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

  1. 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.
  2. 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)
  3. Applicants must demonstrate access to classrooms – confirmation of classroom and connectivity declaration via the Classroom and Connectivity Access section in the university application form.
  4. Ongoing access to computer technology – All Acacia University courses are presented online so each applicant must have a computer and internet access to participate.
  5. Proof of Identity – valid passport or government issued ID.

Course learning outcomes

For Graduate Course Certificates

Principles of School Leadership & Management

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.

Child and Adolescent Development

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.

Disclosure

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

Yes. Acacia University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

If you plan to use these credits at another institution, you must contact that university’s Admissions Office directly. The acceptance of transfer credits is always at the complete discretion of the receiving institution.

No. Coursework is asynchronous, meaning there are no fixed lecture hours. However, students must meet regular weekly assignment deadlines, quizzes, vlc activities, and assessment submissions.

Yes. Credits earned in accredited graduate-level courses completed with passing grades are eligible to be applied directly toward relevant Acacia University master’s degree pathways, subject to standard degree plan limits.

This promotion is available for one time only in 2026 and applies exclusively to the Fall Session 2, commencing October 25, 2026.

There is no application fee for the WTD promotional courses. Furthermore, you do not need to pay the $390.00 USD tuition at the time of application. The tuition charge will only be assessed and payable after your application has been formally reviewed and accepted by the Office of the Registrar.

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