What Can You Do with an Education Degree?

Contributors:

• Dr. Nicole Schneider, Professor of Education 
• Dr. Natasha Ferrell, Associate Professor of Education 
• Dr. Stephanie Herrera, Associate Professor of Education

When you think about earning an education degree, becoming a teacher may be the first career that comes to mind. Teaching remains one of the most direct ways to put an education degree to work, but it is far from the only option.

An education degree can build skills that translate well beyond the classroom, opening doors to roles focused on learning, leadership, and supporting others. Education professionals work in classrooms, school and district offices, colleges and universities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other settings where people learn and grow. 

Teaching and more: 10 jobs you can do with an education degree

1. Elementary, middle, or high school teacher

For many education majors, the classroom is exactly where they want to be. 

Teachers design learning experiences, assess student progress, adapt instruction to meet different needs, and help students develop academically and personally.

Public school teachers generally need a bachelor's degree and must meet state-specific certification or licensure requirements. To learn how to become a teacher in California, review How to Get a Teaching Credential in California – Step-by-Step Guide [Infographic].  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual wages in May 2025 ranged from $63,970 for elementary teachers to $72,040 for high school teachers.

2. Special education teacher

Special education teachers provide specialized instruction and support to students with a wide range of disabilities and learning needs to help them access and make progress in the general education curriculum. 

They assess student strengths and areas of need, develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), adapt instructional materials and teaching strategies, monitor academic and behavioral progress, and use data to guide educational decision making. Special education teachers collaborate closely with families, general education teachers, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, administrators, and other service providers to ensure students receive appropriate supports and services. They also advocate for inclusive practices, promote student independence and self-advocacy skills, and help create equitable learning environments that support academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and successful transitions across school and life settings. 

Special education teachers need a bachelor’s degree, with many aspiring educators opting for a degree emphasis in special education or autism spectrum disorder. Certification requirements vary by state and teaching assignment. 

The median annual wage for special education teachers was $67,170 in May 2025. 

3. Instructional coordinator or curriculum specialist

If you enjoy developing curriculum, supporting other educators, or improving teaching and learning at a broader level, instructional leadership may be worth exploring. 

Instructional coordinators and curriculum specialists work to strengthen teaching and learning across classrooms, often helping educators improve curriculum and put effective instructional practices into action. 

These positions typically require a master's degree in education or a related field, along with prior teaching experience. Some positions, particularly in public school settings, may also require a teaching or administrative credential. 

The median annual wage for instructional coordinators was $77,440 in May 2025.

4. School principal or education administrator

Experienced educators interested in leadership may eventually pursue opportunities as principals or other school administrators.

School leaders oversee operations while also supporting teachers, leading instructional improvement, working with families and communities, and helping establish a school's academic priorities and culture. 

Leadership positions typically require teaching experience, graduate education, and, in public schools, may require an administrative credential or license. 

According to the BLS, elementary, middle, and high school principals earned a median annual wage of $105,870 in May 2025.

5. School or career counselor

Some careers in the education field focus less on classroom instruction and more on helping students navigate their academic and professional futures.

School counselors support students' academic success, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development. They collaborate with students, families, teachers, and administrators to address barriers to learning and promote positive school environments. Career counselors help individuals explore educational pathways, career interests, and employment opportunities through assessment, planning, and guidance. Services may include individual counseling, classroom lessons, crisis response, academic planning, and consultation with families and educators. While many school counselors work in PreK-12 schools, they may also be employed in colleges, universities, career centers, and community agencies. 

Most school counseling positions require a master's degree and state certification or credentialing. 

According to the BLS, school and career counselors and advisors earned a median annual wage of $64,330 in May 2025. 

6. School psychologist

School psychologists are specialized educational professionals who support students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs. They provide direct services such as counseling, crisis intervention, cognitive, academic, and behavioral assessment, social skills instruction, and individual or group interventions. They also provide indirect services by consulting with teachers and families, participating in Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams, conducting evaluations, developing behavior support plans, and helping schools create safe and supportive learning environments. 

While school psychologists primarily work in PreK-12 public school settings, they may also work in a variety of other environments, including nonpublic schools, juvenile detention centers, community agencies, private practice, hospitals, universities, and county or state educational agencies. 

School psychologists typically need at least a master's degree in school psychology, although many pursue an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) or doctoral degree. State certification or licensure and supervised professional experience are also generally required.  

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for school psychologists is approximately $84,940, although salaries vary by location, experience, and employment setting.

7. Postsecondary education administrator

Education degree jobs aren't limited to K–12 schools. 

Colleges and universities employ professionals in admissions, student affairs, academic programs, student success, and other administrative areas.

Requirements vary considerably by role, with some positions requiring graduate education or previous higher education experience. 

Outlined by the BLS, postsecondary education administrators earned a median annual wage of $104,590 in May 2025. 

8. Career and technical education teacher

Career and technical education (CTE) teachers help students develop skills in fields such as healthcare, technology, business, culinary arts, and the skilled trades. These positions can be especially appealing to professionals who have industry experience and want to transition into education. 

CTE teachers typically need a bachelor's degree and professional experience in the subject they teach. Public school positions may also require state-specific teaching certification or licensure. 

CTE teachers earned a median annual wage of $65,150 in May 2025. 

9. Training and development professional

Education careers aren't limited to schools and universities. 

Training and development professionals help employees build new skills and grow in their roles, making this a natural career path for education graduates interested in applying their expertise in a business, nonprofit, or government settings. Opportunities range from designing and delivering employee training to leading an organization's broader learning and development efforts.

These positions typically require a bachelor's degree, while leadership roles often call for additional experience and may benefit from graduate education. A master's degree in education can help professionals strengthen their expertise in teaching and learning as they pursue opportunities in organizational training and development.

Training and development professionals are in demand, with the BLS projecting employment of the role to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035; much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $69,280 in May 2025, while training and development managers earned a median annual wage of $133,000.

10. Instructional designer

As online and technology-supported learning continues to evolve, instructional design offers another way to apply an education background. 

Instructional designers create courses, digital resources, assessments, and other learning experiences. They may work in K–12 and higher education as well as businesses, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits. 

These positions typically require a bachelor's degree, although some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in education, instructional design, or a related field. Graduate education can provide additional preparation in curriculum development, learning theory, and the effective use of educational technology. 

Job titles and requirements vary, and BLS does not currently maintain a separate occupational category specifically for instructional designers.

Choosing the right education career path

The right education degree is more than a pathway to a career. It’s an investment in your ability to make a meaningful impact on individuals, families, organizations, and communities. Whether your goal is to teach, lead, counsel, assess, or advocate, education provides a strong foundation for professional growth and service. While some career paths require specialized credentials, advanced degrees, or licensure, an education degree can open doors to diverse opportunities both within and beyond traditional school settings. By aligning your educational journey with your passions and goals, you can build a career that is both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

UMass Global offers flexible, accredited education and teaching programs with online options and student-centered support services designed for working adults.

Learn more about UMass Global’s online education degree options.   

Have specific questions? Reach out to one of our enrollment coaches at (800) 746-0082 to discuss your education.