The Education: Middle Level (4th to 8th grades) Program prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate-degree granting institutions. After successful completion of the Program, students receive an Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree. Most graduates then transfer to a four year institution where they earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Education and are eligible for Certification to teach Grades 4-8. The curriculum helps students to apply the knowledge, concepts, and skills essential for successful elementary/middle years instruction.
Because students have options with respect to specific content areas they would like to pursue, and because transfer institutions require specific courses, it is highly recommended that students consult catalogues of schools to which they might transfer and transfer worksheets available in the Career and Transfer Center, as well as their advisor to make appropriate course selections.
According to Pennsylvania mandates, under Chapter 354, students need a 3.0 G.P.A. for entry into upper level education courses and teacher certification programs at four year schools. In addition, they must pass the Pre-Professional Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) before being admitted into these upper-level courses at four year schools.