Associate of Science in Education (AC93)  Degree


Campus Locations: Vidalia, Swainsboro

The Associate of Science in Education degree program is a series of courses designed to provide students with a foundation in education, preparing students for careers in teaching, educational administration, or related fields, The program emphasizes a combination of education theory and practical application as well as general core, science, and mathematics competencies necessary for successful employment. Additionally, graduates would be eligible to articulate to select 4-year institutions without loss of credit and having met the number of credit hours necessary for a 2+2 transfer to a B.S. in Education.

Upon completion of this course sequence, students will be prepared for a variety of careers in the early childhood/elementary education fields within the local and regional community. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work with children in various educational settings, fostering the development of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. professionals in the field are responsible for creating sage, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Many students may transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, earn certification via programs like Georgia’s GACE, and transition into certified teaching roles. As a graduate of the AS in Education program in Georgia, students immediately qualify for roles like teacher assistant or paraprofessional in K-12 settings – establishing a foothold in the education field. This career path not only meets strong job growth and high placement rates but also allows the student to make a meaningful community impact in Georgia.

The standard curriculum for the Associate of Science in Education degree program is designed for the semester system. Students are accepted into the degree program each semester. Full-time degree students beginning Fall Semester can complete the degree within approximately 5-6 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 63-65 credit hours.

*TCSG courses are acceptable for full credit toward the elective hours for this associate degree.

Requirements

  • Submit a completed application;
  • Be at least 16 years of age;
  • Submit official high school/high school equivalent transcripts;
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
  • Satisfy Placement Testing requirements.

Program Costs

Costs are estimates and are subject to change.

  • Tuition/Fees: $6,955
  • Books/Supplies: $9,500
General Education Core (45-47 hours)
COLL 1040

(Prerequisite: None) This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/technical program of study. Topics include: Computer Applications/Technology Skills, Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communication Skills, and Career Exploration.

3
Area I Language Arts/Communications 6
ENGL 1101

(Prerequisite: Appropriate English Placement Test Score AND Appropriate Reading Placement Test Score) Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
ENGL 1102

(Prerequisite: ENGL 1101) Emphasizes the student's ability to read literature analytically and meaningfully and to communicate clearly. Students analyze the form and content of literature in historical and philosophical contexts. Topics include reading and analysis of fiction, poetry, and drama; research; and writing about literature.

3
Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences 3
POLS 1101

(Prerequisites: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores) (Co-Requisite: None) Emphasizes study of government and politics in the United States. The focus of the course will provide an overview of the Constitutional foundations of the American political processes with a focus on government institutions and political procedures. The course will examine the constitutional framework, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion, the media, interest groups, political parties, and the election process along with the three branches of government. In addition, this course will examine the processes of Georgia state government. Topics include foundations of government, political behavior, and governing institutions.

3
Choose One (3 hours)
HIST 2111

(Pre-requisites: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores)(Co-requisites: None)Emphasizes the study of U. S. History to 1877 to include the post-Civil War period. The course focuses on the period from the Age of Discovery through the civil War to include geographical, intellectual, political, economic and cultural development of the American people. It includes the history of Georgia and its constitutional development. Topics include colonization and expansion; the Revolutionary Era; the New Nation; nationalism, sectionalism, and reform; the Era of Expansion; and crisis, Civil War, and reconstruction.

3
HIST 2112

(Pre-requisites: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores)(Co-requisites: None)Emphasizes the study of the social, cultural, and political history of the United States from 1865 to the beginning of the twenty-first century and will equip the student to better understand the problems and challenges of the contemporary world in relation to events and trends in modern American history. The course also provides an overview of the history of Georgia and the development of its constitution. Topics include the Reconstruction Period; the great West, the new South, and the rise of the debtor; the Gilded Age; the progressive movement; the emergence of the U. S. in world affairs; the Roaring Twenties; the Great Depression; World War I; World War II; the Cold War and the 1950’s; the Civil Rights Movement; the 1960’s and 1970’s; and America since 1980.

3
Choose Two (6 hours)
HIST 1111

(Pre-requisites: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and reading Placement Test Scores)(Co-requisites: None)Emphasizes the study of intellectual, cultural, scientific, political, and social contributions of the civilizations of the world and the evolution of these civilizations during the period from the prehistoric era to early modern times. Topics include the Prehistoric Era, the Ancient Near East, Ancient India, Ancient China, Ancient Rome, Ancient Africa, Islam, the Americas, Japan, Ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.

3
HIST 2112

(Pre-requisites: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores)(Co-requisites: None)Emphasizes the study of the social, cultural, and political history of the United States from 1865 to the beginning of the twenty-first century and will equip the student to better understand the problems and challenges of the contemporary world in relation to events and trends in modern American history. The course also provides an overview of the history of Georgia and the development of its constitution. Topics include the Reconstruction Period; the great West, the new South, and the rise of the debtor; the Gilded Age; the progressive movement; the emergence of the U. S. in world affairs; the Roaring Twenties; the Great Depression; World War I; World War II; the Cold War and the 1950’s; the Civil Rights Movement; the 1960’s and 1970’s; and America since 1980.

3
PSYC 1101

(Prerequisite: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores) Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on critical thinking and fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and treatment, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
SOCI 1101

(Prerequisite: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Scores) Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.

