Get Matched With English Education Colleges

Overview of an Associates in English Education


Are you considering a career in education? If you enjoy working with children or adolescents to build upon academic fundamentals and prepare them for further instruction, earning an associate degree in education may be a good career choice for you. It's important to realize, however, that every state requires public educators to be licensed. An associate degree alone will not satisfy the certification requirements necessary to teach in the United States. For this reason, you will be unable to find associate degree programs that focus solely on English education.

While it is impossible to become an English teacher with this degree type, graduates can apply for other positions within the school system or pursue an undergraduate degree in teaching with licensure afterward. The program you select will greatly depend on your ultimate career goals. You may choose an Associate of Arts degree focused on education, and gain your English degree program in the form of a bachelor's degree. Or, you can complete an associate degree in English, making sure to complete the general education courses you will need for a bachelor's degree (chemistry, mathematics, and other liberal arts courses), and then focus your next two years of education on completing an English degree program. The core courses for an associate of arts in English or higher level degrees in English often focus on academics including creative writing, the English language, world literature and literary analysis, as well as other liberal arts courses meant to teach critical thinking, which may include political science. Colleges and universities will differ in the classes and majors they offer for study at each level. An Associate of Arts in English degree program is most likely to be found at your local community college.

Education professionals at every level are usually expected to have successfully completed at least two years of higher education. In most cases, this means earning an associate degree in education, but some schools will accept the first two years of an undergraduate degree. An associate degree in English or education will provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to qualify for non-teaching, entry-level employment opportunities. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with this degree type that you should be aware of.

Compare Popular Online English Education Programs

PROS

There are many reasons to pursue an associate degree in English or education. One significant advantage is that an associate degree costs substantially less than a bachelor’s degree. According to the College Board’s Trends in Higher Education Series in 2017-2018, the average in-state tuition at traditional four-year institutions for a single year was $9,970. Associate degree students, on the other hand, paid only an average of $3,570 per year.

Associate degrees also take less time to complete than other higher education alternatives. While exact graduation time frames vary based on enrollment status (full-time or part-time), most students can earn an associate degree in as little as two years. Conversely, undergraduate degrees typically require four years or more to complete.

This also means individuals with bachelor's degrees must wait longer to join the workforce. Graduates with an associate degree in English education, however, can begin applying for jobs after only two years. The advantage here lies in the ability to start paying off school loans earlier, as well as bringing in a regular income. While these professionals may not earn the same salary as someone with an undergraduate degree, they do still earn more than individuals without any advanced degree.

Finally, the credits earned from an accredited associate degree program can be transferred. All completed coursework can count toward bachelor’s degree requirements in the future. Therefore, if you earn an associate degree in English, you can finish an education degree more quickly. Or, if you earn an associate of arts in education, you can earn an English degree more quickly.

CONS

There are many advantages of pursing an Associate of Arts in English education, but there are drawbacks as well. Most importantly, graduates will not meet the minimum requirements to become licensed to teach in any state. All licensed educators must have, at minimum, an undergraduate degree from a school with proper accreditation. Individuals with an associate degree can apply for teaching assistant and teacher’s aide positions, but they will not be employable as full teachers. In some states, graduates cannot even work as preschool teachers or substitute teachers. In addition to employment opportunities being limited, professionals in these positions often make significantly less than full licensed teachers do, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Top 25 Best Online Associate in English Education Programs


1

Drury University

Score: 76.53

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,830
    • Out-of-State: $33,830
  • Net Price: $20,996
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,595
  • Undergrad Students: 1,375
  • Graduate Students: 220
  • Grads Salary: $32,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Drury University
2

Weber State University

Score: 75.15

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,391
    • Out-of-State: $17,084
  • Net Price: $10,525
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 29,914
  • Undergrad Students: 28,903
  • Graduate Students: 1,011
  • Grads Salary: $41,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • Weber State University
3

Saddleback College

Score: 73.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $1,150
    • Out-of-State: $9,814
  • Net Price: $6,940
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 16,660
  • Undergrad Students: 16,660
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • Saddleback College
4

Northern Virginia Community College

Score: 69.39

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,565
    • Out-of-State: $11,648
  • Net Price: $10,109
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 35%
  • Total Enrollment: 51,896
  • Undergrad Students: 51,896
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 28:1
  • Northern Virginia Community College
5

Casper College

Score: 69.34

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,528
    • Out-of-State: $8,568
  • Net Price: $8,451
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,354
  • Undergrad Students: 3,354
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $31,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Casper College
6

Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Score: 69.28

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $27,140
    • Out-of-State: $27,140
  • Net Price: $24,828
  • Acceptance Rate: 98%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,080
  • Undergrad Students: 1,080
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
7

