What You Need to Know About Becoming an Education Major

Education majors explore the ways people learn and how best to teach others. If preparing to work in a classroom, these students examine how to create engaging lesson plans and assess student learning. Whether or not they plan to teach, education majors might also study developmental and sociocultural theories to inform their knowledge of human growth and how it affects students' ability to learn. With a degree in education, graduates can become instructors or advance the education field via policy and nonprofit work.

What Is an Education Major?

An education major prepares students to better understand the learning process as well as the different factors, including environmental, social, cultural and psychological influences, that can affect a student’s ability to learn and engage in school. Education majors study theories and practices of teaching and might focus their coursework on a specific age group or area of interest, such as literature, math or science.

In addition to coursework, many programs provide education majors an opportunity to gain firsthand, real-world experience teaching, developing curriculums and conducting assessments. Coursework and clinical experiences reinforce the interpersonal and organizational skills that will serve education majors well as they pursue careers in the education field.

Common Coursework Education Majors Can Expect

Coursework for education majors varies by school and individual program. A typical curriculum might cover education theory, child development and contemporary issues in education. For Georgia State University students selecting a concentration in early childhood education, classes might also include Art and Music for Early Childhood and Writing and Composing in the Digital Age. Students focusing on middle school education, meanwhile, might take classes in a particular area of interest. For example, an education major interested in teaching social science might take anthropology or economics.

Most education programs also include coursework in assessment and curriculum development, and many programs offer students the chance to gain hands-on experience teaching and evaluating student learning via internships in community- and school-based settings.

How to Know if This Major Is the Right Fit for You

An education major might be a good fit for you if you enjoy learning and helping others better understand the world around them. Many education majors also desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Beyond teaching facts and concepts, education majors who work in a classroom might serve as mentors, helping students develop emotionally and socially. If you prefer to work outside the classroom and have a passion for improving education access and equity, an education major can also prepare you to pursue research and policy-related careers.

What Can I Do With an Education Major?

Many education majors pursue careers as teachers in various school settings, while others might go into a related field, such as education policy, curriculum development or health care. Some education graduates might also be interested in careers at nonprofits or governmental organizations that serve to advance education in the U.S. and abroad. For example, some students might participate in programs such as Teach for America and the Peace Corps.

Depending on their career goals and interests, education majors might also consider advanced degree programs in administration and leadership, psychology, or special education. Students who pursue an advanced degree can prepare for careers as school principals, school counselors or policy leaders.

Schools Offering an Education Major

Check out some schools below that offer education majors and find the full list of schools here that you can filter and sort.