If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of students and helping shape the future of education, an Associate's in Education could be the perfect stepping stone to a fulfilling career. In this program, you'll study things like child development, classroom management, and teaching techniques. It's a great way to start a career in education and become a teacher or work in a school setting. As you begin researching education programs, you'll quickly discover there are a variety of options available both online and through local community colleges near you.

At Dreambound, we aim to provide objective information that will help you come to a decision. In this post, here's what we'll cover:

• Online vs on-campus education Associate's programs
• What you can do with an Associate's in Education
• Is an Associate's in Education worth it
• Associate of Science (AS) vs Associate of Arts (AA) for Education

Online vs on-campus education Associate's programs

Online programs

Increasingly, accredited community colleges and universities are providing fully online Associate's in Education programs, making it quite achievable to obtain this degree while managing work or family responsibilities.

Here are some pros of the online format:

• Flexibility: Login and complete coursework on your schedule, as long as you meet deadlines. A lot of people are unavailable during class times offered by the closest in-person school to them, so this provides another option
• Accelerated: Online programs are often accelerated. If you're trying to get your degree as fast as possible, online degrees are likely the way to go
• Subspecialties: Many online Associate's in Education programs have subspecialties, if you have a specific interest. For example, we've seen Associate's in Education programs with subfields in early childhood education, special education, and more. In-person Associate's in Education programs may not have these
• Variety & shopping: Many online community colleges and universities offer an Associate's in Education now. You can choose between them and explore programs from institutions across the country without relocating
• Many are designed for adults: Since adults require more flexibility than recent high school graduates looking for the 2-year college experience, many online Associate's programs are designed for adults. That usually means more flexibility and that the college takes more credit transfers if you've done some education in the past

Online programs typically cover the same course content and have similar graduation requirements as their on-campus counterparts. However, the learning experience in an online setting places a greater emphasis on self-guided study through pre-recorded video lectures, virtual laboratories, online discussion boards, and independent research projects.

A few examples of online Associate's in Education programs:

Campbellsville University

• Length: 65 credits (can be completed in 2 years)
• Cost: US College Scorecard reports an average cost of $23,445 per year.
• Outcomes: US College Scorecard reports $39,948 in median earnings.

The Ohio State University

• Length: 60 credits (4 semesters full-time; 10 semesters part-time)
• Cost: US College Scorecard reports average cost of $$18,623/year
• Outcomes: US College Scorecard reports $58,596/year median earnings

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In-Person or Hybrid Education Associate's Programs

The traditional on-campus route is a good fit for those who want a more conventional college experience with face-to-face classes, campus facilities and resources, and close interaction with professors and classmates.

Location is crucial, as you'll be attending classes in person. Research community colleges or universities nearby that offer affordable associate's programs. On average, tuition at public in-state community colleges ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 per year, while tuition at private colleges averages around $15,500 to $30,000 annually. It's important to note that tuition costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the specific college or university, geographic location, and whether the institution is for-profit or non-profit.

Here are some of the pros:

• Structured class schedules and meeting times each week - A lot of people don't thrive well in online classes. If that sounds like you, then the structure of in-person communication can help a lot
• Hands-on instruction, experiential labs, and field placements
• Extracurricular opportunities - Your college likely has relationships with local schools and organizations that hire. You'll have internship and community outreach opportunities
• Access to campus libraries, student services, and resources

A few examples of well-regarded local education associate's programs:

LaGuardia Community College

• Length: 60 credits (2-year program)
• Cost: US College Scorecard reports average cost of $7,304
• Outcomes: US College Scorecard reports $43,007/year median earnings

Mesa Community College

• Length: 60-74 credits (2-year program)
• Cost: US College Scorecard reports average cost of $10,850
• Outcomes: US College Scorecard reports $43,299/year median earnings

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How to Choose: Online vs Local

To pick between an online or local education associate's program, consider factors like:

• Learning style: Online requires strong self-motivation; on-campus is ideal for face-to-face learners
• Cost: Costs can vary significantly. Online allows you to shop between options for the cheapest, but there may be a cheap in-person program near you as well
• Schedule: Online is flexible, while on-campus requires set class times each term
• Career Goals: An on-campus program may provide more hands-on experience and networking opportunities related to your specific interests in the education field

