Degrees by Subject

Home > Degrees By Subject > Doctoral > Education > K-12 Education

K-12 Education


Teachers in K-12 education play a key role in helping students develop critical academic and social skills. K-12 education jobs range from kindergarten teachers who may help children learn to tie their shoes and function independently to teachers working for online high schools, helping students make college choices or tackle complex algebra problems.

Teachers in K-12 education need to be able to teach multiple subjects, from math to reading to art, and use hands-on teaching in the classroom to keep students engaged.

Education and Career Opportunities in K-12 Education

K-12 education degree programs are typically bachelor's degree programs, although many teachers go on to earn a master's degree. Teachers interested in teaching younger children may earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education while teachers at the middle or high-school level are more likely to specialize in a particular topic such as math or social studies. These teachers may earn a bachelor's degree in their field in addition to a teaching certificate. Public school K-12 education jobs require licensure and all general education teachers must have a bachelor's degree.

Some teachers may advance into positions in education administration such as principal or vice principal. Typically, K-12 education jobs in administration require a master's degree in education or a related field. Median annual salaries for K-12 education jobs range from $50,510 for elementary school teachers to $52,200 for secondary school teachers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Administrators at the elementary and secondary level had median wages of $85,220 in 2009.

Employment is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations. Job growth is driven largely by student enrollment, which is growing more slowly than in the past. Demand for teachers in special education, English as a second language, and upper match and science should be the strongest in coming years.



University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

  • Educational Specialist
  • Doctor of Education/Curriculum and Instruction
  • Doctor of Education in Ed. Leadership/Educational Technology
  • M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
  • M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
Capella University
Capella University

Capella is an accredited, online university where you'll experience unparalleled support, join a community of accomplished professionals, and be challenged with rigorous academics. Learn more about our online doctoral, master’s, MBA, undergraduate, and certificate programs by answer a short form.



  • PhD - K-12 Studies in Education
  • PhD - Professional Studies in Education
  • PhD - Instructional Design for Online Learning
  • PhD - Information Technology Education
  • PhD - Curriculum and Instruction
Northcentral University
Northcentral University

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.



  • Early Childhood Education - PhD in Education
  • Early Childhood Education - Doctor of Education
  • International Education - Doctor of Education
  • Global Training and Development - Doctor of Education
  • Global Training and Development - PhD in Education
Walden University
Walden University Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

  • Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model - Early Childhood and Primary Education
  • Ph.D. in Education - KAM-based - Early Childhood and Primary Education
  • Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model
  • Ph.D. in Education - KAM-based
  • Doctor of Education - Teacher Leadership
The University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

  • Doctor of Education (Higher Education)
Kaplan University
Kaplan University Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

  • MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
  • MS in Education - Educational Psychology
  • MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)
  • MS in Education - Instructional Technology (K-12)
Keiser University Graduate School
Keiser University Graduate School Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

  • Instructional Design and Technology, PhD (Online)
  • Education, MS - Teaching and Learning (Online)
  • Education, MS (Online)
Ashford University
Ashford University Earn the degree you've always wanted at Ashford University. Achieve your goals with the resources you need, including an innovative online classroom and a supportive environment. Your education at Ashford University is a shared experience that unites you with students and faculty around the world. Ashford University is defining the modern college experience.

  • MA/Education - Early Childhood Education
  • MA/Education - Child Development
  • MA/Education - No Specialization
  • MA/Education - Library and Media
  • MA/Education - Culturally Responsive Education
American InterContinental University Online
American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

  • Master's (M. Ed.) in Educational Assessment and Evaluation
  • Master's of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Technology
  • Master's of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction
USC Rossier School of Education
USC Rossier School of Education Advance your teaching career with an online master's degree from University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education. This accelerated program provides the opportunity to earn a respected Master of Arts in Teaching degree and be recommended for your state teaching credential.

  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Teaching with Teaching Credential