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Transfer majors 
Earn your Associate in Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution to study elementary education. You’ll take core classes along with education-specific courses in areas such as introduction to education, students with disabilities in school, and educational psychology.
Harper College is an ideal place to study elementary education. Clinical experiences at area schools give you real-world opportunities with various instructional situations in the classroom environment. Courses are taught by knowledgeable instructors who are highly skilled education professionals.
This program is a convenient and affordable way to begin your college education by earning the first two years of your bachelor’s degree. See your academic advisor to help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you plan to attend.
This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate of Arts degree. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| EDU 201 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
Description: Provides an introduction to teaching as a profession in the American education system. Offers a variety of perspectives on education including historical, philosophical, social, legal, and ethical issues in a diverse society. Includes organizational structure and school governance. There is a mandatory 15 hour clinical component in this course, therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MTH 130 | Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I | 4 |
Description: Focuses on mathematical reasoning and problem solving and is designed to meet the requirements of the state certification of elementary teachers when taken in conjunction with MTH 131. The course examines the underlying conceptual framework for the topics of sets, functions, whole numbers, number theory, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers and the real number system. Students are expected to be active participants in the learning process. They will apply mathematical reasoning in a variety of problem solving situations using estimation, models, tables, graphs and symbolic representations. The use of appropriate techniques and tools, such as calculators and computers, are a focus of investigations and discussion throughout the course. A weekly lab component is required. Prerequisite: MTH 070 (Plane Geometry) and MTH 080 (Intermediate Algebra) with grades of C or better, or other placement options. Click here for Math placement information: https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/mathplacement.php Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with an emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
Second Semester | ||
| EDU 211 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
Description: Examines psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity. There is a clinical component in this course, therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent of instructor. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
Description: Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HST 111 | American Experience to 1877 | 3 |
Description: Surveys the American experience through the pre-revolutionary period, the expansion westward and the Civil War. Special stress is placed upon the social, economic, cultural, political and constitutional development of the United States. IAI S2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| or HST 112 | or American Experience Since 1877 | |
Description: Surveys the end of Reconstruction to the present, with primary stress on political and economic development. Also includes social, intellectual and cultural phases, expanded role of government in national affairs and the participation of the United States in international relations. IAI S2 901 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MTH 131 | Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II | 4 |
Description: Completes the two course sequence that begins with MTH 130 and focuses on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems, rather than on routine skills. The following topics will be studied in depth: geometry, counting techniques and probability, logic and statistics. Students are expected to be active participants in the learning process. Calculators and computers will be used throughout the course. A weekly lab component is required. IAI M1 903 Prerequisite: MTH 130 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I) with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Physical and Life Science 1 | 4 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
Third Semester | ||
| EDU 202 | Pre-Student Teaching Clinical Experience | 1 |
Description: Provides an in-depth study of classroom practices in the subject and age category that each student is training to teach. Students will complete the clinical component of this course by observing classrooms in their area of interest and will attend a seminar once weekly to discuss their experience, therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. Lecture Hours: N/A Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EDU 220 | Diversity in Schools and Society | 3 |
Description: Provides an introduction to diversity issues in schools and society today. Examines how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, particulary in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| or EDU 250 | or Introduction to Technology in Education | |
Description: Introduces educators to the knowledge and skills required to demonstrate their proficiency in the current technology standards. The course focuses on both knowledge and performance, and includes hands-on technology activities. Prerequisite: Keyboarding, basic skill word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, or consent of instructor. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Humanities and Fine Arts 2 | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Science 1 | 3 | |
| PSC 101 | American Politics and Government | 3 |
Description: Focuses on political involvement, elections, campaigns, interest groups, Congress, courts, the presidency and the constitution. Discusses how our government runs, as well as current political controversies. Utilizes political figures as guest speakers and offers opportunities for political participation, especially in election year. IAI S5 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| EDU 219 | Students with Disabilities in School | 3 |
Description: Presents the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education as well as an overview of the diverse characteristics of individuals with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotonal needs, including, but not limited to, children identified as learning disabled. Covers identification, intervention strategies, cross-categorical methods of instruction and programs to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, assistive technologies, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), behavioral interventions, and Universal Design. Studies applicable state and federal laws and requirements, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Response to Intervention (RTI) and inclusive programming. This course addresses the coursework identified in the Illinoios Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory 15 hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ECE 913 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| HED 200 | Health | 3 |
Description: Provides an in-depth look at the physical, psychological, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental factors which contribute to the overall quality of a person's life. An investigation of how our lifestyle compares with other people in the world and the role and impact of the World Health Organization is emphasized. Mental health, nutrition, fitness, communicable and non-communicable diseases, killer diseases, drugs, human sexuality, family living (marriage, divorce, parenting), middle and old age issues, and death and dying are some of the topics covered. Physical and psychological assessments are included in this class. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Humanities and Fine Arts 2 | 3 | |
| Major Discipline and Transfer Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
Select one Physical and one Life Science course. At least one must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
Select at least one course from Humanities and one from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count in either category. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category. One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement for the Associate in Arts degree.
Students should consult with the transfer school to see which courses transfer.
For more information about studying elementary education, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online