What do you learn in a bachelor’s in education program?

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By: Sarah Edwards, Edited by: Mitch Jacobson

Last updated: July 25, 2025

A bachelor's in education degree is your gateway to shaping the minds of future generations and joining the ranks of proud primary and secondary educators in the United States.

Discover what you can expect to learn in a bachelor's in education program to find out if pursuing this degree is right for you.

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What to expect from a bachelor's in education program

Like most bachelor's programs, a bachelor's in education can take between four and five years to complete, depending on your course load, state licensure requirements, and whether you participate in summer classes.

But what do you learn in a bachelor's in education program? While the focus of any program can vary slightly by specialty (e.g., elementary education versus special education), bachelor's in education programs help prepare students to become effective educators for their chosen student populations.

These programs emphasize teaching strategies, child development, and classroom management techniques.

The costs can range from $20,000 to $80,000 for your degree, and you'll need to complete around 120 to 130 credit hours. Expect to take courses like educational psychology, teaching methods, and a variety of electives.

Even if you opt for an online program, you'll likely be required to coordinate with a local school to gain hands-on experience in the classroom.

Bachelor's in education core curriculum

The curriculum of your program can vary based on which specialty you choose. For example, a student attending an elementary education program will have a slightly different course load than someone enrolled in a special education program.

However, there are some core classes that many bachelor's in education students can expect to take:

Foundations of education: You'll gain insight into education's history, philosophy, and societal impacts with this course, which is designed to build your understanding of the educational system and how you contribute to it as an educator.
Classroom management and pedagogy: To thrive as a teacher, you'll need strategies for maintaining a productive classroom environment — this course helps you develop skills in lesson planning, behavior management, and creating inclusive learning spaces.
Educational assessment and evaluation: Testing and evaluation are critical to teaching, and in this course, you'll learn skills and techniques for assessing student progress and adapting your teaching methods to meet the individual needs of each pupil.

Keep in mind that the course titles will vary based on which institution you attend. However, some of the subject matter covered in your courses should be similar to the classes outlined above.

Bachelor's in education specializations and concentrations

Many bachelor's in education programs offer concentrations to tailor your studies to the age group you are interested in educating. Some popular specializations include:

Elementary education: Focuses on teaching young learners (K-5) basic skills in subjects like reading, math, and science
Secondary education: Prepares you to teach specific subjects, like math or history, to middle or high school students
Special education: Teaches how to support students with mental or physical conditions through specialized instruction

It's important to consider the age groups and subjects you are most interested in before choosing a bachelor's in education program. Your area of specialization impacts which jobs and state certification exams you are eligible for.

Graduation requirements for bachelor's in education students

To graduate from your program, you'll need to complete core coursework and accumulate a specified number of elective credits. You'll also need to complete a student internship and log a requisite number of hours in the classroom.

Many programs culminate in a capstone project, such as creating a teaching portfolio. However, some courses may require a final research paper or exam.

You'll also need to pass a state certification exam.

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FAQ about what you learn in a bachelor's in education program

How do you choose a bachelor's in education degree program?

Look for accredited programs that align with your teaching goals. Consider how the courses are delivered (e.g., online, in person, or hybrid), what the estimated program length is, how much tuition is, and whether the school offers your desired specialty. There are plenty of great online programs; it's just a matter of finding the right one for you.

How do you pay for an online bachelor's degree in education?

You can pay for your degree via scholarships, grants, or federal aid. Many institutions also offer payment plans, which you can use to minimize your reliance on loans.

You can also consider private student loans if federal aid, grants, and self-pay options won't cover your costs.

What can you do with a bachelor's degree in education?

A bachelor's in education program helps prepare you for careers as a primary, secondary, or special education teacher. If you obtain additional certifications, you may be able to advance into specialized roles, such as an education consultant, curriculum developer, or administrative member of a school (e.g., principal or dean).