Thinking about a career in education? Whether you’re a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or an academic advisor helping others, it all starts with understanding your degree options. Not all teaching credentials are created equal—and choosing the right path affects your certification timeline, specialization, and ultimate career opportunities.

Let’s explore each degree type, clear up common misconceptions, and help you zero in on the program that fits your goals.

What Is a Teaching Degree?

A teaching degree combines educational theory, specialized pedagogy, and hands-on classroom experience. Many programs bundle certification exam prep—such as the Praxis tests—into their curriculum. However, in some states, certification remains a separate post-graduation process. Even if your degree includes built-in certification courses, you may still need to pass additional state exams or complete extra workshops to earn full licensure.

Related reading: Check out our guide to the required qualifications of a teacher.

The Main Types of Teaching Degrees

Associate Degree in Education

Duration: ~2 years
Outcome: Prepares you for paraprofessional or teaching-assistant roles.
Clarification: While most public schools require at least a bachelor’s for full classroom teaching, a handful of private or charter schools—and very rarely some state programs—will hire associate-degree holders as lead instructors. For most, this degree serves as a launchpad into a bachelor’s program while gaining school-based experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Duration: 4 years
Outcome: Qualifies you for state-issued K–12 teaching licensure.
Clarification: Elementary and special-education tracks blend general pedagogy with subject-matter instruction. For secondary (middle/high school), many states require you to major in a content area—like mathematics or English—alongside your education coursework. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take your state’s certification exams.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) / Master’s in Education (M.Ed.)

Duration: 1–2 years
Outcomes:
- MAT: Designed for career-changers and first-time teachers to earn initial licensure.
- M.Ed.: Often aimed at already‐licensed teachers seeking specializations (curriculum design, leadership, literacy coaching).
Clarification: Some M.Ed. tracks do offer initial licensing pathways. Program names and requirements vary widely—always check whether a given track leads to your state’s certification.

Alternative Certification Programs

Duration: 1–2 years (varies by state)
Outcome: Allows those with a non‐education bachelor’s degree to teach under a provisional license while completing required coursework.
Clarification: These “alternative routes,” “post-baccalaureate certificates,” or “career-switcher programs” differ in name, length, and prerequisites by state. A few states do not offer formal alternative pathways, so verify availability in your region.

Doctorate in Education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.)

Duration: 3–5 years
Outcome: Prepares you for leadership, policy, research, or higher-education faculty roles.
Clarification: Not required for K–12 teaching, but essential if you aim to direct districts, shape education policy, or teach at the university level.

Specializations

Teaching programs often provide specialized tracks or endorsements, allowing you to tailor your expertise to specific subjects or student needs. Here are some common focus areas:

Early Childhood Education: For teaching children from birth to age 8.
Elementary Education: Typically covers grades K–5 or K–6, depending on state guidelines.
Secondary Education: Subject-specific focus, such as science or history.
Special Education: Designed for supporting students with learning differences.
ESL/ELL: Focused on teaching English to non-native speakers or English Language Learners.

In addition to these primary areas, many states and programs offer endorsements in fields like STEM education, reading specialization, bilingual instruction, or gifted education. Your chosen specialization will shape both your coursework and the type of classroom you lead, paving the way for a fulfilling teaching career.

Certification, Licensure & Credentials

Public school teaching jobs almost always require state licensure. Typical steps include:

Completion of an accredited teacher-prep program (or approved alternative route).
Passing standardized exams (e.g., Praxis Core or subject-specific Praxis II tests).
Documented supervised teaching hours, often via a capstone student-teaching placement.

Private and some charter schools may set their own hiring criteria—sometimes accepting out-of-state credentials, in-house training, or even waiving formal licensure for specialized roles.

Online Teaching Degree Programs

Flexible online programs are an excellent option for those balancing work, family, or living far from campus. To ensure your degree qualifies you for licensure, follow these key steps:

Confirm regional accreditation: Make sure the institution is accredited to meet national academic standards.
Verify state approval: Your program must align with your state’s Department of Education requirements for licensure.
Review practicum opportunities: Quality programs will arrange supervised, local student-teaching experiences to fulfill hands-on training requirements.

Exploring Career Paths with a Teaching Degree

A teaching degree opens doors to a wide range of fulfilling careers, both inside and beyond the classroom. Here are some potential paths to consider:

Classroom Teacher: Inspire and educate students in public, private, or charter schools.
Instructional Coordinator or Curriculum Designer: Shape educational programs and develop impactful learning materials.
School Administrator: Lead and manage schools as an assistant principal, principal, or other administrative roles.
Education Consultant: Advise edtech companies, nonprofits, or educational organizations on best practices and strategies.
Literacy Coach or Specialist: Support student reading development and improve school literacy programs.
Higher Education Instructor: Teach at colleges or universities with advanced degrees in your field.
Online Educator or Digital Learning Content Developer: Create and deliver engaging virtual learning experiences.

Your teaching degree is a versatile foundation—explore the possibilities and find the path that resonates with your passion!

How to Choose the Right Program: 3 Key Questions

What inspires you most—students or subjects? Are you drawn to teaching elementary school or high school? Do you prefer STEM fields or humanities? Clarifying your passion will help narrow your focus.
Do you already have relevant qualifications? Explore whether your bachelor’s degree or prior coursework can count toward licensure, saving you time and effort.
What are your state’s requirements? Licensing criteria, required exams, and alternative pathways vary widely by state. Consulting your state’s Department of Education or an academic advisor early on can help you navigate these mandates smoothly and avoid unnecessary hurdles.

How Zen Educate Empowers Your Teaching Journey

Choosing the right degree gets you certified—but landing the ideal role is another challenge. Zen Educate gives qualified teachers more control, better pay, and flexible work—without tangled agency fees. Our smart matching technology pairs your credentials, location, and availability with roles you actually want. Manage your schedule, explore a variety of positions, and receive ongoing support through a clear, educator-focused platform. Because when it comes to your career, you deserve choice—and confidence—every step of the way.

Ready to explore teaching opportunities that fit your qualifications and lifestyle? Visit Zen Educate to sign up and start matching today.