Bachelor’s Degree in Education

A bachelor’s degree in education focuses on the theory and practice of teaching and learning. Anyone planning to pursue a career in education should consider earning his bachelor's degree in education.
 
Many students who receive a bachelor’s in education become teachers in the K-12 school system, whether at a public or private institution. They may specialize in elementary, middle school or high school education. Some, however, decide to pursue more specialized areas, such as curriculum design or corporate training. This requires more specialized training than a bachelor’s degree offers.

Types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Education and Teaching

One type of degree is the Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE). Students are required to complete four to five years of study in a science (biology, chemistry, physics or math) and education at the same time.

Education Majors Offered

The Department of Education offers several different majors. A degree in education requires an endorsement in elementary, middle, secondary or special education. Elementary school teachers usually need a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Secondary school teachers need a degree in the subject they intend to teach, such as biology, English or math. Additionally, they must earn a teaching certificate, which requires completion of a student teaching internship.

Coursework

Colleges and universities typically offer bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in four to five years. Potential coursework for the BSE includes courses in both Education and Content/Electives. Some courses in Education include:
  • Assessment in Elementary Education
  • Child Psychology and Development
  • Children's Literature
  • Computer Applications in Teaching
  • Creative Drama
  • Current Research in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Diagnostic Teaching
  • Diversity Management
  • Educational Philosophy
  • Educational Psychology
  • Foundations of Education
  • Instructional Planning and Assessment
  • Instructional Technology
  • Integrative Instruction
  • Language Arts Processes
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Mathematics for Elementary Education
  • Models of Instruction
  • Muliti-Media in Instructional Design
  • Music for Elementary Education
  • Pedagogy Seminar
  • Public Speaking
  • Science Teaching Methods.

Electives include Content courses, such as:

  • Art History
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Educational Psychology
  • Environmental Science and Society
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Music
  • Nutrition
  • Physics
  • Principles of Communication
  • Psychology
  • Sociology of Education
  • Survey of the Universe
  • U.S. History
  • Writing and Reading.

Potential Costs of Earning a Bachelor's Degree

Registration fees differ greatly depending on the school. A state university costs about $7,000 per year for a resident of the state. Nonresident registration fees and tuition are about $27,000 per year. Private universities can cost $35,000 per year and up. Cost for an online degree is approximately $550 per credit, with a minimum of 180 credits required. Some of these credits can be transferred from community colleges or other schools, helping students decrease the costs of their education.
 
Books and supplies typically cost an additional $1500 per year. Keep in mind also that room and board fees may also cost extra, depending on where the student enrolls.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Students now have the option of obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. The benefits include taking courses from home. Training for the student teaching internship is split between online and on-campus time. The greatest benefit to taking online, rather than traditional, classes is the student's ability to continue working a full-time job while earning his bachelor’s degree.
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