Benefits of Getting an Associate's Degree in Education

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There are several reasons why students may want to pursue an education associate degree. For starters, whether a student intends to enroll in a bachelor's degree program afterward or find entry-level employment in the field, two-year education programs aim to provide students with introductory knowledge regarding child psychology, care, and teaching, as well as enhance their skill sets in and outside of the classroom.

Associate education degree programs may also allow students to begin their college experience closer to home while proving to be a more affordable option than enrolling directly into a four-year program. This is particularly beneficial for students who have jobs and need to structure a balance between college-level coursework and other work-life commitments.

Additionally, an associate marketing curriculum may allow students to determine if the field is appropriate for their natural abilities and career interests. By taking a wide range of courses at the associate level, students may find it easier to determine if education studies are most suitable to their innate abilities and professional goals.

There are several questions students should ask themselves before choosing an education associate degree program. For starters, students should determine whether to enroll in an online, in-person, or hybrid learning curriculum. Opportunities for distance learning are often preferable for students who work while attending school and find they require more scheduling flexibility.

Additionally, students should review the type of degree (A.A., A.S., A.A.S.) they will receive upon completing their program, whether credits are fully transferable to a bachelor's degree education program, and the types of courses they will be required to take. Generally, students who attend a two-year community college are able to transfer their degree without losing credits to a public four-year university in the same state.

It is also important for students to review each associate degree program and ensure it aligns with their career goals, whether that includes licensure or non-licensure education study in a four-year program and eventually other types of teaching credentials.

It is recommended that students contact their intended school's enrollment or academic advisor to learn more about the admissions process, required documents, and subsequent deadlines for enrolling in an education program, including rolling admissions. Students may also want to clarify their school or program's accreditation status, as well. (We will discuss accreditation in a later section.)

Application and Admissions for Education Associate Degree Programs

Students applying to an associate degree program for education must fill out the online application found on their prospective school's website. Typically, first-time students must submit their high school transcripts, a form of identification, and a residency application to be eligible for in-state tuition. In most situations, students should expect to pay a nominal fee to submit their application materials.

When filling out the online application, students may have the option to declare an education major for their associate degree program. If not, students may instead discuss their preferred program when they meet with their academic advisor to register for courses, complete necessary placement exams, and partake in their college readiness orientation. Transfer students from another college will likely need to have a transfer credit evaluation with their advisor to ensure they meet the requirements for the education associate program, which may include a minimum grade point average and/or the completion of a specific number of credits.

The length of an associate degree program for education tends to vary. At most colleges and universities, students who are enrolled full-time can expect to complete their associate education degrees in approximately two years. However, there are various factors that may further impact how long it takes to get a degree.

For example, students who work or have other personal responsibilities may decide to attend school part-time or enroll in online courses for greater scheduling flexibility that fits into their daily lives. Additionally, students may register for accelerated curriculums, summer courses, or partake in specialized training or pursue credentialing while attending school.

Tuition for an associate degree in education usually varies depending on the location, school, program, and whether it's an in-person or distance learning curriculum. At most two-year colleges, students can declare residency within their state and qualify for in-state tuition, oftentimes a significantly cheaper option than out-of-state costs. For example, in-state tuition for one credit hour may cost a student between $70-$150, while out-of-state tuition may run $250-$350 per credit hour. Oftentimes, online courses are cost-effective options, too.

Students can expect to pay additional campus fees for technology use, health services and activities, parking, and academic materials (e.g., textbooks). Students may qualify for several financial aid and scholarship opportunities if they need help paying for their education. This will be discussed in a later section.

Students enrolled in associate degree programs can expect to take approximately 25-35 credits of general education requirements, including coursework in mathematics, reading and writing, science, social science, etc. Additional general education courses may also include introductory courses in psychology, public speaking, computer science, or languages.

Depending on the school and program, associate degree curriculums for education typically include a series of other courses that introduce students to classroom management, child development, and other introductory teaching concepts.

