Rocky Mount Today

Wilson Community College introduced two new degrees in the Fall 2021 semester for anyone aspiring to become a teacher, and we are so excited to continue providing students with the opportunity to invest in their future teaching career.

So, what are they?  Both programs are designed for students who are interested in transferring to a four-year institution in order to complete a Bachelor of Education and obtain teacher licensure for K-12 in NC.

The first one — Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP) — is a two-year degree specifically designed for students wanting to pursue a Bachelor of Education in humanities and social sciences. The second is the Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation (ASTP) is a two-year degree program for students interested in one day earning a Bachelor of Education in science, technology, engineering, or math — also referred to as STEM.  The Associate in Arts Teacher Preparation and the Associate of Science Teacher Preparation degree programs are 60-61 semester credit hours.

“Both the AATP and ASTP degrees are fantastic opportunities for students who are interested in being K-12 teachers in North Carolina to gain all necessary classes for successful transfer to a four-year college or university to finish their Bachelor of Education. Not only are these programs cost effective, but students will complete all required general education courses in two years’ time with focus and devotion through a smaller classroom setting,” said Britney Smith, WCC English Instructor and College Transfer Advisor.

Benefits of the program:

• Can complete fully-transferable general education courses in two years; classes fulfill two years of Bachelor degree requirements
• Save time and money by completing this degree before transferring to a Bachelor of Education program at four-year college or university
• Education courses included: Teaching and Learning for All; Foundations of Education; Literacy Development and Instruction; and Teacher Licensure Preparation.
• Articulation agreement between all public NC colleges and universities, meaning that credits are guaranteed to transfer with a grade of “C” or better.

Another great benefit is students have the option to take all courses in the degree completely online.  Keep in mind that in order to transfer to a university after completing the two-year degree, students must have maintained a GPA of at least 2.7 or higher. Completion of the degree does not guarantee specific admission to a university, but does heighten chances of admission.

Registration for the Fall 2022 semester is open now!  For more information, contact Britney Smith at besmith@wilsoncc.edu or (252) 246-1280, or Dr. Sheril Roberts, Dean of College Transfer and Public Services, at sroberts@wilsoncc.edu or (252) 246-1309.  You can also visit our website at www.wilsoncc.edu or give us a call at (252) 291-1195.  #WilsonCC We make Wilson work.

Original source can be found here.