Contact Information
- Division
- Business and Technology
- Dean
- Amy Schulz
- Associate Dean
- Jill Alcorn
- Division Office
- B 3, Rocklin Campus
Overview
The education department offers students the opportunity to explore the field of education by gaining experience working with students in a school setting. Students interested in an AA degree that helps prepare them for a career teaching in public and private elementary schools should also see the Liberal Studies major.
Degrees/Certificates
Associate Degree for Transfer
Associate Degree
Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer
AA-T Degree
This program is designed for prospective California State University transfer students who intend to become elementary school teachers. Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to identify principles that underlie effective relationships with others, basic observation tools, and basic lesson plans; identify academic requirements and experiences needed to obtain a teaching credential; define the role and function of the teacher in the public elementary school setting; and explain the ways in which a student's social environment, motivation, and behavior impact student learning.
The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing within the CSU system. Students are also given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.
To earn the Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:
- completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and
- completion of the California State University-General Education-Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)
The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.
It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 0011 | Concepts of Biology (OR) | 4 |
| or BIOL 0056 & 0056L | Biology: A Human Perspective and Biology: A Human Perspective Laboratory | |
| CHEM 0140 | Survey of Chemistry and Physics (Also PHYS 0140) | 4 |
| COMM 0001 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| EDU 0010 | Introduction to Elementary Education with Field Experience | 3 |
| ENGL 0001A | College Reading, Writing and Research | 4 |
| ENGL 0001B | Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 0001C | Critical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum | 3 |
| ESCI 0010 | Introduction to Earth Science | 3 |
| ESCI 0010L | Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOG 0005 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| HDEV 0009 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| HIST 0017A | History of the United States to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST 0050 | World History to 1500 | 3 |
| MATH 0019 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary School Teachers | 3 |
| POLS 0001 | American Government | 3 |
| Select 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Total Units | 49 | |
Liberal Studies - Elementary Education
AA Degree
This program, designed for students interested in teaching in public and private elementary schools, prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. It provides exposure to the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, composition and critical thinking. Students transferring to CSUS as Liberal Studies majors must take all courses listed below. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:
- Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;
- California State University General Education Breadth pattern;
- Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select 4 units from the following natural sciences courses: | 4 | |
| Concepts of Biology | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science and Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory | ||
| Select 15 units from the following social sciences and humanities courses: | 15 | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Tutoring Elementary Students in Reading (also ENGL 0007) | ||
| Introduction to Elementary Education with Field Experience | ||
| History of the United States to 1877 | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History since 1500 | ||
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| American Government | ||
| Select 3 units from the following language and rationality courses: | 3 | |
| Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature | ||
or ENGL 0001C | Critical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum | |
| Structure of English | ||
| Communication Foundations | ||
| Concepts of Mathematics | ||
| Total Units | 22 | |
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
EDU 0007. Tutoring Elementary Students in Reading
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 11 or completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
An opportunity to learn and practice basic methods of tutoring elementary school children in reading. Combines lecture/discussion with field experience doing extensive tutoring at local elementary school. Negative TB test and fingerprint clearance required. Satisfies one of the two required field experience courses for the CSUS Liberal Studies Program. (CSU)
EDU 0010. Introduction to Elementary Education with Field Experience
Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of HDEV 1 with grade of "C" or better; eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in contemporary K-12 schools. Topics include teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, contemporary educational issues, California's content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time, requires a minimum of 45 hours of structured field work in public school elementary classroom that represent California's diverse student population. Fulfills one of the early field experiences for the CSUS Liberal Studies major. Negative TB test and fingerprint screening required. (C-ID EDUC 200) (CSU, UC)
EDU 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)
EDU 0095. Internship in Education
Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to each 60 hours of non-paid work, or each 75 hours of paid work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Identify principles that underlie effective relationships with others, basic observation tools, and basic lesson plans.
- Identify academic requirements and experiences needed to obtain a teaching credential.
- Define the role and function of the teacher in the public elementary school setting.
- Explain the ways in which a student's social environment, motivation, and behavior impact student learning.
