Education Degrees and Certificates
Prepare for a career in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education with teaching degrees and certificates from Yavapai College.
Prepare to make a difference
Build the knowledge, classroom experience, and professional confidence to support learners from early childhood through secondary education.
Explore programs Apply to YCLearning that prepares you to lead a classroom
The Teacher Preparation Program adapts to the changing needs of students, children, families, and the community. Programs prepare students for work and further study in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education settings.
Start your teaching pathway
Prepare to transfer into a four-year early childhood, elementary, or secondary education program.
Build career-ready skills
Develop practical knowledge for work in infant through grade 12 schools and early care and education settings.
Learn through experience
The Family Enrichment Center on the Prescott Campus serves as a lab school for preservice teachers.
Education degrees and certificates
Open a program below for an overview, delivery information, and a direct link to current course requirements in the YC catalog.
Degrees
- Semesters: 4
- Credits: 62
- Locations: Prescott, Online
The Associate of Arts with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Education is designed for students preparing to transfer to a public university, complete a baccalaureate program, and qualify for an Arizona teaching certificate. It fulfills Arizona Department of Education Early Childhood Endorsement requirements and supports both certificate-track and non-certificate-track teacher education pathways.
Meet regularly with a YC advisor and an advisor in your intended major at the transfer institution to plan required courses and confirm transferability.
View courses in the YC catalog (opens in a new tab)- Semesters: 4
- Credits: 62
- Locations: Prescott, Online
The Associate of Arts in Elementary Education is designed for students preparing to transfer to an Arizona public university, complete a baccalaureate program, and qualify for an Arizona teaching certificate.
Meet regularly with a YC advisor and an advisor in your intended major at the transfer institution to plan required courses and confirm transferability.
View courses in the YC catalog (opens in a new tab)- Semesters: 4
- Credits: 62
- Locations: Prescott, Online
The Associate of Arts with an Emphasis in Secondary Education is designed for students preparing to transfer to a public university, complete a baccalaureate program, and qualify for an Arizona teaching certificate in secondary English, math, science, or history.
Meet regularly with a YC advisor and an advisor in your intended major at the transfer institution to plan required courses and confirm transferability.
View courses in the YC catalog (opens in a new tab)Certificates
This new certificate provides an industry-focused pathway in early childhood education. Review the current catalog for program requirements, courses, and completion details.
Delivery: Online coursework with required in-person observation hours.
View the Early Childhood Education Industry Certificate in the YC catalog (opens in a new tab)- Semesters: 3
- Credits: 15
- Location: Online
The Basic Certificate is a point of entry or a continuation of professional development in early care and education. It includes competencies that prepare a student to apply for the national Child Development Associate credential.
All 15 credits apply to the Early Childhood Education Advanced Certificate.
View courses in the YC catalog (opens in a new tab)- Semesters: 4
- Credits: 34
- Location: Prescott
The Advanced Certificate prepares students to enter the early care and education profession as highly skilled teachers of children from birth through preschool. It may also fulfill Arizona Department of Education Early Childhood Endorsement requirements for elementary education teachers.
All credits apply to the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.
View courses in the YC catalog (opens in a new tab)Program resources and opportunities
Meet the program
Meet Education instructors (opens in a new tab).
Be in the know: Enroll in the Education Canvas shell for program information and resources.
Future Teachers Club
Connect with other future educators, build community, and learn about opportunities in teaching.
Email Tara O'Neill to learn more.
Transfer and program guides
Explore the Education program
Take the next step toward teaching
Contact Education Program Director Tara O'Neill at tara.oneill@yc.edu or (928) 717-7621.
For admissions help, email yc.admission@yc.edu or call (928) 717-7777.