Education is a large field of study, and there are several specialty courses students can take depending on their plans for their teaching careers. Major courses in universities include Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education, which allow a student to teach at a particular level. Aside from these specializations, education students can also choose a particular subject to teach. For example, a student specializing in Elementary Education can have a major in Mathematics or Science and can concentrate on teaching these subjects once they graduate.
Some universities, like Stanford University, offer a minor in education, which is usually integrated with another degree program. For example, a student majoring in Chemistry or Mathematics can take educational courses to give set a background on how to teach the subject she is majoring in. Basic courses include a broad introduction to the current status of education and the basic programs and tools used in the classroom as well as the government policies and regulations regarding education and teachers.
For teachers who are aiming for graduate studies, there are numerous Master's degrees that focus on teaching. A master's degree allows a teacher to specialize and master a certain subject. For example, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Mathematics will train a teacher in higher concepts of math and how to teach these concepts to students. A university student also may pursue an advanced degree in Special Education so she can hone her skills to teach students with special needs. On the other hand, PhD degrees are designed primarily for educators who handle top positions in schools and universities. PhD degrees are focused on research on how to improve policies and practices in education as well as training teachers as educational researchers.
States in the United States have different policies and regulations in giving licenses to teachers, and most universities pattern their teaching courses depending on the state they are located in. These policies are always followed because the state --- as opposed to the federal government --- decides whether or not to give an education student the license to teach. Licensure examinations also varies depending on the teacher's credentials and training. Some teachers undergo several certifications before they can teach specific classes. For example, teaching a class of students with special needs requires a different kind of certification compared to a basic teaching license.