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Education Major

Study of teaching methods, learning theory, and educational systems.

Entry: $40,000
Mid: $60,000
Senior: $85,000
Growth: 8% (above avg)

Overview

Education majors prepare to become teachers, administrators, and educational leaders. The field combines subject matter expertise with understanding of how people learn and develop effective teaching strategies.

Students study learning theory, classroom management, curriculum development, and educational psychology. Most programs include student teaching experiences and preparation for teaching certification.

Education majors pursue careers in K-12 teaching, educational administration, curriculum development, and educational policy. The field offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on young lives and society.

Career Prospects

Elementary Teacher
Secondary Teacher
Special Education Teacher
School Principal
Curriculum Developer
Educational Consultant
School Counselor
Education Administrator
Instructional Designer
Education Policy Analyst

Top Universities for Education

1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • 3.6% acceptance rate
US News
#4
2

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • 3.5% acceptance rate
US News
#3
3

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • 8.7% acceptance rate
4

Columbia University

New York, NY • 65.0% acceptance rate
5

University of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI • 30.0% acceptance rate
US News
#53
6

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • 5.7% acceptance rate
US News
#19
7

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • 7.0% acceptance rate
US News
#11
8

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA • 85.2% acceptance rate
US News
#52
9

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI • 83.0% acceptance rate
US News
#77
10

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH • 41.0% acceptance rate
US News
#67

Popular Courses

Educational Psychology
Learning Theory
Classroom Management
Curriculum and Instruction
Assessment and Evaluation
Special Education
Educational Technology
Student Teaching
Multicultural Education
School Law and Ethics

Admissions Requirements

  • Interest in working with children or adolescents
  • Strong communication skills
  • Subject matter knowledge
  • Teaching or tutoring experience
  • Leadership qualities
  • Patience and empathy
  • Background check required

Essential Skills

CommunicationPatienceCreativityOrganizationAdaptabilityLeadershipProblem-solvingTechnology integration

Work Environments

  • Public schools
  • Private schools
  • Charter schools
  • Educational nonprofits
  • Government agencies
  • Educational technology companies
  • Tutoring centers
  • Museums and cultural institutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Education major?

A Education major opens doors to careers in elementary teacher, secondary teacher, special education teacher, and many other fields. The skills you develop in communication, patience, creativity are highly valued across industries.

What is the job outlook for Education graduates?

The job growth for Education related careers is projected at 8% (above avg), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $40,000, with potential to grow to $85,000 or more with experience.

What are the admission requirements for Education programs?

Most Education programs require interest in working with children or adolescents and strong communication skills. Additionally, many programs look for subject matter knowledge and teaching or tutoring experience.

Which universities have the best Education programs?

Top universities for Education include Stanford University, Harvard University, University of California-Los Angeles, Columbia University, University of Wisconsin Madison, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.