
Education curriculum is designed to provide the first two years of coursework required for a bachelor’s degree in education and eventual state teacher certification. The program includes a combination of general education courses and education-focused classes based on your chosen area of emphasis—whether Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education.
To ensure a smooth transfer, students are encouraged to work closely with an academic advisor to select the right emphasis and meet the specific requirements of their intended transfer institution. Get started in Barton’s Liberal Studies Program in Education!
Barton Benefits
At Barton, our areas of study are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in today’s world. Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, we offer flexible and rigorous programs that support your goals.
Kansas Board of Regent’s Systemwide Elementary Education (PK-6) Transfer Associate Degree
A systemwide elementary education transfer degree offers a seamless option for transferring to any Kansas public university offering a bachelor’s degree in this same program. The degree map posted below identifies the courses and credits to be taken at Barton that will transfer to the chosen public university as the first sixty hours towards the articulated bachelor’s degree. Barton offers classes online and in-person available in 8-week and full-term scheduling options. These options support traditional and working college students.
Kansas Department of Education’s Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Model
Barton is an approved Education Preparation Program for the KSDE Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Model. This model offers a comprehensive approach to teacher training by combining on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and a structured wage scale (ksde.org). Students can complete their first 60 credit hours of study with Barton’s affordable and flexible scheduling options before transferring to complete their bachelor's degree at a university. Designed for elementary and some secondary programs, this is an amazing opportunity for local school districts to grow educators within their community. KSDE provides resource information for school administrators and students at the following KSDE webpage.
Get Involved Beyond the Classroom
Students in Barton’s Education program have the opportunity to enhance their learning and build professional connections through involvement in organizations such as:
- Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) – Engage with a statewide network of educators, gain access to teaching resources, and stay informed on education policy and advocacy.
- STEM Buddies Mentorship Program – Participate in mentoring opportunities that support STEM learning for younger students, while developing leadership and instructional skills.
These organizations offer valuable experiences that help students grow as future educators, build resumes, and expand their professional network.
Elementary Education (Systemwide Transfer)
The Elementary Education curriculum prepares to to teach in elementary, middle and junior high school.
Elementary Education (Systemwide Transfer)
Secondary Education
The Secondary Education curriculum prepares you to teach at the junior and high school levels. We do have degree plans for Education emphasis in Art, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education and many of the sciences. You can find that information on their respective pages.
Special Education
The Special Education curriculum prepares you to teach students with mild/moderate mental or physical disabilities. Students interested in licensure in Special Education should first explore the requirements for obtaining a teaching license in Elementary or Secondary Education. Special Education in many four-year institutions is a minor program leading to a special education endorsement to the regular teaching license. Coursework in Special Education is usually completed during the junior or senior year of a four-year bachelor's degree education program.
View the full list of Curriculum Guides (applicable for students admitted prior to Fall 2024) and Degree Maps (applicable for students admitted Fall 2024 and after).
Check out the Course Search for a full listing of courses available.
Visit the What Can I Do with My Major? webpage to find helpful resources on career paths, employers and more!