Bachelors in Teaching USA: Must Know Facts Before You Apply

A Bachelors in teaching USA is designed to prepare future educators with a strong foundation in pedagogy, classroom management, child psychology, and subject-specific instruction. These programs often include student teaching internships and state licensure pathways to qualify you for public school roles.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while overall employment growth in education roles may be limited, about 868,000 job openings are projected annually due to workforce replacement needs. The median annual wage for teaching and related occupations was $59,220 (INR 49.4L) recently, well above the national average salary of $49,500.

In this blog, you'll find insights on course formats, top universities in the USA, entry requirements, fees, and career outcomes if you plan to study in the USA.

Bachelors in Teaching USA: Overview

A bachelor’s in teaching in the USA is typically a 4-year undergraduate program that blends core education theory, subject-specific instruction, child development, and mandatory student-teaching practicums. 

Admissions require a high school diploma, proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS), transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Graduates often enter roles in elementary, middle, or secondary schools, with avenues for special education and ESL teaching careers.

Here's an overview of the key details you need to know about pursuing a bachelor's in teaching in the USA:

With a clear idea of the course structure, here's why students are drawn to teaching programs in the United States.

Why Study a Bachelors in Teaching USA?

The U.S. education system is one of the largest in the world, with over 49 million students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools as of National Center for Education Statistics. To meet this demand, the country consistently requires qualified teachers, especially in subjects like math, science, and special education. 

Here's what makes studying abroad in the USA a valuable step for your future:

• Steady Employment Demand:
  While overall growth in education occupations may be slower than average, about 868,000 job openings for teaching and related roles are projected annually through 2033, including elementary, secondary, and special education, primarily due to workforce turnover.
• Salaries Above the U.S. Average
  In May 2024, the median annual wage for teaching and library occupations was $59,220 (INR 49.45 L), compared to $49,500 (INR 41.32 L) across all U.S. occupations.
• Structured Certification Pathways
  Public school teachers in most states require a bachelor's degree plus state-approved certification, with programs integrating pedagogy, field practicums, and education law, often supported by standardized teacher exams (like Praxis).
• Flexible Specialization Options
  You can specialize in elementary, middle, secondary, special education, or ESL. Plus, many states allow certification reciprocity, enabling cross-state teaching opportunities.
• Pathways to Advanced Roles
  A teaching bachelor's lays the groundwork for future career growth, such as educational specialist, instructional coordinator, or school administrator, especially with additional certifications or postgraduate degrees.

Next, let's check out which universities in the U.S. are known for strong computer engineering courses.

Top Universities for Bachelors in Teaching USA

As per the reports, 485 universities in the United States offer bachelor’s degrees in teaching. Bachelor’s programs in teaching across U.S. universities are designed to prepare students for state licensure and classroom roles in elementary, middle, or special education. 

These programs typically include coursework in educational theory, child psychology, curriculum planning, and subject-area instruction, along with field experiences like supervised student teaching in local schools.

Here's a curated list of universities offering strong teaching programs, along with tuition costs and deadlines:

Note: INR values are based on the current exchange rate

Not all great programs are at the very top of the rankings. Some schools are known for practical training and flexible teaching degrees. Here are a few to know.

Popular Universities for Bachelor’s in Teaching USA

While Ivy League and flagship public universities get most of the attention, several other U.S. institutions stand out for their innovative teacher preparation programs, strong school partnerships, and early classroom immersion. 

In fact, about 70% of aspiring teachers in the U.S. enroll in traditional, university-based programs like these, and more than 76% of program completers nationwide finish through such routes. 

Here's a curated list with program details, tuition costs, and deadlines:

Knowing the eligibility standards is essential after you've picked the colleges you're aiming for.

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelors in Teaching USA

Getting into a bachelor’s in teaching program in the USA typically requires a high school GPA of 2.5–3.0, along with English proficiency scores if you're an international applicant. 

Additionally, many states mandate completion of pre-teaching assessments such as Praxis Core before you begin formal fieldwork or student teaching, ensuring you're equipped with foundational skills in math, reading, and writing.

Here's the full list of eligibility criteria:

Following these steps makes it easier to complete your application and improve your chances of getting into competitive computer engineering schools.

Application Process for Bachelors in Teaching USA

Each year, over 180,000 students enroll in U.S. undergraduate education programs, making teaching one of the top five majors chosen by undergraduates in public universities. 

Programs are structured to align with state licensure pathways, which means applicants must meet both academic and field-readiness requirements from the start. 

Most institutions expect a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0, relevant coursework, and early teaching exposure through volunteering or internships.

Here's a  step-by-step application process

• Step 1: Research & Shortlist
  Identify universities that match your interests. Look for programs that include practicum opportunities, licensure pathways, and state accreditation. Strong programs include those at the University of Kansas, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the University of Virginia.
• Step 2: Prepare Documents
  Typically required materials include:
  • High school transcripts (unofficial may suffice initially; official required upon admission)
  • Statement of Purpose (≈1,000 words)
  • 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV highlighting relevant volunteer or field experience 
• Step 3: English Proficiency & Standardized Tests
  For international applicants, programs typically require:
  • TOEFL: 80+
  • IELTS: 6.5+
  • Duolingo English Test: 105+

Some universities also recommend SAT or ACT, or content-specific evaluations like Praxis Core.

