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-early-childhood-education/”]associate degrees in early childhood education[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-education/”]associate degrees in education[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-education/”]associate degrees in elementary education[/hen-ui-link]. Our resources cover what the programs entail, what their requirements are, and career prospects for graduates.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-education/”]Education[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-early-childhood-education/”]Early Childhood Education[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-elementary-education/”]Elementary Education[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”bachelors”]Bachelor’s Degrees in Teaching[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public school teacher licensure requires at least a bachelor’s degree, so most teachers hold one. Bachelor’s degrees have many program options. Our program rankings cover the best online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-education/”]bachelor’s in education[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-early-childhood-education/”]early childhood education[/hen-ui-link], and elementary education degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We also offer rankings for the best online bachelor’s in English language learning, health education, and special education programs. With these resources, readers can find program details, options, and requirements, along with career information for bachelor’s graduates.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-education/”]Education[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-early-childhood-education/”]Early Childhood Education [/hen-ui-link]
• Elementary Education
• English Language Learning (ELL)
• Health Education
• Special Education

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”masters-student-age”]Master’s Degrees in Teaching | by Student Age[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate teaching students can focus their training on target disciplines or student age groups. These specializations help teachers develop different skill sets or subject expertise.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These resources offer insight into programs that focus on student population. In addition to the best [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-education/”]online master’s education degree programs[/hen-ui-link], TheBestSchools ranks the best online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-education/”]master’s in K-12 education[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-early-childhood-education/”]early childhood education[/hen-ui-link], elementary education, secondary education, and higher education degrees. Readers can also find resources about how to earn a degree on a budget, such as our ranking of the most affordable [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-early-childhood-education/”]master’s in early childhood education[/hen-ui-link] programs.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-education/”]Education[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-early-childhood-education/”]Early Childhood Education[/hen-ui-link]
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Higher Education

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”masters-by-subject”]Master’s Degrees in Teaching | by Subject[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Teaching candidates can specialize by teachable subject. TheBestSchools offers resources for students focusing on specific disciplines. We offer rankings for the best online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-reading/”]master’s in reading[/hen-ui-link], science education, math education, and English language learning programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We also explore specializations that focus on classroom type, such as our rankings of the best online master’s in gifted education, special education, and online teaching degrees. These resources explore what these concentrations offer and how they can benefit teachers.[/hen-ui-text]

• Teaching
• English Language Learning (ELL)
• Gifted & Talented
• Math
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-reading/”]Reading[/hen-ui-link]
• Science
• Special Education

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”doctoral”]Doctoral Degrees in Teaching[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the doctoral level, teaching degrees offer similar specialization options as the lower levels, but in more detail. However, doctoral graduates typically pursue research, policy, and leadership careers rather than traditional teaching roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]TheBestSchools has resources covering the best online doctorates in education and [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]online teaching[/hen-ui-link], along with the best [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]doctorates in counselor education[/hen-ui-link], early childhood education, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]higher education[/hen-ui-link]. These resources can help you choose the right degree level and program for your career interests.[/hen-ui-text]

• Education
• [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Counselor Education [/hen-ui-link]
• Early Childhood Education
• [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Higher Education[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Online Teaching [/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”admin-leadership-tech”]Educational Administration, Leadership, and Technology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The education field also offers options for professionals who don’t want a teaching career. For example, our rankings cover the best online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-educational-administration/”]master’s in educational administration[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-educational-leadership/”]educational leadership[/hen-ui-link], and educational technology programs. We also list the best online doctorates in educational administration, educational leadership, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]educational technology[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While these degrees have some overlapping training with teacher programs, they prepare graduates for careers in educational policy and leadership rather than classroom instruction.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-educational-administration/”]Master’s in Educational Administration[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-educational-leadership/”]Master’s in Educational Leadership[/hen-ui-link]
• Master’s in Educational Technology
• Doctorate in Educational Administration
• Doctorate in Educational Leadership
• [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Doctorate in Educational Technology[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”psych-curriculum-instruction”]Educational Psychology and Curriculum and Instruction[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate students can pursue degrees that help them become more effective leaders in the educational world. These graduates can shape the policies, content, and teaching methods used in schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our rankings of the best online doctorates in educational psychology, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-curriculum-instruction/”]master’s in curriculum and instruction[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]doctorates in curriculum and instruction[/hen-ui-link] can help prospective students identify the top schools in these fields. While they are not teaching degrees, these programs can benefit current, former, and aspiring teachers.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-curriculum-instruction/”]Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction[/hen-ui-link]
• Doctorate in Educational Psychology