Examples of associate-level course titles (for general education and education-focused curriculums) include:

• Composition I and II
• Spanish Language
• Mathematics Concepts for Teachers
• Computer Literacy
• Child Development
• Introduction to Teaching Profession

Having an associate degree in education may lead to several fulfilling teaching careers that pay well. Of course, students who wish to teach subjects at the elementary, middle, and high school grade levels must continue their studies in a bachelor's degree program and obtain the necessary teaching credentials.

Graduates with associate degrees in education may choose to seek entry-level careers prior to or while enrolled in a four-year education program. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following associate-level education careers in 2020 had a median salary of:

• Teaching Assistants: $28,900
• Childcare Workers: $25,460
• Preschool Teachers: $31,930

Although careers like teaching assistants and childcare workers do not typically require a degree, individuals with an associate degree and related certifications may be more employable and also qualify for higher positions and salaries.

Begin a Career as a Teaching Assistant

Graduates with education associate degrees may choose to pursue careers as teaching assistants. Teaching assistants usually work in classrooms with licensed teachers to support classroom learning. Generally, teaching assistants may work with individual students or in small groups, help teachers with curriculum planning, grading, and attendance; supervise students in and out of the classroom, and aid in classroom management. Serving as an additional set of eyes, teaching assistants may also observe student development and report their progress to teachers in order to improve lesson plans.

Additionally, teaching assistants may be assigned to special education students or students with severe disabilities. Other teaching assistants may be assigned to a specific department, such as the library or computer lab, to assist students in those facilities.

According to the BLS, the job growth for teaching assistants is expected to be 4 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Begin a Career as a Preschool Teacher

Some students may pursue an associate degree in education to become preschool teachers. Preschool teachers are educators who teach children under the age of 5, prior to them enrolling in kindergarten. Typically, preschool teachers may work with children individually or in small groups to teach them basic skills, such as colors, numbers, and letters.

Preschool teachers are likely adept in childhood development concepts and apply their creativity to plan engaging curriculums and activities for students. Teaching tools may include storytelling, song and dance, or games to help students meet academic benchmarks for their age. Additionally, preschool teachers monitor students for developmental and emotional issues and report their findings to the parents.

According to the BLS, jobs for teaching assistants are expected to increase by 2 percent (2019-2029).

Students seeking federal financial aid, scholarships, or gainful employment should attend an accredited school for an associate degree in education. Accreditation is given to schools and programs that meet or exceed high academic standards (e.g., quality curriculums, exemplary instruction, academic and career resources, etc.). Although programmatic accreditation for education is typically reserved for four-year degree programs or higher, regional or institutional accreditation is satisfactory at the associate level. Examples of regional accrediting organizations include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Students who transfer their associate degree to a bachelor's degree program for teacher education may want to search for a curriculum accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Individuals who are interested in learning more about their school's accreditations can look up that information on their college's website or search the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

Unless graduates with associate degrees in education intend to pursue entry-level employment in the field, most individuals continue their studies in a bachelor's degree program in teaching. However, whether or not a graduate enters the workforce or transfers their associate degree, there are many opportunities available to advance in one's career, such as taking professional development courses or pursuing credentialing.

Depending on the state, preschool teachers may need to obtain a mandatory Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in order to gain employment. Candidates for the CDA must meet the education and training/professional eligibility requirements, prepare for and pass a comprehensive exam, and complete a classroom supervision component. The CDA certification must be renewed every three years.

It is also recommended (and required in many educational workplaces) for associate-level educators and higher degree holders to obtain safety certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Individuals can enroll in CPR and first aid training online through the Red Cross, take a training class, and pass the CPR/first aid test.

Obtaining a higher degree beyond the associate level is quite common and recommended for education majors. In fact, in order to teach at the elementary, middle school, or high school level, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in teacher education, as well as the necessary state-mandated teaching credentials, is compulsory. Students can obtain education degrees at every level of study, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate. Additionally, there are several different certificate programs in wide-ranging education specializations that students can enroll in to improve their skill sets and make themselves more marketable for a variety of education careers.

The following sections seek to further outline the various degree levels and certificate options available to students to help them reach their academic and professional goals in the education field.

