Program Description
The Education Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is designed to help any student easily transfer their associate degree credits from Penn Highlands to a bachelor's level, non-PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institution for elementary or secondary education. This program provides students with the knowledge to apply general education theory and practice to create effective learning environments and interactions for students of all ages.
If you are seeking an elementary degree from a PASSHE school, please check out our Early Childhood Education program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be prepared for transfer to a bachelor's degree granting college or university offering an education degree; however, the associate degree could be utilized right after graduation in the field of:
- Child Care Worker
- Preschool Teacher
- Nanny
- Therapeutic Support Staff
- Teacher's Assistant
- Childcare Director
- Child and Family Social Worker
- Social and Human Services Assistant
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate sound educational principles in regard to the learning behavior of children and adolescents based on educational theory and psychology.
- Demonstrate the integration of diverse educational principals in curriculum.
- Apply sound educational principles to classroom practice.
- Demonstrate professional educational communication skills through written, oral, and electronic methods.
Students should consider these factors before enrolling into this program:
- This degree program requires that all students obtain a current Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check (Act 34), Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151), and Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) (ACT 114). Students are REQUIRED to have these clearances submitted to the Registrar's Office by the final day of their first semester. If students fail to have clearances submitted by that time, they will be removed from the program.
- A 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is required to graduate with this degree.
- A grade of "C" or higher is required in order for classes to be eligible for transfer.
Obtaining the Degree
Students must be able to meet all of the following requirements in order to graduate from this program:
- Matriculate into the program.
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
- Earn a grade of "C" or higher in all required courses.
- Satisfactorily complete all degree requirements, including General Education and Major Requirements of the degree.
General Education Requirements
Major Requirements
Students are encouraged to work with their Faculty Advisor to determine which pathway of education their career goal will be focused on to then choose the correct electives for that goal.