School of Education
Elementary and Middle School Education Associate in Arts
University of Delaware’s Associate in Arts (AA) two-year degree is equivalent to the first two years of the bachelor of science degree in Elementary and Middle School Education (B.S.Ed.) on the Newark campus. The UD Associate in Arts Program campuses in Georgetown and Wilmington offer a degree option (AAKTE) that allows students to complete the B.S.Ed. in four years.
The AA degree offers small class sizes and faculty who are dedicated to helping each student become successful. Students begin their education courses and field experiences in their first semester, enabling them to apply what they learn from their coursework and to develop their skills with children immediately. The Office of Clinical Studies assists students with field experience clearances, including the tuberculin (TB), criminal background check, and Stewards of Children Training.
In addition, eligible students can participate in the SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship program that provides full-time Associate’s degree students free tuition during their two years on the Georgetown and Wilmington campuses.
Program Coordinator: Scott Lykens (Southern Delaware) and Teresa Hickok (Wilmington)
The University of Delaware’s Southern Delaware campus is located in the Jason Technology Center at 21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE, 19947. Visitors to the campus or those interested in the program may contact Scott Lykens, Southern Delaware Program Coordinator, at 302-500-7051 or via email.
The University of Delaware’s Wilmington campus is located in the Community Education Building 1200 North French Street Wilmington, DE. 19980. Visitors to the campus or those interested in the program may contact Teresa Hickok, Wilmington Program Coordinator, via email.
Students can complete the 62 credits in the AA program in four semesters. Below is a sample two-year plan for an AA student.
Freshman Year, Fall Semester
| Course Title | Number of Credits |
| EDUC 100 – Intro. Elementary and Middle School Education | 2 |
| EDUC 205 – Human Development: Grades K-8 | 3 |
| ENGL 110 – Critical Reading & Writing | 3 |
| Fine arts elective in ART, ARTH or MUSC | 3 |
| HIST 103, 104, 105, or 106 | 3 |
| MATH 251 – Math for K-8 Teachers: Number & Operations | 3 |
Freshman Year, Spring Semester
| Course Title | Number of Credits |
| EDUC 240 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Education | 3 |
| MATH 252 – Math for K-8 Teachers: Rational Number & Probability | 3 |
| GEOL 113 – Earth Science | 4 |
| UAPP 102 – Civics and Economics for Teachers | 3 |
| Optional Concentration Course | 3 |
Sophomore Year, Fall Semester
| Course Title | Number of Credits |
| EDUC 230 – Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
| MATH 253 – Math for K-8 Teachers: Geometry, Algebra & Measurement | 3 |
| BISC 104 or 207 – Biology | 4 |
| GEOG 102 or 120 – Geography | 3 |
Sophomore Year, Spring Semester
| Course Title | Number of Credits |
| EDUC 210 – Beginning Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 258 – Cultural Diversity, Schooling and the Teacher | 3 |
| EDUC 387 – Integrating Technology in Education | 3 |
| SCEN 101 – Physical Science | 4 |
| ENGL (An approved literature course) | 3 |
| Optional Concentration Course | 3 |
Students who complete the AA program can transition to the B.S.Ed. program on the Newark campus. In order to receive upper division clearance for courses beginning their second semester on campus and for student teaching, students need to satisfy the following two requirements:
- Minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.60 in all work taken at UD.
- The following General Studies courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C- or better.
- ENGL 110
- Two of the three science courses
- Two of the three social sciences courses
- MATH 251, 252, and 253
- Completion with a grade of C- or better and a minimum GPA of 2.60 in the required courses in education. The required education courses are:
- EDUC 100 – Introduction to Elementary and Middle School Education
- EDUC 205 – Human Development Grades K-8
- EDUC 210 – Beginning Literacy
- EDUC 230 – Introduction to Exceptional Children
- EDUC 240 – Law and Ethics in Education OR EDUC 247 – History of Education in America
- EDUC 258 – Cultural Diversity, Schooling, and the Teacher
- EDUC 387 – Integrating Technology in Education
- Official enrollment in the major.
- The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test may be required.
They will take Concentration, General Studies, and Professional Studies courses to complete the B.S.Ed. degree. These courses are listed in the program course requirements. AA students will complete their Professional Studies courses and Concentration courses in their final two years on the Newark campus. They will have completed the General Studies courses for the B.S.Ed. degree during their AA program.
All seniors have the opportunity to student teach in southern Delaware.
The Delaware SEED Scholarship Program is offered by the state of Delaware and covers tuition for eligible students enrolled in an AA program at UD. SEED Scholarships are available to eligible Delaware residents who enroll in an AA program full-time for at least the first semester. In selecting SEED scholarship recipients, UD will give priority to students who have the most financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UD recommends that families file their FAFSAs by the end of February for first consideration.
For more information, contact UD’s Student Financial Service’s page for AA students.
Visit our Awards and Funding page for information on other external, university, and college-wide scholarship and funding opportunities.
Alumni Spotlights
Emily Halliday
Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Teacher Education (BS.Ed.), using the AAKTE program as a springboard to her four-year degree. She completed her first two years of college in Georgetown (AAKTE) and then transitioned to the Newark campus to earn her degree (BS.Ed).
Erika Rybak
Erika graduated with her B.S.Ed. in Elementary Teacher Education after beginning in the AAKTE program. After graduating, she taught in Germany and now works as a kindergarten teacher in the Brandywine School District. She recently earned her Ed.D. in Special Education from Slippery Rock University.
How to Apply
Students apply to the Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Elementary and Middle School Education by completing the following two steps.
- Complete the online application for admission to the University of Delaware.
- Indicate their major as the AA degree with an interest in Elementary and Middle School Education.