Several building blocks.

What does it cost?

Learn more about the cost of an online associate degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.

Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

How long will it take?

The typical pathway requires 60 semester hours -- 42 hours in core curriculum and 18 hours in pathway courses.

All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Fall Semester (starts in August) — Due by August 1
Spring Semester (starts in January) — Due by December 1
Summer Semester (starts in late May) — Due by May 1

Online Education — Early Childhood Education Pathway, A.S.

Talk to an enrollment coach
404-413-4393
[email protected]

Talk to a Faculty Member
Ursula Thomas
Associate Department Chair of Cultural and Behavioral Science
770-274-5408
[email protected]

What Is Teacher Education?

Education is a pathway that helps to prepare future teachers by learning educational philosophies, policies, attitudes, behaviors and instruction in order to effectively perform the duties associated with the position of a classroom teacher. Through introductory courses in the field, students will learn to think critically about key issues that affect 21st-century learners in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms.

Why Education as a Pathway?

At Perimeter College, students take introductory gateway courses in education that help them to explore issues related to the teaching profession. The courses include the history and foundation of the field of education, critical issues associated with the field, diversity issues in strategies and education to support 21st-century learners.

If you are excited by the idea of working with children and introducing them to ideas they will carry for a lifetime, the educational field may be for you. At Perimeter College, students may study Early Childhood, Middle Grades, Secondary School or Special Education. Students also may study Health/Physical Education.

Students focusing on Early Childhood, Secondary Education or Health/PE may take many courses online, but some courses may require campus attendance. Students concentrating in Special Education or Middle Grades or Health/PE may take required classes online.

Students should consult with their advisors to confirm availability of online courses and find out about requirements or additional costs that may be associated with those courses.

A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.

Students should consult with advisers to confirm availability of online courses and requirements or additional costs that may be associated with courses. Students should check with advisers about which campuses offer the courses they need. Typically, core courses required for pathways can be taken at most locations and online, while pathway-specific courses may require attendance at a particular location.
Pathway Details

The Early Childhood Education pathway requires 42 hours of Core Curriculum and 18 hours of courses appropriate to the pathway. For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

Affording Your Online Associate Degree
Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student's future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances, and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

Learn more about the cost of an online associate degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study.

Contact Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program, the payment schedule and financing opportunities.

Use the Student Financial Services Guided Paths to walk you through the Financial Aid Process and learn about all our options for financing your education.

Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance
Active duty military, veterans and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits. Download our guide to How to Start Your VA Benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see TAP Tuition Assistance.

As part of Georgia State University, Perimeter College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to award associate degrees. Successful completion of a pathway at Perimeter College leads to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia State University.

Field Placement Requirement

All three education courses (EDUC 2110, EDUC 2120, EDUC 2130) offered require field placement. Students must complete 10 hours of field placement in each education course. Students also should understand they are required to do a background check and to get tort liability coverage while taking field placement. The criminal background check is about $50-$75 and Tort Liability is about $15-$50. Students are required to complete these hours whether they are out-of-state or abroad.

For more information, please visit the Office of Field Placement

Below is the full list of majors we prepare students to pursue and attain.

Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 5)
  • Birth through Kindergarten
  • Early Childhood Education (P-5)
  • Special Education General Curriculum / Early Childhood Education (P-5)
Middle Grades Education (Grades 4-8)
  • Middle Grades Language Arts
  • Middle Grades Math
  • Middle Grades Reading
  • Middle Grades Science
  • Middle Grades Social Science
Secondary Education (Grades 6-12)
  • Behavioral Science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth/Space Science
  • Economics
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Science
  • Speech
Education Fields (Grades P-12)
  • Art
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • Gifted
  • Health
  • Health and Physical Education
  • Music
Special Education (Grades P-12)
  • Special Education Adapted Curriculum
  • Behavior Disorders
  • Deaf Education
  • Special Education General Curriculum
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Physical and Health Disabilities
  • Special Education Preschool (Ages 3-5)
  • Visual Impairment
Foreign Languages (Grades P-12)
  • American Sign Language
  • Arabic
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Farsi
  • French
  • German
  • Greek (Classical)
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Latin
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Turkish
  • Urdu

Description

Careers

Job opportunities for teachers vary, with multiple paths from which to choose:

  • Kindergarten
  • Elementary School
  • Middle School
  • Secondary School
  • Special Education

For potential job and salary information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Contacts

Admissions and Curriculum Inquiries

Ursula Thomas
Associate Department Chair of Cultural and Behavioral Science
770-274-5408
[email protected]

Perimeter College Logo140 Decatur Street SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared here provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.