The Best Majors for Future Teachers — And Which to Avoid

To become a teacher, you should major in either elementary education for K-6 teaching, a specific subject area like mathematics or English for secondary teaching, or a specialized field like special education. The most direct path is an education major, but a subject-area major combined with a teacher certification program is equally valid and often preferred for middle and high school roles. All paths require a bachelor’s degree and state-issued teaching license.

What Is What Should I Major In If I Want To Be A Teacher?

The most common majors for aspiring teachers are elementary education (for K-6), secondary education in a specific subject like mathematics or English (for grades 7-12), or special education (for K-12). According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2025), approximately 78% of public school teachers hold a bachelor’s degree in education, while 22% hold a degree in a non-education field and completed alternative certification. The choice depends on the grade level and subject you wish to teach, as well as state-specific licensing requirements.

Education Major: The Direct Path

An education major is the most straightforward route to teaching, offered at over 1,200 accredited institutions in the US, including the University of Michigan and Arizona State University. This major typically includes coursework in child development, classroom management, and instructional methods, plus a semester of supervised student teaching. According to the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE, 2025), education majors complete an average of 14 weeks of student teaching, which is a requirement for licensure in 48 states. The major is ideal for elementary and special education teachers, where broad pedagogical knowledge is prioritized over deep subject expertise.

Subject-Area Major: For Secondary and Specialized Teaching

For middle and high school teachers, a major in the subject you plan to teach—such as biology, history, or English—is the standard path. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ, 2025) reports that 42 states require secondary teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree in the subject they teach or a closely related field. This approach ensures deep content knowledge, which is critical for advanced coursework like AP classes. For example, a future high school chemistry teacher would major in chemistry and then complete a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program, which typically takes 1-2 years. This path is also common for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Special Education Major: A Growing Need

A special education major prepares teachers to work with students who have disabilities, including learning, emotional, and physical challenges. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2026), employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This major includes coursework in individualized education programs (IEPs), behavioral interventions, and assistive technology. The University of Kansas and Vanderbilt University are among the top programs for special education, according to US News & World Report (2025). This major is distinct because it qualifies teachers for K-12 licensure in special education, which is a high-demand area in 46 states.

Alternative Certification Paths: For Non-Education Majors

For individuals who did not major in education, alternative certification programs offer a pathway to teaching. These programs, such as Teach For America and the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, allow candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any field to earn a teaching license in 1-2 years. According to the National Center for Alternative Certification (NCAC, 2025), approximately 20% of new teachers enter the profession through alternative routes. These programs typically include intensive coursework and a mentored teaching experience. This option is ideal for career changers or those who discovered a passion for teaching after completing a different degree.

Comparison of Teaching Majors

Major Type	Best For	Typical Duration	Licensure Requirement	Average Starting Salary (2025)	Key Institutions
Elementary Education	K-6 teachers	4 years	Praxis Elementary Education exam	$42,000	University of Michigan, Arizona State University
Secondary Education (Subject)	7-12 teachers	4 years + certification	Praxis Subject Assessment	$45,000	University of Texas, Ohio State University
Special Education	K-12 special ed teachers	4 years	Praxis Special Education exam	$44,000	Vanderbilt University, University of Kansas
Alternative Certification	Career changers	1-2 years	State-specific exams	$40,000	Teach For America, American Board

State-Specific Requirements and Variations

Teaching requirements vary significantly by state. According to the Education Commission of the States (ECS, 2026), 35 states require teachers to pass the Praxis series of exams, while 15 states use their own assessments, such as the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Additionally, 22 states require teachers to earn a master’s degree within 5-10 years of starting teaching, including New York and Connecticut. The National Education Association (NEA, 2025) reports that teachers with a master’s degree earn an average of $10,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring teachers should check their state’s department of education website for specific requirements.

