What can you do with a Education degree?

First, some facts. Of the Education graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 771 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 72%, Education graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 72%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 40% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Education graduate.

See the details:

View a random Education graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 77%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2010 from Evangel University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Mathematics Specialist
Lakeland Behavioral Health System
2016 - 2019
As a Mathematics Specialist, the job directly applies mathematical knowledge and skills developed through the Bachelor's degree in Education, making it highly relevant.

Behavior Specialist
Springfield Missouri Public Schools
Aug 2019 - Oct 2021
The role of Behavior Specialist involves educational techniques and strategies that are relevant to an education degree, allowing for direct application of learned skills in a school setting.

Reconciliation Specialist
Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK
Apr 2022 - Oct 2023
As a Reconciliation Specialist, the core responsibilities do not require educational methodologies or any knowledge acquired from a degree in Education, focusing instead on financial processes.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Google Professional Certificate
Coursera
2021 - 2022

Specialization from University of California, Davis
Coursera
2022 - 2022
ABOUT

I will leverage my unique skills and expertise to cultivate spaces of inclusion, felt-safety and accountability; fiercely advocate for equitable systems and practices; and promote emotional growth, creativity and universal human flourishing.

What jobs can you get with a Education degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing the career trajectories of individuals with degrees in Education, it's clear that a significant number of them ended up in roles that directly relate to teaching and education. Many graduates went on to become classroom teachers, with a variety of subjects and grade levels represented, such as mathematics, science, social studies, and early childhood education. Teaching roles generally require a deep understanding of educational theories and curricula, which aligns seamlessly with the skills obtained in their respective degree programs.

However, a notable portion of graduates transitioned into various professions that don't directly utilize their educational expertise. These include roles in sales, administrative positions, and other fields that primarily focus on operational or technical skills. For example, many individuals ended up in marketing, account management, or customer service roles where their educational training didn't play a significant part in daily responsibilities. This trend indicates that while a degree in Education provides valuable teaching skills, it might not necessarily lead to a career exclusively within traditional educational settings.

Overall, while a core group of Education graduates thrives in teaching and other directly related roles, others pursue diverse career paths that, although they may use some transferable skills, do not fully leverage the in-depth pedagogical knowledge gained throughout their education. As the job market continues to evolve, it's essential for educational institutions to equip future educators with broad skill sets that can apply in various contexts, enabling flexibility in their career choices.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Education graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Education graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When we look at the career trajectories of graduates in Education from various universities, it becomes clear that there are some common trends, as well as notable variations. These individuals have pursued a range of roles following their education, with many beginning their careers in classroom positions. The most consistent first job for these graduates tends to be as a substitute teacher or an entry-level teaching position. This aligns with the typical career path for many education majors, where they often start as classroom teachers, substitute teachers, or educational assistants right after graduation. For example, many graduates have taken on roles as teachers or paraprofessionals in their respective school districts soon after graduating, displaying a strong commitment to education from the outset.

As we look five or ten years down the line, we see a mix of success and, for some, a shift away from traditional teaching roles. Many individuals who began as classroom teachers have moved up the ladder into positions of greater responsibility, such as instructional coaches, administrators, or specialists within the education sector. For instance, some graduates transitioned from being classroom teachers to administrators and directors of educational programs. Others have ventured into related fields, becoming educational consultants, program coordinators, or specialists in educational technology. However, there are also several individuals whose career paths have diverged significantly from education altogether. A notable number appear to have switched to roles outside of the education field, such as sales or management positions, indicating a lack of retention within the education sector for some. This mix suggests that while many education graduates successfully build careers in education, others may feel compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere, perhaps driven by the challenges faced within the education system, including salary constraints and job satisfaction issues.

Overall, it's a mixed bag; many graduates enjoy rewarding careers that stay close to their educational roots, while others venture into different industries altogether. This variation reflects the complexity of career paths within the education and related fields, ultimately highlighting the diverse options available to those with education degrees and the impact that earlier experiences can have on career trajectories.

How hard is a Education degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Education can vary in difficulty depending on your passion for the subject and your study habits. Generally speaking, it’s more on the manageable side compared to some other majors, especially if you’re already interested in working with kids and learning about teaching methods. You’ll tackle various subjects like psychology, child development, and lesson planning, which can be pretty enjoyable if you like being creative and engaging with others. However, like any degree, it has its challenges, especially with workload and balancing practical experiences like student teaching. Overall, if you stay organized and really dive into what you're learning, it shouldn't be too stressful.

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Education.

Do Education graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these education graduates, it seems that their earning potential varies quite a bit. Those who have been steady in teaching roles often enjoy a stable salary, but it may not always be high, especially in the earlier years or in certain school districts. For example, many of them started as substitute teachers or entry-level educators before moving into more permanent roles, which generally offers better income. On the flip side, some individuals have leveraged their degrees into more diverse roles, like business development or project management, which could lead to higher pay, especially in corporate environments.

Overall, if you're eyeing a career in education, expect that it may not lead to big bucks right away. However, with experience and possibly transitioning into administrative roles or additional certifications, there's a solid chance for advancement and a more comfortable salary down the line. It’s also worth noting that job satisfaction in education is often found in the impact you can make rather than the paycheck alone, which can balance out financial considerations for many professionals in the field.

What buzzwords do Education graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Education. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Education?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Education (ordered by the average relevance score of their Education graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 83 12
Western Governors University 76 11
Liberty University 73 11
Ashford University 69 13
Arizona State University 68 10
Bowling Green State University 67 12