Course Prerequisites & Learning Outcomes
Everything you need to know about joining Acacia University’s accredited graduate certificate courses, eligibility criteria, language proficiency standards, and expected learning competencies.
Admission requirements
For Graduate Course Certificates
- Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The degree must be verified on an original transcript duly signed and certified by the Registrar or other responsible officer of the awarding institution directly to Acacia University. Mail or secure electronic delivery is accepted. Applicants submitting transcripts from non-US institutions may be required to have their transcript evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agency.
English language competency – Applicants whose first language is not English and do not have a bachelor’s degree from a university in which instruction is conducted in English must provide evidence of English proficiency. The following are accepted exams and minimum scores required for admission:
- 60 on the paper-delivered Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), or 71 on the Internet Based Test (iBT)
- 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS)
- 50 on the Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report
- 100 on the Duolingo English Test
- 55 on the 4-skill Michigan English Test (MET)
- 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE)
- Applicants must demonstrate access to classrooms – confirmation of classroom and connectivity attestation through either a signed form or declared via the Classroom and Connectivity Access Attestation section in the website admission form.
- Ongoing access to computer technology – All Acacia University courses are presented online so each applicant must have a computer and internet access to participate.
Course learning outcomes
For Graduate Course Certificates
4 Core Strategic Competencies
Develop a vision, mission, and guiding principles that foster and sustain a positive school culture.
Plan and prepare to implement curriculum assessment, evaluation, and inclusive services and resources in alignment with educational laws and standards to promote an equitable school community.
Apply leadership and management practices to support the professional development of administrators, staff, and teachers and establish a professional learning community.
Use evidence-based decision-making for strategic planning, fiscal and facility management, school improvement, and stakeholder advocacy.
4 Pedagogy & Developmental Competencies
Design and implement effective classroom strategies that align with students’ developmental domains and age ranges.
Develop age and developmentally appropriate classroom environments, curricula, assessments, and resources based on observed characteristics and behaviors.
Analyze research, theories, and case studies on child and adolescent development to inform instructional strategies and curriculum design.
Create inclusive classroom environments that promote positive development, learning, and a sense of community.
Course Information
Disclosure notice to US students: Acacia University offers graduate degrees and courses for current teachers to achieve their professional goals. Prospective and current students in the US must be licensed teachers in the state in which they work. Acacia programs are NOT a pathway to teacher licensure in the US.
This information is provided per U.S. Federal Regulations, 34 CFR § 668.50 (2016 Rules), 34 CFR § 668.43 (2019 Rules), and in compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) Manual version 19.2.
Acacia University is an approved institution of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) which allows the university to provide distance learning programs and course work to students located in states other than Arizona. NC-SARA approval does not grant reciprocity or exemption from state professional licensing requirements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can apply for these programs?
Our graduate certificate programs are open to certified teachers, school administrators, educational specialists, and educators worldwide holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Do I need teaching experience?
While current teaching or school employment is helpful for immediately applying classroom strategies, anyone with a passionate interest in education and an accredited undergraduate degree is eligible.
How many credits are required?
Each graduate certificate comprises 3 fully accredited graduate-level university credits designed to be completed across structured, interactive online learning modules.
Can these credits be transferred?
Yes! Credits earned in these certificate programs can be directly transferred toward Acacia University’s accredited Master’s and Doctoral degree pathways.
When do classes begin?
We offer monthly rolling cohort start dates so you can begin whenever your schedule permits without waiting for traditional semester boundaries.
How long does the program take?
Most working educators complete the self-paced certificate program in 6 to 8 weeks while maintaining their regular full-time teaching commitments.
Transforming lives through quality education since 1983.
About Acacia
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Transforming lives through quality education since 1983.
About Acacia
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Admissions
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