Education
Start your journey toward a rewarding teaching career with an affordable, supportive education foundation that prepares you to transfer seamlessly to a four-year institution and build the skills needed to succeed in K-12 classrooms.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
Online*
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
4 semesters
CAREER COMMUNITY
*While this degree can be completed completely online, some of the courses may offer the option of attending or logging in to synchronous (live) sessions using web conferencing tools. Contact the department chair for more information.
Program overview
Start here. Transfer with confidence. Teach with purpose.
Looking to become a teacher? Begin your journey with an affordable, high-quality foundation. Our associate of science in education program offers the first two years of college coursework in a supportive environment with small class sizes and experienced faculty. After earning your degree, seamlessly transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree and earn your teaching license.
Program details
Why choose this program?
- Affordable tuition – Save money while completing general education and foundational courses.
- Small class sizes – Benefit from personalized instruction and individual support.
- Smooth transfer path – Designed for easy transfer to four-year institutions for a bachelor’s degree in education.
A great fit for future educators
Whether you plan to teach young children or high school students, this degree lays the groundwork for a variety of teaching careers. It’s ideal for those pursuing licensure in:
- Early childhood education (Pre-K through Grade 3)
- Middle childhood education – With focused major and minor subject areas
- Adolescence to young adult education – In Integrated Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, or Science
- Intervention specialist – for students with special needs
Prepare for:
- Transfer to a four-year college or university
- Teaching positions in K-12 school systems
You can start with an teacher assistant certificate, taking classes that directly apply to the associate degree in education.
Take the first step toward making a difference in the classroom—and in the lives of students.
FAQs
Graduates can work in child care centers, public or private preschools, Head Start programs, Montessori schools, or family child care homes as assistant or lead teachers (depending on setting). The Associate of Science in Education and Early Childhood Education can also transfer toward a bachelor’s degree for the K-8 or 9–12 teaching licensure.
Demand for early childhood educators and teachers remains steady as Ohio and the nation expand early learning and pre-K programs. According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, 53% of job growth between 2020–2030 will require postsecondary credentials.
Many graduates transfer to four-year programs or find employment in early learning centers, Head Start, or local schools.
The Teacher Assistant Certificate requires 21 credit hours, the Education degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, and the Early Childhood Education degree requires 64 credit hours.
Yes. Stark State offers part-time pathways and online or hybrid options through eStarkState to accommodate working students.
Yes. Stark State students can apply for general scholarships and the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Ohio scholarship for education majors who are currently working in the field.
Yes. Stark State participates in Ohio Transfer 36 and has more than 30 transfer partnerships ensuring credits transfer to Ohio public universities and other partner schools. Notable partners include Ashland University, Kent State University, Walsh University, Franklin University, University of Akron, and Malone University.
Yes. Stark State offers a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) that awards credit for the CDA (child development credential) certification. If a student has a CDA credential they are awarded 8 college credits (credit for 3 classes)
The program promotes a supportive environment with small class sizes with most Education classes under 15 students in-person and online classes less than 20 students.
Yes. The Early Childhood program includes a required 210-hour practicum in an approved early childhood setting.
Yes. Early Childhood majors must complete state and federal background checks (approximately $70 total).
Resources include assigned advisors within the degree, TRIO Student Support Services, tutoring, career services, transfer advising, and online student support through eStarkState.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Wendi Keller, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Communication, Humanities, and Reading
330-494-6170 ext. 4958
Take the next step
Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.