Cowley College

Score: 68.27

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,200
    • Out-of-State: $5,700
  • Net Price: $8,396
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Graduation Rate: 47%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,230
  • Undergrad Students: 2,230
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $30,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Cowley College
8

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Score: 67.2

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,782
    • Out-of-State: $17,782
  • Net Price: $19,217
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,794
  • Undergrad Students: 1,491
  • Graduate Students: 303
  • Grads Salary: $34,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Southwestern Assemblies of God University
9

Miami University-Middletown

Score: 66.68

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,072
    • Out-of-State: $18,196
  • Net Price: $13,405
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 55%
  • Graduation Rate: 23%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,269
  • Undergrad Students: 1,269
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $42,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Miami University-Middletown
10

North Central State College

Score: 66.35

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,624
    • Out-of-State: $9,102
  • Net Price: $3,885
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 27%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,439
  • Undergrad Students: 2,439
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $29,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • North Central State College
11

Great Basin College

Score: 66.34

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,773
    • Out-of-State: $13,037
  • Net Price: $7,058
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 38%
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,197
  • Undergrad Students: 3,197
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $29,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Great Basin College
12

Bucks County Community College

Score: 65.49

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,221
    • Out-of-State: $13,421
  • Net Price: $7,061
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,162
  • Undergrad Students: 6,162
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $33,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Bucks County Community College
13

Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Score: 65.15

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,600
    • Out-of-State: $5,600
  • Net Price: $4,879
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,801
  • Undergrad Students: 2,801
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $24,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Copiah-Lincoln Community College
14

Kishwaukee College

Score: 65.05

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,390
    • Out-of-State: $13,800
  • Net Price: $8,476
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 36%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,581
  • Undergrad Students: 2,581
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $30,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Kishwaukee College
15

Rowan College at Burlington County

Score: 64.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,268
    • Out-of-State: $6,828
  • Net Price: $6,650
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 29%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,180
  • Undergrad Students: 6,180
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $32,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Rowan College at Burlington County
16

Community College of Aurora

Score: 64.65

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,030
    • Out-of-State: $15,832
  • Net Price: $7,340
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,343
  • Undergrad Students: 8,343
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Community College of Aurora
17

Barton Community College

Score: 64.51

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,904
    • Out-of-State: $4,741
  • Net Price: $9,073
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 50%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,269
  • Undergrad Students: 4,269
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $30,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Barton Community College
18

Bunker Hill Community College

Score: 64.47

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,280
    • Out-of-State: $10,224
  • Net Price: $8,857
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 17%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,439
  • Undergrad Students: 8,439
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $39,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Bunker Hill Community College
19

Brookdale Community College

Score: 64.42

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,948
    • Out-of-State: $9,698
  • Net Price: $8,962
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 29%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,896
  • Undergrad Students: 9,896
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $33,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Brookdale Community College
20

Highland Community College

Score: 63.98

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,330
    • Out-of-State: $3,330
  • Net Price: $9,373
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 38%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,339
  • Undergrad Students: 2,339
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $32,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Highland Community College
21

Truckee Meadows Community College

Score: 63.86

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,162
    • Out-of-State: $10,639
  • Net Price: $7,966
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 26%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,651
  • Undergrad Students: 9,651
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $33,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Truckee Meadows Community College
22

Front Range Community College

Score: 63.8

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,126
    • Out-of-State: $15,776
  • Net Price: $9,186
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 27%
  • Total Enrollment: 19,449
  • Undergrad Students: 19,449
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $35,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • Front Range Community College
23

Sinclair Community College

Score: 63.45

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,569
    • Out-of-State: $8,316
  • Net Price: $5,830
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Total Enrollment: 17,591
  • Undergrad Students: 17,591
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $28,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Sinclair Community College
24

McLennan Community College

Score: 63.42

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,200
    • Out-of-State: $5,910
  • Net Price: $6,362
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 32%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,942
  • Undergrad Students: 6,942
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $29,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • McLennan Community College
25

Anne Arundel Community College

Score: 62.15

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,230
    • Out-of-State: $13,760
  • Net Price: $14,256
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 27%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,192
  • Undergrad Students: 10,192
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Anne Arundel Community College

Certificate vs. Associate's


Many disciplines offer online certificate programs in addition to degrees. These are designed to take less time to complete, often requiring a little as a year. This is possible because certificate programs exclude general education coursework from the curriculum, whereas associate degree programs include it.

Unfortunately, there are not many online certificate programs like this in the education field. Some certificate programs in education are available, but only in select states. There are also graduate certificate programs available to individuals with an undergraduate degree and professional experience. These programs are meant to help students specialize in a particular sub-field, such as English language teaching, not gain entry-level employment.

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What English Education Associate Degrees are Available Online?


