Associate Degree in Education Online
Nikita Nath
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WebsiteNikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.
Degrees
Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization
nikitanath8@gmail.com
nikitanath8@gmail.comAreas of Expertise & Credentials
- 2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
- 1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
- Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
- 2+ years of experience teaching psychology online
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Education is the process by which people gain knowledge and understanding through study and experience. It has been described as “the heart of a child and the core of a society and nation.” Education is also essential for personal growth and development.
An associate degree in education is a degree program that prepares individuals to teach in elementary and secondary schools at a very entry-level or to take up administrative and clerical roles in an educational institution. It is also usually a prerequisite for a bachelor’s degree in education or another related field. The associate degree in education online provides the foundational knowledge and skills to enter the vast and diverse field of education and is an excellent choice for those who like working with children and imparting knowledge.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), students with an associate degree earn a median annual wage of $52,830 compared to high school diplomas or equivalent holders, who earn a median annual salary of $36,100. This translates to a better earning potential of about 46% more for associate degree graduates.
This page lists out the details of an online associates degree in teaching and education, covering essential topics such as degree types, accreditation, certifications, program duration, careers, and others.
Best Associate Degree in Education
Online Courses
It is common for prospective students to look for the best online early childhood education associate degree program or other similar degree programs that offer quality and value for money. To be ranked, it is essential to factor in several aspects of a college or program, such as the faculty’s qualification and teaching experience, institution’s infrastructure, accreditation status, availability of student support services, affordability, range of courses offered, and more. Based on all these and other factors, teams at FBD have identified some of the best education programs at the associate’s level. Accordingly, here are the best associate degree in education programs: *
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to expect from an Associate Degree
in Education Online?
Types of Associate Degree in
Education Online
Why should I do an Associate Degree
in Education Online?
How to get into an Associate Degree
in Education Online?
Most associate’s degree programs are open enrollment, which means that students can apply and be accepted if they have a high school diploma or GED. As a result, although most schools may not ask to submit SAT or ACT scores, they may ask prospective students to take a placement test to assess their English and Math ability. This will help ascertain what level of classes they can take and whether they need to take any prerequisite courses before entering the program. At some colleges, students who already have SAT or ACT scores may submit them instead of taking an assessment test. Listed below are the typical associate’s degree in early childhood education requirements:
- Application for Admission
- Application Fee
- Official Academic Transcripts
- High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
- A Grade Point Average (GPA) of over 2.0
- Personal Statement
- Proof of English Proficiency (if the native tongue is or education was not in English)
Note: Admission requirements vary by school and program. Students are advised to check with the admissions office at the school of their choice for exact requirements.
How long does it take to complete an Associate
Degree in Education Online?
Accreditation for Associate Degree
in Education Online
Areas of Specialization for Associate
Degree in Education Online
Compared to higher-level degree programs, the majors or specializations available with an associate in education are somewhat limited. Nevertheless, the specialization one chooses for an associate degree will influence the career paths one is positioned for, especially if one expects to enter the workforce soon after graduation. Students who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program may find that their specialization is not too crucial, but this would depend on what they plan to do with their degree and how the credits they have completed may or may not transfer to a new degree program. Typical associate in education
Associate’s degree in Elementary Education
This Elementary Education degree program requires students to attend courses in education theory and practice, undertake classroom observations, and complete general education studies. The specialization prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges to obtain teaching certifications in Elementary, Middle School, or Secondary Education.
Early Childhood Education associates degree
This Early Childhood Education degree program prepares students for careers in education, working with a wide range of student groups from birth to third grade. Under the guidance of qualified teachers, students will learn research-based developmentally appropriate teaching approaches and observe in various classroom settings. They will also have the chance to practice instructional and classroom management strategies in early childhood classrooms.
Associate’s degree in Physical Education
The Physical Education degree program teaches students to identify concepts and theories of sport, exercise, and sports psychology that can be applied in coaching and teaching. Students also learn how to identify athletic injuries and demonstrate a physical remedy for them.
Examples of a few more specializations in education include:
- Associate’s degree in Health Education
- Associate’s degree in Child Development
- Art Education associate degree
- General Education associates degree
- Teaching Assistant/Teacher’s Aide associates degree
Other specializations such as library science, educational technology, and special education are also possible options in an associate degree in education program. Although these specializations can lead to entry-level professions at the associate degree level, it is usually expected for candidates in these fields to require a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree.
Associates Degree in
Special Education
Associates Degree in Early
Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education describes a curriculum and classroom environment that prepares young children for school and life. It is the process of nurturing, supporting, and educating children from birth to age eight. Early Childhood Educators work with children to help create a positive learning experience for them, assisting them in learning essential skills, such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. The associates in Early Education prepares individuals to help young students develop strong interpersonal skills, such as empathy and respect for others, necessary to become successful members of society. They may also work with parents and families to help them understand school and learning and encourage students’ overall development.
The Early Childhood Education associates degree prepares individuals to work with students from preschool through kindergarten. Students of this program learn how to lead children to explore their own unique abilities and interests while building vital social skills. They help children discover how they learn, explore new possibilities, and apply their knowledge to everyday situations. Early Childhood teachers may also be responsible for maintaining classroom supplies and creating a developmentally appropriate lesson plan for class activities. In private or charter schools, they may have administrative duties related to the school’s curriculum and instruction.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree with a major in Early Childhood Education or a related field is required to become an Early Childhood Education teacher.
