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School of Education

Guiding You Forward: A Welcome from the Dean

Welcome to the School of Education at Acacia University! On behalf of our faculty, staff, and entire learning community, I am delighted to welcome you to a place where passion for teaching, leadership, and lifelong learning come together to create a truly transformative experience. Whether you are just beginning your graduate journey or continuing your professional development, you are now part of a vibrant, global community committed to educational excellence and innovation. 
At Acacia, we take great pride in offering high-caliber, accessible, and affordable graduate programs that are deeply rooted in a legacy of quality that dates back to our founding in the 1990s. Our five Master’s degree programs and the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership are designed to challenge, inspire, and empower you to make a lasting impact in your educational community. We are honored to support you on this important journey and welcome you wholeheartedly to the Acacia family.

Dr Lisa Oliphant, Dean of Education

Explore Our Business Programs

Master of Arts in Elementary Education

Master of Education in English as a Second Language

Master of Education in Educational Administration

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Tuition

Starting the adult learning journey can be challenging, but with Acacia’s support, these obstacles become manageable. We proudly offer quality educational services with affordable learning solutions tailored to help our students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Degrees Price in USD Total Credits No of Credits Price in USD Per credit
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership 10000 60 166.66
Master of Arts in Elementary Education 5000 36 138.88
Master of Arts in Secondary Education 5000 36 138.88
Master of Education in Educational Administration 5000 36 138.88
Master of Education in English as a Second Language 5416 39 138.88
Master of Education in Special Education 5000 36 138.88

Admission Eligibility & Requirements

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

Successful completion of a master’s 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.

There is no minimum GPA required for admission to Doctoral study, but superior academic performance in courses related to the intended field of study is highly desirable. Demonstrated improvement in academic performance over time is also desirable. The degree must be verified on an original transcript duly signed and certified by the Registrar or other responsible officer of the Master’s institution.

3 Applicants must currently hold or have held a professional position or be otherwise actively engaged in work that relates to the intended field of study.
4 For the Doctor of Education, ongoing access to a K-12 school or educational institution.
5 Essay – A personal statement, not to exceed five hundred (500) words that discusses: your reasons for pursuing the doctorate; your career goals; how the doctorate would help you meet career goals; and prior experiences which relate to your interest in, and aptitude for this program.
6 Applicants whose first language is not English and who do not have a master’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:
  • 65 on the paper-delivered Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), or 80 on the Internet Based Test (iBT)
  • 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS)
  • 58 on the Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report
  • 105 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)
  • 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE)
7 An online interview with one or more representatives of the University.
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)
  • A minimum score on the College Board Accuplacer ESL Exam Series as follows:
    • ESL Language Use: Score of 85
    • ESL Listening: Score of 80
    • ESL Reading: Score of 85
    • ESL Sentence Meaning: Score of 90
    • ESL Writeplacer: Score of 4
    • Comprehensive Score for all exams of 350
  • A minimum grade of Pre-1 on the Eiken English Proficiency Exam.
  • A minimum B-2 English proficiency level identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) standards and assessed through various ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge.
3 For degrees in Education, applicants must demonstrate access to classrooms.
  • The Master of Arts in Elementary Education requires access to elementary classrooms.
  • The Master of Arts in Secondary Education requires access to secondary classrooms.
  • The Master of Education in Educational Administration prefers a record of at least two years of successful teaching experience and requires access to classrooms.
  • The Master of Education in Special Education requires access to Special Education classrooms for implementation of strategies and assignments.
  • The Master of Education in English as a Second Language requires access to classrooms with ESL students.
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.
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)
  • A minimum score on the College Board Accuplacer ESL Exam Series as follows:
    • ESL Language Use: Score of 85
    • ESL Reading: Score of 85
    • ESL Sentence Meaning: Score of 90
    • ESL Writeplacer: Score of 4
    • Comprehensive Score for all exams of 350
  • A minimum grade of Pre-1 on the Eiken English Proficiency Exam;
  • A minimum B-2 English proficiency level identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) standards and assessed through various ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge.
3 For degrees in Education, applicants must demonstrate access to classrooms – confirmation of classroom and connectivity attestation through either a signed form https://www.acacia.edu/required-classroom-and-connectivity-attestation.pdf or declared via the Classroom and Connectivity Access Attestation section in the website admission 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.

Handbook

Access the comprehensive guide to stay informed and empowered throughout your academic journey.

School of Education - University Catalog and Student Handbook

Ed.D. Handbook Addendum

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Cynthia Lopez
Dr. Lisa Oliphant
Dr. Mary Donohue
Dr. Toby McChesney
Dr. Aliki Constantinou
Dr. Pamela Felder-Small
Dr. Ryan Buck
Dr. Kelly Sullivan
Dr. Adrianna Kerr
Dr. Essra Mahmoud
Dr. Essra Mahmoud
Dr. Farah Zannad

Transfer Credits

Acacia University recognizes the prior learning of admitted students by awarding credit for courses at the graduate level, completed at an accredited institution, and documented through official transcript when the credit is applicable to the student’s degree program at this institution. Acacia University may award transfer credits not to exceed a maximum of fifteen (15) credits required for a master’s degree program and a maximum of nine (9) credits required for a professional doctoral degree program through transfer credit. Credit awarded for experiential or equivalent learning cannot exceed 25 percent or nine (9) of the credits required for a master’s degree. Courses accepted for transfer credit must be relevant to the program of study, equivalent in both content and degree level, and not more than ten years old.      
Credits from another degree cannot be transferred or used for an additional degree at Acacia University.   
The acceptance of transfer credits between institutions lies within the discretion of the receiving college or university. Credits earned at other institutions may or may not be accepted by Acacia University. Likewise, credits earned at Acacia University may or may not be accepted by another institution depending upon its own programs, policies, and regulations. Students planning to complete credits for a graduate degree in another college, university, or graduate school are advised to contact the Admissions Office of such institution in advance of applying. 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Yes, all our programs are delivered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to learn from anywhere, at times that are convenient for you. Our virtual platform is designed to fit your schedule, balancing your work and other responsibilities.

Yes, we are accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures that our programs meet high academic standards and are respected in the professional world.

Our Master’s program is designed to be completed within 18-24 months, while the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership typically takes a minimum of 36 months to complete.

Acacia University offers six start dates throughout the year. Check our academic calendar for the next available term and apply accordingly.

Yes! We offer flexible payment plans to help you spread the cost of tuition over manageable installments. Contact our admissions team to explore options that work for you.

No. An accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree (for Doctorate) from any background is accepted. However, access to classroom and a background in related fields is ideal.

You’ll typically need to provide:

  • A copy of your official transcripts
  • Your resume or CV
  • Proof of English proficiency (if app

You can apply directly through our website by filling out the online form and one of our admissions specialists will guide you through.

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