Secondary Education - AA
Program Overview
Associate of Arts - Secondary Education
The Associate of Arts in Secondary Education at Great Basin College (GBC) is a transfer-oriented
program designed for students interested in pursuing a career in secondary education.
This degree provides students with a strong foundation in general education and introductory
education courses, preparing them for seamless transfer into the Bachelor of Arts
in Secondary Education program at GBC or similar degree programs across the Nevada
System of Higher Education (NSHE).
In this program, students will complete coursework in core academic subjects, including
mathematics, biological sciences, social sciences, and English, as well as foundational
education courses that introduce educational theory and classroom management. This
path enables students to gain essential skills and knowledge while exploring their
interest in teaching at the secondary level. With this strong foundation, students
can transition into a four-year secondary education program, equipped with the coursework
and credits needed to continue toward their teaching credential.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Upon nearing completion of the Associate of Arts in Secondary Education, students
interested in transferring to the BA in Secondary Education should plan to apply to
the Teacher Education Program. Admission to the Teacher Education Program is selective,
with specific requirements that must be met, including maintaining a minimum GPA of
3.0, completing prerequisite courses, and achieving passing scores on the Praxis Core
in reading, writing, and math, a Nevada educator licensing requirement. Prospective
applicants should consult the Teacher Education Program handbook and/or an advisor
to understand the full requirements and timelines for application. Applications are
due October 15th of the fall semester or March 15th of the spring semester.
Advising and Planning
Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor to ensure they
meet all requirements for transfer and Teacher Education Program admission. Advisors
can guide students through the application process, assist with selecting courses
that align with the transfer requirements, and provide updates on any changes to program
prerequisites. Early and consistent advising helps students make informed decisions,
complete the correct sequence of courses, and stay on track for successful admission
to their chosen bachelor’s program.
This Associate of Arts in Secondary Education provides an efficient, structured path
for students aiming to become secondary educators (grades 7 through 12) in Nevada.
Through close collaboration with advisors and early engagement with the Teacher Education
Program requirements, students can pursue their goals confidently and efficiently,
moving from foundational coursework into focused training as future educators.
General Education Requirements
Communications and Expressions
Written Communications (one course required)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | Composition-Enhanced | 5 Credits |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 Credits |
Oral Communications (one course required)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 113 | Fund Speech Communication | 3 Credits |
Evidence-Based Communications
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 Credits |
Fine Arts (one course required)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 100 | Visual Foundations | 3 Credits |
| ART 101 | Drawing I | 3 Credits |
| ART 107 | Design Fundmntls I (2-D) | 3 Credits |
| ENG 205 | Intro to Creative Writing | 3 Credits |
| MUS 101 | Music Fundamentals | 3 Credits |
| THTR 100 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 Credits |
| THTR 105 | Introduction to Acting I | 3 Credits |
| THTR 121 | Stage Makeup | 3 Credits |
| THTR 204 | Theatre Technology I | 3 Credits |
| WELD 200 | Metal Art | 3 Credits |
Logical and Scientific Reasoning
Mathematical Reasoning (one course required)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 120 | Fund of College Math | 3 Credits |
| MATH 120E | Fund of College Math Expanded | 3 Credits |
| MATH 126 | Precalculus I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 126E | Precalculus I Expanded | 3 Credits |
Scientific Reasoning (one course required): Choose from the courses listed below or any AST, BIOL, CHEM, ENV, GEOL, or PHYS
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 102 | Physical Anthropology | 3 Credits |
| GEOG 103 | Physical Geog Earth Environmnt | 3 Credits |
| NUTR 121 | Human Nutrition | 3 Credits |
