Thinking about studying teaching? A Bachelor of Education can lead you to a fulfilling career teaching elementary, middle, or high school. In the United States, teachers must complete a bachelor’s degree and gain a license in their state before they can teach. Bachelor’s degrees in teaching and education help students to develop their skills as an instructor and hone in on a specialty. Many programs also include an internship or practicum at a school.
Read on to find out more about the top Bachelor of Education degrees available across the United States.
1. Michigan State University, East Lansing
The College of Education at Michigan State University in East Lansing offers a five-year undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program to prospective teachers. students have the option to prepare for careers in elementary, secondary, and special education. Culminating in a year-long internship, the program allows students who want to gain experience in diverse teaching contexts the opportunity to practice in an urban or global setting. This university ranks 29th in the United States, and its Teacher Preparation Program is respected and renowned in the field of education.
2. University of Georgia, Athens
The University of Georgia offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in education, including elementary, middle school, and adult education. Other specializations are available as well, including the option to specialize in teaching literacy, global education, or English as a Second Language (ESL). Students also have the option to complete a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Among American universities, the University of Georgia is ranked 62nd. Its elementary and secondary education programs are ranked sixth in the country.
3. University of Wisconsin, Madison
The University of Wisconsin’s School of Education offers students the opportunity to specialize in educational psychology, curriculum/instruction, kinesiology, dance, educational leadership and policy analysis, rehabilitation psychology, theatre and drama, education policy, secondary education, special education, elementary education, and counseling or personnel services, among others. These programs consistently rank high within the field, and UW-Madison has also ranked fourth overall in the nation for education. Prospective teachers also have the option to pursue a customized teacher education program by selecting a major and a minor concentration. The university also offers students the option to continue to further their studies through graduate degrees.
4. University of New Orleans, New Orleans
The University of New Orleans offers various four-year degree programs in education, including a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education as well as a minor program in Secondary Education for students who wish to focus on subject matter. The program is supported by the National Council on Teacher Education and has a longstanding reputation.
5. CUNY Hunter College, New York
NCATE-accredited CUNY Hunter College is one of the highest-ranked education schools for both its elementary and secondary school programs. Students gain access to a virtual job market and preparation materials for the New York State Teacher Certification tests. Hands-on learning opportunities abound in the on-campus educational centers, and students can choose to specialize in childhood education, adolescent education, and dance education, among other options.