Education

Pursuing an education degree can lead you to many career paths as a teacher or in an administrator role. Each college offers its own educational concentration with different aspects of education, whether you prefer working directly with students or would prefer building and executing educational initiatives on behalf of the school or district. Teacher positions are often available and the need to continue to evolve as the educational needs of our country change will keep this profession fresh and exciting. One thing to note, only a handful of states allow certified teachers to come from any other state in the U.S. and be considered fully licensed right away. Most states will require incoming teachers to take some additional assessments or coursework before being able to take a new teaching role in a state they were not originally licensed in.

Medical Assistant Overview

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and most healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities may differ depending on the type or specialty of the healthcare office they’re working in. Medical assistants are not to be confused with physician assistants, who are licensed and trained to do medical procedures with supervision from a physician.
Medical Assistant Role & Responsibility

Early Childhood Education (Pre-K School Teacher)

Early childhood education (ECE) is an important period in child development from birth up until age 8 or traditionally, 3rd grade. Earning a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education prepares teacher candidates and early childhood professionals through coursework, field experiences and clinical practice such as student teaching. Teacher candidates can pursue up to three certificate programs which allow you to apply for teaching positions up to 2nd grade, up to 6th grade or in special education up to 6th grade. Requirements change from state to state so students need to investigate what they will need for the state they would like to work in.

Role & Responsibility
  • Teach children basic skills such as identifying colors, shapes, numbers, and letters
  • Work with children in groups or one on one, depending on the needs of children and on the subject matter
  • Plan and carry out a curriculum that focuses on different areas of child development
  • Organize activities so children can learn about the world, explore interests, and develop skills
  • Develop schedules and routines to ensure children have enough physical activity and rest
  • Watch for signs of emotional or developmental problems in each child and bring them to the attention of the child’s parents
  • Keep records of the children’s progress, routines, and interests, and inform parents about their child’s development
2020 Median Pay

$31,930 per year / $15.35 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

469,600
Job Outlook, 2020-30 18%
Employment Change 2020-30

86,400
How to become

Education and training requirements vary based on settings and state regulations. Preschool teachers typically need at least an associate’s degree..

Elementary Education

An Education Bachelor’s Degree prepares future teachers to work in kindergarten through 5th or through 6th grade depending on the school and state teacher certification requirements. Graduates of this degree can also pursue school administration, instructional coaching or education consulting.

Role & Responsibility
  • Create lesson plans to teach students subjects, such as reading, science, and math
  • Teach students how to interact with others
  • Observe students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
  • Instruct an entire class or smaller groups of students
  • Grade students’ assignments
  • Communicate with parents or guardian about their child’s progress
  • Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges
  • Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
  • Develop and enforce classroom rules to teach children proper behavior
  • Supervise children outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or recess
2020 Median Pay $60,660 per year 
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

1,492,400
Job Outlook, 2020-30 7%
Employment Change 2020-30

111,500
How to become

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers usually must have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.

Special Education

The Bachelor of Science / Masters of Science in Special Education is a five-year program that prepares students to teach children with disabilities. Students take graduate courses during their senior year and complete student teaching and internships during their fifth and final year. Once completed, graduates will need to take their state’s certification before they can secure a teaching position in an inclusive classroom.

Role & Responsibility
  • Assess students’ skills and determine their educational needs
  • Adapt general lessons to meet students’ needs
  • Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student
  • Plan activities that are specific to each student’s abilities
  • Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one
  • Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress
  • Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
  • Discuss students’ progress with parents, other teachers, counselors, and administrators
  • Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities
  • Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and from school to life outside of school
2020 Median Pay $61,500 per year
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

463,200
Job Outlook, 2020-30 8%
Employment Change 2020-30

37,600
How to become

Special education teachers in public schools are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license. Private schools typically require teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, but the teachers are not required to be licensed or certified.

Educational Technology

Educational technology (EduTech, or EdTech) combines educational theory and practice with technology hardware and software to create educational technology to facilitate learning. Educational technology includes the use of e-learning, mobile learning, computer-based training (CBT), learning management systems (LMS) and multimedia learning. Examples of current EduTech programs include Interactive whiteboard, virtual reality headsets and 3D Printing. Many educational technology or instructional technology degrees are available online as well as on-campus in colleges throughout the country.

Role & Responsibility
  • Create lesson plans and assignments
  • Instruct students on how to develop certain skills
  • Show students how to apply classroom knowledge through hands-on activities
  • Demonstrate and supervise safe and proper use of tools and equipment
  • Monitor students’ progress, assign tasks, and grade assignments
  • Discuss students’ progress with parents, students, and counselors
  • Develop and enforce classroom rules and safety procedures
2020 Median Pay $59,140 per year
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

198,100
Job Outlook, 2020-30 5%
Employment Change 2020-30

9,800
How to become

Career and technical education teachers typically must have at least a bachelor’s degree. They also need work experience in the subject they teach. Public schools may require a state-issued teaching certification or license.

Educational Leadership (Elementary, Middle School, High School Principal)

Students who pursue a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership will develop a deep understanding of supervision and school administration to stay up-to-date on best practices in learning institutions. Most programs provide a curriculum that offers both theory and hands-on experience through an internship to round out your knowledge. Graduates will need to pursue their state’s additional requirements and pass an exam before they can apply for any job.

Role & Responsibility
  • Manage school activities and staff, including teachers and support personnel
  • Establish and oversee class schedules
  • Develop, implement, and maintain curriculum standards
  • Counsel and discipline students
  • Observe teachers and evaluate their performance
  • Meet with parents and teachers to discuss students’ progress and behavior
  • Assess and prepare reports on test scores and other student achievement data
  • Organize professional development programs and workshops for staff
  • Manage the school’s budget, order school supplies, and schedule maintenance
  • Establish and coordinate security procedures for students, staff, and visitors
2020 Median Pay $98,490 per year
Work Experience in Related Occupation

5 years or more
Number of Jobs, 2020

270,200
Job Outlook, 2020-30 8%
Employment Change 2020-30

21,200
How to become

Associate’s degree programs in electrical or electronic engineering technology are available at community colleges and vocational–technical schools. Programs accredited by ABET or other organizations typically include courses such as algebra, programming languages, physics, and circuitry. Depending on the job tasks or the industry, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. Candidates for other jobs may qualify with a high school diploma or credentials from organizations like National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), ETA International, and the International Society of Automation.