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Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Child and Adolescent Development

The Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer is designed to provide a clearly articulated curricular track for Sacramento City College students preparing for seamless transfer in Child Development to pursue an elementary teaching credential at the California State University.



The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):



(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.



(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.



ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 308 Contemporary Biology (3) 4
and BIOL 309 Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1)
ECE 312 Child Development 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 350 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience 3
PSYC 300 General Principles (3) 3
   or PSYC 480 Honors General Principles (3)
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) 4
   or STAT 480 Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4)
Total Units: 20

The Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Students must show proof of negative Tuberculosis as well as immunizations or immunity to Tetanus, Pertussis, and Diphtheria. Annual flu shots or physician's exemption from the flu shot are also required prior to participating in the lab or working with young children.
  • Students must have the ability to pass a background check through the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Exemptions are granted by the Department of Social Services and Commission on Teacher Credentialing on an individual basis.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • integrate the developmental theories of child development into his or her implementation of teaching practices and curriculum.
  • demonstrate a broad understanding of biological, social, cognitive, and cultural factors influencing children's development and learning.
  • incorporate knowledge from areas of general education into his or her knowledge base to facilitate his or her ability to teach in a multiple subject classroom.

Career Information

This Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer is designed for students transferring into Child Development with the goal of teaching in the elementary schools of California. It is aligned with the Child Development Elementary Education Pre-Credential Major.


A.A.-T. in Elementary Teacher Education

The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer is designed to meet the introductory content area subject matter for requirements for teaching at the elementary school level. The courses in this degree satisfy general education requirements for graduation at Sacramento City College and transfer. Additional requirements for the Elementary Teacher Education major may vary at each CSU. It is highly recommended that students meet with a counselor to discuss graduation and transfer requirements.



The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):



(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.



(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.



ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 308 Contemporary Biology 3
BIOL 309 Contemporary Biology Laboratory 1
CHEM 330 Adventures in Chemistry (4) 7
and PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3)
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
COMM 315 Persuasion (3) 3
   or COMM 316 Advanced Argumentation and Critical Thinking (3)
   or ENGWR 302 Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
   or ENGWR 482 Honors Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
   or SOC 305 Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences (3)
ECE 312 Child Development 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 350 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience 3
ENGED 305 Structure of English 3
ENGWR 300 College Composition (3) 3 - 4
or ENGWR 488 Honors College Composition and Research (4)
ENGWR 303 Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking Through Literature 4
GEOG 320 World Regional Geography 3
GEOL 305 Earth Science 3
GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory 1
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 3
HIST 310 History of the United States (To 1877) (3) 3
   or HIST 320 History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
   or HIST 483 History of the United States - Honors (3)
MATH 310 Mathematical Discovery (3) 3 - 4
   or STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
MUFHL 305 Music Appreciation (3) 3
   or ARTH 300 Art Appreciation (3)
   or TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre (3)
POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States (3) 3
   or POLS 481 Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3)
Total Units: 58 - 60

The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • clarify and articulate career goals of becoming an elementary school teacher.
  • integrate the attitudes, actions, dispositions, and behaviors required of a professional educator into a teaching skill set.
  • apply analytical reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills to gain knowledge and teach it to others.
  • demonstrate the breadth of knowledge necessary for teaching in a classroom with multiple subject areas.

Career Information

The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer enables students to transfer to a four-year college or university that accepts the degree and complete the requirements to become a credentialed K-8 Teacher. The liberal studies courses in the degree offer a broad educational foundation useful in many careers.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Early Childhood Education Foundations

This program provides preparation for employment in early care and education settings and for further study in child development. The coursework includes foundational courses in the field including the areas of typical and atypical development, the ecology of childhood, culture, and developmentally appropriate practices. Students are advised to meet with the Early Childhood Education Coordinator during the development of their education plan to learn about the requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the Child Development Permit process as well as the opportunities to transfer. This program was formerly known as Child Development with ECE Emphasis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education (4) 41
   or ECE 327 Supervised Practicum Field Experience For Early Care and Education Providers (4)
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education (4) 42
   or ECE 328 Advanced Practicum for Worksite (4)
ECE 400 Children with Exceptional Needs (3) 3
   or ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 93
ECE 322 Promoting Children's Social Competence (3)
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation (3)
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 342 Constructive Math and Science in Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 343 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood (3)
ECE 360 Art and Music in Early Childhood (3)
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
Total Units: 32

1ECE 327 is open to students working 30 hours or more in a licensed early care and education program.

