Education – Associate of Science (AS) – NEW degree plan effective Spring 2026
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| English | ENG 111 – College Composition I1 | 3 |
| Mathematics | Any UCGS Approved Mathematics Course2 | 3 |
| Humanities | Any UCGS Approved Humanities Elective3 | 3 |
| Humanities | Any UCGS Approved Humanities Elective3 | 3 |
| SDV 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| Total Semester Credits | 13 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| English | ENG 112 – College Composition II1 | 3 |
| History | Any UCGS Approved History Elective | 3 |
| PSY 230 or EDU 207 | Developmental Psychology or Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| UCGS Transfer | Any UCGS General Education Transfer Course | 3 |
| CST 100 | Principals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| Science | Any UCGS Approved Natural Science course with Lab | 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 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| Science | Any UCGS Approved Natural Science course with Lab | 4 |
| 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 |
| Specialization Courses | Content Areas for PreK-6, Spec Ed, Middle/High School, and P-12 Specializations4 | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Program Footnotes:
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. Must be from a different category than the previous area. If the first course is a Humanities, the second course must be an Art or Literature. Both courses cannot be from the same category.
4. A&S Content Areas for Middle, High School, and P-12 Specializations Requirements in the following subject areas: ENG; AGR 142; CST 210, 136, 131, 145; EGR 125, EGR 121-122, EGR 240; ART 121, 131, 132, 223; DAN 161, 167, 210, 163/263, 160/260, 166/266, 136, 121, 158; MUS 111-112, 145, 155, 165, 185, 211-212, 241; World Languages 101-102-201-202, HIS 141, 281, 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 / MTH 120 Math for Elem & Middle School Educators; EDU 114-214 Drivers Education; ASL 125 History & Culture of the US Deaf Community. Consult transfer guides on TransferVA and community college advisor for additional guidance.