Prospective students of American College of Education will complete a process for admission to either a specific program or to the College at-large. Each level of entry has requirements addressed in this catalog in addition to expectations for both professional and personal conduct.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants to academic programs at American College of Education must:
- Complete the Application.
- Submit the application fee. The fee is valid for one year from the date of submission. The fee is waived for ACE’s graduates of certificates and programs coming back for an additional program.
- For Post-Baccalaureate Level (Master’s and Doctorate) Applicants: Provide official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program, and credits to be considered for transfer into a program. Coursework completed at American College of Education will also be reviewed from the applicant’s existing file. For Bachelor’s Level and RN to MSN applicants: Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program, and credits to be considered for transfer into a program. Coursework completed at American College of Education will also be reviewed from the applicant’s existing file.
- Submit an Enrollment Agreement
International Transcript Requirements
Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through an evaluation agency credentialed through National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (www.naces.org).
International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.
English as Second Language Applicants
All applicants whose degree was earned from a country where English is not the official language must demonstrate competence in the English language in one of the following ways:
- Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
- Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
- The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening, and, Writing.
- The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification. c. The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
- Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit scores from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. An overall score of 80, and a score of 26 on the speaking section is required.
Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
Admission Requirements by Program
| Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration |
Minimum Level of
Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point
Average on a 4.0 Scale for
Provisional Admission |
| Associates degree or 60 undergraduate semester hour credits. |
2.00 |
1.75
Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 hours is below 1.75 will not be admitted to the degree program.
|
| Other Requirements |
| None |
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Education in Elementary Education
Master of Education in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education
Master of Education in Integrated Curriculum
Master of Education in Literacy
Master of Education in STEM Leadership
Master of Education in Teacher Leadership |
Minimum Level
of Education Required |
Minimum Grade
Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for
Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point
Average on a 4.0 Scale for
Provisional Admission |
|
Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
|
2.75
|
2.50
Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 hours is below 2.50 will not be admitted to the degree program.
|
| Other Requirements |
- Applicants for the above programs must provide documentation of at least an initial teaching license (in the state the applicant resides), school service personnel license, or a school services certificate. If applicants to these programs do not have a teaching certificate, they may document their teaching status by providing evidence of full-time teaching assignment from an individual in a supervisory capacity or from a human resource official of the school at their current employment.
- Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
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| Master of Education in Educational Leadership |
|
Minimum Level
of Education Required
|
Minimum Grade
Point Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Full Admission
|
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for
Provisional Admission |
|
Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
|
2.75
|
2.50
Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 hours is below 2.50 will
not be admitted to the degree program.
|
| Other Requirements |
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Applicants for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program must provide documentation of at least an initial teaching license, school service personnel license, or a school services certificate. If applicants to the Educational Leadership programs do not have a teaching certificate, they may document their teaching status by providing evidence of full-time teaching assignment from an individual in a supervisory capacity or from a human resources official of the school at their current employment.
Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
Florida Applicants:
In addition to the general requirements for the M.Ed. In Educational Leadership, the following are required:
Submit two (2) letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s principal or direct supervisor. Both recommenders must include an evaluation of the applicant’s leadership potential. The supervisor’s recommendation must include an evaluation of the applicant’s instructional practice and performance of students at an “effective” or “highly effective” rating as evaluated by their two most recent performance evaluations through official district documentation or verification.
*If unable to receive supervisor verification of instructional experience and performance of students, applicants can submit their last two years of performance evaluations showing a rating of “effective” or higher in instructional practice and performance of students’ sections.
Ohio Applicants:
In addition to the general requirements for the M.Ed. In Educational Leadership, the following are required:
- Submit an Educational Leadership essay.
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation.
Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
Texas Applicants:
In addition to the general requirements for the M.Ed. In Educational Leadership, the following are required:
- Complete an interview.
- Submit an Educational Leadership essay.
- Have their school district submit a sealed and signed Teacher Service Record.
Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit scores from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL an overall score of 80, and a score of 26 on the speaking section is required.
Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements, applicants who have been admitted, must confirm, in writing, acceptance of the admission offer.
Illinois Applicants:
In addition to the general requirements for the M.Ed. In Educational Leadership, the following are required:
- Must hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License.
- Must have four years of teaching experience in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education or
- Four years of Support Personnel experience in the following area in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois Board of Education in the following capacity:
- School Counselor
- School Psychologist
- Speech Language Pathologist
- School Nurse
- School Social Worker
- School Marriage and Family Counselor
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Master of Education in Advanced Studies
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Master of Education in Educational Business Administration
Master of Education in Educational Technology
Master of Education in Health and Wellness Education
Master of Education in Higher Education
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology
Master of Education in Teaching English Learners
|
Minimum Level
of Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for
Provisional Admission |
| Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned |
2.75 |
2.50
Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 hours is below 2.50 will not be admitted to the degree program.
|
| Other Requirements |
| None |
Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching
Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching
Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education Certificate
Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education Certificate |
|
Minimum Level
of Education Required
|
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Full Admission
|
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for
Provisional Admission
|
|
Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
|
Cumulative 3.0
or
2.5 and, at least, 5 years of documented professional experience related to the content area in which the applicants seek licensure;
or
both a baccalaureate degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution and proof of passing state approved content area examination(s) in the subject area.
|
Provisional Admission is not permitted.
|
Other Requirements
Requirements determined through marrying both Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards |
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Applicants to the above listed programs must meet the following requirements:
- Pass criminal background check from Safe Hiring Solutions.
