The Education Associate of Arts degree programs at Northeast Community College are ideal for students interested in education careers who want to complete general education courses before transferring to a four-year college or university. With easily transferable credits and affordable tuition, Northeast helps students save money while preparing for a bachelor’s degree. The programs combine general education requirements, education-focused courses, and elective options to provide a solid foundation in education.
The following programs offer transfer pathway for students pursing bachelor’s degrees in education:
- The Elementary Education Associate of Arts degree is designed for students pursuing a career working as an elementary teacher. Students may complete a two-year liberal arts program at Northeast and then transfer credits to a four-year college offering the bachelor's degree in teacher education.
- The Education Paraprofessional Associate of Arts degree prepares students to support educators in schools as paraprofessionals. Students will learn to perform instructional duties and deliver direct services to students or parents, under the supervision of a teacher or other education professional responsible for program design and implementation. Additionally, paraprofessionals may have opportunities for substitute teaching roles.
- The Physical Education-Teacher Education Associate of Arts degree is designed to integrate the educational and practical training skills needed to be a Physical Education teacher. Upon completion of this program, students will continue their education at a transfer institution to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education.
- The Secondary Education Associate of Arts degree is designed for students pursuing a career working as a secondary teacher in 7-12 school systems, correctional institutions, hospitals, vocations services, and community organizations. Students may complete a two-year liberal arts program at Northeast and then transfer credits to a four-year college offering the bachelor's degree in teacher education.
- The Skilled and Technical Sciences Education Associate of Arts degree is ideal for students interested in becoming a skilled and technical sciences (STS) high school teacher. Northeast Community College has partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to offer this transfer program. Students who meet entry requirements in the STS Teaching Option will have completed a variety of course work from Northeast Community College. See UNL's STS Teaching Option for more details. Courses within the Northeast catalog have direct equivalencies with the ACE program at UNL.
Why Students Choose This Program
At Northeast Community College, you’ll find a wide range of course options, giving you the chance to explore your interests and customize your education. Plus, with small class sizes, you’ll get more personal attention from instructors and have a better opportunity to engage in discussions and collaborate with other students.
By starting at Northeast, students save on tuition by completing essential foundational courses at a lower cost—building a strong academic base before transferring to a four-year institution and ultimately reducing the overall cost of their degree.
Northeast Community College has developed articulation agreements with many four-year colleges and universities, ensuring smooth credit transfers for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. For students planning to transfer, it's important to work closely with academic advisors at both Northeast and the transfer institution, utilizing the Transfer Guide to make informed course selections that align with your transfer goals.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
The Education Associate of Arts programs at Northeast Community College gives students a well-rounded foundation for success in the field of education. With a mix of interactive coursework and practical projects, students gain the skills they need for both continued education and future careers. The courses focus on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, so students are well-prepared to succeed when they transfer to a four-year college.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge, including:
- Introduction to Professional Education
- Educational Psychology
- Social Science
Program Details
Elementary Education Associate of Arts, 2 years (60-64 credits)
Education Paraprofessional Associate of Arts, 2 years (60-63)
Physical Education-Teacher Education Associate of Arts, 2 years (61-65 credits)
Secondary Education Associate of Arts, 2 years (61-65 credits)
Skilled and Technical Scienced Education Associate of Arts, 2 years (60-68 credits)
Courses are offered in-person or online.
The Skilled and Technical Sciences Education option is only available in-person.
The application for admission at Northeast is free. Apply for admission, and learn more about your next steps.
