100%
Online Option^
$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Prepare to Make a Difference
Education is about more than what happens in a traditional classroom. It happens in schools, healthcare organizations, businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and communities—and it takes knowledgeable, dedicated professionals to make those learning experiences effective.
The Bachelor of Science in Technical Education – Early Instructor Option at Athens State University prepares you for a variety of careers in education and related fields. The program combines educational theory with hands-on experience, giving you the knowledge and practical skills to work with young children and support their growth and development.
Whether your future takes you into education, healthcare, government, business, industry, the military, or the nonprofit sector, this degree provides a foundation for turning your interest in helping others learn and grow into a meaningful career.
Program Overview
The early years of a child’s development can have a lasting influence on learning, confidence, relationships, and future success. Professionals who work with young children need more than subject knowledge—they need an understanding of how children learn and develop and how to create environments that encourage growth.
The Technical Education – Early Instructor Option combines educational theory with hands-on experience to prepare students for careers involving education and the development of young children. You’ll explore the principles of teaching and learning while gaining practical experience that helps you connect what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations.
At the same time, the program provides a broad foundation that can be applied across a variety of professional settings. Graduates may pursue careers in education as well as opportunities in healthcare, government, business, industry, military, and nonprofit organizations.
Program Details
The Early Instructor Option provides a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience designed to prepare you for work in educational and child-focused environments.
You’ll explore areas such as:
- Educational Foundations — Examine the principles, history, and purposes of education and their influence on today’s learning environments.
- Child Development — Develop an understanding of how young children grow, learn, and develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.
- Teaching & Learning — Explore how effective instruction can support children’s learning and development.
- Instructional Strategies — Develop approaches for engaging learners and creating meaningful educational experiences.
- Learning Environments — Learn how to create safe, supportive, and engaging environments that encourage children’s growth.
- Assessment & Observation — Explore ways to observe, document, and assess learning and development.
- Communication & Collaboration — Build skills for working effectively with children, families, colleagues, and other professionals.
- Educational Technology — Examine how technology can support teaching, learning, communication, and professional practice.
- Hands-On Experience — Apply educational concepts in practical settings and develop experience working with young children.
Knowing what research says about learning is important. Knowing how to put that knowledge into practice is just as important. The Early Instructor Option combines both, giving you opportunities to connect educational theory with hands-on experience as you prepare for your career.
Please note: This program does not lead to teacher certification. Students completing this program are not admitted into the Teacher Education Program, nor are they required to meet Alabama State Department of Education certification requirements.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Education and learning are part of virtually every sector of society. Schools need educators and support professionals. Healthcare organizations educate patients and families. Businesses train employees. Government agencies provide educational programs and services. Nonprofit organizations support children, families, and communities.
The Early Instructor Option gives you a foundation that can be applied across these diverse professional environments while providing particular preparation for careers involving the education of young children.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S.Ed. in Technical Education – Early Instructor Option, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$31k
Preschool/Daycare Admin Estimated Entry Salary
$43k
Preschool/Daycare Admin Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Athens State University is proud to offer the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, making it possible to earn an advanced degree while keeping your education affordable. Combined with flexible online learning, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities, our Bachelor of Science in Education in Technical Education (Early Instructor Option) delivers exceptional value and a strong return on your investment.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Technical Education bachelor’s degree is offered entirely online with the selection of certain courses, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.
Built for Today’s Professionals
You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your bachelor’s degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world business experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Additional Information
Our Faculty
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^This program can be completed fully online by choosing certain courses.
*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.