Tennessee Transfer Pathways TBR Community Colleges to Tennessee Public Universities
Community College Area of Emphasis: Early Childhood Education (Pre K-3) A.S.T. Degree

Associate of Science in Teaching (A.S.T.) Pre-K – 3^rd 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 early childhood education teaching children in Pre-K through third 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 early childhood education in Tennessee. A student who completes all the courses listed in this Tennessee Transfer Pathway will earn an A.S.T. in Pre-K – 3rd grade at NSCC. A student with an A.S.T. is prepared to interview and be accepted into the university’s teacher education program. It is important 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 early childhood Pre-K – 3rd grade; and
• Meet requirements for admission into teacher education programs for Pre-K – 3rd 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.