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Associate’s Degrees in Education

An associates degree in general education (A.A.) provides the skills and knowledge to advance in the education field and is a good first step towards a career in teaching. In most cases, those who earn an associates degree in education from accredited schools must also earn a bachelor’s degree in education to be hired as a full-time teacher. An associate’s degree program in education can also include specialization in a specific area of teaching such as early childhood education.

Reasons for Earning an Associates Degree in Education

An AA in Education can be a good starting point for someone who is interested in teaching but doesn’t want to commit to a four-year degree or wants to save money. Associate’s degrees are less expensive and many of the course credits can typically be transferred to a bachelor’s program in an area outside of education, providing students with the option to switch their area of focus or continue into a traditional 4-year teacher preparation program or seek employment as a teacher assistant.

Career Opportunities for Individuals With an AA in Education

There are several education jobs available to those who possess an associates in education, such as teacher assistant, teaching aide, substitute teacher, school library technician, or childcare specialist. Since Federal law requires that teacher aides have college training, two-year associate degree programs in education may be a good option for those seeking an education career in a timely manner.

Coursework for Associates in Education Programs

Courses in an associate’s degree program that specializes in education typically involve a combination of core liberal arts and science classes and introductory courses on education topics. Some degree programs also include an internship component where students can test what they learn in a classroom setting.

Examples of courses in an associate’s degree program include:

Introduction to Child Development
Intro to Early Childhood Education
Intro to Elementary Education
Child Psychology
Instructional Strategies

Online Associate’s Degree in Education

Online associate’s degrees in education may also be worth considering, since these programs often provide the student great flexibility. An online education degree can be completed on a student’s own timeline, which often allows the student to maintain regular employment. For those who are interested in how to become a teacher, it is important to note that in most cases, one must go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.