What Can You Do With an Education Degree?

An education degree leads most directly to classroom teaching. In most states a teaching license requires an approved preparation program, student teaching and state exams, which many education programs include. The degree also leads to jobs outside the classroom, including corporate training, instructional design, youth programs, education nonprofits, student services and curriculum work.

First, know which education degree you have

Some education majors are licensure tracks: you graduate ready to apply for a teaching license in that state. Others are non-licensure degrees in education studies, which focus on how learning works without the student teaching. If you are not sure which you are in, ask your advisor now, because it shapes everything else.

Licensure track: check which grade levels and subjects your license will cover.
Moving states: license transfer rules vary, and you may need extra exams or coursework.
Non-licensure degree: many states offer alternative routes to a license later, often while you teach.

What you learned that employers outside schools value

Planning a lesson is designing training: goals, materials, practice and assessment.
Managing a room of students is managing people, time and conflict at once.
Explaining one idea five ways is communication most offices wish they had.
Reading test data and adjusting is basic analytics.

Career paths with a bachelor’s

In schools

Classroom teacher: elementary, middle or high school, once licensed. See how to become a teacher.
Paraprofessional or instructional aide: supports students and teachers, often in special education.
Substitute teacher: requirements vary by state, and it is a good way to try different schools.

Beyond the classroom

Corporate trainer: teaches employees new systems, skills and policies.
Instructional designer: builds online courses and training materials, often with added design tool skills.
Youth program coordinator: runs after-school, camp and community programs.
Education nonprofit or curriculum roles: writing materials, supporting schools or running programs.
Admissions or student services: at colleges, guiding students through enrollment, orientation and advising.

Roles that need a master’s or an added credential

School counselor: generally requires a master’s degree and a state credential.
School psychologist: requires specialist-level graduate training in most states.
Speech-language pathologist: requires a master’s degree and a license. See how to become a speech-language pathologist.
School social worker: usually requires a master’s in social work. See how to become a social worker.
Principal or administrator: generally a master’s plus years of teaching experience.
Specialist endorsements: reading, special education or English learner endorsements can widen where you can teach.

If you love helping people but are unsure about the classroom, browse careers for people who like helping.

While you are still in school

Get classroom hours early, through tutoring, camp counseling or aide work, so student teaching is not your first time leading a room.
Ask about a high-need endorsement such as special education or a STEM subject, which can widen your options.
Save lesson plans, student work samples and feedback in a simple teaching portfolio.
Do a few informational interviews with trainers and instructional designers if you are curious about work outside schools.
Look for summer roles that stretch you. See our college summer plan.

If you finish and decide not to teach, or cannot find a spot

Write a one-page summary of what you can do, in business language: training design, coaching people, presenting, data use.
Pick one non-school direction to test for three months, such as training or youth programs.
Add one tool or skill that direction needs.
Keep a foot in schools with substitute or tutoring work if you want to keep teaching possible.
Use our guide on your first job after college to plan the search.

Honest talk about workload and doubts

Teaching is meaningful and also demanding. Many new teachers feel stretched in the first years, and some leave. That does not mean the degree was wasted: the skills move into training, design, nonprofits and student services. Talk to teachers two or three years in, not just veterans or student teachers, to get a realistic picture. For outlook by occupation, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Where a mentor helps

A mentor helps education majors decide on a direction, plan licensure steps, applications and interviews, and stay accountable through the job search. Mentors are not admissions counselors, licensing experts or credentialed career counselors. See mentoring for college students and our career and education focus.

Common questions

Can I teach with an education degree in another state?

Often yes, but rules vary. Many states require extra exams or coursework before they will issue a license to a teacher from another state.

What can I do with an education degree besides teach?

Common options include corporate training, instructional design, youth programs, education nonprofits, curriculum work and college student services.

Do teachers need a master’s degree?

Not to start in most states. Some states expect one within a set number of years, and leadership roles usually require one.

Is an education degree required to teach?

Not always. Many states have alternative routes for people with a bachelor’s in another subject.

Get started

Studying education and want help planning the next step, in or out of the classroom? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.

What Can You Do With an Education Degree? Teaching and Beyond