School of

Education

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Few professions have a more direct impact on transforming lives than education. At ACU, we believe teaching is a ministry. Our teacher education program will prepare you to ignite a love of learning within your students, while reflecting Christ’s love in your classroom. We offer majors that equip you to teach in diverse, multicultural settings from early childhood through elementary, middle and high school. We also have programs to prepare you to become licensed to teach special education and all-level subjects such as music, theatre, art and Spanish. Choose the path that matches your passion and use that passion to inspire others.
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Few professions have a more direct impact on transforming lives than education. At ACU, we believe teaching is a ministry. Our teacher education program will prepare you to ignite a love of learning within your students, while reflecting Christ’s love in your classroom. We offer majors that equip you to teach in diverse, multicultural settings from early childhood through elementary, middle and high school. We also have programs to prepare you to become licensed to teach special education and all-level subjects such as music, theatre, art and Spanish. Choose the path that matches your passion and use that passion to inspire others.

Main Content

National Accreditation

While the State of Texas does not require national accreditation, in our pursuit of excellence and because of our commitment to prepare our teacher candidates to serve in diverse settings throughout the U.S., the ACU Teacher Education Program chose to pursue national accreditation through the Association for Advancing Quality Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Video overview for ACU's BA/BS in Teacher Education program

Call for Third-Party Comment

Submission Deadline: March 11, 2026

On April 8-10, Abilene Christian University will host an accreditation visit by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). In preparation for the visit, the AAQEP Quality Review Team is soliciting public comment about the quality of educator preparation provided by Abilene Christian University, based on AAQEP’s 2025 expectations framework. All comments must be submitted by March 11, 2026 through the AAQEP website: Submit Comment.

Becoming More

Research center with students walking to class

Elevate Your Teaching Career

Our accelerated master’s program allows you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. In the final semester of your undergraduate career, you will be able to take courses toward your M.Ed. Then you will complete one full school year of student teaching while finishing your master’s degree. Students who have been awarded ACU academic merit undergraduate scholarships receive a 5th year of funding for their master’s degree. Candidates for the accelerated program must have at least a 3.0 overall GPA.

Learn More about the Master's Program
Rachel Carliisle Morlan Award Recipient

Living by Example

Each year, the Department of Teacher Education bestows the Morlan Medal award to a graduate who has made significant contributions to the field of education. This year’s honoree is Rachel (Wharton ’13) Carlisle, a fifth-grade teacher at Evelyn Scarborough Elementary in San Antonio, who has served as a mentor to many ACU students. Carlisle exemplifies the commitment to teaching excellence and continued professional growth that we strive to nurture in all our ACU teacher candidates. As a classroom teacher and scholar, she is a living example of ACU’s mission of Christian service and leadership throughout the world.

Pick a Major

Undergraduate degrees are available in early childhood, elementary or middle school education. Or you can pursue an undergraduate degree in another department along with your teacher education certification. We offer 24 different tracks across our five degree programs for you to step forward into your personal and professional development. Our faculty advisors will help you map out your undergraduate program in another department. As you become a sophomore or reach 45 semester credit hours, you will apply into the teacher education program and we will guide you through your education courses.

What to expect:

  • Complete and submit the application into the Teacher Education Program
  • Successfully achieve minimum GPA and credit hour criteria
  • EDUC 211 Educational Foundations and Multicultural Perspectives
  • Declare a major that includes a certification
  • Interview

 

Certifications

What would you like to teach?

Bachelor’s degrees (B.A.,B.S.,B.F.A) are available to prepare you to teach early childhood/elementary, middle school, high school, or all grade levels. We partner with content field departments to offer 24 different certifications through our Teacher Education Program. You can explore these opportunities below:

All-Level Teacher Certification

  1. Art (ART-ARTT)
  2. Music – Instrumental Concentration (MTIA)
  3. Music – Vocal Concentration (MTVA)
  4. Journalism/Multimedia (JMTC)
  5. Spanish (SPNT)
  6. Theatre (THEA-THED)

Early Childhood/Elementary Certification (IDSC)
Special Education with Early Childhood and Elementary (SPEL)

Middle School Education (Grades 4-8)

  1. Language Arts (MSED-MSLN)
  2. Mathematics (MSED-MSMT)
  3. Science (MSED-MSSC)
  4. Social Studies (MSED-MSSO)

High School Teacher Certification

  1. Chemistry Education (CPST-CHMT)
  2. Composite Science – Engineering and Physics (PHMT-PHCS)
  3. Composite Sciences (CPST-CMST)
  4. Composite Sciences (BIOT-BTCS)
  5. Computer Science and Mathematics (CSMT)
  6. *English for Grades 7-12 (ENGT)
  7. History (HSTT)
  8. Life Science (BIOT-BIOT)
  9. *Mathematics for Grades 7-12 (MATT)
  10. Physical Science (CPST-CPST)
  11. Physics and Mathematics (PHMT-PHMT)
  12. Social Studies (HSST)
View Catalog

Choose Your Path

When you study at ACU, your faith and scholarship will grow in tandem, each elevating your vision and enthusiasm to follow it. You’ll pursue that vision among a body of students who share your passion for service, your desire to lead and your dream to transform the world – together.

Accreditation & Membership

National Accreditation

While the State of Texas does not require national accreditation, in our pursuit of excellence and because of our commitment to prepare our teacher candidates to serve in diverse settings throughout the U.S., the ACU Teacher Education Program chose to pursue national accreditation through the Association for Advancing Quality Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

The mission of AAQEP “to promote and recognize quality educator preparation that strengthens the education system’s ability to serve all students, schools, and communities” aligns with our mission at ACU. The mission of the ACU Department of Teacher Education is to prepare exemplary, committed educators for service in diverse and multicultural communities for the glory of God. This mission is informed by our commitment to academic and professional excellence grounded by our Christian calling.

AAQEP ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Students playing dodgeball

Texas Education Agency

The Abilene Christian University Teacher Education Program is committed to preparing exemplary, committed educators for service in diverse and multicultural communities for the glory of God. The program is accredited by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas State Board for Educator Preparation.

TEA Consumer Information
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Professional Engagement through Educator Preparation Organizations

The ACU Teacher Education Program is committed to continuous improvement and inquiry into best practices in educator preparation. Therefore, we are a proud member of the following state, national and international organizations:

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)

Texas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (TACTE)

Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education (AILACTE)

Education Deans of Independent Colleges and Universities in Texas (EDICUT)

International Christian Community for Teacher Education (ICCTE)