Associate’s Degree in Elementary
Education
Associates of Art in Child
Development
Child Development is the study of how children gain knowledge and skills as they grow. There are four areas of child development: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social. Child development is divided into five developmental stages: early infancy (from birth to 12 months), middle infancy (13 to 24 months), early childhood (2 to 3 years), middle childhood (4 to 7 years), and adolescence (14 to 18 years).
With an AA in Child Development online, students gain the skills to observe, determine children’s needs, and plan appropriate education programs for children based on their developmental needs. Graduates of this program will be able to work with teachers, parents, and others in the community and may find themselves spending significant time working with children in daycare, preschools, or elementary schools. They may also be responsible for providing parents with information about their child’s growth and development.
Free Courses for Associate Degree
in Education Online
Free courses do not lead to a universally recognized online associates degree in teaching. Nevertheless, free courses are an excellent way to gain additional knowledge on a particular topic within the education discipline and widen one’s perspective on the subject. Here are some resources that offer free courses that may be helpful for an associate degree in education online students:
| Course | Description | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
| Education and topics related to Education | Coursera offers several courses on education from both theoretical and applied perspectives. Topics include K-12 education, educational policy, teacher training, education technology, etc. | Coursera |
| Education and topics related to Education | Alison offers free courses on various topics in education that are self-paced and do not require any previous experience or knowledge. Topics include Understanding Student Development and Diversity, Working with Students with Special Educational Needs, Managing Safety and Health in Schools, Anti-Bulling Training, and more. | Alison |
| Education and topics related to Education | Class Central has paid and free online courses and MOOCs from reputed institutions such as eCornell, University of Reading, Harvard University, Deakin University, etc. | Class Central |
How to Pay for an Associate Degree in
Education Online Program?
Scholarships for Online Associate’s
Degree in Education
Several scholarships for an associate degree in education are available for prospective students to apply for. Listed below are a few examples:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| AfterCollege Associate Degree & Certificate Scholarship | The AfterCollege Associate Degree & Certificate Scholarship is awarded to students currently enrolled in or working toward a certificate or associate degree in an accredited post-secondary institution such as a community college, career, vocational, or trade school. | $500 | March 31, 2023 |
| Frostburg State University Associate Degree Scholars Program | The Frostburg State University Associate Degree Scholars Program is awarded to full-time enrolled students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, in an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts in Teaching degree program. | $3,000 per academic year | TBA |
| T.E.A.C.H Missouri Associate Degree Scholarship | The T.E.A.C.H Missouri Associate Degree Scholarship is designed for early childhood teachers, directors, and owners seeking an Associate’s degree, AA, AAS, or AAT, in early childhood education or early childhood special education. It consists of 9-15 credit hours. | $450 + optional bonus | TBA |
FAQs about Associate Degree
in Education Online
What is associate level of education?
How to get an associate’s degree in education?
What are the best associates programs in education?
What can I do with an associates degree in teaching?
What can you do with an associate’s in elementary education
What is the average fee charged by the colleges?
Can you be a preschool teacher with an associate’s degree?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Associate
Degree in Education Online
The associate degree in education jobs are usually entry-level because most positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree for more significant roles and better pay. If one wonders, “can you be a preschool teacher with an associate’s degree” – yes, it is possible to be a preschool teacher with an associate’s degree, but in most cases, schools will prefer teachers to hold a higher degree, and some certification.
So, what can I do with an associates degree in teaching? Several roles are available for the associate in education degree holders, including:
- Infant/Toddler Teacher
- Special Education Aide
- Substitute Teacher
- Paraeducator
- Preschool Teacher
- Teacher’s Assistant/Aide
- Tutor
- School Library Technician/Assistant
- Childcare Manager/Worker
However, students must note that some of these positions will require additional experience, education, specialization, or certification.
As for pay, the associate degree in early childhood education salary is quite respectable, as is the job outlook. For example, Preschool Teachers earn an annual median salary of $31,930 and can expect jobs to expand 18% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than average.
Here are some job titles, salaries, and job outlook details in education, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Occupation | Job Description | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Worker | A Childcare Worker attends to children’s needs while helping to foster early development. They may help younger children prepare for kindergarten, assist older children with homework, supervise and monitor the safety of children, and organize activities that allow children to learn about the world and explore their interests. | $25,460 | 8% (as fast as average) |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | A Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher instructs young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, to prepare them for middle school. They use a hands-on approach to help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical-thinking skills, while teaching them how to interact with others. | $60,660 | 7% (as fast as average) |
| Teacher Assistant | A Teacher Assistant works with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction. They reinforce lessons by reviewing material with students one-on-one or in small groups and supervise students outside of the classroom, such as between classes, during lunch and recess, and field trips. | $28,900 | 9% (as fast as average) |
| Library Technician and Assistant | A Library Technician and Assistant helps librarians with all aspects of running a library. They assist patrons, organize library materials and information, and do clerical and administrative tasks. | $31,840 | 0% (little or no change) |
| Special Education Teacher | A Special Education Teacher works with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities. | $61,500 | 8% (as fast as average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Associate
Degree in Education Online
Additional Resources for Associate Degree
in Education Online
Author Bio:
Nikita Nath
Nikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.
Degrees
Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization
- nikitanath8@gmail.com
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
- 2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
- 1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
- Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
- 2+ years of experience teaching psychology online
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.