Degree in Elementary Education
Degree & Certificate Programs
Program Details
Massasoit’s Associate of Arts Degree in Elementary Education is your first step in pre-service teacher preparation. With supportive and encouraging faculty members, students learn educational philosophy and history, gain skills throughout the liberal arts, and become culturally responsive and effective educational pre-practitioners.
This program is ideal for entry-level college students, instructional paraprofessionals, teaching assistants and aides, and returning or career-change students who wish to attain their short- and long-term higher education and career goals. In order to become an elementary school teacher, students must complete the associate’s degree program, transfer to a four-year degree-granting institution, and complete additional courses and work to earn at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate.
This degree meets the requirements of the Elementary Education Transfer Compact, as well as the MassTransfer Compact, of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Students who graduate with this degree will then be able to enter a Massachusetts state college or university’s elementary education program as a junior.
Graduates earn an Associate of Arts Degree.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Elementary Education degree program, students will:
- Be able to demonstrate learning in the area of educational philosophy and history
- Have and demonstrate skills in the Liberal Arts
- Be culturally responsive and effective educational pre-practitioners
- Meet published requirements for entrance into state college or university elementary educations programs at the junior level
Academic Map
Degree in Elementary Education
A minimum of 23 Credits and 63 credits is required. At least 16 credits of your program must be taken at Massasoit. Students in Elementary Education are eligible for MassTransfer benefits with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Please see an advisor for more information on MassTransfer. Note: Each course completed and passed can only fulfill one program requirement. The same course cannot be used to satisfy multiple program requirements.
Semester 1
4 Credits in BIOL 121 or 143
(Biological Principles I or Introduction to Environmental Science)
3 Credits in ENGL 101
English Composition I
3 Credits in HIST 103
United States History I
3 Credits in MATH 127
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
3 Credits in PSYC 101
General Psychology
Semester 2
3 Credits in ENGL 102
English Composition II
3 Credits in HIST 108
World History I
3 Credits in MATH 128
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
3 Credits in SOCI 104
Principles of Sociology
4 Credits in Physical Science elective
Semester 3
3 Credits in EDUC 111
Introduction to Elementary Education
1 Credit in EDUC 201
Mass Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Prep for Comm & Literacy Skills Test (CSLT)
3 Credits in ENGL 213
American Literature to 1860
3 Credits in GOVT 105
American National Government
3 Credits in SPCH 105
Speech Communication
3 Credits in PSYC 202
Child Psychology
Semester 4
3 Credits in ECON 201
Principles of Economics I
3 Credits in EDUC 205
Language and Literacy Learning
3 Credits in EDUC 210
Critical and Anti-Racist Approaches to Education
3 Credits in ENGL 214
American Literature since 1860
3 Credits in GEOG 201
Human Geography
This academic map is a suggested semester-by-semester guide to keep you on a clear path to program completion. Please note that some classes are offered only in certain semesters, have prerequisites, or minimum passing grades. Winter and/or Summer Session classes may be available for some classes. Your academic advisor will provide you with clear direction needed to stay on course and discuss scheduling options with you. Taking courses not reflected on this map may result in courses not counting toward the completion of your requirements.
Advisory Committee
This committee is composed of experienced educators, school administrators, academic advisors, and community partners who work collaboratively to ensure our program prepares future teachers with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed for success in today’s classrooms. By offering guidance on curriculum development, licensure requirements, and educational trends, the committee plays a vital role in aligning our program with state standards and the evolving needs of elementary education. Together, we are committed to fostering excellence in teacher preparation and supporting the academic and professional growth of our students.
- Colleen Reynolds
Special Education Specialist
Willett Early Childhood Center - Janet Hansbury
Educator (retired)
Brockton Public Schools - Susan Pratt
Technology Teacher
Notre Dame Academy - Dr. Lorne Ranstrom
Department Chair, Division of Teacher Education
Eastern Nazarene College - Dr. Judith Riordan
Superintendent of schools (retired)
East Bridgewater Public Schools - Darrin B. Reynolds
Principal
Butler Elementary School - Susan S. Fraga-Mullen
Alumna, Teacher - Erin O’Brien
Alumna - Amy McAlpine
Instructional Technology Specialist
Marshfield High School
School Committee member
East Bridgewater - Matthew McDonough
Alumnus
Teacher/Librarian
Raymond School