What is Education (Pre-K to 12)?
Education is a diverse and dynamic field that goes far beyond the role of classroom teaching. Professionals working in Pre-K–12 settings help students learn, grow, and thrive during their most formative years. While teaching is often the first career that comes to mind, education also includes roles in school counseling, administration, curriculum development, student support services, and community-based education programs. Careers in this pathway often balance direct work with children and adolescents with broader contributions to equity, access, and systemic improvement in schools. If you’re passionate about supporting young learners, fostering inclusive learning environments, and shaping the future of education, this pathway offers many possibilities.
Cognitive Science in Practice
Cognitive science plays a key role in education by informing how people learn, process information, and develop academically, socially, and emotionally. In teaching and instruction, it helps educators design effective and inclusive learning experiences based on how students think and stay motivated. In student support services, it guides how professionals understand and respond to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional needs. In administration and leadership, cognitive science supports better decision-making, communication, and systems design that improve school environments and student outcomes.
Education for Cognitive Science Majors
Explore sub-fields of education that are fit for cognitive science majors. Click on the hyperlinked sample job posts to see real job postings that detail the position's responsibilities and qualifications.
- Teaching and Instruction
- About Teaching and Instruction
Teachers are the backbone of the K–12 system, guiding students through academic subjects, building critical thinking, and fostering social-emotional growth. This area includes classroom teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as specialists in areas like special education or English as a Second Language (ESL).
Sample Job Posts
• Preschool Teacher
• Elementary School Teacher (Multiple Subject)
• Middle/High School Teacher (Multiple/Single Subject)
• Special Education Teacher
• Physical Education Teacher - Student Support Services
- About Student Support Services
These professionals focus on the well-being of students beyond academics. Roles like school counselors, psychologists, and social workers help students navigate personal, social, and emotional challenges, while paraeducators and behavioral specialists provide targeted support in and outside the classroom.
Sample Job Posts
• School Counselor
• School Psychologist
• Behavioral Interventionist
• Instructional Support Specialist
• Preschool Paraeducator
• Library Media Center Technician
• Early Literacy Tutor
• Case Manager
Other Sample Job Titles
School Librarian, Family Engagement Specialist, Family and Community Ambassador, Instructional Aide, Athletics Coach, After School Assistant - Administration and Leadership
- About Administration and Leadership
School leaders set the vision for learning environments, manage staff, and make policy decisions that affect entire schools or districts. Principals, vice principals, and superintendents often move into leadership after years of teaching, while instructional coordinators and department chairs help shape curriculum and instruction.
Sample Job Posts
• Assistant Principal
• Behavioral Services Program Manager
• Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
• Whole School Administrator
• Administrative Assistant for Educational Services
• Preschool Office Administrator
Other Sample Job Titles
Principal, Dean, School Office Manager, Personnel Assistant, Clerk, Administrative Secretary, Director, Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Specialist, Coordinator, Program Specialist
How to Prepare for a Career in Education
Do your Research
The steps you take to prepare for a career in education depend on what kind of position you want to pursue. For an overview on how to conduct research on your professions of interest, look at our Work Research section on the right. Here are some other starting points:
- If you want to get involved in teaching in California, read Becoming a Teacher in California and Wondering How to Become a Teacher? Here's 5 Steps to Take in Undergrad
- If you want to learn more about student support services, read Become a School Counselor, Who Are School Psychologists, and Student Support Services Professions
- If you want to be an administrator or leader in education, read about the Administrative Services Credential
- Education Related Readings
- Teaching and Instruction
• Credential Types (Commission on Teacher Credentialing)
Student Support Services
• Careers in Applied Psychology: Educational Psychology (American Psychological Association) - Education Related Professional Associations
- Teaching and Instruction
• California Teachers Association
• National Education Association
Student Support Services
• American School Counselor Association
• National Association of School Psychologists
Administration and Leadership
• Association of California School Administrators
Supplement Your Bachelor's Degree
Consider the following course, double major, minor, and experiential recommendations during your academic journey
- Cognitive Science Major Course Recommendations
- Group A: Cognitive Science Topical
PSC 100 — Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
PSC 130 — Human Learning & Memory (also Group F)
PSC 131 — Perception (also Group F)
PSC 132 — Language & Cognition (also Group F)
PSC 133 — Neuroeconomics/Reinforcement Learning & Decision Making (also Group C)
PSC 135 — Cognitive Neuroscience (also Group C, F)
PSC 145 — Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (also Group C)
LIN 171 — Introduction to Psycholinguistics (also Group E)
LIN/EDU 173 — Language Development (also Group E, G)
LIN 175 — Biological Basis of Language (also Group C)
NPB 173 — Neurobiology of Brain Disorders (also Group C)
PHI 104 — Evolution of Mind (also Group D)
Group C: Neuroscience
NPB 165 — Neurobiology of Speech Perception
Group E: Linguistics
LIN 103A — Linguistic Analysis I
LIN 103B — Linguistic Analysis II
LIN 182 — Multilingualism (also Group G)
Group F: Psychology
PSC 113 — Developmental Psychobiology (also Group G)
PSC 137 — Neurobiology of Learning Memory
PSC 140 — Developmental Psychology
PSC 141 — Cognitive Development
Group G: Breadth (CGS AB)
EDU 110 — Educational Psychology
PSC 142 — Social & Personality Development
PHI 102 — Theory of Knowledge
PSC 148 — Developmental Disorders
If pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential, you may want to take coursework that covers the area you want to teach so you can prepare for the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) - Double Major Recommendations
- African American & African Studies
Chicana/Chicano Studies
Communication
Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies
Human Development
Middle East/South Asia Studies
Native American Studies
Psychology
Sociology
If pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential, review the Appropriate Degrees to Satisfy Subject Matter Competence to identify a major that will allow you to teach your desired subject - Minor Recommendations
- African American & African Studies
Chicana/Chicano Studies
Communication
Education
Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies
Human Development
Human Rights
Middle East/South Asia Studies
Native American Studies
Psychology
Sexuality Studies
Social, Ethnic, & Gender Relations
Sociology - Work Experience and Internship Recommendations
- It is highly recommended that all undergraduate students engage in part-time work, internships, volunteering, and other extracurricular opportunities. ANY experience is RELEVANT experience.
