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I am studying psychology, can I work towards my teaching credentials with a bachelors in psych?
Can I become a teacher if I only have a bachelors degree in psychology ? or do I need to get another degree in education specifically?
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4 answers
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Raquel’s Answer
Yes you can become a teacher without an educational degree. In order to get a teaching credential you will have to go through a credentialing program where you take classes that teach how you to be a teacher. You will then have to pass various licensing exams to get your credential. So you will need some more education, but it won't require you to get a separate degree in education. My mom got her bachelor's in political science then was a stay at home mom for many years. Once my brother started school she went and got her teaching credential and has been a teacher for almost 15 years now and she loves it. You can also start getting teaching experience while in a credentialing program by becoming a substitute teacher. This can be a great way to build connections with administrators and teachers in your community and help you to find great mentors for your teaching journey.
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Jeanne’s Answer
You can become a teacher with any degree. Depending on your state and the requirements to enter a teaching credential program. You will definately leverage what you learned in your phsychology major working with students, so my no means was it not a good investment.
Search requirements for a teaching credential in your state
Search local colleges for teaching credential program requirements. Many you have to apply for 6 months or more in advance
Jeanne recommends the following next steps:
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Melody’s Answer
Hi Perla,
I actually got my degree in Psychology. I additionally had a strong math and science background as I originally pursued Genetic Biology. I went into the workforce for about 13 years and later switched to teaching. I went through a teacher credential program. The key to this method is to understand the language of "education" and the Praxis tests or other test required to get the teaching license. There are also other jobs/careers in education that do not require a teaching license, but they tend to be specialty subjects or areas.
Psychology ranks among the most popular undergraduate majors in the US [1]. Since the Bachelor of Psychology serves as a generalist degree (it doesn’t specifically qualify you for a given job), it’s a good choice if you’d like to explore your interests while keeping your career options open. Aside from teaching, educators are often tasked with encouraging and empathizing with students, handling misbehavior, and intervening in cases of mental health issues. A background in psychology can help day-to-day in the classroom from pre-K to high school.
How to get started in education: Teachers at every grade level typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. If you’d like to teach in a public school, you’ll need to get licensed or certified by your state as well. Complement your psychology coursework by enrolling in a teacher preparation program.
Hope this helps guide your thoughts and decisions. Success in your future endeavors.
I actually got my degree in Psychology. I additionally had a strong math and science background as I originally pursued Genetic Biology. I went into the workforce for about 13 years and later switched to teaching. I went through a teacher credential program. The key to this method is to understand the language of "education" and the Praxis tests or other test required to get the teaching license. There are also other jobs/careers in education that do not require a teaching license, but they tend to be specialty subjects or areas.
Psychology ranks among the most popular undergraduate majors in the US [1]. Since the Bachelor of Psychology serves as a generalist degree (it doesn’t specifically qualify you for a given job), it’s a good choice if you’d like to explore your interests while keeping your career options open. Aside from teaching, educators are often tasked with encouraging and empathizing with students, handling misbehavior, and intervening in cases of mental health issues. A background in psychology can help day-to-day in the classroom from pre-K to high school.
How to get started in education: Teachers at every grade level typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. If you’d like to teach in a public school, you’ll need to get licensed or certified by your state as well. Complement your psychology coursework by enrolling in a teacher preparation program.
Hope this helps guide your thoughts and decisions. Success in your future endeavors.
Updated
Florence’s Answer
I can prefer you add another degree if it is possible. Nowadays being a teacher requires more than one skill.