[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]An online associate degree in education provides learners with a flexible, accessible route to the teaching profession — often at a lower cost than traditional alternatives.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The teaching field welcomes professionals from many pathways. An associate degree in education online offers one of the more flexible and accessible options available. While most states require teachers in public kindergarten classrooms and above to have bachelor’s [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-teaching/”]teaching degrees[/hen-ui-link], associate degree graduates can still pursue those careers and more by making the right educational choices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the system evolves to meet modern demands and challenges from forces like COVID-19, teachers need to remain adaptable, accommodating, communicative, and technologically competent. In addition to ranking of the best programs in this field, this page outlines how associate degrees from [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online colleges[/hen-ui-link] can equip students with the necessary skills for an array of careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Associate in Education Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is an Online Associate in Education Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in education equips students with a basic understanding of the educational system, teaching responsibilities, and related challenges. While there are various types of teaching degrees and specializations, programs generally provide skills — such as classroom management, communication, and psychology — that degree-holders can apply to all types of classrooms.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/teaching-requirements-by-state/”]State teaching requirements[/hen-ui-link] vary, but each teacher typically needs a bachelor’s degree. While associate degrees do not directly lead to licensure, students of these two-year programs can transfer into [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-education/”]online bachelor’s in education degree[/hen-ui-link] programs, even reducing their overall cost of college in some cases. These programs tend to attract students who may not have a clear destination in mind and seek the added career flexibility.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of Online Associate Degrees in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective students may find it difficult to know which teaching degree to get when there are so many majors and specialization options. The following list offers a few available degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”why”]Why Get an Online Associate Degree in Education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The biggest advantage to an associate degree in education online program is the flexibility. These programs introduce learners to the field and provide them with various postgraduate options without requiring a four-year commitment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Prepares Learners for Entry-Level Jobs in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though graduates with an associate degree in education may not qualify for licensure, they can work in entry-level education roles as teacher assistants, preschool teachers, or childcare workers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Explore Education as a Career Path[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in education requires a four-year commitment, which can seem daunting — particularly for individuals looking to change careers. The associate degree in education offers a more accommodating pathway, consisting of two years of training with a heavy emphasis on general education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Earn Credits to Transfer to a Bachelor’s in Education Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many students choose an associate degree in education as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees can offer more accessible admission requirements and more affordable tuition. After graduation, associate degree credits often transfer seamlessly into bachelor’s programs. Many schools even offer direct pathways and 2+2 program options to make the process easier.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”expect”]What to Expect in an Online Associate Degree in Education Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an associate degree in education online delivers the same content as traditional programs through different delivery methods. Online learners often choose between [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]synchronous and asynchronous[/hen-ui-link] courses, though associate degree programs tend to offer more asynchronous options. While some programs may feature practicums and field experience classes, these are much more common at the bachelor’s level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally, associate degrees emphasize general education courses. Teaching-specific classes vary by program, but may include the following options:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Degree Program in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During their school and program research, prospective students need to make a list of their needs and interests. Tuition cost, admission requirements, location, and curriculum typically rank among the highest priorities. Choosing an online college requires learners to think about residency requirements, access to in-state tuition rates, and delivery formats.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most importantly, applicants need to ensure their school has [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regional accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. Prospective learners should also make sure that their online associate degree in education holds accreditation with the [hen-ui-link href=”http://caepnet.org/”]Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link]. Students can find other recognized accrediting bodies through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html/”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with associate degrees in education can qualify for many careers. The following table looks at some popular options, along with their median annual wages.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Entry-Level Careers in Education[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Wage[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Teaching Assistants[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$35,550[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Teacher Assistants at Private Elementary and Secondary Schools[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$35,480[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Teacher Assistants at Child Day Care Services[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$31,060[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Childcare Workers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$30,370[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Associate Degrees in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Be a Teacher With an Associate Degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Graduates with associate degrees in education can teach in preschool and childcare classrooms. They may also teach in some private schools. Only public schools require state-mandated licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Do I Become a Teacher if I Didn’t Major in Education?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools offer teacher training pathways for students in popular majors, such as English or mathematics. Graduates with degrees in other subjects can also complete teaching certificates to qualify.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do You Need an Associate Degree to Get a Bachelor’s?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. Students can enter bachelor’s programs directly without any prior undergraduate training. However, some degree completion programs may require a certain number of undergraduate credits for entry.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I Transfer My Associate Degree to a Bachelor’s?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Graduates with an associate degree can usually transfer their credits into bachelor’s programs. This can also lower the overall cost of a four-year education, as associate degree credits often cost less than bachelor’s degree credits.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Doug Wintemute” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618859893/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/doug-wintemute.jpg” img-alt=”Doug Wintemute” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Doug Wintemute[/hen-ui-link] is a Toronto-based freelance writer with professional writing interests in higher learning and entertainment. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum laude and earning academic merit, research, and writing awards at both levels. Since 2014, he has contributed content and editorial work for award-winning digital trade publications, global SEO copywriting projects, and hugely popular online brands. He can be contacted through [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougwintemute/”]LinkedIn[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1454,1453,333″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]