Is Education a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Education is often perceived as a less demanding major, but this misconception overlooks its unique academic pressures. National data shows that education programs account for nearly 12% of all bachelor's degrees awarded in the U.S., highlighting their popularity despite the rigor involved. Students must balance theory with extensive practical experience, making it a comprehensive and challenging field of study.

This article examines the course rigor, workload expectations, essential skills, and individual factors influencing how difficult education majors find their studies. Understanding these elements can help prospective students gauge if this path aligns with their strengths and career goals in teaching or related fields.

Key Benefits of Education as a Major

Education majors gain vital skills such as communication and classroom management, essential for varied career paths including teaching, counseling, and administration.
The field supports diverse students by accommodating flexible schedules and practical experiences, aiding career changers and full-time workers returning to school.
Research shows 75% of education students report increased confidence in tackling complex coursework, fostering academic growth and professional readiness.

Where Does Education Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Education is generally rated as less challenging than many STEM majors in national difficulty rankings. These evaluations often consider factors such as workload intensity, the demand for technical or analytical skills, and the extent of practicum or fieldwork hours. While education majors typically spend fewer weekly hours studying compared to fields like chemistry or engineering, they usually complete substantial hands-on teaching experience. For instance, chemistry majors average around 18.5 study hours per week with a lower GPA, whereas education students tend to have higher GPAs and less study time, reflecting differences in course demands and skill sets.

The perceived difficulty of education varies greatly among schools and students. At some universities, intensive student teaching and certification exams add considerable pressure. Students who excel in communication and classroom management often find education more approachable. In contrast, majors such as engineering, physics, and mathematics are frequently rated as more demanding due to their technical rigor and heavier workloads. Meanwhile, education is often viewed as similarly or only slightly more challenging than business administration, which many consider easier. Ultimately, how hard education feels depends on individual skills, interests, and preparation rather than a universally fixed ranking.

What Factors Make Education a Hard Major?

Education as a major presents unique challenges that stem from its combination of academic rigor, technical demands, and extensive time commitments. These factors make it particularly demanding for students balancing content mastery with practical skill development.

Academic Rigor: Education majors must grasp complex pedagogical theories and research methodologies while simultaneously developing expertise in subject matter. This requires critical analysis, applied problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize concepts to uncover new insights into how people learn. Such academic rigor in education major coursework involves mastering higher-level cognitive skills beyond mere content knowledge.
Time and Workload Demands: The major involves significant reading, writing, and planning outside classrooms. Students often engage in curriculum design, instructional preparation, and assessment creation, alongside lengthy field experiences like student teaching practicums. These commitments frequently extend into evenings and weekends, creating a demanding workload that surpasses typical course schedules.
Technical and Analytical Complexity: Proficiency in educational assessment and data analysis is essential. Education students must interpret learning data, understand statistics, and apply these insights to improve teaching effectiveness. Mastery of educational technology and adapting to digital pedagogies contribute further to the major's technical challenges.
Field-Specific Practical Demands: Beyond academics, education majors undertake extensive practicum hours requiring classroom observations and lesson plan development. This hands-on component places additional pressure on time management and professional skills application.

For students aiming to manage these challenges alongside other responsibilities, exploring fast bachelor degrees may offer structured options that can help balance the intensive education major workload demands.

The median annual wage for jobs requiring an associate's degree.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Education Major?

Understanding who is a good fit for an education major helps students align their strengths and personality with the demands of the field, increasing their chances of success. The best personality traits for education majors include qualities that support both classroom interaction and academic rigor.

Strong Communicators: These students enjoy working with people and excel at expressing ideas clearly. Their communication skills make collaboration and classroom management more natural, which are essential parts of education coursework.
Patient and Adaptable Learners: Education majors who show patience and flexibility thrive because they can adjust to diverse learning styles and handle challenges calmly during lesson planning and instruction.
Organized and Persistent: Those who stay organized and remain dedicated manage the major's workload effectively, balancing 15-20 hours per week on coursework and seeking feedback actively to improve.
Curious and Compassionate: A genuine interest in lifelong learning and empathy for others help students find meaning in education challenges and become better educators.
Self-Disciplined and Resourceful: Managing time well and seeking help when needed leads to consistent progress and success in this demanding major.

For students exploring complementary options, exploring certificate programs that pay well can enhance their career flexibility alongside education major requirements.

How Can You Make a Education Major Easier?

Many students find an education major demanding due to its broad content and the need to balance theory with practical skills. However, applying focused techniques can significantly reduce stress and improve academic success.