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for a Teaching Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students often struggle to cover [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/”]college costs[/hen-ui-link] and manage their college finances. They can pursue financial aid to lower their overall debts, which is why TheBestSchools offers student finance resources. These include information on [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]finding college scholarships[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]accessing student loans[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our resources can help you find details on how to save money, cover your tuition costs, and reduce education debt. You can also learn more about what to discuss with the financial services department at your schools.[/hen-ui-text]

• TheBestSchools’ College Finances Guide
• [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]How to Find Scholarships for College[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]What You Should Know About Student Loans[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/”]How Much Does College Really Cost?[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Teaching Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With so many available [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/”]education careers[/hen-ui-link], TheBestSchools wants to ensure prospective students know their options. Our resources offer in-depth looks at careers in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/special-education-teachers/”]special education[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/”]education administrator[/hen-ui-link], and instructional design.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They also cover the major teaching disciplines, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guides/english-careers/”]English degree careers[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/history-degrees/”]history degree careers[/hen-ui-link]. You can learn about [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guides/online-teaching-jobs/”]online teaching jobs[/hen-ui-link] and some of the best ways to make a teaching career switch.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/”]Education Careers[/hen-ui-link]
• School Administrator Careers
• [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guides/english-careers/”]Careers with an English Degree[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/history-degrees/”]Careers with a History Degree[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/special-education-teachers/”]Careers as a Special Education Teacher[/hen-ui-link]
• [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guides/online-teaching-jobs/”]How To Get a Job Teaching Online[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Helpful Guides and Resources for Teaching Students[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to program and degree information, TheBestSchools offers guides to topics that might help you understand the education industry. These pages cover details about topics like the history of online education and the hierarchy of professors.[/hen-ui-text]

• History of Online Education
• The Hierarchy of Professors, Explained

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”latest-news”]Latest News for Teaching Students[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When news hits in the teaching profession, TheBestSchools wants you to be the first to hear about it. TheBestSchools’ Magazine connects you with our latest publications on career news, including the state of education and teacher training.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective, current, and former teaching degree students can learn about ongoing issues facing students and teachers through these resources. Consider bookmarking the page for quick and easy access to ensure you don’t miss any future developments.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/teaching-degree/”]What You Should Know Before Becoming a Teacher[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Teaching Accreditation – A Quick Guide[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Institutional and programmatic accreditation assures students and employers that schools meet rigorous academic standards. Without an accredited degree, aspiring teachers may not qualify for financial aid, state licensure, or employment. Degrees should come from regionally accredited schools. Programmatic accreditation should come from organizations like the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.caepnet.org/”]Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]All You Need to Know About Accreditation[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Degree Is Needed To Be a Teacher?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public school teachers need a license, which requires at least a bachelor’s degree. Private schools do not require licensure and may hire graduates with associate degrees. Postsecondary teachers typically need doctorates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is the Highest Teaching Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest teaching degree is the Ph.D., which qualifies graduates to teach in colleges and universities. An Ed.D. is the highest education administration-specific degree available.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is a Teaching Degree a BA or BS?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both a BA and a BS degree can lead to teaching careers. In many cases, these degree types only differ by the electives they offer. Aspiring science or math teachers should earn a BS, while language arts or humanities teachers typically earn BAs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Doug Wintemute” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618859893/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/doug-wintemute.jpg” img-alt=”Doug Wintemute” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Doug Wintemute[/hen-ui-link] is a Toronto-based freelance writer with professional writing interests in higher learning and entertainment. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum laude and earning academic merit, research, and writing awards at both levels. Since 2014, he has contributed content and editorial work for award-winning digital trade publications, global SEO copywriting projects, and hugely popular online brands. He can be contacted through [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougwintemute/”]LinkedIn[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: Maskot | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”333,1406,10703″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]