Explore 5 potential careers in education

Choosing education as a career is fulfilling, rewarding, and pragmatic. Check out these five potential careers in education to see if one feels right for you.

1. Postsecondary teacher

Postsecondary (higher education) teacher positions range from graduate student teachers and assistant professors to associate professors and professors. As a higher education teacher, you’ll work in colleges or universities with opportunities to advance to the head of your department.

• Education requirements: At a minimum, you’ll need a master’s degree to teach at a community or technical college. Four-year universities require most of their faculty members to hold doctoral degrees. Teaching experience can also help, so keep an eye open for graduate teaching assistant opportunities as you earn your degree.

2. Postsecondary education administrator

Education administrators lead at the highest level of the education system. In this field, you could hold a position as dean, provost (chief academic officer), department head, registrar, or administration director. Education administrators help institutions run smoothly by leading the school’s faculty, academics, or student services.

• Education requirements: The education level you’ll need depends on the type of institution you work for, but the majority of education administrators have an advanced degree (master’s or doctoral). While most any advanced degree can lead to a career in education, specific education-focused degrees are becoming the norm.

3. Curriculum developer

Curriculum developers operate behind-the-scenes of the classroom, supporting teachers by incorporating the newest guidelines and technologies into the curricula. Other responsibilities include assessing teaching strategies and suggesting innovative ways to instruct students more effectively.

• Education requirements: Some schools require curriculum developers to have a doctoral degree, but most only require a master’s degree in teaching, educational administration, or curriculum and instruction. You may also need a teaching license or a related certificate and should expect to take continuing education courses to keep your training up to date throughout your career.

4. School counselor

School counselors work in a school setting to help students as they make academic and career choices. You’ll help them meet graduation requirements, deal with personal, social and behavioral problems, and test for learning disabilities.

• Education requirements: Most states require school counselors to have a master’s degree in counseling, as well as a school counseling certificate. Requirements vary by state. Program accreditation is also important – CACREP lists the schools that are part of the accreditation program.

5. Special education teacher

As a special education teacher, you’ll assist disabled students with the learning process, either in your own classroom or while sitting in with a larger class. Responsibilities include adjusting curriculum to meet students’ needs and abilities, teaching socially acceptable behaviors, and recording and reporting on students’ progress.

• Education requirements: The majority of K-12 special education teachers have a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in special education, and almost as many have a master’s degree. There are also a variety of licenses you can obtain, ranging from Autism Spectrum Disorders to hearing- and visually impaired licensure.

Interested in an education degree

Capella University offers master’s and doctoral degree programs designed to meet the needs of today’s education environment. Learn more about Capella’s education degrees.