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Learn education with online courses and programs

Whether you want to teach in a classroom, develop education policy, or become a school administrator, courses in education can prepare you for a fulfilling career devoted to building knowledge.
Education | Introduction Image

What is education?

Education is the acquisition of knowledge and skills through experience, instruction, and study. It’s a lifelong journey that is constantly evolving as individuals seek new abilities, knowledge, and understanding. Education is key to developing essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, as well as technical skills that can prepare people to function in various roles.

With education, learners can practice how to reason, expose themselves to different perspectives, and develop a richer understanding of their environments and societies. People can become more informed citizens, better understand life’s complexities, and engage actively in their communities. Education also gives people access to essential resources, like jobs and networks to pursue passions and achieve goals.

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Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

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Courses in education and teaching

edX offers a variety of courses for learners interested in the field. Education courses that meet your needs can depend on what kind of career you plan to pursue and the type of degree you seek. 

Sample topics of education courses include: 

  • Introduction to Education: a comprehensive overview of education’s history, philosophy, and sociology that can examine education’s social and cultural foundations, as well as the roles of learners, teachers, and schools.

  • Educational Psychology: an exploration of how students learn and develop cognitively, emotionally, and socially.

  • Curriculum and Instruction: the fundamentals of designing, implementing, and evaluating educational curricula, with topics related to planning, instructional strategies, materials selection, diversity issues, assessment methods, and technology integration.

  • Educational Technology: an introduction to the use of technology for teaching and learning, including emerging technologies, teaching with technology, digital media literacy, online learning tools, and security and privacy issues.

  • Special education: topics related to special education including identifying learners with special needs, developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), collaboration with families, laws and regulations governing special education services, and effective instructional strategies.

  • Early childhood education: an indepth look into the development of children from birth to age eight, covering educational techniques used to foster learning. 

Jobs in education

Education is a broad field with many exciting career paths. Whether you want to pursue a career inside or outside of the classroom, many different options are available. 

Inside the classroom, teachers and professors provide instruction and prepare materials for their students. They are also involved in assessment, evaluation, and curriculum planning. As a teacher, you can focus on a specific subject, such as math, history, science, or language arts. You could also specialize in early childhood education or become a special education teacher. 

There are also many jobs for professionals outside the classroom, such as a school administrator, where you will be tasked with managing the operations of an educational institution which can involve hiring faculty, developing policies, and overseeing budgets. You can pursue a career as a consultant, advising organizations on educational topics; typical job activities include evaluating programs, creating reports, and suggesting potential improvements. And, you can work as a curriculum writer, crafting the material taught in the classroom, or an instructional designer, assessing existing training practices and developing online learning programs. 

No matter which job you choose, you'll be able to make a difference by shaping the minds of future generations. With the proper training and dedication, you can find a career that is both meaningful and rewarding. Explore the many online learning opportunities available on edX which can help you as you pursue a career in the field, including bachelor's degree or a master's degree programs.