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From Courses to Classrooms
Tailored for adult learners, this program fosters critical thinking and leadership within diverse educational settings. ACU’s online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies with teacher certification offers a dynamic, accelerated path for you to enter a variety of jobs in education.
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About the Program
ACU’s online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies is designed for career changers and paraprofessionals looking to expand their skill set to make an impact in teaching and non-teaching careers in education. The curriculum for this program intentionally blends instructional design, developmental psychology and communication to shape you into a confident educator. By getting your teacher certification from The Texas Institute for Teacher Education, ACU’s educator certification institution, you’ll gain the skills needed to become an effective classroom teacher.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Degree
ACU’s online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies offers a tailored curriculum that equips you with the practical expertise and fundamental knowledge in leadership, education and psychology. Paraprofessionals with an existing associate’s degree could transfer up to 60 hours of credit, completing their degree in as few as two years.
Required Hours
Timeframe: 120 credit hours, 3.5 years
Cost: $395 per credit hour with $310 resource fee per term
Coursework
Creating Effective Learning Environments for Classroom Teachers
Data-Driven Practice for Classroom Teachers
Child Psychology
Intercultural Communication
Upcoming Start Dates
August 25, 2026
October 20, 2026
Common Job Titles
Classroom TeacherÂ
Instructional Coordinator
Curriculum Developer
Meet the Program Director
Dr. Alline Sada, Program Director
Dr. Alline Sada is the assistant dean of K-12 leadership and educator development. She is a passionate educator with a multidisciplinary background in strategic planning, design thinking and educational technology. Dr. Sada brings expertise from a broad range of projects, including talent development, school improvement, product development, business operations and workshop planning and facilitation. She advocates the mindful use of technology as a tool for teaching and learning. She has served as a thought leader promoting the inclusion of technology with Google, Apple, ASCD and others. Dr. Sada received her Doctor of Education with a concentration in Global Educational Leadership from Lamar University.
Curriculum
Alternative Certification Program for Teachers in partnership with TXITE
As part of the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies with Teacher Certification, students complete their educator preparation through the Texas Institute for Teacher Education (TXITE), a faith-based, fully online certification institution. Rooted in Christian values, the institute is committed to equipping future educators with EC-6 certification and the knowledge, wisdom and character needed to serve elementary students across Texas. With a vision to glorify God through professional service, the program prepares faith-driven teachers to lead with purpose – teaching students to think critically, act virtuously and live selflessly in diverse public school settings.Â
SPOTLIGHT
The College of Learning and Development’s Signature Pedagogy
Discover how ACU’s College of Learning and Development prepares leaders with heart, hand and mind through its Signature Pedagogy a powerful teaching framework that shapes purposeful thinkers who act with compassion and lead with confidence. Read more about how this approach builds meaningful leadership and real-world impact.
ACU and ESC Region 11 Partner to Empower Future Educators in Greater Fort Worth
ACU is thrilled to partner with Education Service Center Region 11 to launch fully online degree programs and professional development pathways for educators and aspiring teachers in the Greater Fort Worth area. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this partnership is all about empowering you with the tools and opportunities to thrive in education.
Faculty Spotlight: Stephanie Wanamaker
Meet Stephanie Wanamaker, ACU Online’s assistant professor and director for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. From student to program director, Stephanie has fused her love of understanding others with her passion for education to impact students and prepare them for careers in psychology.
Students in the program will:
- Complete coursework in a flexible, transfer-friendly degree path that integrates academic knowledge, making students eligible for external certification.Â
- Build skills in communication, psychology and leadership to foster inclusive, engaging and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
- Be supported in a faith-driven, purpose-led education program that prepares you to lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact in Texas schools, districts, nonprofit organizations and beyond.
To be considered for admission, students must:Â
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Submit official high school and/or college transcripts with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Applicants with a GPA less than 2.50 at the time of TXITE admission must pass the designated PACT exam following the completion of their degree program.
Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a 2.5 GPA or higher to meet graduation requirements and complete at least 33 advanced hours.
Note: Admission to this degree does not constitute admission to a Texas Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Students interested in pursuing teacher certification may apply separately through an approved external EPP.Â
Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU.
Abilene Christian University enjoys a strong national reputation as one of the leading private Christian universities in the west and southwest, indicated by various ratings (such as U.S. News and World Report and other reports).