Associate Degree in Elementary Education: Program Overview

Associate degree programs in elementary education aren't particularly common, as they don't lead to teacher licensure. However, they are offered by a few colleges and universities around the country.

We've listed our top choices for associate degree programs in elementary education below in alphabetical order.

1. Brenau University

Brenau University is a private university in Gainesville, Georgia. It offers an Associate of Arts (AA) in elementary education through its College of Education.

This program focuses on the foundation for success in teaching. It's 100% online and takes four semesters to complete. It includes courses such as:

• Introduction to Multicultural Education
• Introduction to Teacher Education
• Mathematics Concepts for Teachers
• School and Society

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to continue to a bachelor's degree in elementary education, which will lead to their initial teacher certification.

2. Cowley College

Cowley College is a public community college in Arkansas City, Kansas. It offers an Associate of Arts elementary education pathway program.

This is a 62-credit program that can be completed on campus or online. It includes courses such as:

• Children & Adolescent Literature
• Children with Special Needs
• Educational Technology
• Introduction to Teaching Profession

Upon completion of the program, students can transfer into a four-year bachelor's program, where they will fulfill the remaining requirements for teacher licensure.

A similar associate pathway program in early childhood education, which covers children from birth through third grade, is also available.

3. Eastern Wyoming College

Eastern Wyoming College is a public community college in Torrington, Wyoming. It offers an Associate of Arts degree in elementary education.

Students can earn their degree on campus or through the online distance-learning option. Both options require 60 credits and include courses such as:

• Data Analysis, Probability, and Algebra for Elementary School Teachers
• Literature for Children
• Number and Operations for Elementary School Teachers
• Teaching with Technology

This program is designed for transfer into a four-year bachelor's program. A specific program option is available for students planning on transferring into the University of Wyoming.

An early childhood development degree and child development certificates are also available both on campus and online.

4. Front Range Community College

Front Range Community College is a community college with campuses in Fort Collins, Longmont, and Westminster, Colorado. It offers an Associate of Arts in elementary education.

This program is available at all campus locations, as well as online. It takes four semesters to complete and offers courses such as:

• Children's Literature
• Introduction to Education
• Multicultural Education
• Teaching, Learning, and Technology

Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to transfer into a bachelor's program in elementary education.

5. Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College is a public community college system with campuses throughout northeast Nebraska. It offers an Associate of Arts degree in elementary education.

This degree can be completed on campus or online. It requires 60 credits with core courses like:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Geometry for Elementary Teachers
• Introduction to Professional Education
• Physical Education in the Elementary School

This program also offers practicum experience and the opportunity to meet with professors from bachelor's programs in education, as this program is designed for transfer into a bachelor's program.