Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Has an educator ever impacted your life? Perhaps an art teacher encouraged you to pursue your love of painting. Maybe you can name every bird on your back patio because a science teacher inspired you to become an amateur ornithologist. Whatever the case may be, educators are a critical cornerstone to developing the creative spark and passion in people.
Earning an associate degree in teaching—most often called an associate in education—is a great first step toward carving your own path in the field, opening doors to careers like preschool teacher and teacher’s assistant. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your associate degree in education.
What Is an Associate Degree in Education?
This two-year degree prepares graduates to enter the field of education. After graduation, associate degree holders either start their careers or pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Most K-12 teaching and administration positions require at least a bachelor’s in education or a similar subject, so if that’s your ultimate career goal, it’s best to pursue a bachelor’s after completing your associate degree. But an associate degree in education can open the door to fulfilling roles inside the classroom as well, including teacher’s assistant positions and early childhood education careers.
Education associate degree programs generally supply students a broad overview of the education field, including its history, current issues and trends, and factors that influence methods of instruction. Students often delve into subjects such as behavior management, child development, educational technology and lesson plan building. Some programs may require a practicum to supply learners hands-on teaching experience before graduation.
Like bachelor’s degree programs, many associate programs offer concentrations in specialized areas of study such as child and adolescent development, elementary teacher education and teacher preparation.
Some associate degree programs are geared toward licensure, meaning they’ll qualify you to take a teacher certification exam. But this isn’t the case for every program. Some programs are non-licensure programs. Non-licensure associate graduates who wish to eventually become teachers can transfer credits from their associate degree to a licensure-track bachelor’s in education program.
Most associate degrees require at least 60 credits for graduation.
Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Education
Admission to an associate degree program generally requires a high school diploma or the equivalent. Expect to send in your high school transcripts, and certain programs might have a minimum GPA requirement, too.
Because an associate degree in education prepares you to work with children, some programs may be required by law to ask for criminal background checks and health clearances to demonstrate that you are eligible to work in a school setting.
Common Courses in an Associate Degree in Education Program
Here are some common courses you might take while pursuing an associate degree in education.
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Associate degrees in education focus on the education of young children, so you can expect to take at least one introductory early childhood education class (usually spanning infancy to fourth grade). This class underscores methods for child observation, planning curriculums for learners with diverse needs and backgrounds, and soft skills like communication and advocacy.
Educational Philosophy for Teachers
This course outlines the roles of teaching philosophies in the classroom. Students analyze current religious and education trends and how they impact the modern teaching paradigm.
Introduction to Special Needs Pedagogy
Whether you concentrate in special education or you’re taking general education courses, a special needs pedagogy class equips you to work with and instruct students with developmental, cognitive and emotional disabilities. This course touches on the definition of special needs, its history and policies impacting special needs students.
Child Psychology
In this course, you’ll examine the psychological and mental development of children from conception through middle childhood. You’ll get to know how children develop and mature physically, cognitively and socially.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Education?
An associate degree in education is a great first step toward a fulfilling career as an educator. Check out these popular career paths for graduates. The below salary data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Teaching Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $30,920
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree or two years of completed college coursework
Job Overview: Teaching assistants (sometimes called paraeducators) aid licensed teachers in instructing and supervising students. They help teachers prepare lesson plans, assist in grading and taking attendance, and enforce school and classroom rules.
Preschool Teacher
Median Annual Salary: $35,330
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree
Job Overview: Preschool teachers educate young children before they enter kindergarten, typically those younger than age 5. These teachers create learning plans that incorporate playtime, songs, rhyming and other mechanisms to keep young children engaged. Preschool teachers must monitor students’ development and report progress to parents and guardians.
Library Technician or Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $37,600
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree or postsecondary certificate
Job Overview: Library technicians and assistants are primarily responsible for clerical tasks in a library, including upkeep and operations. They also organize and reshelve books and other materials, help guests, issue library cards and maintain computer databases.
Childcare Worker
Median Annual Salary: $28,520
Minimum Required Education: None; child development education sometimes preferred
Job Overview: Childcare workers ensure the proper development, safety and education of young children whose parents or guardians are away. They create schedules for activities and rest times, bring children to and from school, change diapers, prepare meals, and otherwise ensure children are safe.
Adult Educators
Median Annual Salary: $58,590
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Adult basic educators, adult secondary educators and educators who teach English as a second language (ESL) generally need a bachelor’s degree. But an associate degree in education provides a foundation for a bachelor’s in education, language arts or another related field.
Adult basic and secondary education teachers equip adults with valuable skills like reading, writing, math and language. ESL teachers focus on students whose primary goal is to learn how to speak, read and write English.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Associate Degrees in Education
What is the difference between a teaching assistant and a teaching associate?
Teaching associates and teaching assistants both help teachers with classroom management and preparation. However, teaching associates take a more active role in aiding with instruction. They generally assign coursework, prepare course materials, administer exams and help determine grades.
Can you be a teacher with an associate degree?
You can become a teacher’s assistant and teach preschool children with an associate degree in education. If you want to teach K-12, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree.
