Online Associates Degree in Education Programs

Online Associate in Teaching & Early Childhood Education Degrees

With an online associates degree in education, you have the option of becoming a teacher or educator. Graduates of associate's degree in education can teach immediately as an early childhood educator, work in a classroom as a teacher's assistant or apply for a bachelors degree in education program.

Preschool teachers help students develop basic skills, as well as learn about themselves and the world. Teacher's assistants work under the supervision of certified teachers to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed for later grades, college and the workplace.

Earning an associates degree in education online from an accredited university enables you to pursue your goal of teaching students while enjoying the convenience of online learning. Being able to take one or two classes at a time allows you to fit the degree program into your current schedule. If you are interested in completing your degree more quickly, some schools may offer an accelerated program.

Accredited Online Associate Degree in Education Colleges

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). With over 100 campuses nationwide, UOP has applied their knowledge of traditional classroom learning to online programs designed for working professionals. UOP is the nation's largest private, accredited university. UOP offers the following online associates degree in education programs:

• Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
• Associate of Arts in General Studies

Post University - offers the following associate degree in early childhood education online program:

• A.S. in Early Childhood Education

Santa Barbara Business College Online offers the following online associates degree in education program:

• AS - Early Childhood Education

Penn Foster offers the following associate degree in early childhood education online program:

• Associates of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Who is an Associate's Degree in Education best suited for?

An associates degree in education is ideal for those interested in having a positive impact on the lives of children and teenagers. The associates degree can prepare you for enrolling in a bachelors degree in education program by allowing you to earn credits that can be transferred to that program. With an education associates degree, you also have the option of working immediately in a classroom setting as a preschool teacher or a teacher's assistant.

What do you learn in Education Associate Degree Program?

The associates degree in education includes general education coursework in communications, mathematics, science, social sciences and the humanities. With associate's degree transfer programs, these courses will count toward your general education requirements for the bachelor's degree in education. In addition, the associate's degree in education program may include education and psychology coursework specific to your area of focus, such as developmental psychology and diversity courses.

Preschool teachers and teacher's assistants may need to obtain licensure or certification before working in a classroom. These requirements vary by U.S. state and may require additional exams and fees. For more information, check with the department of education in the state where you intend to work or with the online degree program.

Salaries and Job Growth with an Associate's Degree in Education

In the United States, education careers varies with the area of the country, grade level and subjects taught. According to BLS, demand for preschool teachers and teacher's assistants is expected to grow at 19% and 10% respectively, between 2008 and 2018. Teacher's assistants with foreign language skills or experience with special education students will find a job more easily.

The average salary for preschool teachers was $23,870 in May 2008, and for teacher's assistants $22,200. Although an associate degree in education does not enable you to work as an elementary, middle or secondary teacher, after attaining a more advanced bachelors in education degree, you can enjoy salaries over $47,000 as an elementary, middle or secondary teacher. This varies with experience, and teachers with master's degree in education generally earn more.

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