Experienced teachers or new students can enroll in a degree programs in specialized teaching to earn a bachelor's degree. Teachers already holding a bachelor's degree can pursue a master's degree. A teacher who already holds a master's degree but does not wish to proceed to a doctorate program can work toward a specialized education degree. A doctorate in education is the most advanced degree available for specialized teaching.
Teachers may choose from a diverse list of specialized teaching categories. Examples include mathematics, science and technology, literacy and language, and special needs or gifted needs education. Other areas include English as a second language, adult education, reading and writing specialist, school administration or student affairs.
A specialized degree program for teachers who do not yet have a bachelor's degree in teaching can take as long as four or five years to complete, about the same duration as any bachelor's degree. But there are accelerated programs which can take a shorter amount of time, of about two-to-three years even for those who do not have a bachelor's degree in teaching. Students who enroll in a full time program can take a shorter time in completing their course. Those who have a teaching degree already and are returning to school to get an emphasis in a specialized area may take one year to two years to receive the specialized certification.
Online portals such as Teacher Certification serve as adequate resources for teachers and students looking for schools offering specialized degrees. Enrolling in a program may also require the input of local school districts for information about the availability of work-school courses.