Elementary Education A.A.

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$10,500* (estimated)

Mold young minds as an elementary education teacher

Elementary education teachers help children in grades K6 build the academic and social foundations they檒l carry for life. Start your journey toward this rewarding career with the Elementary Education Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree at the 黑料社区.

You檒l save money while earning a transfer-friendly teaching degree that builds a strong foundation in educational theory, child development and classroom management攖hen continue to a four-year university to complete your bachelor檚 degree in elementary education and earn your Illinois teaching license.

Once licensed, you檒l teach core subjects like reading, writing, math, science and social studies through creative, engaging lessons. You檒l foster curiosity, confidence and critical thinking while supporting each child檚 unique learning style. Elementary teaching offers steady job demand, flexible career paths and opportunities to specialize or move into leadership roles攁ll while making a lasting impact on young learners every day.

Get more information

Highlights

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Transfer Degree

    Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish your associate degree in 2 years as a full-time student.

  • Online Classes Available

    Most classes can be completed online.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at 黑料社区. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Small classes, hands-on learning and seamless transfer

黑料社区檚 affordable Elementary Education A.A. degree provides your foundation for transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor檚 degree and earn Illinois teaching licensure. With strong transfer agreements and career-focused coursework, you檒l be prepared for in-demand careers as a kindergarten teacher or elementary school teacher, meeting the growing need for qualified educators in Illinois and beyond.

Through local school field placements, study abroad opportunities and the Future Educator檚 Club, you檒l gain practical teaching experience, build meaningful professional connections and learn from experienced K-12 educators. Our strong community partnerships lead to volunteer opportunities, including the mentoring-through-magic program.

The curriculum emphasizes classroom management, inclusive teaching strategies, diversity, equity and hands-on learning, preparing you to inspire lifelong learning and make a lasting impact as a licensed educator.

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, .

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    黑料社区 120

    黑料社区 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 121

    MTH 121 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I

    Class Description

    This is the first college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include problem solving, sets, logic, functions, numeration systems, real number system, number theory, probability and statistics. To fulfill the general education core curriculum math requirement the second course in the sequence, Math 221 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II), must also be completed. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    EDU 121

    EDU 121 Introduction to Teaching

    Class Description

    This course provides the prospective teacher with an introduction to teaching in United States school systems. Other topics included are history and philosophy of education, school organization and governance, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code 黑料社区 120
      Course Title

      黑料社区 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 121
      Course Title

      MTH 121 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I

      Class Description

      This is the first college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include problem solving, sets, logic, functions, numeration systems, real number system, number theory, probability and statistics. To fulfill the general education core curriculum math requirement the second course in the sequence, Math 221 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II), must also be completed. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code EDU 121
      Course Title

      EDU 121 Introduction to Teaching

      Class Description

      This course provides the prospective teacher with an introduction to teaching in United States school systems. Other topics included are history and philosophy of education, school organization and governance, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 221

    MTH 221 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II

    Class Description

    This is the second college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include probability, statistics, modeling, plane and solid geometry, measurement, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, area, volume, classroom manipulatives, and/or computer software.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 141

    BIO 141 Concepts in Biology

    Class Description

    This course emphasizes scientific inquiry through selected concepts of biology, such as organization, function, heredity, evolution and ecology. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be introduced to enable students to make informed decisions. A laboratory component will reinforce concepts introduced in the lecture portion of class. NOTE: This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course and is not intended for students wishing to enter an allied health or pre-professional field.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    HST 221

    HST 221 United States History to 1876

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the end of Reconstruction. Among the topics to be explored are: pre-Columbian Americans, European exploration and colonization of the Americas, African slavery and the Atlantic trade, British Colonial America, the American move to Independence and the establishment of the United States, the Early Republic and the Age of Jackson, Westward Expansion and Sectionalism, and lastly the Civil War and Reconstruction.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 124

    ECE 124 Child Development for Educators

    Class Description

    This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice.ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 221
      Course Title

      MTH 221 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II

      Class Description

      This is the second college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include probability, statistics, modeling, plane and solid geometry, measurement, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, area, volume, classroom manipulatives, and/or computer software.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 141
      Course Title

      BIO 141 Concepts in Biology

      Class Description

      This course emphasizes scientific inquiry through selected concepts of biology, such as organization, function, heredity, evolution and ecology. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be introduced to enable students to make informed decisions. A laboratory component will reinforce concepts introduced in the lecture portion of class. NOTE: This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course and is not intended for students wishing to enter an allied health or pre-professional field.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code HST 221
      Course Title

      HST 221 United States History to 1876

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the end of Reconstruction. Among the topics to be explored are: pre-Columbian Americans, European exploration and colonization of the Americas, African slavery and the Atlantic trade, British Colonial America, the American move to Independence and the establishment of the United States, the Early Republic and the Age of Jackson, Westward Expansion and Sectionalism, and lastly the Civil War and Reconstruction.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 124
      Course Title

      ECE 124 Child Development for Educators

      Class Description

      This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice.ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose instead of BIO 141. Students also can choose HST 222 instead of HST 221. When registering, education majors will enroll in EDU 124, which is cross-listed with ECE 124.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    MUS 124