• Step 4: Application Submission
  Apply through platforms like the Common App or institutional portals. It includes application fees (usually $40–$85/ INR 3K- 7K). Deadlines vary: many institutions use fall intake (e.g., UVA opens in spring of sophomore year, with final registration before fall junior year).
• Step 5: Interviews & Portfolio Submission
  Some programs (e.g., Gallaudet University, William & Mary, and Howard University) require interviews, portfolio checks, or disposition assessments before admitting candidates into the professional sequence.
• Step 6: Admission Decision & Next Steps
  Once accepted into the teaching program, you'll receive your acceptance letter. For international students, universities will issue an I-20 form to support your F-1 visa interview, which involves paying the SEVIS fee and completing the DS-160 form.

By following this process, you'll cover everything needed and present a strong case for admission.

Bachelors in Teaching in USA: Course Details

Most U.S. teaching bachelor’s programs require 120–125 credit hours, typically structured over four years. They combine general education, professional education, and extensive field experiences to prepare you for certification and classroom readiness:

Here's a detailed breakdown of the course structure:

A clear idea of the curriculum can guide your planning, but budgeting for tuition and living expenses is equally important.

Cost of Studying Bachelor’s in Teaching USA

The total cost of pursuing a Bachelor's in Teaching in the U.S. includes tuition, living expenses, course materials, and healthcare. Living expenses can range from $10,000 to $25,000 (INR 8.3L–20.7L) annually, depending on the city, lifestyle, and whether on-campus or off-campus housing is chosen. 

For example, New York City is set as the national benchmark (Cost of Living Index: 100), with San Francisco (90.7), Boston (82.7), and Washington, DC (82.5) also ranking among the most expensive cities for students. 

Here's a breakdown to help you plan more accurately.

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Many students rely on scholarships and funding to reduce the cost of studying in the USA.

Scholarships for Bachelors in Teaching USA

A bachelor's in teaching in the U.S. can cost between $9,750/ INR 8.34L (in-state) and $38,421/ INR 32.87L (private) annually. Scholarships can significantly reduce this burden. 

For example, the Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship offers a $30,000 (INR 25.6L) stipend to students pursuing STEM teaching tracks, with nearly 300 fellows trained to date. Federal TEACH Grants provide up to $4,000 (INR 3.42L) per year, but recipients must teach for at least four years in high-need schools.

Here's a list of university-based scholarships to study in USA that help reduce your overall tuition expenses:

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are university-sponsored awards aimed at incoming or enrolled education majors. Many focus on shortage areas like STEM, ESL, or special education, often tied to service commitments in high-need school districts.

Here are some internal study abroad scholarships for Indian students.

Students may also explore financial assistance through government-funded and private external scholarships. Here’s an overview of the available options.

External Scholarships

The federal government or nonprofit organizations typically award external scholarships. Several national and federal programs also provide aid to future teachers, typically with post-graduation service requirements:

These programs target teaching candidates nationwide and often come with service obligations post-graduation.

Here's a list of external scholarships:

Once your finances are in place, it's worth seeing what career options are open to teaching graduates.

Job Opportunities After a Bachelors in Teaching USA

Graduates with a Bachelor's in Teaching hold a prominent position in U.S. education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pre-K through 12th-grade teaching roles have a median wage of $63,000 (INR 53.9L), over 20% higher than the national occupational median of $49,500 (INR 42.3L). 

Despite slight job declines, about 106,500 openings for elementary and kindergarten teachers occur annually between 2023 and 2033 due to teacher replacements.

Here are top highest paying jobs available after completing your bachelor’s:

Source: Indeed
Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

With growing industry needs, many employers are actively seeking computer engineering talent. Here are some of the major recruiters.

Top Recruiters for Teaching Professionals in the USA

While public school districts remain the primary employers of teaching graduates, several other institutions, charter networks, educational nonprofits, and private learning companies are actively hiring educators. 

Many of these recruiters offer starting salaries between $45,000 (INR 38.5L) and $65,000 (INR 55.6L), with additional benefits like loan forgiveness, professional development, and housing support in high-need areas.

Below are the top employers and the average salary packages offered for key teaching roles:

Source: Indeed

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

If you’re aiming for careers like these, upGrad can help you get started with the right course and application support.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Bachelor’s in Teaching in the USA?

Planning to pursue a Bachelor’s in Teaching in the USA but unsure where to begin? upGrad offers end-to-end support to guide you through every stage, from shortlisting universities to preparing for visa interviews. 

With personalized mentorship, one-on-one SOP reviews, and timely application tracking, you’ll be equipped to meet every requirement with confidence.

In addition to hands-on application help, upGrad empowers you to:

• Explore leading U.S. universities known for education-focused programs
• Identify internal and external scholarships tailored for teaching majors
• Prepare effectively for TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
• Understand student visa requirements through expert-led documentation support
• Learn about teaching career paths and potential recruiters after graduation

Whether you're aspiring to teach K–12, specialize in ESL, or work in inclusive education, upGrad helps match your career plans with the most relevant programs, considering cost, job outcomes, and eligibility.

Schedule a 1:1 session with upGrad experts and build a clear, personalised roadmap to your dream teaching school in the USA.