The Role of Student Teaching and Practicum

Student teaching is a critical component of all teacher preparation programs. According to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP, 2025), accredited programs require a minimum of 12 weeks of full-time student teaching under the supervision of a licensed mentor teacher. This experience typically occurs in the final semester of a bachelor’s program and includes daily teaching responsibilities, lesson planning, and classroom management. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ, 2025) found that teachers who completed a rigorous student teaching experience were 30% more likely to remain in the profession after five years.

Salary and Job Outlook by Major

The choice of major directly impacts earning potential and job availability. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2026), the median annual wage for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $63,670 in 2025, while secondary school teachers earned a median of $65,220. Special education teachers earned a median of $64,980. However, salaries vary by state and district; for example, teachers in New York earn an average of $85,000, while those in Mississippi earn $48,000, according to the NEA (2025). Job growth is strongest in special education and STEM fields, with mathematics and science teachers in high demand in 40 states, according to the US Department of Education (2025).

How to Choose the Right Major for Your Teaching Career

To choose the right major, consider the grade level you want to teach, the subject you are passionate about, and your state’s licensing requirements. If you want to teach elementary school, an elementary education major is the most direct path. If you want to teach high school biology, major in biology and complete a certification program. If you are unsure, many universities offer exploratory education programs that allow you to take introductory courses in multiple areas before declaring a major. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT, 2025) recommends shadowing a teacher in your desired grade level for at least 20 hours before committing to a major.

Common Misconceptions About Teaching Majors

A common misconception is that you must major in education to become a teacher. In reality, 22% of teachers enter through alternative certification, according to NCES (2025). Another misconception is that a teaching degree limits career options; however, education majors can work in curriculum development, educational consulting, or school administration. According to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD, 2025), 15% of education degree holders work outside of K-12 classrooms in roles such as corporate training or nonprofit program management. Finally, some believe that teaching majors are easier than other degrees, but the NCES (2025) reports that education majors have a 75% graduation rate, comparable to other fields.

Steps to Becoming a Teacher: From Major to Licensure

The path from choosing a major to becoming a licensed teacher involves several steps. First, complete a bachelor’s degree in education or a teachable subject from an accredited institution. Second, complete a teacher preparation program, which includes student teaching. Third, pass the required licensing exams, such as the Praxis or state-specific tests. Fourth, apply for a teaching license through your state’s department of education. Fifth, complete any additional requirements, such as a background check. According to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC, 2026), the average time from starting a major to receiving a teaching license is 4.5 years.

Resources for Aspiring Teachers

Several organizations provide resources for choosing a teaching major and navigating the certification process. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) offers a directory of accredited programs. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) publishes annual ratings of teacher preparation programs. The US Department of Education’s TEACH Grant program provides up to $4,000 per year for students pursuing teaching degrees in high-need fields. The National Education Association (NEA) offers scholarships and grants for aspiring teachers. According to the AACTE (2025), 85% of teacher preparation programs now offer online or hybrid options, making it easier to pursue a teaching degree while working.

The Impact of Teacher Shortages on Major Choice

Current teacher shortages are influencing major choices. According to the US Department of Education (2025), 44 states reported teacher shortages in special education, mathematics, science, and bilingual education for the 2025-2026 school year. This has led to increased incentives for these majors, including loan forgiveness programs and signing bonuses. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, administered by the US Department of Education, forgives remaining loan balances after 10 years of qualifying payments for teachers in low-income schools. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 also provided $122 billion for K-12 education, some of which has been used for teacher recruitment and retention bonuses.

Future Trends in Teaching Majors

The field of teaching is evolving, and majors are adapting. According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE, 2026), 60% of teacher preparation programs now require coursework in educational technology, including AI literacy and digital classroom tools. The University of Florida and the University of Southern California offer majors in educational technology and instructional design. Additionally, the growing emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL) has led to new majors in school counseling and mental health support. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL, 2025) reports that 27 states now have SEL standards, creating demand for teachers trained in this area.