    MUS 124 Music Appreciation

    Class Description

    This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MUS 124
      Course Title

      MUS 124 Music Appreciation

      Class Description

      This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose instead of MUS 124.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ESC 224

    ESC 224 Environmental Geology

    Class Description

    For the non-science major or as a foundation course for those wishing to major in environmental sciences. A critical and objective approach is utilized to evaluate the human interrelationship with geological hazards and problems. Volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and subsidence, surface and groundwater hydrology, waste disposal, mineral resources, and the energy situation are all included.
         		3
    ENG 249

    ENG 249 Children's Literature

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to significant works, authors and trends in literature written for children and young adults. Emphasis will be placed on identifying various literary genres, developing criteria for evaluation of texts as well as exploring multicultural works.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    EDU 224

    EDU 224 Diversity in Schools and Society

    Class Description

    This course will survey the personal, social, political, legal, cultural, and educational factors involved in diversity and human relations, and how these factors impact teaching, learning, and other human interactions. The course will cover the major diversity theories, as well as use an experiential model for making theoretical knowledge relevant in the individual teacher's life. Topics include racial, ethnic, social class, linguistic, religious, cultural, and sexual diversity.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    EDU 225

    EDU 225 Educational Psychology

    Class Description

    This course addresses psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ESC 224
      Course Title

      ESC 224 Environmental Geology

      Class Description

      For the non-science major or as a foundation course for those wishing to major in environmental sciences. A critical and objective approach is utilized to evaluate the human interrelationship with geological hazards and problems. Volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and subsidence, surface and groundwater hydrology, waste disposal, mineral resources, and the energy situation are all included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 249
      Course Title

      ENG 249 Children's Literature

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to significant works, authors and trends in literature written for children and young adults. Emphasis will be placed on identifying various literary genres, developing criteria for evaluation of texts as well as exploring multicultural works.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code EDU 224
      Course Title

      EDU 224 Diversity in Schools and Society

      Class Description

      This course will survey the personal, social, political, legal, cultural, and educational factors involved in diversity and human relations, and how these factors impact teaching, learning, and other human interactions. The course will cover the major diversity theories, as well as use an experiential model for making theoretical knowledge relevant in the individual teacher's life. Topics include racial, ethnic, social class, linguistic, religious, cultural, and sexual diversity.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code EDU 225
      Course Title

      EDU 225 Educational Psychology

      Class Description

      This course addresses psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose instead of EDU 225.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSC 121

    PSC 121 American National Politics

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system檚 key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system檚 operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    EDU 222

    EDU 222 The Exceptional Child

    Class Description

    This course is an overview of children and adolescents with exceptional cognitive, physical, social, and emotional characteristics, including learning disabilities. It includes assessment, screening, educational needs, family communication, community resources, and legal aspects.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    EDU 223

    EDU 223 Technology in the Classroom

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the uses of basic technology for management and instruction in PreK-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to appropriately and responsibly use technology tools, resources, processes, and systems; to access, retrieve and evaluate information from various media; and to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Note: Basic computer skills recommended.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PSC 121
      Course Title

      PSC 121 American National Politics

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system檚 key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system檚 operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code EDU 222
      Course Title

      EDU 222 The Exceptional Child

      Class Description

      This course is an overview of children and adolescents with exceptional cognitive, physical, social, and emotional characteristics, including learning disabilities. It includes assessment, screening, educational needs, family communication, community resources, and legal aspects.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code EDU 223
      Course Title

      EDU 223 Technology in the Classroom

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the uses of basic technology for management and instruction in PreK-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to appropriately and responsibly use technology tools, resources, processes, and systems; to access, retrieve and evaluate information from various media; and to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Note: Basic computer skills recommended.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose instead of PSC 121. Students can choose other instead of ART 121. Students also can choose instead of EDU 222 and EDU 223.

Total Credit Hours

60


黑料社区 helps you transfer

Start at 黑料社区 and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. 黑料社区 has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.


Female student taking notes in class

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at 黑料社区. Nearly all of them have a master's degree or more.

黑料社区 faculty teach the same materials you檇 learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.


Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at 黑料社区.

Frequently asked questions

What students say about 黑料社区


  • John Randolph

    John Randolph

    Graduate

    淭he education courses at 黑料社区 were very engaging. I found the instructors had a passion for what they were teaching.

    John studied education at 黑料社区, then transferred to complete his bachelor's and master's degrees. He now is principal of Round Lake Middle School and teaches education classes at 黑料社区 part time. 

    Read John's story

    John Randolph

On your way to an associate degree in education

Dr. Michelle Proctor, chair of 黑料社区's Education department, explains what to expect when you start your college journey in education at 黑料社区. Attend classes online or in person. Watch the video:

Related programs

This associate degree is just one possible way to study education. Keep exploring your options攄egrees, credentials and more.

1/3

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at 黑料社区

黑料社区 has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available攅ven for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today攊t檚 free and easy to complete. When you檙e ready, we檙e ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!
1/4