An A.B., or artium baccalaureus, which means "bachelor of arts," represents the same type of undergraduate degree as a B.A. The A.B./B.A. degree is typically a four-year educational program, often awarded by traditional campus-based colleges and universities. Bachelor's programs in education often require or advise their students to major in another field, such as mathematics or history in order to develop an area of teaching expertise. Most bachelor's programs in education also require students to pick out a level of education, such as elementary or secondary school, to focus on.
In order to teach, an applicant must possess both a bachelor's degree in education or another field and a teaching certificate, also received through undergraduate education. Teachers with only a bachelor's degree typically teach at a secondary or lower level of schooling; higher levels of education or specialty fields typically require a more advanced degree. The typical salary for holders of an A.B. who go into the education field ranges between $26,000 and $45,000 a year although larger salaries can be earned commensurate with experience.
A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, degree is a graduate-level degree that typically requires two years of study. Within the field of education, such a degree instructs students as to more advanced levels of educational thought, including the relationship of education to culture and special modes of education within different age groups and classroom settings. In addition, education Ph.D.s are likely to learn the history of education and educational theory.
A Ph.D. in education qualifies a graduate to teach in elementary, middle and secondary schools, as well as at the undergraduate level of higher education. Of course, the precise field of an education Ph.D. will depend on the area of education that a student has pursued. In addition, an education Ph.D. qualifies a person to work in academic fields involved in education other than teaching; for example, you could serve as academic deans or work on research projects concerning methods and means of education.