If you want to go into the field of education, you have some great choices. American colleges and universities are prepared to educate you in how to teach and improve the lives of others. Education undergraduate programs are created to prepare educators to teach and prepare Americans with the skills necessary to be the world's best work force.
Education undergraduate programs can be divided into three major categories. These categories are education certifications, diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees. The main difference between these categories is the time and cost varies greatly. The first categories education diplomas or certifications usually take under a year to complete. They also cost the least. Certification and diploma programs are usually available through community colleges and vocational training centers. Classes are generally offered throughout the year and during the day, evenings, and on weekends.
Another category, associate's degrees take 2 years of full-time study to complete. And students are able to get a more generalized and broad education. And after two years of full-time study and passing their classes students will earn their college degree.
The third category is a bachelor's degree in education. An education bachelor's degree takes 4 years of full-time traditional college study to complete. For those wanting to become employed as public school teachers, this is the most common degree that people get, or individuals will obtain a different degree within a teaching program. Many education bachelor's degree programs are set-up as teaching programs to help students graduate with their teaching license when their degree is completed. Many such programs will include student teaching as part of the courses required to graduate.
Career Paths for Education Undergraduate Programs
The most common jobs available for those graduating with an education certificate/diploma or an associate degree in education are teacher aids, teacher assistants, or preschool teachers. In fact, public schools obtaining Title 1 federal funding (funding for economically disadvantaged students) are now required to have teacher assistants with at least an associate's degree or 2 years of college. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wages for teacher assistants in 2008, who worked full-time, was around $22,000 annually. Preschool teachers had average wages of around $24,000 annually.
For those graduating with a 4 year, bachelor's degree in education, the most common job is that of a school teacher. Public school teachers must have a state teaching license. Private schools do not always require a state teaching license to work as a teacher. The average wages for a school teacher in the United States in 2008 from elementary to high school were from $47,000 to $51,000 annually.
* Area of Study
