Help shape the minds of the future with an Associate of Applied Science in Education.
What IS THE AAS in Education?
The Associate of Applied Science in Education at Henderson Community College offers students a clear pathway to pursue a career in teaching by combining general education requirements with foundational pedagogy courses. This program is designed for individuals interested in K–12 education, providing them with an academic base that can be transferred seamlessly to a four-year institution for completion of a bachelor’s degree in teacher education. By beginning their studies at HCC, students benefit from significant cost savings compared to starting at a university, while also experiencing the advantages of smaller class sizes and personalized, one-on-one support from faculty. The program emphasizes both academic preparation and professional readiness, equipping future educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue their journey toward becoming effective teachers.
To begin the AAS in Education, reach out to Mr. Adam Blair, Teacher Education Program Coordinator, today!
Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) – Education: Educator Preparation is a pathway designed for students who wish to begin coursework at Henderson Community College and then apply for transfer admission to a teacher education program at a four-year college or university.
The Dual Teaching Certification is designed to prepare you for employment as a certified teacher in Kentucky P-5 classrooms for elementary instruction and K-12 classrooms for students with Learning and Behavioral Disorders (Special Education). HCC has a 2+2 agreement with Murray State University allowing you the opportunity to complete your Associate in Arts degree in the first two years, followed by two years of Murray State University courses (offered at the Henderson Regional Campus) to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. If you wish to obtain your Bachelor's degree through any of Kentucky's other 4-year universities, you may transfer after completing the Associate in Arts degree.
Available Credentials
Associate in Arts
This fulfills the first half of the required coursework to transfer and complete the
Bachelor of Science degree.
Bachelor of Science, LBD with Elementary Education Emphasis
Completion of this degree prepares students to take the required teacher licensing
exams in the state of Kentucky.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for persons with a Bachelor of Science in LBD with Elementary
Education emphasis are available in public and private schools.
Admission Requirements
For the first two years of the program, consult HCC's general admission requirements.
For other state universities, consult their individual web sites.
The Elementary Education program is designed to prepare you for employment as a certified teacher in Kentucky P-5 classrooms. HCC has a 2+2 agreement with Murray State University allowing you the opportunity to complete your Associate in Arts degree in the first two years, followed by two years of Murray State University courses (offered at the Henderson Regional Campus) to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. If you wish to obtain your Bachelor's degree through any of Kentucky's other 4-year universities, you may transfer after completing the Associate in Arts degree.
Available Credentials
Associate in Arts
This fulfills the first half of the required coursework to transfer and complete the
Bachelor of Science degree.
Bachelor of Science, Provisional Classroom Teaching Certification (Grades P-5)
Completion of this degree prepares students to take the required teacher licensing
exams in the state of Kentucky.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for persons with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
are available in public and private schools.
Admission Requirements
For the first two years of the program, consult HCC's general admission requirements.
For other state universities, consult their individual web sites.
The Middle School Math/Science Education program is designed to prepare you for employment as a certified teacher in Kentucky 5th-9th grade classrooms in the areas of math and science. HCC has a 2+2 agreement with Murray State University allowing you the opportunity to complete your Associate in Science degree in the first two years, followed by two years of Murray State University courses (offered at the Henderson Regional Campus) to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. If you wish to obtain your Bachelor's degree through any of Kentucky's other 4-year universities, you may transfer after completing the Associate in Science degree.
Available Credentials
Associate in Science
This fulfills the first half of the required coursework to transfer and complete the
Bachelor of Science degree.
Bachelor of Science, Provisional Classroom Teaching Certification (Grades 5-9)
Completion of this degree prepares students to take the required teacher licensing
exams in the state of Kentucky.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for persons with a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education
are available in public and private schools.
Admission Requirements
For the first two years of the program, consult HCC's general admission requirements.
For other state universities, consult their individual web sites.
The Middle School Social Studies / Math Education program is designed to prepare you for employment as a certified teacher in Kentucky 5th-9th grade classrooms in the areas of social studies and math. HCC has a 2+2 agreement with Murray State University allowing you the opportunity to complete your Associate in Arts degree in the first two years, followed by two years of Murray State University courses (offered at the Henderson Regional Campus) to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. If you wish to obtain your Bachelor's degree through any of Kentucky's other 4-year universities, you may transfer after completing the Associate in Arts degree.
Available Credentials
Associate in Arts
This fulfills the first half of the required coursework to transfer and complete the
Bachelor of Science degree.
Bachelor of Science, Provisional Classroom Teaching Certification (Grades 5-9)
Completion of this degree prepares students to take the required teacher licensing
exams in the state of Kentucky.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for persons with a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education
are available in public and private schools.
Admission Requirements
For the first two years of the program, consult HCC's general admission requirements.
For other state universities, consult their individual web sites.
The Middle School Social Studies / Science Education program is designed to prepare you for employment as a certified teacher in Kentucky 5th-9th grade classrooms in the areas of social studies and science. HCC has a 2+2 agreement with Murray State University allowing you the opportunity to complete your Associate in Science degree in the first two years, followed by two years of Murray State University courses (offered at the Henderson Regional Campus) to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. If you wish to obtain your Bachelor's degree through any of Kentucky's other 4-year universities, you may transfer after completing the Associate in Science degree.
Available Credentials
Associate in Science
This fulfills the first half of the required coursework to transfer and complete the
Bachelor of Science degree.
Bachelor of Science, Provisional Classroom Teaching Certification (Grades 5-9)
Completion of this degree prepares students to take the required teacher licensing
exams in the state of Kentucky.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for persons with a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education
are available in public and private schools.
Admission Requirements
For the first two years of the program, consult HCC's general admission requirements.
For other state universities, consult their individual web sites.
How Do I Pay For This?
Worry no more. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky, financial aid options, and a helping hand to guide you through the application process, HCC has you covered. We'll help you reach your dreams at a price that won't break the bank.
What are 2 + 2 Education Programs?
After completing the AAS you can transfer to any university, including our on-campus partner, Murray State University. With MSU, we have a 2+2 Program!
The education program (2+2 option) allows students to complete their 4-year degree in elementary education, special education with elementary education emphasis, or Bachelor of Science in middle grades math/science through courses offered by HCC in conjunction with Murray State University.
All courses are offered locally to complete the 4-year degree. Students also have the option of completing an Associate Degree then transferring to a 4-year education program of their choice throughout the Commonwealth.
The program will give students the credential necessary for careers as certified Kentucky teachers in a number of subject areas. Graduates of education programs are also excellent candidates for careers in other fields, such as business, social services, and training.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
What are my career choices?
The program will give students the credential necessary for careers as certified Kentucky teachers in a number of subject areas. Graduates of education programs are also excellent candidates for careers in other fields, such as business, social services, and training.
Learn More!
The program can be completed in four years if you take 15 to 18 credit hours per semester. View the Two-Year Schedule to plan your classes.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure
that you meet all degree requirements.
