Education - Secondary
A.A. - Transfer Degree
Learn more about transfer options below.
Students planning to enter the field of secondary education may complete their first two years of study at AWC. It is recommended that education majors consult often with their Academic Advisors concerning the courses required for certification in Arizona and/or graduation from a state university with a bachelor’s degree in education. Secondary education students also need to “double major” in the discipline they wish to teach in high school.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in 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.
- Construct lesson plans based on current best practices, developmental theories, and state and national standards.
- Implement self-reflection strategies to enhance professional and personal growth.
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-A 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 | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 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 222 | Introduction to Special Education | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| ECE 240 | Child Growth & Development | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| SPC 215 | Public Speaking | 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 200 | Lesson Planning | 2 | Departmental 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 |
| GEO 105 | World Regional Geography (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| 14 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching Major | Select a minimum of 15 credits in one of the following areas: ENG, MAT, HIS, BIO, CHM, PHY, or GLG. Consider selecting a teaching emphasis early on to distribute these credits among your entire academic plan. |
15 | Teaching Major |
| 15 |
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 | Secondary Education | None |
| Northern Arizona University | BSED | Secondary Education | None |
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.