General Experiential Education Recommendations for Cognitive Science Students
Education Specific Recommendations
• Check out Teaching Assistantships through the Career Center
• Become a Tutor for Academic Assistance and Tutoring Centers
• Pursue a peer support related position on campus like Peer Advising or Peer Mentoring through programs like First-Year Experience Peer Mentors, L&S Peer Mentorship for Achievement Program, or the Transfer and Reentry Peer Advisor Program. You can find many more peer related opportunities through Google and Handshake.
• Consider any experience that involves working with kids and teens like summer camp, after-school programs, recreation programs, and care-giving on job search engines
• Get involved with a research lab through the School of Education
• Become a Mentor for the Redwood SEED Scholars Program
• Be a note-taker for the Student Disability Center
• Work as a Teaching Intern through Breakthrough Sacramento
• Check out Study Abroad Programs for Education Minors - Campus Organization Recommendations
- Best Buddies UC Davis Chapter
Best Buddies at UC Davis is a chapter of the global nonprofit Best Buddies International, which promotes social and economic inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We envision a world in which programs like Best Buddies are no longer needed because people with IDD are completely included in their communities.
Camp Kesem at UC Davis
Kesem recruits diverse student leader volunteers from college campuses across the country to lead local Kesem chapters. With oversight and guidance from Kesem, these talented and committed leaders work year-round to deliver programming and services, including Camp Kesem, tailored to the needs of children affected by a parent’s cancer in their community.
Princess Pals
Princess Pals is an organization that allows students to dress up as well-known storybook characters and princesses and volunteer at local hospitals, elementary schools, shelters, and more. Our goal is to raise the spirits of children while providing an opportunity for students to have fun dressing up and portraying a character.
Student California Teachers Association (SCTA) at UC Davis
Student California Teachers Association consists of college students pursuing careers as educators. SCTA provides opportunities to address the broader aspects of education such as technological advances, governmental policies and issues, social issues and philosophical controversies.
UC Davis Mental Health Initiative
MHI aims to engage students in destigmatization and education efforts, prompt attendees to organize around mental health issues, and offer them the opportunity for self-reflection and healing through mental health discourse.
Graduate School for Education
What is Graduate School? What is a Graduate Degree?
Understand what graduate school is with this page from the Pre-Grad Advising Office. Pre-Grad Advisors are available to meet with students to discuss if graduate school is right for you .
Do I Need Graduate School for Education?
Whether you need graduate school depends on the specific role you want to pursue within education. Some careers in education can be entered with a bachelor’s degree and additional credentials or certifications, while others require a master’s degree, credential program, or doctoral training.
For example, classroom teachers in California typically complete a teaching credential program after their bachelor’s degree. School counselors, school psychologists, and administrators usually require graduate degrees and additional state credentials or licensure. Many leadership and specialized student support positions also require advanced education.
Graduate school may be worth considering if you:
- Want to become a credentialed teacher, counselor, psychologist, or administrator
- Are interested in leadership, policy, curriculum design, or educational research
- Want to specialize in areas like special education, student mental health, or educational technology
- Find that your desired role requires a credential, license, or graduate degree
- Enjoy working closely with students and want advanced training in child development, learning, or educational systems
Before pursuing graduate school, it is important to research the requirements for the specific educational roles you are considering, as pathways and credentials vary by state and profession.
Common Graduate Programs Related to Education
- Teaching Credential Programs
- School Counseling
- School Psychology
- Educational Leadership