2ECE 328 is open to students working 30 hours or more in a licensed early care and education program.

3Students interested in working with children under the age of 2 years should take an infant course.

The Early Childhood Education Foundations Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • students should be aware they will need to show proof of negative Tuberculosis as well as immunizations or immunity to Tetanus, Pertussis, and Diphtheria. Annual flu shots or physician's exemption from the flu shot are also required prior to volunteering or being employed to work with children.
  • have the ability to pass a background check through the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to employment. Exemptions are granted by the Department of Social Services and the Commission on Teacher Credentialing on an individual basis.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • The program is open to all interested students. Students should be aware of the health, safety, and background checks required prior to employment.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • provide service in the care, development, and education of culturally and linguistically diverse children in early care and education settings.
  • demonstrate knowledge of typical and atypical development of children and the many factors influencing development.
  • compare and contrast developmentally appropriate educational practices with those that are inappropriate.
  • evaluate and assess research, curriculum, program practices, developmental assessments, and other issues in the field of child development and early childhood education.

Career Information

Students receiving an A.A. degree in Child Development are eligible for employment in the diverse early care and education field. Students who successfully complete this program may serve as educators in classrooms or as employees in other settings that require knowledge of child development and best practices in early care and education. This degree prepares students for further study in child development by offering foundational theoretical courses. Upon completion of this degree, students would be eligible for the Child Development Permit at the Teacher Level.


A.A. in Teacher Education

This program is to prepare students to transfer into a teacher preparation program. The focus of the preparation is for a credential in multiple subject teaching in the elementary schools. The program offers courses focused on teaching as well as a portion of the required general education courses necessary to prepare for transfer into a teacher preparation program at a four year college.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 308 Contemporary Biology (3) 4
and BIOL 309 Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1)
COMM 361 The Communication Experience 3
ECE 312 Child Development 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 350 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience 3
ECE 400 Children with Exceptional Needs (3) 4
and ECE 401 Field Experience in Inclusive Settings (1)
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
EDUC 342 Introduction to Bilingual Education 3
ENGED 305 Structure of English 3
ENGED 320 Service Learning: Tutoring Elementary Students in Reading 3
ENGWR 300 College Composition (3) 3 - 4
   or ENGWR 488 Honors College Composition and Research (4)
ENGWR 301 College Composition and Literature (3) 3
   or ENGWR 302 Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
   or ENGWR 482 Honors Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
GEOG 305 Global Climate Change (3) 6
and GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
HEED 300 Health Science 3
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 3
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present 3
HIST 310 History of the United States (To 1877) (3) 3
   or HIST 320 History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
   or HIST 483 History of the United States - Honors (3)
MATH 310 Mathematical Discovery 3
POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States (3) 3
   or POLS 481 Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3)
Total Units: 62 - 63

The Teacher Education Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Ability to pass the Criminal Record Clearance or receive an exemption proving eligibility to work with children
  • Test negative for tuberculosis

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • understand and identify requirements, expectations, and dispositions required in the teaching profession.
  • apply child development theory to their work with children, integrating theory of development in the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social domains into their teaching practices.
  • demonstrate and apply culturally sensitive, anti-bias, equity based practices in interactions with children and families.
  • build a knowledge base in a number of general education topics necessary for teaching multiple subjects in the elementary school setting.

Career Information

This program is specifically designed to introduce students to the teaching profession in elementary school. Students completing the program would have the ability before transfer to work in before and after school programs for school age children.