Emphasize active learning: Engage with material by teaching concepts aloud, formulating questions, and linking ideas to real-life experiences to deepen comprehension and memory.
Enhance time management: Plan study periods ahead and divide work into digestible segments, using methods like Pomodoro to maintain focus and prevent burnout.
Participate in study groups: Collaborating with peers helps clarify difficult topics, exchange resources, and develop critical thinking through discussion.
Build foundational skills early: Gaining competence in core subjects such as lesson planning and classroom strategies eases later coursework and boosts confidence.
Use campus resources proactively: Taking advantage of tutoring, writing centers, and instructor office hours early on provides tailored support and prevents small challenges from growing.

A graduate who completed an education major shared that managing the workload felt overwhelming at first, especially juggling assignments and practical tasks simultaneously. She recalled, "I struggled to find the best way to study until I started explaining topics to classmates-it made things click." She also found that setting a clear weekly schedule helped her to avoid last-minute cramming, saying, "Breaking my studies into smaller goals made large projects feel less intimidating." Frequent visits to the tutoring center offered personalized guidance that she described as "a game-changer," allowing her to address weaknesses early. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasized how combining these approaches transformed her doubts into confidence and ultimately made the major much more approachable.

Are Admissions to Education Programs Competitive?

Admissions to education programs in the United States are generally not highly competitive. This is largely because education majors tend to attract fewer applicants relative to available spots, resulting in higher acceptance rates. Many institutions have larger program capacities and less demanding prerequisite requirements compared to fields like engineering or business, which increases the chances of admission for education candidates.

Selectivity varies depending on the institution and specific program. Top-ranked schools or those with limited enrollment often expect higher GPAs, completed prerequisite courses, and sometimes relevant teaching experience. Most schools admit education majors with GPAs close to or slightly below campus averages, and prerequisite demands are usually moderate. Although interest in education careers can fluctuate, demand remains steady enough to keep admissions less competitive at most colleges and universities.

A professional who majored in education shared his experience, emphasizing how manageable the admission process was compared to other fields. He explained, "I didn't feel pressured by the competition; the requirements were clear, and my prior volunteer work helped demonstrate my commitment." Despite some initial anxiety, he found the process straightforward and encouraging, which reflected his enthusiasm to start a career in teaching.

The annual growth rate of adults earning their professional license since 2009.

Is an Online Education Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online education majors are not necessarily harder than their on-campus counterparts, but they involve different challenges that can affect student success in distinct ways. Whether online programs are easier or more difficult depends largely on individual learning styles and circumstances.

Here are key differences between online and on-campus Education degrees highlighting these factors:

Academic expectations: Both formats must meet the same curriculum standards, though studies show online students may have slightly lower grades and higher course dropout rates than on-campus peers.
Workload and pacing: Online programs offer greater flexibility, letting students set their own schedules, which benefits self-disciplined learners but can challenge those needing structure.
Interaction and support: On-campus students enjoy immediate face-to-face access to faculty and peers, whereas online learners may face social isolation and less personalized instruction despite virtual collaboration tools.
Learning environment: Success online requires comfort with technology and troubleshooting skills, while on-campus students navigate a more structured, tech-assisted setting.
Challenges of earning an Education degree online: These include increased self-motivation demands and managing fewer direct interactions, which can impact persistence and engagement.

Differences between online and on-campus Education degrees underscore the need for students to assess their own preferences carefully. Those considering fully remote options might also explore the cheapest online associate degree in computer science for a broader understanding of online academic opportunities.

Are Accelerated Education Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated education programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines, faster pacing, and the intensity of the workload. This acceleration demands rapid mastery and frequent assessments, placing greater pressure on students compared to traditional pacing.

Below is a comparison highlighting key differences between accelerated and traditional education programs in terms of the accelerated Education program workload and overall demands:

Course pacing and content density: Accelerated programs compress material into 12 to 24 months, requiring quick absorption and practical application, while traditional programs allow more time for in-depth exploration and academic reflection.
Workload management: The intensified pace of accelerated formats demands strong organizational skills to handle multiple assignments simultaneously; traditional formats offer a more gradual workload that supports better learning retention and reduced stress.
Academic expectations and skill demands: Students in accelerated programs must be highly independent and adaptable to keep up with rapid progression, whereas traditional programs provide more academic support and time for skill development.
Learning retention and stress levels: While accelerated students may perform well on exams, they often experience higher stress and lower satisfaction with depth of learning compared to traditional students.
Flexibility and structure: Accelerated programs frequently include online or hybrid options to accommodate commitments, but the daily schedule is less flexible, unlike traditional education's slower pace that allows room for extracurricular activities and academic assistance.

Those considering these paths can find options for an online college low tuition that fit different needs. Balancing the traditional vs accelerated Education degree difficulty is crucial when choosing the right format to match personal learning preferences and career goals.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Education?

