Deciding on an Elementary Education Major
Passionate about impacting young people? An elementary education major is for you.
5 Things to Know About Choosing an Elementary Education Major
A career in education can be incredibly rewarding. If you have a passion for helping young people grow as individuals and preparing them for the future, then an education degree may be right for you. There are many different types of degrees related to education, including elementary education, secondary education, special education, and early childhood education. Let's take a look at what benefits go along with a career in elementary education.
1. Why should I major in elementary education?
Impact the Lives of Children
If caring for others comes naturally and you find personal satisfaction in seeing young people succeed and grow, a degree in elementary education is right for you.
Job Security
Elementary education degrees are some of the most secure jobs out there. In fact, elementary education majors have a lower unemployment rate than the national average.
There will always be a need for teachers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics, the projected job outlook for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to grow by 7% by 2030. As of 2021, the median annual wage for elementary teachers was $61,400.
Flexible
Flexibility is essential for job satisfaction. There are several reasons why teaching can be a flexible career choice. For one, teachers can often choose when and where they work. Several online teaching platforms allow teachers to work from home or anywhere in the world. The teaching career also fits many different lifestyles — they can work part-time, full-time, or even on a freelance basis. Long winter and summer breaks are also a perk to the teaching career.
Rewarding Career
Teaching can be a very rewarding career. Seeing your students succeed and watching them grow can be a truly gratifying experience. Knowing that you made a difference in someone's life can create the highest level of personal and career satisfaction.
2. What can you do with an elementary education major?
An elementary education degree allows you to teach children any subject, anywhere in the world (as long as you pass a state's licensing exam and background check). An elementary education degree can also lead to other career opportunities — in addition to the core teaching elements, you can expand into administration, consultant services, and curriculum development. The following are a few examples of education-related jobs that take place outside the classroom:
- School Principal
- Camp Director
- School Counselor
- Associate Editor
- School Librarian
- Tutor
3. What scholarships for elementary education majors are out there?
If you're looking for scholarships to help pay for your elementary education degree, there are countless options available. There are scholarships specifically for elementary education majors, as well as general scholarships that can be used for any type of degree. You can also look for scholarships that are offered by your chosen university or college, like UND.
4. How many years of college do you need to be a teacher?
At The University of North Dakota, you'll need 125 credits to complete your elementary education degree, which typically takes four years to complete. However, the type of degree you need may vary depending on the state in which you plan to teach. Some states require elementary school teachers to have a bachelor's degree in education, while others only require a bachelor's degree in any subject.
5. Can I get an elementary education major online?
Yes, it is possible to get an elementary education degree online. There are several accredited online schools that offer degrees in elementary education, such as the University of North Dakota. However, keep in mind that some states have specific requirements for teachers that may not be met by an online degree program.
UND is ranked #9 for best online university in the U.S. and ranked #7 for best self-paced online college. An online elementary education degree program offers flexibility for students who have other commitments such as child or family care or are working professionals.
Online degree formats will follow the same curriculum as in-person learning would, and you will have the exact same transcript and diploma whether it is on campus or online. All of UND's online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Best Colleges for Elementary Education Majors
If you are interested in pursuing an elementary education major, the University of North Dakota is a great option. With a variety of degree options and a flexible learning environment, you will be able to get the education you need to pursue a career in elementary education.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Can I Do With a Teaching Degree (Besides Teach)?
Self-Paced Online Colleges: Top Schools to Learn at Your Speed
Workplace Flexibility and Job Satisfaction (Determining Job Satisfaction with a Flexible Employer)
17 Career Opportunities in Education Besides Teaching
A List of Scholarships for Students Wanting to be Teachers
Best Online Colleges & Universities