The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree is a Board–approved collegiate degree program consisting of lower–division courses that transfer to baccalaureate programs leading to initial Texas teacher certification.

The AAT degree as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, is fully transferable to all Texas public universities. Because the AAT fulfills the requirements of the field of study curriculum statutes and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules, all Texas public universities must accept the three AAT curricula if they offer the applicable baccalaureate degrees leading to initial teacher certification.

Students who complete the AAT are required to meet entrance requirements of the receiving university and the educator preparation program, including grade point average and/or testing requirements.

The AAT degree is designed for transfer purposes. Some students decide to stop out after completing the degree. The AAT meets the educational requirements for educational aides and substitute teachers. In addition, completion of the AAT is much like that of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in that it may qualify students for work that minimally require an associate degree.

Substitute teachers who are completing their undergraduate degrees are eligible to take the AAT courses as needed and/or appropriate.

Texas public universities can prescribe specific courses to satisfy core curriculum requirements. However, this should be done in cooperation with the university’s community/state college partners, be in compliance with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules concerning core curriculum, and articulated as appropriate.

The three AAT curricula were adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at its quarterly meeting July 15, 2004. Changes to the AAT curricula were adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at its quarterly meeting April 30, 2009.