Associate of Science in Education - BEGINNING FALL SEMESTER 2026

BEGINNING FALL SEMESTER 2026

The Associate of Science in Education degree program is a series of courses designed to provide students with a foundation in education preparing students for careers in teaching, educational administration, or related fields. The program emphasizes a combination of education theory and practical application as well as general core, science, and mathematics competencies necessary for successful employment. Additionally, graduates would be eligible to articulate to select 4-year institutions without loss of credit and having met the number of credit hours necessary for a 2+2 transfer to a B.S. in Education.

Preschool teachers typically need at least an associate's degree. Preschool teachers in center-based Head Start programs are required to have at least an associate's degree. However, at least 50 percent of all preschool teachers in Head Start programs nationwide must have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. Those with a degree in a related field, such as psychology, must have experience teaching preschool-age children. In public schools, preschool teachers are generally required to have at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. Bachelor's degree programs include instruction on children's development, teaching young children, and observing and documenting children's progress.

Students are accepted into the Associate of Science in Education degree program every semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 5 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 61 semester credit hours.

Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode:

North Campus (Sandersville)
South Campus (Dublin)

Employment Outlook

Career Traits/Requirements

Individuals wanting to enroll in the Associate of Science in Education degree program must be caring, dependable, reliable, flexible, patient, and positive.

Employment Opportunities

Upon completion of this course sequence, students will be prepared for a variety of careers in the early childhood/elementary education field within the local and regional community. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work with children in various educational settings, fostering the development of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Professionals in this field are responsible for creating safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Many students may transfer to a bachelor's degree program, earn certification via programs like Georgia's GACE, and transition into certified teaching roles. As a graduate of the AS in Education program in Georgia, students immediately qualify for roles like teacher assistant or paraprofessional in K-12 settings-establishing a foothold in the education field. This career path not only meets strong job growth and high placement rates but also allows the student to make a meaningful community impact in Georgia.

Program Costs

Tuition & Fees: $8,557.00

Books & Supplies: $3,000.00

(Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)

Admission Requirements

OFTC may accept a student’s official entrance score on the following validated assessment instruments if the scores meet the required minimums:

COMPASS/ASSET,
SAT,
ACT,
PSAT,
PACT,
Accuplacer/Accuplacer Next Generation/Companion,
HOPE GPA after completion of 10th grade of 2.6 or higher, or High School GPA of 2.6 (for occupational programs), or 2.0 for Workforce Entry Level programs, or GED.

The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.

Curriculum