Completion of an A.A.T. degree is considered to have satisfied the lower division requirements for a teacher education program in the state of Maryland. This includes General Education requirements and the necessary learning outcomes for teacher education. An A.A.T. graduate who has been admitted to a four-year state college or university in Maryland will have completed the first two years of a teacher preparation bachelor's degree.
Each A.A.T. has specific course requirements to ensure that all learning outcomes are met, and students should follow their curriculum pathway and meet with the program manager regularly to ensure that their course selections are appropriate for their desired degree.
To earn the A.A.T., students must achieve a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative GPA and earn a “C” or better in all courses used to satisfy the A.A.T. requirements. Students must also provide the Registrar’s Office with qualifying scores on one of the
state-approved basics skills tests (PRAXIS, Core, SAT, ACT) for future teachers.
Admission and transfer to a four-year college or university is a multi-step process and is not guaranteed. Applications to the institution and the teacher education program may be required. Students should apply as early as possible and consider more than one transfer school, as they offer different degrees. Students should consult with the teacher preparation program at the transfer institution of their choice to determine specific requirements and deadlines for admission. Students wishing to transfer out of state should consult with the teacher preparation program at the transfer institution of their choice to determine how courses taken at FCC will meet the requirements of that school’s degree plan.
A drug screening and/or criminal background check is often required to obtain and maintain employment in the field of education. Individuals whose criminal histories may interfere with their ability to secure employment should discuss questions with education faculty.
Program Contact Information
Delaine Welch
Associate Professor, Soc Sci & Educ – Liberal Arts
Phone: 301/846-2559
Location: Student Center Office: H232
Ensure that MSDE Testing Requirements are met: Praxis Core for Educators, ACT, SAT, or GRE*
*The A.A.T. degree is designed to meet state requirements for the first two years of teacher education. Students must achieve a minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA and earn a “C” or better in all courses used to satisfy the A.A.T. requirements. Students must also provide the Registrar’s Office with qualifying scores on one of the
state-approved basics skills tests for future teachers. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor at their transfer institution as early as possible and should be aware that some colleges and universities may require higher GPAs and/or additional tests.
Admission to the four-year institution is a “two-step” process and is not guaranteed. Applications to both the institution and to the teacher education program may be required. Due to space limitations at some four-year institutions and/or teacher education programs, students should apply as early as possible and consider alternatives. Students should consult with an advisor at the four-year institution to determine the specific admissions requirements and deadlines of the institution to which they wish to transfer. Upon admission to a Maryland public or independent four-year institution teacher education program, up to 64 semester hours, including the lower division teacher education program outcomes, will transfer without further review.
The A.A.T. degree holder is considered to have satisfied the following lower division requirements for the education program.
30 - 36 semester hours of general education requirements for public institutions.
The lower division outcomes for teacher education may be included in courses such as the foundations of education, human growth/child or adolescent development, educational psychology, introductory field experience, and introductory special education. In addition, some students may be required to complete up to two additional lower division teacher education courses. Check with your advisor at your college for specific requirements for your major. Students in Secondary Education A.A.T. programs must complete specified content courses.
Available Scholarships for this Program:
- Maryland State Department of Education Grants for tuition, fees, and books
- Hattie N. Harrison Memorial Scholarship (Child Development or Early Childhood Education)