Education Pathways at Pierce College
Pierce College can prepare you for a variety of careers in the education field and has 2+2 partnerships with university partners for transfer. This is an exciting time to be in education with plentiful job opportunities. Learn more about early childhood education and math education degree programs and pathways to other education transfer programs below, as well as children’s programs available at Pierce.
Please send your questions about education programs to eceadvising@pierce.ctc.edu. We will connect you with someone who will answer your questions and get you the information and resources you need to start your journey.
Education Degrees
Early Childhood Education
This is a professional-technical program for those interested in teaching children aged 0-5 in child care, preschool, Early Head Start, Head Start, and ECEAP settings. With this degree, you can also pursue opportunities to teach in before and after school programs, or work as a paraeducator in an elementary school. Options include the stackable state certificates and an associate degree.
Learn more by visiting the Early Childhood Education page.
Paraeducation
This is a professional-technical program for those interested in working with children and teachers in public school settings. With this degree, you can work in elementary schools, middle schools, or high schools in a learning support role. Options include the stackable state certificates and an associate degree.
Learn more by visiting the Paraeducation page.
Math Education
This degree prepares you to transfer into math education programs at a variety of institutions. It is also a pathway to employment as a paraeducator in the public school system.
Math Education (DTA/MRP) Career Pathway Course Map
P-3 Teacher Certification
This is an applied baccalaureate degree that leads to teacher licensure with both P-3 endorsements in Washington State. It is designed for those who have an associate degree in early childhood education and want to hone their skills and refine their knowledge. Graduates of this program can teach in a variety of early learning settings, including kindergarten, Grades 1-3, special education preschool, early intervention, Head Start and Early Head Start, ECEAP, and child care.
Learn more by visiting the BAS-T page.
Education Pathways
Elementary Education
Pierce College offers strong pathways into university teacher preparation programs in elementary education to teach kindergarten through eighth grade.
Learn more by visiting the Elementary Education page.
Special Education
Pierce College offers strong pathways into university teacher preparation programs in special education to teach preschool through twelfth grade. Special education endorsements must now be combined with a content area endorsement such as early childhood education, elementary education, secondary math, secondary English language arts, etc. See an education programs advisor for more details.
Secondary Education
Typically, students earn a bachelor’s degree in the subject they wish to teach at the secondary level and then complete a Master’s in Teaching program. See an education programs advisor for more details.
Children's Programs
Pierce College offers a variety of programs for children from full day and part day early learning programs for toddlers and preschoolers to our Science Dome, Computer Clubhouse, and sports camps.
Learn more by visiting the Children's Programs page.