Pro Tip: If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree or have vocational work experience, you may be eligible for alternative pathways to licensure that put you in the classroom faster. Continue reading to learn more.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
If you don’t already have a degree, you may be able to earn your degree and your teaching license at the same time. Many colleges and universities offer a teacher preparation program that goes along with a degree in education or a teaching subject, like math, history, or art. So, you might major in English or biology, minor in education and earn your teaching license all at the same time.
Graduate Programs with Licensure
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, you have several options to choose from to earn your license.
- Master’s degree programs allow you to take additional coursework in your teaching area and work towards an advanced degree while earning your license.
- Licensure-only or Residency Licensure programs can get you licensed to teach without earning an additional degree. These programs may take less time and cost less than master’s degree licensure programs.
- To get started: Head over to Directory of Approved Programs to search for a teacher preparation program that interests you.
Pro Tip: Undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in education are eligible to join IEA Aspiring Educators, a preprofessional organization that supports teacher candidates as they prepare for their new careers in public education. We also provide additional support for our early career educators to ensure their success.