What can you do with an education degree?

Written by: Nancy Finney, Edited by: Luke Daugherty

Published: February 7, 2025

Earning an education degree can open career doors beyond a traditional teaching role in K-12. Education degrees can offer opportunities in areas like higher education, EdTech, and corporate training. Read our guide to learn about potential career paths and salary expectations.

What jobs can you get with an education degree?

Earning an education degree can help you develop foundational knowledge about learning and teaching methods. While education degrees traditionally lead to teaching roles, you can also pursue careers in higher education, career development, coaching, human resources, and any jobs that might require mentorship. Below are some examples of careers you can pursue after earning a degree in education.

Kindergarten and elementary school teacher

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers build lesson plans, create learning goals, assess student progress, and align instruction with state standards. To work as a teacher you may need to complete student teaching hours to qualify for licensure. Licensure requirements vary by state.

An education degree can prepare you with skills in lesson planning, critical thinking, problem solving, and pedagogical best practices.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023):$63,670

Academic advisor

Academic advisors typically work with a cohort of undergraduate students and help them navigate their experiences in college. They provide guidance on majors and minors and course registration, and they connect students to resources so they can become involved in university life.

Academic advisors require strong interpersonal communication skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of university policies and procedures. Successful academic advisors support students from the moment they step on campus through graduation.

BLS median annual salary (2023):$61,710

Human resources specialists

Bachelor's degree programs in education can help you build solid foundational knowledge in helping other people. The human resources field requires strong communication skills to recruit, interview, train, and onboard employees. Human resources specialists must also continuously inform employees about new protocols and training requirements.

Human resources is where employees go for help and support throughout their employment, and almost every interaction can be a teaching moment.

BLS median salary (2023):$67,650

Frequently asked questions about what you can do with an education degree

What is an education degree?

An education degree is a credential you earn from a college or university. This degree can qualify you to teach certain subjects in K-12 education institutions. Education majors usually choose specialization areas like English, math, or biology. Students also may specialize in early childhood education, middle grades education, or secondary education.

What is a high-paying job with an education degree?

Earning a degree in education can qualify you for many jobs in different industries, and the highest-paying positions will require years of experience. Developing training materials for private companies (sometimes known as EdTech) can offer some of the highest salaries. Other opportunities for higher wages include higher education administration or even becoming superintendent of a school district.

What skills will you learn in an education program?

In education programs, you'll take courses in literacy, mathematics, and pedagogy. If you choose to teach, you'll also complete student teaching as part of your degree, which will help you qualify for state licensure.

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