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Associate in Arts

Elementary Education Pathway

Empower Your Future: Discover Elementary Education Pathway

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree is designed to provide students with the courses needed for the freshman and sophomore levels of a bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of the A.A. degree, students are eligible to continue their junior and senior-level coursework for their baccalaureate studies.

Students are responsible for investigating the requirements for their chosen bachelor’s degree, including those offered by LSSC, and to work with an LSSC academic advisor to plan their A.A. coursework in order to make a smooth transition.

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Overview

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Elementary Education Pathway offers students the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts degree with course credits that directly transition into Lake-Sumter State College’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education program, allowing them to complete all necessary prerequisites without additional, non-required electives. This pathway also provides students with the option to directly transfer into designated Elementary Education bachelor’s degree programs at universities. transition 

Students are encouraged to consult with an Academic Advisor early in their studies to determine the best course choices, including any foreign language requirements, and to ensure the transferability of courses based on their major and intended transfer institution. The program requires 60 credit hours for completion. Additionally, Students can apply to be a paid Swoop Academy Tutor, a paid program that allows them to gain hands-on experiences in a local school.  

Program Highlights

  • Flexible Learning Options: Courses are available in-person and online at the Leesburg and South Lake campuses, with potential offerings at Sumter and Four Corners.
  • Professional Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to work in local schools through the Swoop Academy Tutor program during their AA coursework.
  • Lakehawk Journey: Direct pathway to the Elementary Education BS degree program at LSSC.
  • Local Partnerships: Lake County Schools, Sumter County Schools, and Education Foundation of Lake County. DirectConnect to UCF® guaranteed admission upon completion.

Program Length

The program consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years when attending full-time.

Program Cost

Tuition costs for programs and courses at the associate’s degree level are $109.73 per credit hour. Additional costs will include textbooks, materials, and course fees.

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Scholarships

Students graduating from high school and enrolling at LSSC may qualify for other scholarships offered through the State of Florida. You will be notified of your eligibility after you apply to the College.

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Financial Aid

There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work-Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. For more information and how to apply, please visit the Financial Aid page.

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Outcomes

The A.A. degree prepares students for transfer as juniors to a Florida public university; however, students need to be aware of specific courses required for acceptance into most majors. With careful selection, these courses may be used as either general education requirements or as electives. The A.A. degree guarantees admission to a Florida public university but not necessarily to an upper division, limited access program which may have additional requirements. 

Additional information about AA degree requirements can be found in the Catalog and Student Handbook.

Career Outlook

The AA degree is designed to prepare students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, the education level required for employment.

For a detailed breakdown of the curriculum and degree requirements, visit the Catalog page.

  • You can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at LSSC to obtain your teaching certification, making you eligible to teach in grades PK through 6. This pathway allows you to remain at LSSC, benefiting from their tuition rates, and avoids the need for additional elective credits required by other state universities.
  • You can use the DirectConnect to UCF program to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
  • You can pursue a career in early childhood education facilities and earn credentials such as the Florida Child Care Professional Credential or the Director’s Credential for operating an Early Childhood Center.

Partnerships with local schools allow students to be LSSC Swoop Ambassadors and work in a k-5 setting to get valuable experience in teaching.  

Yes, LSSC offers various financial aid options. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA application. Learn more.

LSSC provides academic advising, tutoring, and career services to help students succeed. Learn more.

Interested students are encouraged to submit their applications via the LSSC website and meet necessary admission requirements. Apply.

We aim to encourage students from the Elementary Education AA pathway to transition into the Bachelor’s in Elementary Education program at LSSC to retain them. After completing their degree, students can pursue certification in a secondary subject by taking the required exam.

In Florida, a bachelor’s degree and the necessary assessment are all that is needed to teach. Additionally, we will share details about our upcoming Secondary ELA BS program once it is approved.

Application Process

A student must have a high school diploma or GED to apply to Lake-Sumter State College.

01

Submit your Application

Submit your online application and $30 application fee

02

Transcripts

Submit high school/GED and prior college/university transcripts

03

Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA and other financial aid forms

Enrolling at LSSC is quick and easy. Get Started Now!

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DirectConnect to UCF®