Frequently Asked Questions
What will the AST degree enable me to do?
How much does the program cost?
Are there tests that I need to take?
How do I know if I am eligible?
What is the estimated length of time required to earn
an AST degree?
What coursework is required for the AST degree?
Can I become certified in additional subject areas?
What is the timeline for beginning to teach?
What will the AST degree enable me to do?
All of the courses in the newly established Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) degree program were designed in partnership with educational leaders at the community colleges and the partner four-year universities. As such, all 60 credits earned as part of the AST degree will transfer to any of the elementary education programs offered in four-year universities across the state. This enables AST recipients to enter a four-year teacher education program with half of their certification requirements already completed. The skills and knowledge gained as part of the AST degree will also qualify graduates who choose not to enter a four-year teacher education program immediately after completing the program to work as paid classroom assistants or paraprofessionals.
How much does the program cost?
There is not a separate application fee to apply to Louisiana TeachNext. However, in order to apply to Louisiana TeachNext, applicants must first be admitted to one of the participating community colleges, Baton Rouge, Bossier Parish, Delgado, Nunez, or River Parishes.
Below is a list of approximate tuition and fees for full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours) at each of the community colleges:
College |
Application Fee |
In-state Tuition |
School-Related Fees |
Baton Rouge Community College
|
$7 ($45 international application fee) |
$684 (12 credit hours) |
$200 (approx.) |
Bossier Parish Community College
|
$15 ($25 international application fee) |
$880 (12 credit hours) |
$244 (approx.) |
Delgado Community College |
$15 |
$768 |
$200 |
Nunez Community College |
$10 |
$701 |
$200 |
River Parishes Community College
|
$10 |
$782 (12 credit hours) |
$170 (approx.) |
Tuition and fees are subject to change. We encourage you to check with the individual college campus for more detailed information regarding tuition and financial assistance.
Bossier Parish Community College
River Parishes Community College
Financial Aid
Financial assistance is available at each of the five colleges for students who demonstrate need. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid through the federal government’s student loan program. Additional financial assistance may be available through state, local, and college-specific programs. Students should speak with staff members in the financial aid office to learn more about funding opportunities.
Please refer to Program Costs section of this website for detailed instructions for applying for financial assistance.
Are there tests that I need to take?
There is not a testing requirement specific to the Louisiana TeachNext application. However, in order to apply to Louisiana TeachNext, candidates must first be admitted into one of the participating colleges: Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College, Nunez Community College, or River Parishes Community College. Each college has testing requirements as part of their application process, which may include: COMPASS test, American College Test (ACT), and/or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Please visit the Testing Requirements section of this website for more detailed information.
How do I know if I am eligible?
To be eligible for acceptance into the Associate of Science in Teaching degree program through Louisiana TeachNext, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Meet entrance requirements for the college where you wish to enroll.
Candidates applying to Louisiana TeachNext must first be admitted into Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College, Nunez Community College, or River Parishes Community College. This includes meeting the colleges’ testing requirements.
2. Cannot have more than one developmental course remaining at the community college and all developmental courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. (Applicants to River Parishes Community College must have successfully completed all developmental coursework).
3. Must be a high school graduate (or have successfully earned a GED).
4. Meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. Applicants who have a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 will be admitted on a case by case basis and must demonstrate exceptional achievement or academic strength as evidenced by their scores on the ACT or COMPASS test in order to be considered for admission into the program.
5. A minimum cumulative GPA for any college coursework already completed as follows:
2.00 GPA for 0-15 credit hours
2.20 GPA for 16-30 credit hours
2.50 GPA for 31-45 credit hours
Please Note: In order to achieve and maintain these minimum GPAs and to ensure transferability to a 4-year university, students enrolled in the AST degree program must earn grades of “C” or better in required courses.
6. Successful completion of an entrance interview.
Louisiana TeachNext applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited to one of the scheduled interview events which will be held on campus at the participating colleges. More information about the interview event will be provided once applicants have submitted their Louisiana TeachNext application.
What is the estimated length of time required to earn an AST degree?
The Louisiana TeachNext degree program was designed to provide a flexible and affordable way for talented individuals interested in the field of education to begin the path toward becoming a teacher. The AST degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. However, many students enrolled in the AST degree program will elect to work full-time while simultaneously taking courses. Program advisors at the participating colleges will assist students in planning a course of study that is best suited to the needs of each individual.
The coursework required for the AST degree is offered at multiple locations and at various times including night and weekend classes. And, although some course sequences require specific enrollment dates, many of the courses are available in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Distance learning is also possible through online courses available at the colleges.
What coursework is required for the AST degree?
General studies coursework is the core of the AST degree program. In addition, students will take preliminary education courses designed to fulfill course requirements for an elementary teaching certificate.
Courses typically required for the AST degree include (although are not limited to) the following:
Typical Course of Study for the AST Degree
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
3rd Semester |
4th Semester |
English Composition I |
English Composition II |
American Literature |
British Literature |
College Algebra |
Modern Math for Elem Teachers |
Geometry & Statistics for Teachers |
Statistics |
Principles of Biology I |
Principles of Biology II |
Physical Science I |
Physical Science II |
Principles of Biology Lab |
American History |
Physical Science I Lab |
Physical Science II Lab |
World History II |
Fine Arts Elective |
Geography |
American Government |
|
|
Teaching & Learning in Diverse Settings I |
Teaching & Learning in Diverse Settings II |
13 credits |
15 credits |
16 credits |
16 credits |
Total Credits: 60
The AST degree eliminates the course-by-course transfer challenges that many students have experienced in the past when moving from a community college to a four-year receiving institution. Before this degree was approved by the Board of Regents, students had no viable vehicle to receive an associate’s degree and then matriculate to a four-year institution to obtain teacher certification without the loss of numerous earned credits. All 60 of the course credits earned in this program of study will transfer to a four-year teacher education program, enabling AST degree recipients to enter such a program with nearly half of their certification requirements already completed.
Can I become certified in additional subject areas?
The AST degree program provides a direct route toward elementary teacher certification in grades 1-5. However, once a candidate receives elementary certification, minimal additional coursework is required to add-on additional subject-specific certifications. For example, for an elementary certified teacher to add-on special education certification he or she will typically only need to complete 5 additional courses.
For more specific information on add-on endorsements, please visit the Louisiana Teacher Certification Center website.
What is the timeline for beginning to teach?
For individuals pursuing certification using Louisiana TeachNext as an entry point, a typical timeline includes two years of full-time coursework at the community college to earn the AST degree and then a minimum of two years of full-time coursework at one of the four-year universities to complete the education coursework and earn a Bachelors of Science degree and concurrently obtain elementary teacher certification.
Individuals with a Louisiana teaching certificate are in high demand because school districts across the state are in need of qualified teachers. Assuming candidates complete all coursework requirements within the timelines provided and remain in good standing with their colleges, Louisiana TeachNext enrollees may be eligible for a full-time elementary teaching position within approximately four years of the start of the AST degree program.