Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education Degree
This curriculum prepares students to transfer to an elementary education or special education program at any four-year college or university in the state of Maryland. Designed for students just beginning coursework toward teacher certification in Maryland, the program enables students to fulfill their general education requirements, participate in fieldwork experiences, and complete a core of professional education coursework required for the first two years of teacher preparation. To earn the AAT students must either achieve a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA or achieve a 2.75 - 2.99 cumulative GPA along with presenting acceptable scores on a state-approved basic skills test.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Identify major historical events in education and analyze the impact of those events with current educational trends.
- Identify the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and physical characteristics of typically developing children and adolescents, with specific consideration to disabilities and cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Analyze and critique current scientifically-based research and culturally responsive instructional practices for the purpose of understanding the educational needs of students and families.
- Identify the current and inclusive philosophies for differentiating instruction to analyze, improve, and facilitate instruction for diverse learners.
- Demonstrate and utilize technology as a teaching/reinforcement tool.
- Develop excellent written, verbal, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, which will allow him or her to effectively make connections between prior knowledge/experience and new learning.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
- Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education Program Advising Guide (PDF,
)
- Find a Program Advisor
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all education transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include educational diagnostician, rehabilitation, counselor, education administrator, guidance counselor, admissions counselor, recruiter, family counselor, and juvenile corrections.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- MATH 130 - Elements of Mathematics I: Mathematical Reasoning and Number Systems 4 semester hours (MATF)
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEIR)
- EDUC 101 - Foundations of Education 3 semester hours
- EDUC 102 - Field Experience in Education 1 semester hour
- PSYC 102 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Second Semester
- ENGL 102 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Research 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- BIOL 101 - General Biology 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- EDUC 201 - Introduction to Special Education 3 semester hours
- EDUC 202 - Field Experience in Special Education 1 semester hour
- MATH 131 - Elements of Mathematics II: Geometry and Algebra 4 semester hours
Third Semester
- EDUC 243 - Processes and Acquisition of Reading 3 semester hours
- MATH 132 - Elements of Mathematics III: Probability, Statistics, and Problem Solving 4 semester hours
- PSCI 101 - Physical Science I 4 semester hours (NSND)
-
OR
- PSCI 102 - Physical Science II 4 semester hours (NSND)
- PSYC 203 - Human Growth and Development During the Life Span 3 semester hours
Fourth Semester
- GEOG 130 - Global Geography 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- HIST 200 - History of the United States, a Survey Course: from Colonial Times to 1865 3 semester hours (HUMD) **
-
OR
- HIST 201 - History of the United States, a Survey Course: from 1865 to the Present 3 semester hours (HUMD)
- HLTH 125 - Personalized Health Fitness 3 semester hours
- ISTD 173 - Integrated Arts 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- PSYC 227 - Educational Psychology 3 semester hours
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102 , or choose one of PSCI 101 or PSCI 102 not used for NSLD distribution course.
**Students planning to transfer to University of Maryland--College Park should select HIST 200.
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Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.