A.A.-T Degree for Transfer: Elementary Teacher Education: Integrated Programs

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Associate's Degree for Transfer in two years. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). The plan includes four semesters, each with an average course load of 15 units, and follows the Plan 2 Cal-GETC General Education pattern. You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Associate of Arts in Elementary Teacher Education:  Integrated Programs for Transfer (A.A.-T in Elementary Teacher Education) prepares students to move into a curriculum at a four-year institution leading to a baccalaureate degree in Liberal Studies and into a multiple subject teaching credential program.  Please consult a counselor regarding specific course requirements for your transfer institution. Completion of the Associate of Arts in Elementary Teacher Education:  Integrated Programs (A.A.-T in Elementary Teacher Education) degree also provides guaranteed admission to the California State University (CSU) system with junior status, although not to a particular campus or major.  Upon completion of the Associate of Arts in Elementary Teacher Education:  Integrated Programs for Transfer (A.A.-T in Elementary Teacher Education), students will have a strong foundation in introductory content area subject matter requirements for teaching at the elementary school level. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in supervised fieldwork in K-12 settings.

Requirements for all Associate Degrees for Transfer:

  1. Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units.
  2. Completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC). The CSU-GE (California State University General Education Breadth) or IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) pattern may be used in some cases; please see a counselor for details.
  3. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of at least a 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework.
  4. Minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major. If the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis the "P" must be equal to a "C" or better.
  5. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis.

Identify the different ways students learn and explore how educators and schools can support learning for every student.

Demonstrate proficiency in multiple content areas required for subject matter competency for elementary teachers.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment in your first semester.

CSU Transfer Success Pathway: If eligible, enter into a CSU Transfer Success Pathway agreement at the beginning of your first semester to receive a guaranteed admission to the degree program and campus of your choice. Visit the SAC Transfer Center for more information.

First Semester

15-16 units

First Semester

ENGL C1000
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Formerly: ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This course includes embedded support.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This is an honors course. Formerly: ENGL 101H - Honors Freshman Composition.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Formerly: ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition.
AND
Laboratory exercises are designed to explore and understand the reading process, the writing process, grammar and punctuation rules in order to successfully complete English C1000. This class must be taken concurrently with an English C100 course.
CDEV C1000
Child Growth and Development
Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories. A student will not receive credit for this course if they have already taken Psychology 157. Formerly: CDEV 107 - Child Growth and Development (DS1)
    Plan 1: 4B. Social Science
    Plan 1: 7A. Lifelong Understanding
    Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
    ART 100
    Introduction to Art Concepts
    A study of the visual arts in relation to both personal and cultural expressions. Fundamentals of visual organization, color theory, terminology, historical art movements and concepts will be studied. Required for art majors.
      Plan 1: 3A. Arts
      Plan 2: 3A. Arts
      CHOICE: Elective
      CHOICE: Elective

      To maximize your Promise Program benefits and support your academic, career, and personal development goals, consider taking CNSL 100 or CNSL 116. 

