Teaching programs are ideal for students who wish to have a broad educational experience, with no specific concentration limiting their prospects. Teaching, sometimes referred to as general studies or interdisciplinary studies, is a comprehensive education in the core, liberal arts curriculum. A typical general education program will require students to take an even mix of English, fine arts, history, math, natural science, communications, and social science courses. A bachelor's in general education will provide them with a diverse academic background that, in turn, supports a variety of career choices.
Why a Bachelor’s Degree?
Teaching is an attractive program, primarily for its versatility. Students who have collected credits from a variety of institutions may choose to major in general education in order to complete their degree. In fact, most students who choose to major in general education are not first-time freshmen. The teaching program allows for greater flexibility when transferring course credits to other colleges or majors, as most of the courses satisfy the requirements of a general studies or teaching major. In addition, a bachelor’s is the minimum level of education required of any K-12 teacher in the U.S.
A bachelor’s transitions smoothly into many higher degree programs. It is also a way for students to combine multiple fields of studies not encompassed within a preexisting major, wherein a student may create their own program through interdisciplinary studies. Additionally, some students may not need a degree for any specific reason but enjoy taking liberal arts courses for personal enrichment.
Inside a Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Program
It takes four years as a full-time student to complete a teaching bachelor’s, although students with transfer credits may complete the program faster. Some schools require the student to pick a selection of emphases. During the program, students will enroll in a wide array of courses, popular examples include English literature, psychology, biology, American history, algebra, and foreign language courses. Students are shown how different academic studies interrelate, and they are left with a deeper understanding of mathematical and scientific reasoning, communicative and linguistic skills, and an otherwise liberally-educated mind.
Earning your bachelor’s in general education online offers an even greater degree of flexibility, particularly for non-traditional students looking to supplement an already established career or who are unable to commute to campus during typical class hours. The coursework varies little from that of a traditional program but is all submitted through an online portal. Students are also able to communicate with their peers and professors in the virtual classroom.
What’s Next for Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Holders?
Those with K-12 education degrees can become teachers in most subjects and at most grade levels. Graduates are required to become certified according to their state guidelines before they can begin real work at a school.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, liberal arts degree holders most commonly end up as management trainees, sales associates, graphic designers, teachers, or social workers, with starting salaries ranging from $27,000 to $40,000.
General education is the perfect primer for a career in teaching. Students are readily able to acquire certification and use their vast knowledge to teach primary school, where teachers are tasked with educating their students in all subjects. Students may also choose to continue their education, pursuing either a master’s or doctorate, with the idea being that they will go on to teach more advanced, typically postsecondary, courses or move into more senior, administrative roles within the education field.