10 Best Colleges for Education Majors

The most popular places to earn your education degree and how much it will cost.

Furthering your education to study education might sound like a tongue twister, yet education is one of the most popular majors throughout the U.S. But where should you head if you want to teach? And how do you know which subjects are right for you?

Becoming a teacher requires more than a certificate. Here are the 10 most popular colleges, as well as their costs, with outstanding education departments for aspiring teachers.

Over the past 10 years, the number of education majors has dropped nearly 5%.

10. Connecticut College: $56,790

If you’re interested in studying the effects of power and history on education, look no further than Connecticut College. These issues drive the department and shape students’ research. In order to round out their studies, education majors must complete a student teaching program designed to familiarize students with present-day American education.

9. Boston College: $41,340

Boston College’s Lynch School of Education has over 800 undergraduate students focused on the social problems facing education. Education majors follow a program that examines the effects of poverty, violence, and social inequality in the heart of Boston. Thanks to the college’s location, students get firsthand experience working with all types and levels of education, from secondary school to charter schools in urban areas.

8. Stanford University: $41,250

The School of Education at Stanford takes a more non-traditional view when it comes to education. Students who choose this major study homeschooling, religious schools, and cultural and business education. The program focuses on how students develop rather than how they are taught. As for experience, education majors can put their knowledge into effect at Stanford’s own charter school.

7. University of Minnesota: $6,030 (resident), $8.655 (non-resident)

If you’re interested in studying multiculturalism and diversity in education, the University of Minnesota is the perfect school. Even scholars from other countries have access to campus research facilities. But education majors won’t just focus on their teaching credentials. Majors in the department range from business and marketing education to family social science.

6. University of Washington: $12,383 (residents), $29,983 (non-resident)

Hands-on learning is one of the most important facets of the University of Washington’s education department. Early on in their college careers, students begin teaching in and working with local schools to gain experience. Students are placed in a variety of socioeconomic settings in order to emphasize the department’s focus on social responsibility. No matter what aspect of education you specialize in, the University of Washington shows its future teachers the kind of hardships facing students today.

5. University of Georgia: $9,842 (residents), $28,052 (non-residents)

The University of Georgia’s College of Education is one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1908, the department has become a pioneer in national research. Not only is student-led research encouraged, but it’s also popular. A total of nine departments make up the college, encompassing everything from special education to instructional technology. Each education department requires students to get involved and take part in community research.

4. Vanderbilt University: $41,088

The Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt is focused on understanding different learning styles and developing effective teaching styles in response. The college has multiple national research centers where students and faculty work side by side to develop educational methods. With five different education departments, students can focus on unique areas like human and organizational development. Each student also participates in a 15-week student teaching course and carries a double major.

3. Ohio University: $10,216 (out of state residents add $8,000)

The education department at Ohio University began over 100 years ago. It’s had a lasting impact on Ohio education – it helped launch the state’s first kindergarten program. Today, education majors within the department focus on solving social issues that hinder educational achievement. Students can specialize their focus and pick an area of study in order to tailor their coursework to their career.

2. Pennsylvania State University: $16,444 (residents), $28,746 (non-residents)

The Pennsylvania State University College of Education boasts some of the highest success rates when it comes to teacher certification exams. So it’s no surprise that education majors at Penn get a great education. In addition to the education department core curriculum, students can also concentrate in a specialized area – or even combine departments and create a major that encompasses education and public policy, for example.

1. Michigan State University: $21,200 (residents), $41,158 (non-residents)

Michigan State’s College of Education is arguably the best education department in the nation. The university has developed a program with local schools that allows students and faculty to develop classes based on their research. Local teachers and parents share their feedback, working with Michigan students to create effective teaching methods. If you’re not sure what field of education you want to specialize in, the College of Education offers more than 20 majors to choose from.

Quick Facts

  • Students who major in education don’t always end up teaching. Some graduates end up working in government or public policy.
  • Over the past 10 years, the number of education majors has dropped nearly 5%.
  • While many colleges offer teaching certificates for students who major in education, your certificate might not be valid in every state. Check with your school to find out where you can teach with your certification.

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