Specific associate degrees in education titles vary, but most colleges and universities offer an Associate of Science (AS) and/or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree option. You may also find Associate of Applied Science and/or Associate of Applied Arts degrees. Common specializations include early childhood education, paraprofessional education, elementary education, and secondary education. These options either prepare graduates for non-teaching employment or further education. You may also consider enrolling in an English degree program, in which you would take main courses in creative writing, English language, liberal arts, etc. This would decrease the number of English-related classes you need to take as a bachelor’s degree student in the future.

  • Online Associate of Science (AS) in Education
    An AS is usually best for students interested in entering the field as soon as possible. Coursework focuses primarily on critical content, necessary for a successful career as a non-teaching school employee.
  • Online Associate of Arts (AA) in Education
    An AA usually appeals to individuals interested in continuing their education after graduation. Coursework typically includes both general education and education-specific classes. Completing a two-year AA in education degree program is often considered equivalent to completing the first two years of an undergraduate degree.
  • Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
    AAS degrees are designed for individuals who plan to seek employment immediately after graduation. They tend to be much more technical in nature than AA and AS degrees, with fewer general courses. Some institutions may offer an online Associate of Applied Arts degree in education, but these programs are not common.

English Associate Admission Requirements


Online associate degree candidates must complete various institutional requirements before they can enroll in a program.

While these standards vary, they often include the following:

  • A high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Minimum overall academic grade point average
  • Transcripts from any post-secondary education, if applicable

SAT and/or ACT scores are often required for bachelor degree candidates, but this is rarely the case for community colleges. Candidates may, however, need to submit additional paperwork, pay application fees, and arrange financial aid.

There are also several admission requirements that must be met before enrolling in an online bachelor degree program. If you intend to become an English teacher, you should become familiar with these before the completion of your associate degree in education. You should also be prepared to provide a complete transcript of classes taken.

How long does it take to earn an English Education Associates Degree Online?


In most cases, full-time associate degree students can expect to graduate within two years. Those who take classes on a part-time basis, however, will likely need more time. While exact time frames will vary, part-time students may require between one to three additional years to complete the graduation requirements. Conversely, students with advanced placement credits may be able to graduate sooner. Earning an associate degree in English education will not lead directly to a career as an English teacher. Further education and certification will be necessary. This should be taken into consideration when calculating the total amount of time needed to prepare for various levels of employment in this field.

Potential Careers in English Education with an online Associates


Individuals who graduate with an associate degree in English education will have several employment opportunities available. While they will be unable to teach most grades professionally, they could work as a preschool teacher, teacher assistant, or childcare worker.

  • Preschool Teacher:
    Preschool teachers work with children who are too young for school, usually between ages three and five. They frequently engage these students in activities that are educational, but not too challenging. The primary goal for these professionals is to better prepare children for success in kindergarten.
    According to PayScale, the average yearly salary for a preschool teacher is $31,200.
  • Teacher Assistant:
    Teacher assistants supervise, tutor, and/or mentor students, individually or in small groups. They are often responsible for planning instruction, as well as maintaining paperwork pertaining to student grades and progress. These professionals also enforce school policies and rules when necessary.
    According to PayScale, the average yearly salary for a teacher assistant is $23,900.
  • Childcare Worker:
    Childcare workers are responsible for providing a safe and orderly environment for young children. They must ensure all physical, emotional, and social needs are effectively met, while also maintaining appropriate documentation. These professionals also contribute to facility planning and administration tasks including, but not limited to, interacting with parents and other child care workers.
    According to PayScale, the average yearly salary for a childcare worker is $29,700.

Salary by Occupation


Occupation Entry-Level Mid-Career Late Career
Writer $40,900 $54,200 $65,2000
Composition $38,900 $51,000 $66,800
Journalist $30,900 $44,800 $57,900
Rhetoric $46,000 $58,000 $70,000
Film/TV $50,500 $72,100 $106,500
Digital Strategist $55,600 $69,700 $124,800

Options to Advance


In most cases, the only way to advance in the education field is to earn an English education undergraduate degree. Graduates will be able to apply for a teaching license and can then seek more advanced employment. Because every state requires teachers to have a license, there are very few advancement opportunities available until this certification is earned.

Frequently Asked Questions


Will I be ready to teach after completing this degree?

The short answer to this is no. Generally, teachers in the US are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. If you wish to teach English, that means that you’ll need to complete a teacher preparation program that prepares you to take your PRAXIS exams in elementary, middle, or high school teaching. Additionally, most associate degree programs will provide you with a degree in English or in teaching but will not give you an English education dual degree. You’ll need to attend at least a bachelor’s-level program to earn that kind of degree. However, at the associate level, you can certainly earn a teaching degree or English degree that will give you an excellent foundation on which to continue your education.

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