<p>Every website I check about the educational requirements for becoming an elementary school teacher say you need a bachelors degree.
However, every Massachusetts state university I've looked up require me to not only be an elementary education major, but ALSO have a major in the liberal arts or sciences. So, if the state requires only one bachelors degree, why do I need to get two?</p>
<p>I've talked to my friend who's roommate is an education major in a New York university, and she only has to be an education major...
So, is this just a Massachusetts thing? And if so, are any of you living in this state that know anything about this?</p>
<p>How hard is it to double major? Does it take longer? Cost more money? How many classes per semester?</p>
<p>It is not enough to major in just education. You must have a background in a liberal arts subject, even at the elementary level. For secondary education this is more obvious (history teachers have background in history, etc), but you are teaching your students a bit of everything. It’s also no secret that education alone is a “soft” major with GPA inflation, etc.</p>
<p>At my college, elementary ed majors take intro/200 level classes in almost every liberal arts discipline, in addition to their liberal arts major. Since I am secondary, I major in my subject area (history) and complete a master’s in teaching. It does not take longer, does not cost more money (unless you stay for a 5th master’s year, which is more cost-efficient since you’ll need that MAT eventually), and as for classes per semester it all depends on the school.</p>
<p>I suggest you consult the websites of specific colleges you’re interested in for more information.</p>