The answer to this question will depend on a few factors — experience, licensure and state requirements. Although specific licensure requirements do vary, all states require teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in order to teach in public schools. Private schools establish their own requirements, although it’s customary for them to also require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification.2
Typically, an education program that leads to licensure is ideal for students who are looking to earn their initial teaching license and who may already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching field. It’s important to note that education degree programs that lead to licensure will include a student teaching or internship experience needed to seek certification.
Programs that do not lead to licensure are for teachers who already hold a teaching license. Non-licensure programs do not contain the in-classroom teaching experience component necessary to obtain a teaching license.
In addition, all public school teachers must earn state certification or licensure,2 and ensure their teaching degree comes from an accredited university.3 Visit our program certification and requirements for education students page to learn more.
What To Major in To Become a Teacher: Bachelor’s Degrees
If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, then earning an undergraduate degree is your first step to getting started on your path toward teaching in the classroom. You can earn a general degree in education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. In some cases, you may be able to choose a concentration, such as a BS in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in STEM.
It's important to consider your particular academic interests when weighing your degree options. If you pursue an education degree with licensure, you are required to complete a practicum or field experience, which can help prepare you to take the state exam for teaching licensure.
If you plan to work at the middle or high school levels, you might be able to earn a teaching degree in a specific subject such as biology, English or history. In fact, some states require aspiring high school teachers to major in the content area they plan to teach.2 If your college does not offer specializations in teaching degrees, then consider pursuing a double major or a minor in your field of interest.
What Degree Does a Teacher Need at the Graduate Level?
There are a few answers to this question that depend on the experience you already have. For already certified teachers who work in the classroom, they may wish to enroll in a graduate program to further their career qualifications, whether they wish to continue working with students or work in another area of education, such as administration. In fact, in some states, teachers are required to obtain a master’s degree after obtaining licensure and a job.2 If you are already a licensed teacher, you may want to choose the non-licensure route.
However, if you already hold a bachelor's degree but are not a licensed teacher, you can earn a master's degree in education in order to help yourself transition into the career.2 Those who pursue a master’s in education degree with licensure will complete a practicum or field experience and must pass the state exam for teaching licensure.
Another career option is to pursue employment at the postsecondary level. At many community colleges, a master’s degree may be all that’s required to pursue a job as a professor. However, at four-year universities, it’s customary for professors to hold a doctoral degree, such as a PhD.4
