Elementary and Middle School Education Concentration
Program Description
The Elementary and Middle School Education Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education leading to teacher certification at the elementary or middle school level.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in child and adolescent development, learning theory, and educational practice. Students explore how learners grow academically, socially, and emotionally across elementary and middle school years, while examining the role of schools in supporting diverse student populations. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and the application of developmental and educational theory to classroom settings.
The program combines a broad behavioral science foundation with focused preparation for students interested in teaching in upper elementary and middle school environments.
Transfer Information
The Elementary and Middle School Education concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education, middle school education, and related teacher preparation pathways. Students intending to pursue teacher certification should work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework meets transfer and certification requirements at their intended institution.
Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Because teacher preparation programs often have GPA standards, admission requirements, and testing requirements, early and intentional academic planning is strongly recommended.
Career Information
The A.S. in Behavioral Science and Public Service – Elementary and Middle School Education Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program are required to become a certified teacher.
With further education and certification, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Elementary School Teacher
- Middle School Teacher
- Subject-Specific Middle School Teacher
- Curriculum or Instructional Support Specialist
- Youth Program Leader
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to plan transfer and certification pathways.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| EDUC 178 | Introduction to the Education of Exceptional Students | 3 |
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| CSIT 110 | Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications | 3 |
| BIOL 161 | General Biology I Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 161L | General Biology I Lab | 1 |
| HEHP 225 | Contemporary Health | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| A Survey of Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| HIST 173 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| ASLN 100 | American Sign Language I | 3 |
| EDUC 261 | Development of the Learner | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| A Survey of Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| EDUC 277 | The Teaching Profession in America | 3 |
| PSYC 273 | Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| HIST 174 | United States History from 1877 | 3 |
| GEOG 161 | World Physical Geography | 3 |
| HEHP 160 | First Aid/CPR/AED | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60-62 | |
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A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available.