Tennessee Transfer Pathways TBR Community Colleges to Tennessee Public Universities
Community College Area of Emphasis: Elementary Education (K-5) A.S.T. Degree

Associate of Science in Teaching (A.S.T.) K-5 Curriculum

Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3400, Program Site, E-mail: kurstin.bush@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 fifth 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 that is required for teacher certification in elementary education in Tennessee. Students who earn the A.S.T. can transfer to any of the state 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; and
• Meet requirements for admission into teacher education programs for K-5 licensure.

Admission Requirements

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

Graduation Requirements

Students earning an AST degree must meet the following additional degree requirements:

• Attainment of a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA)
• ACT composite score of 21 (or SAT score of 1080) or higher or successful completion of approved standardized examination (Praxis Core) for admission to the university’s College of Education
• Satisfactory ratings on an index of suitability for the teaching profession (disposition forms)

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. Students transferring to a public university in Tennessee may need to meet additional requirements to gain admittance to the university.