Associate of Arts in General Studies
The Associate of Arts in General Studies degree program is a basic curriculum, which when completed can prepare the adult learner for the Bachelor of Science in Human Services or the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Teacher Certification component. The theme statement of the School of Education emphasized the preparation of “educators who demonstrate scholarship within a Christian ethic of care.” The Associate of Arts degree consists primarily of general education courses, the content of which is necessary to facilitate methodology courses that are inherent in the teacher education curriculum. A unique feature of the Associate of Arts curriculum is the inclusion of nine hours of sociology courses. These courses will provide the future educator with invaluable information that will lead to a greater understanding of a diverse classroom population. In addition, the student who does not decide to pursue the teacher certification track can use these courses as the basis to pursue an undergraduate degree or career in the areas of human services or social services.
The curriculum is structured sequentially with participants taking one course at a time with one class session each week. Each course generally consists of five-four hour class meetings. Participants are required to form study groups made up of three to five students who meet outside of class to complete individual and group oriented assignments. Students spend approximately 10 hours per week on homework and study group activities.