Education

teacher working with preschool studentsEarly Childhood Education

This career program is designed to prepare students for entry and advancement in the early childhood education profession. Students can work for an associate of applied science degree or a technical certificate in early childhood education. Graduates of this degree program may also be able to transfer to a four-year university and complete the baccalaureate degree in early childhood education.

Elementary Education

The Elementary Education program emphasis is a two-year program for students planning to complete a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Students pursuing careers in teaching kindergarten through fifth grade should consider this degree.

high school teacher in classroomSecondary Education

The Secondary Education program focuses on the coursework necessary to keep students on par with other students entering their junior year majoring in Secondary Education at a four-year institution. Students majoring in Secondary Education typically get their Bachelor of Science degree and teach one or more subjects (English, Math, Social Science, etc.) at the high school or middle school level. Also, Secondary Educators may be designated to teach only their subject matter specialty.

Special Education

Teachers meet unique needs of students with learning, mental, emotional, and physical challenges. Special education teachers work to ensure that teaching strategies are designed to meet individual needs.

University Transfer Options

Tennessee State University

This transfer program allows students who have completed the Associate of Science in Teaching K-5 - A.S.T or Early Childhood Education (Pre K-3) - A.S.T. to transfer to Tennessee State University (TSU) to complete the Bachelor of Science (BS) in K-5 or PreK-3 teacher certification. 

Benefits of the Program:

  • Direct transfer of courses from Vol State to TSU
  • Ability to complete your Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 4 semesters after transfer
  • $3,000-$4,000 Community College Graduate Scholarship eligibility, depending on GPA

Graduates interested in transferring to TSU for a bachelor’s degree in education should visit the Transfer Information page or contact the TSU College of Education.

Tennessee Tech University

Vol State A.S.T. graduates can transfer to an undergraduate program at Tennessee Tech to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and licensure in the state of Tennessee. Visit Tech’s College of Education for information.

For transfer assistance, please contact Mrs. Carrie Harris, Admission Coordinator at cmharris@tntech.edu or (931) 372-6407. For more information, email teachereducation@tntech.edu or call (931) 372-3170.

Guaranteed Tech Transfer Pride Scholarships are available to new transfer students who qualify and apply by the deadline.  Please review the TTU Transfer Scholarship page for complete details.

Austin Peay State University

Graduates from Vol State A.S.T. programs have a clear pathway to transfer to Austin Peay State University. You can pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and gain licensure in Tennessee! For more information, visit the APSU Eriksson College of Education.

For transfer assistance, please contact the Adult, Nontraditional & Transfer Student Center at admissions@apsu.edu or (931) 221-7661. You can also reach the Eriksson College of Education directly at coe_communications@apsu.edu or (931) 221-7696 for additional inquiries.

APSU offers Transfer Scholarship Opportunities for new transfer students who meet the eligibility criteria and apply by the deadline. For complete details, please visit the APSU Transfer Scholarship webpage.

 Grow Your Own (GYO) Teacher Residency

The Austin Peay State University Eriksson College of Education is a national leader in preparing students to become successful teachers while collaborating with school districts to address teacher shortages. The application process to become a teacher resident begins with the school district. For more information or to fill out the teacher residency inquiry form, visit the APSU Grow Your Own.