Associate in Education Program Guide
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Education is an in-demand, rewarding field. Between 2019 and 2029, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 5% job growth for education, training, and library positions. Patient individuals who enjoy cultivating curiosity and growth can find various satisfying roles in this field.
Pursuing an associate degree in education provides learners with a strong knowledge base. During these programs, students often gain supervised classroom experience.
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Ready to Start Your Journey?
Earning an associate degree in education can launch your career in education and help you potentially earn a higher salary. Graduates with an associate degree in education can become substitute teachers, teacher assistants, and daycare workers.
Read on to see what an associate degree in education can do for you.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Should I Get an Associate in Education?
Earning this degree can be a proactive first step for students who are interested in pursuing a career in education but do not know if they want to commit to a four-year program.
An associate in education degree may be a good fit for learners who enjoy working with young children. Earning this degree can be a proactive first step for students who are interested in pursuing a career in education but do not know if they want to commit to a four-year program.
Completing an associate degree in education typically takes two years. Although this degree opens the doors to several careers, lead teacher positions often require a four-year degree. Teaching at a public school requires a state license.
However, an associate in education degree is sufficient for teaching preschool, working in a daycare, and becoming a teacher's aide. Associate degree-holders can also go on to pursue a bachelor's degree in a related field like elementary education, special education, or secondary education.
Check out the Best Online Associate in Education ProgramsWhat Will I Learn in an Education Associate Program?
Many associate in education programs focus on early childhood education and preparing learners to continue on to a bachelor's degree. Students can expect a well-rounded education with an emphasis on introductory education courses.
Coursework in an associate in education program may include curriculum and assessment, instructional strategies, and introduction to early childhood education. Depending on the college, degree-seekers may need to complete a practicum.
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What Can I Do With an Associate in Education?
Graduates with an associate degree in education are qualified for limited careers in education and childcare. They can become preschool teachers, teacher's aides, paraeducators, or substitute teachers.
Degree-holders can also seek employment in other childcare settings. With experience, they may be able to obtain supervisor or director positions within a childcare facility.
Popular Career Paths
Popular Continued Education Paths
How Much Money Can I Make With an Associate in Education?
According to the BLS, childcare workers earned a median annual wage of $25,460 in 2020, while teacher assistants made $28,900. Preschool teachers, one of the most lucrative careers attainable with an associate degree in education, made a median annual salary of $31,930 in 2020.
FAQ's About Associate in Education Programs
Are education majors in demand?
The demand for positions requiring an associate degree in education is not as high as the demand for positions that require a bachelor's degree. For example, the BLS projects jobs for preschool teachers to grow 2% between 2019 and 2029, a rate lower than the national average.
What kind of jobs can I get with an associate in education?
Most graduates with an associate degree in education seek employment in schools or childcare facilities. Possible jobs include teacher's aide, preschool teacher, and childcare worker.
How much does it cost to get an associate in education?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition at a two-year college was $10,700 in the 2017-18 academic year. Tuition rates vary based on learners' residency status and whether schools are public or private.
Is an associate in education worth it?
Earning an associate degree in education can be a beneficial first step toward a career in education. Because an associate degree in education provides teaching experience and a background in educational theory, learners can enter the workforce or continue on to a bachelor's program.
How long does it take to get an associate in education?
Most associate programs require 60 credits and take two years to complete. Students can often earn their degree sooner by taking courses in the summer or pursuing an online associate degree in education. Part-time learners usually graduate in around three years.
