Education – Associate of Arts and Sciences (AA&S)
Fall 2025 was the last semester for which students can enroll in the AA&S Education degree. Students currently enrolled in the AA&S Education degree or who enroll in this degree plan in Fall 2025, have until Fall 2028 to complete this degree. Students wanting to change their degree plan to the AS Education should consult their advisor. Students enrolling in Camp in Spring 2026 or thereafter who want to complete an Education degree will be enrolled in the AS Education.
Program Purpose
This program of study is recommended for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to receive a bachelor’s degree and meet the state teacher certification requirements for Early Childhood (PK-3), Elementary (PK-6), Middle School (6-8), or selected areas of Special Education. This program is aligned with the Transfer Virginia Education common curriculum. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their academic advisor and review program options using the Transfer Virginia Portal, TransferVA Website.
Students who are interested in a specific track (Elementary Education, Special Education, Secondary Education, or Teaching Specializations) should consult their advisor and review program options using the Transfer Virginia Portal.
Student Learning Outcomes
In addition to the VCCS general education outcomes and core competencies, graduates will be able to:
- Compare and contrast current issues and trends in the K-12 education field.
- Effectively use the English language to write and speak with clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness.
- Think critically, independently, and creatively to make informed and logical decisions.
- Comprehend and use quantitative concepts and methods to interpret and evaluate data.
- Demonstrate competence in computer literacy to research and analyze education and teaching topics.
Admission Requirements: General Admission to the College is required.
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year – Fall Term | ||
| ENG 111 | College Composition I1 | 3 |
| MTH 154 or 161 | Quantitative Reasoning or Pre-Calculus I2 | 3 |
| ART 101 or CST 151 | History of Art: Prehistoric to Gothic or Film Appreciation I | 3 |
| PLS 135 | U.S. Government and Politics3 | 3 |
| SDV 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| Total Semester Credits | 13 | |
| First Year – Spring Term | ||
| ENG 112 | College Composition II1 | 3 |
| PSY 230 or EDU 207 | Developmental Psychology or Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| CST 100 | Principles of Public Speaking | 3 |
| HIS 121 or 122 | US History I or II | 3 |
| MTH 155, 162, or 245 | Statistical Reasoning, Pre-Calculus II, or Statistics | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year – Fall Term | ||
| BIO 101 | Biology I | 4 |
| EDU 200 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDU 250 | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| Specialization Courses | Content Areas for PreK-6, Spec Ed, Middle/High School, and P-12 Specializations4 | 3 |
| Specialization Courses | Content Areas for PreK-6, Spec Ed, Middle/High School, and P-12 Specializations4 | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year – Spring Term | ||
| BIO 102 | Biology II | 4 |
| ENG 250 | Literature Elective | 3 |
| EDU 204 | Teaching in a Diverse Society w/Practicum | 3 |
| Specialization Courses | Content Areas for PreK-6, Spec Ed, Middle/High School, and P-12 Specializations4 | 3 |
| Specialization Courses | Content Areas for PreK-6, Spec Ed, Middle/High School, and P-12 Specializations4 | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 16 | |
| Total Program Credits | 66 | |
1. A grade of “C” or better in ENG 111 and 112 is required for graduation.
2. Students and their advisors should choose the mathematics sequence required by the institution where the student plans to transfer.
3. Acceptable course substitutes include: ECO 150, ECO 201, ECO 202, GEO 200, GEO 210, GEO 220, GEO 225.
4. Content Areas for Middle, High School, and P-12 Specializations Requirements in the following subject areas: all courses listed in general education above, including literature, arts, humanities, social/behavior science, history, and approved lab sciences include CHM 101, 111, 112, GOL 105, BIO 141, 142; ENG (Creative Writing TBD); AGR 142; CST 210, 136, 131, 145, 267; EGR 125, EGR 121-122, EGR 240; ART 121, 131, 132, 223; DAN 161, 167, 210, 163/263, 160/260, 166/266, 180, 136, 121, 158; MUS 111-112, 145, 155, 165, 185, 211-212, 241; World Languages 101-102-201-202; HLT 110, 206, 230; HLT Kin Motor Behavior w/lab (Pending); PED Courses; EDU 280 Technology for Educators; EDU 270 – Intro to Autism; EDU 206 Classroom Management; EDU 120 – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers; EDU 114-214 Drivers Education; ASL 125 History & Culture of the US Deaf Community.
Program Requirements: A grade of “C” or better in ENG 111 and 112 is required for graduation.