Education (K-12)
Education (K-12)
Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences (A.A.)
Program Website
Business, Technology, and
Professional Studies Division

609.570.3482

The Education (K-12) option of the Liberal Arts and Sciences program introduces students to the field of teaching and prepares them to enter a baccalaureate degree program from k-12 including specialized programs for students with special needs and most secondary subject areas. In addition to studying the history, philosophy, and practices of education, students are offered the opportunity to engage in service learning or field experience in school settings under the supervision of experienced classroom teachers.

Students should determine the requirements of the college to which they wish to transfer and, with the aid of college advising and counseling services, select elective subjects accordingly.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Identify and explain the historical and philosophical foundations of American education;
  • Interpret current issues facing educators on the basis of study and research;
  • Take responsibility for their own learning as they make the transition from learners to teacher/learners;
  • Analyze how children learn and develop, and provide learning opportunities that support a child’s intellectual, social, and personal development;
  • Evaluate how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners;
  • Demonstrate effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom;
  • Describe and demonstrate a variety of teaching techniques and strategies;
  • Create and implement planned instructional activities for individuals, small and large groups;
  • Identify and apply assessment measures;
  • Articulate own teaching proficiency base.

This option may be pursued part-time or full-time and may be completed by day or night attendance.

Admission requires a high school diploma or its equivalent, one year of science, and two years of mathematics. To be admitted, an applicant must demonstrate competency in English and reading as determined by placement testing.

Although this option is designed as a transfer program, some students may find paraprofessional employment in public or private schools. Individuals currently holding paraprofessional positions in education may use this program to enhance their professional development.

SEE ALSO:
Early Childhood Education / Special Education Assistant degree program

DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
EDU.AA
CIP 240101

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
CMN 111 Speech: Human Communication (3/0)  

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

  OR 3
CMN 112 Public Speaking (3/0)  
CSW 100 College Success and Personal Wellness (2/0)
  • Some exemptions apply. Consult academic advisor for details.
2
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
LAS 101 Introduction to Liberal Arts Studies (1/0) 1
MAT 120 Mathematics for Liberal Arts (3/0) 3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3/0) 3
SECOND SEMESTER
EDU 109 Introduction to Education: Foundations, History, and Trends of American Education (3/0) 3

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Begin attending college transfer events and visit campuses. Be sure to visit the Transfer Services and Career Services offices to get to know how the transfer process works and to explore career options.

✔ Plan for how you will complete transfer applications while finishing your classes.

ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3
MAT 125 Elementary Statistics I (3/0) 3
PSY 206 Child Development (3/0) 3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3/0)  
  OR
  • Students who plan to continue at Mercer's University Center in the William Paterson University program should take SOC 104.
3
SOC 104 Sociology of Education (3/0)






 
THIRD SEMESTER
EDU  — Education elective
  • Students planning to continue in the William Paterson University program should choose EDU 102 (Introduction to Exceptional Children). Otherwise, select from EDU 102, 120, or 130. Consultation with an academic advisor is strongly recommended.
3

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate.

✔ Complete your applications to desired transfer institutions.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

HIS  — United States History elective (3/0)
  • Select from HIS 105, 106, 109, 214.
3
  —    — Diversity and Global Perspective general education elective
  • ENG 222 (Children’s Literature) is recommended for students interested in elementary or early childhood education. Those planning to continue in the William Paterson University program should choose a globally-focused elective including ART 124; ENG 203, 204, 214; HIS 112, 113, 206, 218; or REL 102.
3
  —    — Humanities general education elective
  • Students planning to continue in the William Paterson University program should take two semesters of a world language. Otherwise, select from Art (ART 101, 121, 123, 124, 125), Music (MUS 103), Literature, or Philosophy electives.
3
  —    — Lab Science general education elective 3
FOURTH SEMESTER
HIS  — Historical Perspective general education elective
  • Select from HIS 101, 102, 112, 113.
3

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Talk to your faculty advisor and the Transfer office for advice on how to successfully transition to a new school.

✔ Apply for Graduating Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

  —    — Humanities general education elective
  • Students planning to continue in the William Paterson University program should take two semesters of a world language. Otherwise, select from Art (ART 101, 121, 123, 124, 125), Music (MUS 103), Literature, or Philosophy electives.
3
  —    — Humanities general education elective
  • Students planning to continue in the William Paterson University program should take two semesters of a world language. Otherwise, select from Art (ART 101, 121, 123, 124, 125), Music (MUS 103), Literature, or Philosophy electives.
3
  —    — Lab Science general education elective 3
  —    — Elective
  • Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
3
  60  

NOTE: Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all EDU courses to graduate.