Bachelor's Degrees in Education

Bachelor's degrees in education are four-year programs that aim to prepare students for teaching careers in K-12 schools. Students must obtain a bachelor's degree and the required teaching certifications (e.g., Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments, etc.) in order to teach in all 50 states. Although students may enroll in a bachelor's degree program for education specifically, they may also choose to obtain a bachelor's degree in a specific subject that they wish to teach, such as history, math, or language arts.

Most often, bachelor's degree curriculums consist of 120 credits (general education requirements, core courses, and electives). Students may also need to complete student teaching in order to gain classroom management and teaching experience at approved schools.

Typically, students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs in education will receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).

Master's Degrees in Education

A master's degree in education is ideal for students who want to improve their teaching abilities, wish to become school administrators, or become involved in academic policy-making. They may also wish to work outside of K-12 schools for their district, government agencies, organizations, and even at the postsecondary level.

Usually, students can expect to take between 30-36 credits to earn their master's degree; full-time students can typically graduate within two years. Curriculums for a master's degree in education may center around curriculum development and improving teaching strategies. Depending on the program, students may also have the option to concentrate on a specific area of study, of which there are wide-ranging options.

A master's degree in education may culminate in a Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching, or a Master of Science (MS) in Education.

Doctoral Degrees in Education

A doctorate in education is a terminal degree that aims to prepare students for research, higher education teaching, and leadership careers. Doctoral programs in education may range from approximately 60-90 credits taking about 2-4 years to complete, although this timeline varies by school and program. Depending on the type of doctoral program, curriculums may take a practical approach or research-based approach to learning. Additional curriculum requirements may include attendance at presentations and seminars, research and teaching fellowships, comprehensive exams, and a thesis/dissertation and oral defense.

Students who wish to obtain a research or academic position in a specific area of educational study may choose to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), while those who are seeking more practical careers in education may opt to pursue a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) instead. An Ed.D. may be suitable for individuals looking for leadership education work in government or nonprofit organizations.

Certificate Programs in Education

Certificate programs in education are widely available at the undergraduate and graduate levels both online and in-person. Certificate programs aim to improve students' skill sets, allow them to learn new skills in their field, and seek career advancement. Additionally, certificate program credits may also be applicable as professional development or continuing education units (CEUs) for a number of certifications and credentials.

Many certificate programs require 12-18 credits and can typically be finished within a year. Students have a broad spectrum of certificate program options to choose from, as well. Examples include Adolescence Special Education, Counselor Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Educational Leadership, Instructional Design, and E-Learning Technology. Students can check with their school's education department to find out what kinds of certificate programs are offered in addition to their degree program.

As an investment in one's future, opting to enroll in an associate degree program for education is often a cost-effective choice for obtaining a college education. However, there are several financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students who need assistance paying their tuition and related costs.

Students who can demonstrate financial need may qualify for federal financial aid. To determine how much money they're eligible for, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to, attendance at an accredited college or university, U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and the ability to show satisfactory progress in their studies. In addition to FAFSA, students may seek subsidized federal work-study opportunities in which students may earn money in a campus job to offset their tuition fees.

Scholarships and grants are also widely available to search for and apply to online, and many two-year colleges offer internal scholarships to their students. Other financial aid may include a tuition reimbursement program through a student's workplace or military benefits.

Students can visit their school's financial aid department to speak with a representative about tuition and financing, federal financial aid, and available scholarship opportunities.

A-B Tech General Scholarship

The A-B Tech General Scholarship is available to students enrolled in any academic program at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Candidates can apply by filling out the online application form, submitting their FAFSA, providing two references (e.g., professors, staff, mentors, coaches, etc.), and writing an essay on what their long-term career goals are. Winners are eligible for an award of up to $2,000 that may be applied to their tuition and other academic fees.

Broward Futures Scholarship

The Broward Futures Scholarship is available to incoming freshmen students at Broward College. Students must submit the online application, apply for FAFSA, be enrolled in a degree program, and have a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Additionally, candidates must have a referral from an approved mentorship program. Winners of the Broward Futures Scholarship can expect to have the cost of their tuition and up to 30 credits covered, as well as their textbooks and materials each academic year.