Can credits from this certificate transfer toward a future Ed.S. or Ed.D.?
Coursework may be eligible to transfer, subject to A-State’s standard graduate transfer credit policy (up to 9 hours, pending official transcript review and a Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form). Contact a Student Engagement Specialist for more information on transfer credit before assuming specific courses will apply to the Ed.S.
Is this certificate valid in states other than Arkansas?
Licensure requirements vary by state. For all other states, please see our State Authorization and Licensure Disclosures page to confirm eligibility in your specific state.
Does this certificate satisfy Arkansas ADE requirements for building-level administrator licensure?
Yes. This certificate is part of Arkansas State University’s educator preparation programming, which is approved by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) for Building-Level Administrator licensure. CAEP accreditation covers the college’s educator preparation unit nationally; state-specific approval is separately confirmed through ADE’s list of approved institutions.
Is this certificate financial aid eligible?
No, certificate programs are not financial aid eligible.
What are the admission requirements, and how does the GPA floor compare to the Ed.S.?
You’ll need an education-related master’s degree, a 3.0 cumulative GPA, two years of P-12 educator experience, a mentor commitment and a self-disposition document. The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Principalship requires a higher 3.25 GPA, one year of experience as an educator, a mentor commitment and self-disposition document.
How many credit hours does this certificate take, and how long does it take to complete?
18 credit hours, completable in approximately 12 months for full-time students, with multiple start dates per year.
Can I get this certification if my master’s degree is in an unrelated field?
Admission requires an education-related master’s degree, a 3.0 GPA and two years of P-12 educator experience.
What’s the fastest way to earn a principal’s license without getting another full degree?
If you already hold a master’s degree, this 18-credit-hour certificate adds Arkansas building-level administrator licensure without requiring a second full degree like the Ed.S.
What’s the difference between this certificate and a full Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Principalship?
Both prepare you for the same Arkansas building-level administrator license, but they differ in scope: this certificate is 18 credit hours; the Ed.S. is 30 credit hours. The certificate does not add an Ed.S. designation to your transcript, which may affect district salary schedule placement in some districts. If you want the fastest route to […]
What happens if I’m deployed or activated during a term?
You can learn more about our policy by visiting the “Students Activated for Military Service” section of our Academic Regulations page.
Do I need to reapply for the Military Scholarship every term?
Yes, you must reapply each term, and the deadline lines up with the military’s TA request deadline (seven days before the term begins). Applying before the deadline helps ensure your scholarship and TA are both applied on time.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
For questions about VA benefits, contact us at 870-972-2920 or email [email protected].
How much is tuition with A-State’s Military Scholarship?
With A-State’s Military Scholarship, tuition is reduced to only $250 per credit hour for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Can my spouse take advantage of my military benefits for their degree program?
Yes, spouses of veterans may qualify for Chapter 35 or Transferred Chapter 33 VA benefits. Spouses of active-duty service members may qualify for A-State’s Military Scholarship. Contact A-State Online’s military and veteran representative at 870-972-2920 or [email protected] for more information.
Can I use other forms of financial aid with my GI Bill®?
Yes, you can. We are obligated to report the net tuition cost to the VA after accounting for any grants, scholarships, discounts and other applicable tuition reductions. Your VA benefits will be applied to the remaining balance under Chapter 33.
How do I apply for military benefits?
Active-duty service members should visit their installation’s education office to get their tuition assistance activated. To apply for military benefits, go to the VA’s education application page and follow their instructions.
Does A-State grant college credit for my military experience?
You may be eligible for prior learning assessment based on your previous accomplishments, reducing your tuition costs and time to graduation. Contact A-State Online’s military and veteran representative at 870-972-2920 for more information.
Does A-State accept transfer credits?
Yes. The number of transfer credits is dependent on the program. Please view our programs for more information.
Does the military pay for my online degree program?
The educational benefits you’ve earned through your military service can be utilized to pursue a college degree online. Options such as military tuition assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill® and Post-9/11 GI Bill® can help cover the costs of your education. Additionally, there are outside scholarships and federal financial aid available to provide further financial support […]
Can I take online classes while in the military?
Yes, our online programs are flexible so you can pursue your degree while working.
How often will I need to be in Jonesboro for my clinical requirements?
In person clinical rotations occur throughout the year. To get a sense of what your clinical requirements schedule could look like take a look at our Accelerated BSN Sample Clinical Schedule.
How do teachers balance a full-time job and a master’s degree program?
Adding graduate study to a full-time job can certainly be a challenge, especially for teachers. If you have been waiting for the right time or circumstances to earn your master’s, consider learning online. Many teachers find that balancing work and school is much easier in A-State online MSE programs, since courses tend to have weekly […]
How do I find special education teacher certification information for my state?
Check with the special education agency in your desired state of employment to confirm licensure and certification standards there. You can use the Department of Education’s interactive state contacts map to find information on the agencies that govern each U.S. state or territory.
Why should I choose an accredited master’s program in special education?
Accredited master’s programs in special education must meet the highest standards for faculty qualifications, teaching methods, curriculum and graduation rates. Without accreditation, there is no guarantee for students that a degree program meets those academic and professional standards. A-State education licensure programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly […]
What will I learn in a special education master’s program?
Master’s coursework will give you a solid foundation in special education law and policy, as well as best practices in assessment and instruction for exceptional learners. In the A-State online MSE in Special Education program, you will study advanced teaching strategies as you build expertise in education planning and collaboration, positive behavior intervention and assistive […]
What is a Master of Science in Special Education?
The MSE in Special Education is a degree that offers current classroom teachers the chance to improve their knowledge about exceptional learners and earn certification in special education. It is also for experienced special education teachers who want to enrich their teaching practice and gain the career benefits that come with a master’s degree. Coursework […]
What is special education?
Special education is a term that refers to educational services for children and youth who are exceptional learners, and the way teachers work with this population of students. It also references federal education law that requires schools to provide students with disabilities the same quality of education that students without disabilities receive. Special education is […]
Do master’s programs require a certain number of clock hours in school counseling practice?
Yes. The number of clock hours in school counseling practice required for your degree will depend on state guidelines, as well as those of your master’s program. The A-State online MSE in School Counseling program requires 700 clock hours of experience, divided between the practicum (100) and two internship courses (600). At least 40 hours […]
How do online master’s students complete a school counseling internship?
Most teachers studying in online master’s programs arrange their own internship, usually at their current school or another one in their district. If you are new to education and changing careers, you may find that friends, family or colleagues have contacts in local schools who can pave the way for an internship experience. You can […]
What will I learn in a master’s in school counseling program?
Master’s coursework addresses the school counselor’s full range of duties, as well as specific roles and job functions. You will study counseling theory, ethics and best practices, and develop legal and cultural competency in the profession. The A-State online MSE in School Counseling program prepares you to work with individual children and youth, as well […]