      Second Semester

      15 units

      Second Semester

      CHOICE: Cal-GETC Area 1B – Critical Thinking & Composition
      In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 College Reading and Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. Formerly: ENGL 103 - Critical Thinking and Writing.
      In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 College Reading and Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. This is an honors course. Formerly: ENGL 103H - Honors Critical Thinking and Writing.
      In this course, students receive instruction in analytical, critical, and argumentative writing. Students develop critical thinking, close reading and literary analysis skills, research strategies, information literacy, and knowledge of accurate documentation through the study of diverse literary works from a variety of literary genres, developing an appreciation for literature. This second-semester composition course uses literature to develop critical thinking skills with extensive readings selected from the four major genres. Formerly: ENGL 102 - Literature and Composition.
      In this course, students receive instruction in analytical, critical, and argumentative writing. Students develop critical thinking, close reading and literary analysis skills, research strategies, information literacy, and knowledge of accurate documentation through the study of diverse literary works from a variety of literary genres, developing an appreciation for literature. This is an honors course. An enriched approach designed for honors students. This second-semester composition course uses literature to develop critical thinking skills with extensive readings selected from the four major genres. Formerly: ENGL 102H - Honors Literature and Composition.
      College-level critical thinking and writing. Promotes self-awareness, independent thinking, and improved academic expression. Examines philosophical methods of reasoning and composition, and the uses of informal logic and criticism in personal life, college, work, and democratic society.
      An enriched approach designed for honors students in a seminar setting. College-level critical thinking and writing. Promotes self-awareness, independent thinking, and improved academic expression. Examines philosophical methods of reasoning and composition, and the uses of informal logic and criticism in personal life, college, work, and democratic society.
      MATH 105
      Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students
      An overview of mathematics for the liberal arts student. Topics will include problem solving, financial management, probability, statistics, set theory, geometry, mathematical modeling, and the history of mathematics.
      • Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Intermediate algebra or equivalent, or a qualifying profile based on multiple measures
      Plan 1: 2. Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
      Plan 2: 2. Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
      ERTH 115
      Earth Science for Educators
      The study of the dynamic forces shaping the earth, including its oceans and atmosphere. This class is open to all majors but is oriented towards enhancing the earth science knowledge of future teachers. Also includes an introduction to the solar system. Half-day field trip required. Not open to students who are enrolled or have credit in Earth Science 110, Geology 101, or Geography 101.
        Plan 1: 5. Natural Sciences
        Plan 2: 5A. Physical Science
        Plan 2: 5C. Laboratory
        CHOICE: Elective

        Third Semester

        16 units
        COMM C1000
        Introduction to Public Speaking
        In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. Formerly: CMST 102 - Public Speaking.
          Plan 1: 1B. Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
          Plan 2: 1C. Oral Communication
          POLS C1000
          American Government and Politics
          This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. Formerly: POLT 101 - American Government and Politics.
            Plan 1: 4A. American Institutions
            Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
            MATH 204
            Mathematical Concepts for Elementary School Teachers
            Designed for prospective elementary teachers, the course emphasizes problem solving techniques and mathematical structure associated with numeration, set theory, elementary number theory, real number system, ratio, proportion, and percent. The course includes instructional delivery design and activity-based explorations.
            • Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Intermediate algebra or equivalent, or a qualifying profile based on multiple measures
            Plan 1: 2. Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
            HIST C1001
            United States History to 1877
            This course is a historical survey of the United States, from Indigenous North America to the end of Reconstruction. The course also introduces students to historical reasoning skills. Examines the major political, economic, intellectual, and social forces at home and abroad that shaped American life from the colonial period through Reconstruction. Formerly: HIST 120 - The United States to 1877.
              CHOICE: Elective

