Associate of Science in Teaching (A.S.T.) K-6 Curriculum

Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3020, E-mail: elementaryeducation@nscc.edu

The Associate of Science in Teaching (A.S.T.) Degree is designed as a transfer degree for students who wish to pursue a career in elementary education, teaching children in kindergarten through sixth grade in public and private schools. The graduate with an A.S.T. degree will have completed the first two years of a four-year degree required for teacher certification in elementary education in Tennessee. Students who earn the A.S.T. can transfer to any of the six Tennessee Board of Regents universities for their junior and senior years and are prepared to interview and be accepted into the university’s teacher education program. The A.S.T. degree courses are likely to transfer, but are not guaranteed outside the TBR university system. It is always best to contact your selected transfer university as early as possible.

Graduates of the program should be able to:

• Transfer to a four-year university to earn a degree in elementary education.
• Meet requirements for admission into teacher education programs for K-6 licensure.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet regular degree-seeking admission requirements for the Associate of Science degree.

Graduation Requirements

To earn the AST degree, the student must:

• Successfully complete the required course of study as outlined in the catalog.
• Attain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average.
• Successfully complete the Praxis I Exam or have a 22 on the ACT or 1020 on the SAT.
• Receive a satisfactory rating on an index of suitability for the teaching profession.

Cohort Work

In Fall 2012, students have the option of enrolling in a cohort which will follow a prescribed class schedule. The cohort will be comprised of A.S.T. majors who will move through the A.S.T. coursework as a designated group. These students must be full-time students and are prepared to begin the A.S.T. prescribed coursework (need to have completed all Learning Support/developmental courses.) Initially, cohorts will be available only for day students with classes meeting the full day (3 classes) Tuesdays/Thursdays and a half day on Wednesdays.

Transfer/Advising

Students should consult frequently with their advisors to insure completion of all requirements for this degree. Failure to do so could result in a loss of credits in the transfer process.