FAQs: What Degree or Program Is Right for Me?

A degree is an academic credential earned through a bachelor’s, master’s, specialist or doctoral program. A certification program provides coursework and preparation required to apply for education-related certifications in Texas (candidates also must meet degree and additional state requirements). A graduate certificate is a shorter program designed to deepen knowledge and skills in a specialized area.

The specific pathway depends on your education level and the subject and grade level you want to teach. The Teaching & Learning major is for incoming freshmen or transfer students who want to teach elementary or middle school, bilingual education or special education. 
 
Students who want to teach high school generally should major in the subject they want to teach. Choose the Education minor to teach English, history, dance, art or Spanish. For STEM subjects, complete the teachHOUSTON minor in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Students who want to teach music or theater complete certification requirements through their major. 
 
Those who already have a bachelor’s degree should choose the Alternative Certification Program. 

HDFS graduates work in schools, hospitals, nonprofits and social service agencies in roles such as child life specialist, early intervention specialist, family life educator, human services administrator and program coordinator. Students also may pursue elementary teacher certification through the Education minor. Many go on to graduate study in counseling, social work, education and related fields.

Graduates work as health educators, public health specialists and wellness coordinators in health care organizations, government agencies, schools, nonprofits and businesses. Many also apply to medical, dental, nursing and other health professional programs.

The College’s bachelor’s degree programs include in-person coursework.

The following undergraduate minors are 100% online:

• Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Minor in Special Populations

The following graduate programs offer a 100% online option:

• M.Ed. in Administration & Supervision
• M.Ed. in Higher Education
• M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — select specializations
• M.Ed. in Special Populations — select specializations
• Professional Leadership Ed.D. — select specializations
• Accelerated Principal Certification  
• Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
• BRIDGE Certificate (inclusive education and dyslexia support)
• LEAD-R Certificate (Science of Teaching Reading for school leaders)
• Learning, Design & Technology certificates in educational multimedia, health science education technology, and online teaching and learning
• Mathematics Coaching Certificate

The following College of Education graduate programs are available to international applicants pursuing an F-1 or J-1 visa for on-campus study in Houston:

• M.Ed. in Higher Education (face-to-face option)
  Please note: This is not a general master’s degree for students seeking to continue their education broadly. This program prepares people to work in higher education, including at colleges, universities and related organizations.
• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
• Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
• Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies
• Ph.D. in Measurement, Quantitative Methods & Learning Sciences
• Ph.D. in School Psychology

International students can also explore the College of Education’s online master’s degree and certificate programs, which can be completed from outside the United States.

Aspiring principals should select the M.Ed. in Administration & Supervision to earn a master’s degree and prepare for Texas principal certification. Certified teachers who already have a master’s degree or are enrolled in another UH College of Education graduate program can select the Accelerated Principal Certification program. 
 
Aspiring superintendents should select the Professional Leadership Ed.D. — K-12 Leadership specialization to earn a doctoral degree and prepare for Texas superintendent certification. Those who already have a master’s degree and principal certification may choose the Accelerated Superintendent Certification program.

The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction offers specializations for educators who want to strengthen their classroom practice, build expertise in a specific subject area, and advance as instructional coaches, curriculum developers and other educational leaders. Educators seeking a shorter, more focused program may consider a graduate certificate in Mathematics Coaching, Online Teaching and Learning, or Designing and Developing Educational Multimedia. 

Incoming freshmen or transfer students can major in Teaching & Learning to pursue certification as a special education teacher. They also can minor in Special Populations or minor in Applied Behavior Analysis. 
 
At the graduate level, the M.Ed. in Special Populations offers specializations related to special education, educational diagnostician certification and applied behavior analysis; the Professional Leadership Ed.D. offers a specialization in special populations. 
 
Certified educators who already have a master’s degree and meet state requirements can select the Accelerated Educational Diagnostician Certification program. General education teachers seeking special education certification can select the Special Education Specialist Certification program. 
 
Online graduate certificate options include the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate, BRIDGE Certificate (inclusive education and dyslexia support) and LEAD-R Certificate (Science of Teaching Reading for school leaders).

Graduates pursue careers in academic advising, admissions, enrollment management, student affairs, program coordination and other administrative and student-support areas at colleges and universities. The program also can help current higher education professionals advance into leadership roles.

The Counseling M.Ed. prepares graduates for careers as clinical mental health counselors and other counseling-related positions and provides the educational preparation required to pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Texas. The Specialist in School Psychology is a practice-focused program that prepares students to become a Licensed School Psychologist (LSP) serving children and families in K-12 schools. 
 
The School Psychology Ph.D. provides extensive research and clinical training on assessing and addressing children’s learning, behavior and mental health needs. This training prepares graduates to pursue licensure and work in diverse settings, including schools, medical centers, universities and private practice. The Counseling Psychology Ph.D. provides extensive research and clinical training focused on counseling, assessment and mental health treatment across age groups and settings; graduates may pursue licensure as a psychologist and work in hospitals, clinics, counseling centers, universities or private practice. Both Ph.D. programs are open to graduates with bachelor’s degrees.

The Professional Leadership Ed.D. is a practice-focused doctorate for experienced professionals who want to apply research to real-world challenges and lead change in their fields. Specializations are available in health science education, K-12 leadership, literacy education, mathematics education, social studies education and special populations. The K-12 leadership specialization also offers a superintendent certification option. Applicants must already have a master’s degree.

The Curriculum & Instruction Ph.D. prepares students for careers as college faculty, education researchers, curriculum experts, program evaluators and policy advocates. The Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies Ph.D. prepares scholars and higher education leaders to use research to address policy and organizational challenges affecting colleges and universities. The Measurement, Quantitative Methods & Learning Sciences Ph.D. prepares researchers to use advanced data analysis and statistics to evaluate programs, measure outcomes and inform decisions in schools, colleges and other organizations. 

Yes. The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — Health Science Education specialization helps health care professionals strengthen their teaching and instructional technology skills. The Professional Leadership Ed.D. — Health Science Education specialization is a practice-focused doctorate for experienced professionals who want to apply research and lead educational change in health care settings. The online Certificate in Integrating Innovative Technologies in Health Science Education offers a shorter option focused on using technology to support teaching and learning.