Scientific Data Interpretation (one course required)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 190 | Intro Cell/Molecular Biology | 4 Credits |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry I | 4 Credits |
| GEOL 101 | Exploring Planet Earth | 3-4 Credits |
| PHYS 151 | Gen Physics I | 4 Credits |
| PHYS 180 | Physics Scientist/Engr I | 4 Credits |
Human Societies and Experience
Structure of Societies
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 101 | Intro Cultural Anthropology | 3 Credits |
| CRJ 104 | Intro to Admin of Justice | 3 Credits |
| CRJ 270 | Intro to Criminology | 3 Credits |
| ECON 102 | Prin of Microeconomics | 3 Credits |
| ECON 103 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 Credits |
| GEOG 106 | Intro to Cultural Geography | 3 Credits |
| HMS 200 | Ethics in Human Services | 3 Credits |
| PSY 101 | Gen Psychology | 3 Credits |
| PSY 208 | Psy of Human Relations | 3 Credits |
| SOC 101 | Prin of Sociology | 3 Credits |
American Constitutions and Institutions
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 101 | U.S. History to 1877 | 3 Credits |
| HIST 102 | U.S. History Since 1877 | 3 Credits |
Humanities (one course required)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 160 | Art Appreciation | 3 Credits |
| ENG 203 | Intro to Literary Study | 3 Credits |
| ENG 223 | Themes of Literature | 3 Credits |
| FIS 100 | Introduction to Film | 3 Credits |
| FREN 111 | First Year French I | 3-4 Credits |
| FREN 112 | First Year French II | 3-4 Credits |
| HUM 101 | Intro to Humanities I | 3 Credits |
| HUM 210 | Communicating Diversity | 3 Credits |
| MUS 121 | Music Appreciation | 3 Credits |
| PHIL 101 | Intro to Philosophy | 3 Credits |
| PHIL 102 | Critical Thinking | 3 Credits |
| PHIL 135 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 Credits |
| SPAN 111 | First Year Spanish I | 3 Credits |
| SPAN 112 | First Yr Spanish II | 3 Credits |
| SPAN 211 | Second Year Spanish I | 3 Credits |
Technological Proficiency (one course required)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 214 | Prep Teachers to Use Tech | 3 Credits |
| CS 135 | Computer Science I | 3 Credits |
Foundations
Social Science (one course required): Choose from the course listed below or any transferable 100 or 200 level ANTH (except
ANTH 102) CRJ, HIST, PSC, PSY or SOC
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 102 | Prin of Microeconomics | 3 Credits |
| ECON 103 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 Credits |
| GEOG 106 | Intro to Cultural Geography | 3 Credits |
Humanities/Fine Arts (one course required): Choose from the courses listed below or any transferrable 200-level ENG course, or
any 100- or 200-level AM, ART, FIS, FREN, HUM, JOUR, MUS, PHIL, SPAN or THTR course
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRC 103 | Intro Computer Graphics | 3 Credits |
| GRC 156 | Design with Illustrator | 3 Credits |
Program Requirements
(EDSC 311 is corequisite for EDU 250, not included in totals for AA)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 250 | Foundations of Education | 3 Credits |
| EDSC 311 | Secndry Methd/Practicum I | 1-3 Credits |
Choose an endorsement area and choose 15 credits from matrix below
| Biology | Social Science | Math | English |
| BIOL 190 | HIST 208 | MATH 126 | ENG 203 |
| BIOL 191 | HIST 209 | MATH 126E | ENG 223 |
| CHEM 121 | ECON 102 | MATH 127 | JOUR 102 |
| CHEM 122 | GEOG 103 | MATH 181 | ENG 261 |
| CHEM 241 | SOC 101 | MATH 182 | ENG 267 |
| CHEM 242 | PSC 101 | STAT 152 | ENG 259 |
| PHYS 151 | MATH 251 | ENG 221 | |
| MATH 126 | MATH 285 | ||
| MATH 127 |
Suggested Course Sequence
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ENG 101 or 101 | 3-5 |
| MATH 120 or 120E | 3-5 |
| Scientific Reasoning* | 3 |
| HIST 101 | 3 |
| Fine Arts* | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15-19 |
*Choose with advisor
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ENG 102 | 3 |
| COM 113 | 3 |
| HIST 102 | 3 |
| Structure of Societies* | 3 |
| Scientific Data* | 4 |
| TOTAL | 16 |
*Choose with advisor
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Technology | 3 |
| Social Science* | 3 |
| Elective from Endorsement Matrix* | 3 |
| Elective from Endorsement Matrix* | 3 |
| Elective from Endorsement Matrix* | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
*Choose with advisor
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 250 | 3 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts* | 3 |
| Elective from Endorsement Matrix* | 3 |
| Elective from Endorsement Matrix* | 3 |
| Humanities* | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
*Choose with advisor