Education - Elementary with Early Childhood Education Emphasis
A.A. - Transfer Degree
Learn more about transfer options below.
Students planning to enter the field of education may complete their first two years of study at AWC. Students interested in working with children grade four and below, in an elementary setting, are encouraged to follow the prescribed and recommended lists of courses for certification in AZ and/or graduation from a state university with a degree in education.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in early childhood education that will prepare them for transfer to the university and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an awareness of and a beginning understanding of the teaching profession in regard to its historical context, the implications of the profession, and the role played by public education in contemporary society.
- Articulate a beginning philosophy of education that incorporates an understanding of relevant theories and models of education.
- Recognize and appreciate the diversity as it exists in the community and within each educational environment.
- Construct lesson plans based on current best practices, developmental theories, and state and national standards.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU 110 | Introduction to Education | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics/GE or higher | 3 | GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| HIS 121 | US History to 1877/GE | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| NAT SCI | Choose a course from Natural Sciences | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Apply for the IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Have vaccinations up-to-date (especially “Whooping Cough”)
- Complete in-class observation hours
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU 210 | Cultural Diversity in Education | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| MAT 130 | Math for Elementary Teachers I | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SPC 215 | Public Speaking/GE | 3 | GE-Oral Communication |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU 222 | Introduction to Special Education | 3 | Major Requirement |
| MAT 135 | Math for Elementary Education II | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 240 | Child Growth and Development/GE | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| ECE 265 | Children's Literature | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| GEO 105 | World Regional Geography/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU 200 | Lesson Planning | 2 | Departmental Requirement |
| EDU 207 | Education Practicum | 1 | Major Requirement |
| EDU 275 | Classroom Management | 3 | Major Requirement |
| POS 221 | Arizona Constitution and Government | 2 | Major Requirement |
| POS 222 | National Constitution and Government | 1 | Major Requirement |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| Elective | Choose any General Elective (100-level or higher) | 4 | General Elective |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BAE | Elementary Education | None |
| Northern Arizona University | BSED | Elementary Education | None |
| University of Arizona | BAE | Elementary Education | 4th Semester Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.