              Fourth Semester

              16 units
              EDUC 201
              Introduction to Elementary Classroom Teaching
              Introduces students to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today’s contemporary schools, kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). Topics include teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, contemporary educational issues, California’s content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time, the course requires a minimum of 45 hours of structured fieldwork in public school elementary classrooms that represent California’s diverse student population, and includes cooperation with at least one approved certificated classroom teacher.
              • Recommended Preparation: EDUC 105; before field experience begins, verification of the state-mandated Tdap vaccination, MMR immunization, and negative TB test may be required.
              ENGL 270
              Children's Literature
              A study of literature for children emphasizing the history, trends, issues, and evaluation of all major genres: picture books, poetry, drama, traditional literature, non-fiction, and fiction, including full-length works.
              • Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
              • Prerequisite: ENGL C1000H
              Plan 1: 3B. Humanities
              Plan 2: 3B. Humanities
              BIOL 115
              Concepts in Biology for Educators
              An investigation in the basic principles of Biology and Science with content appropriate for future multiple-subject teachers and secondary through high school. The course material is presented within the context of the human experience and includes cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, animal behavior, and the interaction of humans with the environment. The course is taught from an inquiry-based strategy using active learning.
                Plan 1: 5. Natural Sciences
                Plan 2: 5B. Biological Science
                Plan 2: 5C. Laboratory
                CHOICE: Cal-GETC Area 6 – Ethnic Studies
                This course is an introduction to the field of Asian American Studies. A trans-disciplinary, multisectoral, and multidimensional approach will be employed to study Asian Americans' various experiences and their contributions to American society and culture utilizing the perspectives of race, nationality, class, gender, and sexuality. The course will cover historical and contemporary issues within Asian American communities, including immigration, anti-Asian violence, labor, unionization, and stereotypes.
                This course is an introduction to the field of African/Black American Studies. A trans-disciplinary, multisectoral, and multidimensional approach will be employed to study African/Black Americans' various experiences and contributions to American society and culture. The course will cover historical and contemporary issues, including African origins, the development of African/Black American culture, the struggles of the African/Black American family, African/Black American political life, and African/Black American people's socioeconomic empowerment in the United States.
                This course introduces the field of Chicana/Chicano/Chican@/Chicanx/Xicana/Xicano/Xicanx Studies. It is designed to acquaint students with the most significant social, political, economic, and historical aspects of the Chicana/Chicano/Chican@/Chicanx/Xicana/Xicano/Xicanx experience in the United States. A trans-disciplinary, multisectoral, and multidimensional approach will be employed to study Chicanas/Chicanos/Chican@s/Chicanxs/Xicanas/Xicanos/Xicanxs various experiences and their contributions to American society and culture. This course will critically analyze the societal context in which the Chicana/Chicano/Chican@/Chicanx/Xicana/Xicano/Xicanx have sought to maintain their culture. This course is designed to present a foundation in Chicana/Chicano/Chican@/Chicanx/Xicana/Xicano/Xicanx Studies.
                This course analyzes the United States-Mexican border and its regions. This course dissects the geographical, historical, and artistic significance. Dialogues occur within the context of "borders" and their intersectionality of international, regional, community, intersectional, transnational, and personal contexts concerning interethnic/intercultural relations. Attention is given to the intersectionality of Native American/First People, African/Black American, Chicana/Chicano/Chicanx/Xican@/Xicana/Xicano/Xicanx, Latin Americans/Latina American/Latino American/Latinx American, and Asian American ethnic groups within mainstream U.S. society. Duplicate credit not granted for ETHN 102H.
                This course analyzes the United States-Mexican border and its regions. This course dissects the geographical, historical, and artistic significance. Dialogues occur in the context of "borders" and their intersectionality of international, regional, community, intersectional, transnational, and personal contexts concerning interethnic/intercultural relations. Attention is given to the intersectionality of Native American/First People, African/Black American, Chicana/Chicano/Chicanx/Chican@/Xicana/Xicano/Xicanx, Latin American/Latina American/Latino American/Latinx American, and Asian American ethnic groups within mainstream U.S. society. Duplicate credit not granted for ETHN 102.
                This course serves to broaden the ethnic and racial perspectives of students interested in American culture and society. A trans-disciplinary, multisectoral, and multidimensional approach will be employed to study the social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of four ethnic groups -- Native/First People Americans, African/Black Americans, Chicana/Chicano/Chican@/Chicanx/Xicana/Xicano/Xicanx/Latin/Latina /Latino/Latine/Latinx Americans, and Asian Americans. Emphasis is placed on these groups' historical and contemporary relationships with each other and the rest of American society—Duplicate credit not granted for ETHN 150H.
                This course serves to broaden the ethnic and racial perspectives of students interested in American culture and society. A trans-disciplinary, multisectoral, and multidimensional approach will be employed to study the social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of four ethnic groups — Native/First People Americans, African/Black Americans, Chicana/Chicano/Chican@/Chicanx/Xicana/Xicano/Xicanx/Latin/Latina /Latino/Latine/Latinx Americans, and Asian Americans. Emphasis is placed on these groups' historical and contemporary relationships with each other and the rest of American society—Duplicate credit not granted for ETHN 150.
                CHOICE: Elective