Associate in Arts Degree

The goal of this program is to offer a course of study that provides students with a strong foundation in both the liberal arts and their chosen field of specialization. Students will be prepared to transfer to the teacher preparation program at Southern Connecticut State University where students will work toward a baccalaureate degree with secondary education certification in their area of specialization. Areas of specialization are those identified by the State Department of Education as experiencing current and projected teacher shortages. These areas are Biology, Chemistry, English, Foreign Language, Mathematics and Physics.This transfer program closely parallels the core requirements of the first two years of most four-year college teacher preparation programs in Connecticut. Students are advised to review the requirements of the transfer institution prior to course selection.

Outcomes:

• Complete the general education courses and content area specialization courses to fulfill the first two years of the baccalaureate degree requirements at SCSU, thereby exhibiting an educational background in the arts, humanities, mathematics, science and social and behavioral sciences.
• Meet the requirements for admission into the SCSU School of Education
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic statistics and/or integral calculus.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the United States and the Western World to understand life and events in the past and how they relate to one’s own life experiences.
• Identify and explain basic theories of psychological behavior and interpersonal relationships.
• Identify and explain basic educational theory and how it applies to the learner, including those with special needs.

NOTE: The agreement states that students must have a 2.7 G.P.A., pass the state-mandated skills examination (PRAXIS I) and must complete an interview process prior to being admitted into the SCSU School of Education. Students should consult with a faculty advisor regarding other specifics of this agreement.

NOTE: Students should consult with their department advisor prior to selecting any courses for transfer.