Many students majoring in education can realistically handle a part-time job, but balancing both depends on key factors like course intensity, weekly workload, schedule flexibility, and individual study habits. Education programs often demand significant time for reading, lesson planning, and practicum hours, which may fluctuate throughout the semester. Those with flexible jobs tend to manage better, especially when academic demands increase. Personal planning and adaptability play crucial roles in successfully juggling work and studies.

Students frequently balance part-time employment by carefully managing their credit load and leveraging strong time management skills to keep up with academic requirements. Jobs with adaptable schedules, such as campus roles or tutoring, often align well with education majors' fluctuating commitments during practicum placements or project deadlines. Many also utilize campus academic support or online resources to maintain progress amid heavy reading loads and technical assignments. While some find the combination rewarding and feasible, others may need to limit work hours due to the intensity of fieldwork and course obligations.

What Jobs Do Education Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for education graduates vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and required skills. While some jobs match the rigor of the education major, others may be less demanding or challenging in different ways.

Education major career paths and salaries reflect these variations across roles.

School Teacher: School teachers design lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student progress. They often work long hours, including evenings and weekends, managing classroom behavior and parent communication. This role is generally as demanding as the major, especially in high-needs schools.
Curriculum Developer: Curriculum developers create and evaluate educational materials and programs, working closely with educators and administrators to maintain alignment with standards. This role requires strong analytical and project management skills and is demanding in a different way.
School Administrator: School administrators oversee school operations, manage staff, and implement policies involving budgets, schedules, and disciplinary actions. The role is typically more demanding than the major due to high levels of responsibility and stress.
Academic Adviser: Academic advisers guide students on course selection and academic planning, offering support to help them succeed. This position is generally less demanding than the major but still requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Corporate Trainer: Corporate trainers develop and deliver training programs for employees, assessing needs and evaluating effectiveness. This role focuses on adult learning and business outcomes, making it demanding in a different way.

For those exploring the highest paying jobs with education degree options, leadership roles such as school superintendents and postsecondary administrators often offer greater financial reward but come with increased demands. Additionally, those seeking less traditional paths may find relevant insights in jobs best for introverts, which can align with certain education careers.

Do Education Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

Education graduates do not typically earn higher salaries because their major is harder. There is no strong link between the academic difficulty of education and increased earnings. Instead, salary levels tend to reflect market demand and the need for specific skills. Majors like engineering, computer science, and finance generally offer higher pay due to their technical nature and industry demand. The median salary for education graduates was about $55,000 in 2023, which is lower than fields with more specialized skill sets.

Several factors shape the pay for education graduates, including job role, location, and experience. Teacher salaries range significantly by state, with starting pay between $46,000 and $58,000, and averages from $54,875 in Florida to more than $101,000 in California. Postsecondary faculty often earn over $100,000, while most K-12 teachers make less than the national average for college grads. Advanced degrees and teaching experience can boost income, but public sector budgets and local demand strongly influence overall compensation.

What Graduates Say About Education as Their Major

Taylor: "Pursuing education was definitely challenging but incredibly rewarding. The workload pushed me to develop strong organizational skills, and the hands-on teaching experiences made it worth every late night. Considering the average cost of attendance, I believe the investment in my education has paid off through meaningful career opportunities. "

Cruz: "Studying education required consistent dedication, especially balancing theory with practical application. Reflecting back, it was a tough path, but the impact it had on my personal growth and understanding of diverse learners was profound. Although the cost was significant, it felt justified given how it prepared me for a stable career in teaching. "

Luka: "The major in education is rigorous, but not insurmountable with the right mindset. I approached it professionally, focusing on how the knowledge and skills would translate into real-world impact. Yes, tuition and expenses were high, but knowing that my degree equips me to influence future generations makes every dollar worthwhile. "

Other Things You Should Know About Education Degrees

Is it common for education majors to experience burnout?

Yes, burnout can be common among education majors due to the emotional and mental demands of the field. Balancing coursework, practical teaching experiences, and student interactions can contribute to stress. However, proper time management and support systems can help mitigate burnout.

Do education majors need to complete student teaching or internships?

Most education programs require student teaching or internships as part of the curriculum. These hands-on experiences are essential for developing practical skills and understanding classroom dynamics. They also provide valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

How important is classroom management knowledge for education majors?

Classroom management is a critical skill taught throughout education programs. Learning effective strategies for maintaining a positive and productive learning environment is essential for future teachers. This knowledge directly impacts student engagement and overall teaching success.

Are education courses focused only on teaching methods?

No, education courses encompass more than just teaching methods. They also cover child development, educational psychology, curriculum planning, and assessment techniques. This broad foundation prepares students for diverse challenges within educational settings.