I would like to study education, but most universities have this major as an Associates or a Masters Degree, not Bachelors. Therefore, I would like to know what kind of undergraduate majors people who want to later study education apply to.
By the way, my dream is to become an education specialist in the USDOE.
Education policy analysts often have degrees in a variety of social science fields. When you are looking at grad programs, also look at Masters in Public Policy MPP programs that allow you to have an ed policy specialty. In my experience, the MPPs often have better ed policy job options than the MS ed students.
Thanks! Could you recommend some undergrad programs?
What is your career goal?
Usually people who want to be in some sort of education admin position or policy position have to start in the classroom (so they’ll know what they’re talking about).
So, why not get your degree in either El-Education or in a subject with an education tract.
Nearly every college has a college of education as undergrad.
A major in one of anthropology, sociology or psychology with a minor in education studies is one path that could work. The minor (in programs of which I’m familiar) would provide you with classroom experience.
You will likely have to start as a classroom teacher. You will have to decide what age group you prefer. If you want to work in a middle school or high school you should choose to major in a subject you would teach. For example, if you see yourself teaching math, then major in math and minor in education in order to complete your certification. Anthropology, sociology and psychology are also very popular majors for those who teach at the elementary level and those who ultimately wish to become education specialists or administrators.
Also, be sure to check the certification requirements for your state, as they vary from state to state.
All the administrators and education specialists I know (and I am a teacher so I know many) spent time in the classroom prior to pursuing their Masters for admin positions.
apple23’s points are key ones. Your path may be the most engaging if you major in a field you would hypothetically love to teach. By then adding an education studies minor (essential) and electives (or second minor) in the social sciences, you would start with both the background and credentials you would need for your further pursuits.
Importantly, choose a college with excellent preprofessional advising. At a minimum, look for schools at which the websites appear informative and student-centered in this area.
Be aware that a lot of public school teachers attend less-than-top-ranked public universities, and get high gpa’s. They make connections that lead to teaching jobs. Once you’ve taught for at least 2 years, then you’d be in a position to get graduate education in any number of fields (public policy, educational administration, higher education, etc.) at a prominent graduate school of education…many of which are at large public universities. No real need to be aiming for elite colleges for either undergrad or grad school…plenty of excellent programs at colleges that aren’t brutally difficult to get into.
Is it possible to become a teacher with a Business/Management Undergrad Major? Or maybe should I minor in business and major in psychology?
Most high schools offer some business classes, but you would likely need some education courses along with your business degree in order to be certified to teach them. Another option is teaching at a community college…where you would typically require a master’s degree in business (if teaching accounting, being a CPA can often substitute for a master’s degree).