So you’ve realized you want to be a teacher! But what if you didn’t major in education? No worries. In reality, being a non-education major won’t prevent you from becoming a teacher.

It’s never too late

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 80 percent of students in the U.S. change their college major at least once*. So not only are you in great company, but you happen to choose one of the most versatile careers around.

The three most common ways to get certified to teach

There are thousands of teacher prep programs across the country so you’re bound to find one that fits you. Demand for teachers also continues to rise. Education programs are aggressively recruiting talented candidates. So if you’re proactive, you’ll find the best certification to complement your background and interests. Here are three common ways to get your teacher certification as a non-education major:

Option 1:  Add on a second major in education.

Check if your school provides options for non-education majors, such as adding education as a second major. Some of your classes may even cross over to fulfill requirements for both majors. Some schools offer a specialized teacher certificate program for non-education majors at the undergraduate level—visit your school advisor to see what options are available to you.

Option 2:  Get a master’s degree in education or teaching

This is considered the most “traditional” path. Here at TEACH.org we’ve created a national database to help you quickly search for traditional certification programs.

Option 3:  Complete an alternative certification program

Some nonprofits and school districts have developed programs that enable you to earn a credential while training on the job. These types of programs run the gamut and include national-, state-, and city-level programs. There are also programs that include a “residency” component where you can spend an entire year while being mentored by a veteran teacher.

Which is better: alternative vs. traditional certification

There’s pros and cons to each. Alternative certification programs typically get you into the classroom sooner as a lead teacher, though with less time to learn the ropes. In some programs, you could earn a paycheck while completing your training.

Meanwhile, traditional programs typically provide more upfront training, which may give you a leg up in more competitive job markets. Additionally, if you complete a master's degree, chances are you'll have a higher starting salary, which helps offset the costs of graduate school in the long run.

Find a program that fits who you are

A great place to begin is our Compare Teacher Programs hub, where you can enter preferences like location, subject, grade level to get a filtered list of programs. Also, check out our Choosing a Teacher Training Program resource page, which includes more details about the various teaching training pathways. Or if getting advice from a professional is more your thing, try our free Talk to a Teacher program and get advice from a real teacher. 

*Source: USA Today