How to Choose: AA vs AS

When considering an associate's degree in education, one of the main decisions is whether to pursue an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Education. Here are some key differences between the two:

Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Education

• Typically has more liberal arts requirements like humanities, arts, and literature courses
• Leaves more room for electives outside of the education major
• Curriculum focuses more on the theories, cultural considerations, and conceptual side of education
• Concentrations could include early childhood education, elementary education, or special education

An A.A. provides more of a general, broad-based education, which can be good preparation for roles like teaching assistant, childcare worker, or transferring to a bachelor's degree program in education.

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Education

• Has more extensive requirements in natural sciences, mathematics, and research methods
• Curriculum emphasizes the scientific study of education through increased fieldwork, data analysis, and experimentation
• Possible concentrations include educational psychology, instructional design, or education research

Admissions requirements, curriculum, and costs are generally similar for A.A. or A.S. education programs at the same institution. The main differentiator is the blend of liberal arts versus science and research within the major coursework.

So, should you pick an AA over an AS? It doesn't really matter, we haven't seen any evidence that one is better than the other for education careers. That said, if you plan to transfer to a bachelor's degree program, an A.A. may provide a smoother transition due to the liberal arts focus. If you're more interested in the science and research aspects of education, an A.S. might be a better fit. Ultimately, both degrees can lead to entry-level roles in education or prepare you for further study.

What Can You Do With an Education Associate's?

Graduates of Associate's in Education often join industries such as:

• Early childhood education (preschool teacher, childcare center director)
• K-12 education (teacher's aide, paraprofessional, substitute teacher)
• Tutoring and test preparation
• After-school programs and enrichment
• Education administration (administrative assistant, office manager)
• Adult education and training

While an Associate's degree in Education can provide a foundation for various roles in the field, it may have limitations in terms of the positions you can qualify for directly. Many states require a Bachelor's degree and additional certifications or licenses for traditional teaching positions. However, an Associate's degree can be a stepping stone towards further education or alternative career paths within the education sector.

One example is becoming an early childhood educator. When considering a career as an early childhood educator, it's essential to understand the time commitment required for the necessary education and training. This information, detailed in the article How Long Does It Take to Become an Adult Education Instructor?, will help you set realistic expectations about the duration of your studies and when you can begin earning a salary in your chosen field. Furthermore, the article How Much Does an Adult Education Instructor Make? offers valuable insights into the potential income you can expect as an early childhood educator, enabling you to make informed decisions about your career path and financial future.

There are also various alternative paths for Associate's degree holders in Education, such as becoming a teacher's assistant, childcare worker, or pursuing roles in education-related non-profit organizations. Regardless of the job you ultimately seek, it's crucial to develop relevant skills and gain hands-on experience through practicums, internships, and part-time jobs. Many Education graduates face challenges finding employment if they lack practical experience.

During Your Education Program

In your education coursework, you'll develop a broad knowledge base across educational principles like child development, instructional methods, classroom management, and education technology. You'll learn to think critically, design lesson plans, assess student learning, and understand diversity and ethics in education practices.

Commonly required courses include:

• Introduction to Education
• Child Development
• Educational Psychology
• Instructional Strategies
• Classroom Management
• Technology in Education
• Education Practicum

Many programs allow concentrations or electives in specialty areas like early childhood education, special education, English language learning, and beyond.

Related Alternative Programs

If you have different interests, other associate's program options to consider include:

• Child Development
• Early Childhood Education
• Teacher Education
• Special Education
• Education Paraprofessional
• Education Administration

While an Associate's in Education provides a broad overview, these alternative majors put more emphasis on specific aspects of education - such as directly working with young children, assisting teachers in the classroom, supporting students with special needs, or managing educational programs.

Regardless of the path you choose, pursuing an education-related degree opens up opportunities to make a positive impact through various rewarding career possibilities. By dedicating yourself to shaping the minds of tomorrow, you can contribute to the growth and development of individuals and communities, making a lasting difference in the lives of students and society as a whole.

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