The Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP) is geared toward students interested in becoming Elementary School Teachers, Art Teachers, or Music Teachers. The Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation (ASTP), on the other hand, is designed for those planning to teach middle or high school science or math. Each program offers a curriculum that aligns with the subjects and grade levels students intend to teach.

Yes! Both the AATP and ASTP programs are designed to seamlessly transfer to North Carolina universities or North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Thanks to the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA), graduates who earn at least a “C” in each course and maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher can transfer with junior status, allowing you to continue your education toward a bachelor’s degree in education.

The AATP program focuses on foundational courses in reading, writing, communication, math, and computer literacy, which are essential for teaching at the elementary level or in art or music classrooms. The ASTP program includes courses in science, math, reading, writing, communication, and computer literacy, tailored for those interested in teaching science or math at the middle or high school levels. Both programs provide a comprehensive foundation to help you succeed as a future educator.

In the AATP program, you’ll build strong skills in communication, reading, writing, and foundational math, along with essential computer literacy—critical tools for creating engaging and effective elementary-level lessons. The ASTP program emphasizes science and math skills along with strong communication and writing foundations, preparing you for the unique challenges of teaching these subjects at the middle or high school levels.

To successfully transfer your AATP or ASTP degree, you’ll need to complete the 60 semester hours of college transfer courses, earn a grade of “C” or better in each course, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. This ensures you meet the requirements of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA), giving you junior status at North Carolina universities and many NC Independent Colleges and Universities.

The AATP and ASTP programs equip you with foundational knowledge and skills that are essential for success in the classroom. You’ll learn effective teaching strategies, build a strong understanding of the core subjects you’ll teach, and develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and classroom technology use. These programs set you up for success as you continue on to a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to our Teacher Preparation program advisors. They can help guide you through the application process, answer questions about the curriculum, and provide further information about transfer opportunities

Yes, students in the AATP and ASTP programs must earn a “C” or higher in each course to be eligible for transfer with junior status at participating universities and colleges.

Yes! To be employed as a Teacher Assistant (TA) in a North Carolina public school, you must have a minimum of 48 college credit hours, so earning an Associate’s degree through the AATP or ASTP program will meet this requirement. This makes both programs an excellent choice if you’re looking to start working in the field while continuing your education.