3
Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics
MATH 1111

(Prerequisites: Appropriate algebra placement test score) Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Choose Two Sequences (8 hours) of BIOL or CHEM
BIOL 1111

(Prerequisite: Regular Admission) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 1111L) Provides an introduction to basic biological concepts with a focus on living cells. Topics include chemical principles related to cells, cell structure and function, energy and metabolism, cell division, protein synthesis, genetics, and biotechnology.

3
BIOL 1111 L

(Prerequisite: Regular Admission) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 1111) Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 1111. The laboratory exercises for this course include chemical principles related to cells, cell structure and function, energy and metabolism, cell division, protein synthesis, genetics, and biotechnology.

1
BIOL 1112
Prerequisites: BIOL 1111, BIOL 1111 L Corequisite: BIOL 1112 L

(Prerequisite: BIOL 1111, BIOL 1111L) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 1112L) Provides an introduction to basic evolutionary concepts. Also, the course emphasizes animal and plant diversity, structure and function including reproduction and development, and the dynamics of ecology as it pertains to populations, communities, ecosystems, and biosphere. Topics include principles of evolution, classification and characterizations of organisms, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, principles of ecology, and biosphere.

3
BIOL 1112 L

(Prerequisite: BIOL 1111, BIOL LAB 1111) (Co-Requisites: BIOL 1112) Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 1112. The laboratory exercises for this course include principles of evolution, classification and characterizations of organisms, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, principles of ecology, and biosphere.

1
CHEM 1211

(Prerequisite: MATH 1111) (Co-Requisites: CHEM 1211L) Provides an introduction to basic chemical principles and concepts which explain the behavior of matter. Topics include measurement, physical and chemical properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry and gas laws.

3
CHEM 1211L

(Prerequisite: MATH 1111) (Co-Requisites: CHEM 1211) Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in CHEM 1211. The laboratory exercises for this course include measurement, physical and chemical properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry and gas laws.

1
General Education Core Elective 3
MATH 1127Introduction to Statistics 3
AREA IV: Humanities/Fine Arts 3
ENGL 2130

(Prerequisite: ENGL 1101) Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.

3
Choose One (3 hours)
MUSC 1101

Explores the formal elements of musical composition, musical form and style, and the relationship of music to historical periods. The course includes listening and analysis of well-known workds of music. The course encourages student interest in musical arts beyond the classroom.

3
SPCH 1101

(Prerequisites: ENGL 1101- Institutional Requirement) Introduces the student to the fundamentals of oral communication. L Topics include selection and organization of materials, preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations, analysis of ideas presented by others, and professionalism.

3
Area V: Institutional Option
Choose 4-6 Hours
COMP 1000

This course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include introductions to computer and digital terminology and usage, operating systems, Internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.

3
EMPL 1000

(Prerequisite: Provisional Admission) Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, professional image skills, personal finance, problem-solving, and diversity.

2
Occupational Courses (18 hours)
EDUC 2001

(Prerequiste: Appropriate ENGL/READ Placement Score) An integrated overview of the core life and earth science content covered in the K-5 Georgia Standards of Excellence and Performance Standards. Topics include the solar system, earth processes, living organisms, biodiversity, and the natural history of Georgia.

3
EDUC 2002

(Prerequisite: MATH 1111) This course, aligned with national standards, provides an intergrated overview of core physical science content covered in the K5 Georgia Standards of Excellence. Designed for future elementary educators, it emphasizes developing a strong conceptual understanding of key topics such as mechanics, matter and energy, electricity and magnetism, ad waves and optics. Students will explore research-based pedagogical strategies for teaching diverse learners, engage with technology, and learn methods for making science accessible and engaging in the elementary classroom. Basic algebra (one equation, one unknown() is required.

3
EDUC 2008

(Prerequisite: MATH 1111) An introductory mathematics course for Education majors seeking elementary teacher certification. This course will emphasize the understanding and use of major concepts of number and operations. As a general theme, strategies of problem solving will be used and discussed in the context of various topics.

3
EDUC 2110

(Prerequisite: Program Admission) This course is a critical and theoretical exploration of the “Foundations of Education” and engages students in observations, interactions, and analyses of critical and contemporary educational issues. Students will investigate issues influencing the social and political contexts of educational settings in Georgia, the United States, and globally. Students will actively examine the teaching profession from multiple vantage points both within and outside the school. Against this backdrop, students will reflect on and interpret the meaning of education and schooling in a diverse culture and examine the moral and ethical responsibilities of teaching in a democracy. Successful completion of 10 hours of field experience is required.

3
EDUC 2120

(Prerequisite: Program Admission) Fundamental knowledge of understanding culture and teaching children from diverse backgrounds. Specifically, this course is designed to examine the nature and function of culture; the development of individual and group cultural identity; definitions and implications of diversity; and the influence of culture on learning, development and pedagogy. Successful completion of 10 hours of field experience is required.

3
EDUC 2130

(Prerequisite: Program Admission) The study of educational psychology concepts through examination of learning and teaching processes, with the goal of applying this knowledge to enhance the learning of all students in a variety of educational settings and contexts. Successful completion of 10 hours of field experience is required.

3
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