- Acknowledgment of field-based diversity experiences and classroom access.
- Provide official test results* demonstrating achievement of the following scores on any of these nationally recognized tests:
- ACT: Minimum Composite score of 24
- GRE: Minimum Composite score of 301
- SAT: Minimum Composite score of 1100
- Scores on tests in different grading scales will be converted to match the present scoring methodology using appropriate converter tools.
*Official results must include results in reading/verbal and math subtests.
|
|
RN to MSN Program
|
Minimum Level
of Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.0 Scale for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Provisional Admission |
|
Associate degree or 90 undergraduate semester credits
|
3.0
|
2.75
Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 credits is below 2.75 will not be admitted to the program.
|
| Other Requirements |
- Applicants for the above program must provide documentation of active unencumbered RN license.
Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements.
- Proof of current employment as a RN or access to a practice environment.
- Required general education and pre-nursing courses (unless designated as a prerequisite course) can be completed concurrently with BSN requirements; all general education courses must be completed prior to awarding of bachelor’s degree and matriculation to graduate portion of the program.
|
|
Ed.S. in District Level Administration
|
Minimum Level of
Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Provisional Admission |
|
Master’s or Doctoral level
|
3.0
|
Provisional Admission is not permitted.
|
| Other Requirements |
- Submit a current curriculum vitae (preferred) or resume.
- Submit a goal statement, demonstrating a clear expression of purpose and anticipated personal and professional goals.
- Complete an Interview.
- Submit proof of an initial, standard, provisional, proficient, or accomplished practitioner license.
- Submit proof of at least two years of teaching.
|
|
Student-At-Large at the Bachelor’s Level
|
Minimum Level of
Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Full admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.0 Scale
or Provisional Admission |
| At least 30 semester credits |
1.75 |
N/A |
| Other Requirements |
| If a Student At Large wishes to matriculate to a degree or certificate program, a new application is required and all appropriate admissions requirements for the new program must be met. |
|
Student-At-Large at the Master’s Level
|
Minimum Level of
Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Full admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.0 Scale
for Provisional Admission |
| Category 1: Student-at-large |
Bachelor’s or Highest Post Baccalaureate
degree earned |
2.5 |
|
| Other Requirements |
- For students taking courses on an at-large basis there is no limit to the number of graduate, credit-bearing courses that may be taken.
- If a Student At Large wishes to matriculate to a degree or certificate program, a new application is required and all appropriate admissions requirements for the new program must be met.
- A grade of B or better must be earned in each course for consideration of application to the degree program.
- All academic standards for academic achievement and conduct apply.
|
Bachelor’s or Highest Post Baccalaureate
degree earned |
*2.0-2.49 |
|
| Other Requirements |
- Applicants that meet the above education level requirements but have a GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 can be considered for admission if any of the following apply:
- Degree for GPA was conferred over ten years from start date at ACE
- Applicant has 5 or more years of experience in the field of education
|
| Category 2: Provisional Student-at-Large |
Bachelor’s or Highest Post Secondary
degree earned |
2.0 |
|
| Other Requirements |
- Applicants who were denied for not meeting the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 for provisional admission into the master’s degree program of interest or English language proficiency requirements, may apply as a provisional Student at-Large if approved by Director of Admissions or his/her designee and if all other program requirements are met.
- Students taking courses as provisional Student-at-Large must complete three designated graduate credit-bearing courses.
- A grade of B or better must be earned in each course, or the provisional student will be dismissed from the College.
- Upon successful completion of the three-course sequence, the student may request program change to the program of interest.
- The three courses successfully completed can be transferred into the program of study at the time of admission.
- Applicants must submit acknowledgement form agreeing to terms of Provisional SAL admission.
|
| Graduate level |
3.0 |
Provisional admission is not permitted |
| Other Requirements |
- Applicants are required to meet the general admission 3.0 GPA.
- All academic standards for academic achievement and conduct apply.
Students are not permitted to take doctoral seminar or dissertation courses.
|
|
Master’s Level Certificates
|
| Minimum Level of Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission |
|
Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
|
2.50
|
Provisional admission is not permitted.
|
|
Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
Ed.D. in Instructional Technology
Ed.D. in Leadership
Ed.S. in Leadership
|
| Minimum Level of Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission |
|
Master’s or Doctoral level
|
3.0
|
Provisional Admission is not permitted.
|
| Other Requirements |
- Submit a current curriculum vitae (preferred) or resume.
- Submit a goal statement, demonstrating a clear expression of purpose and anticipated personal and professional goals.
- Complete an Interview.
|
| Student-At-Large at the Doctoral Level |
| Minimum Level of Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission |
|
Master’s or Doctoral level
|
3.0
|
Provisional Admission is not permitted.
|
| Other Requirements |
- Applicants are required to meet the general admission 3.0 GPA.
- All academic standards for academic achievement and conduct apply.
Students are not permitted to take doctoral seminar or dissertation courses.
|
| Student-At-Large Professional Development |
| Minimum Level of Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission |
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Provisional Admission is not permitted.
|
| Other Requirements |
- Application is submitted.
- If any state specific documentation is required, it must be submitted prior to admission.
- If all requirements above are met, applicant will be permitted to complete requested course.
|
| Doctorate Level Certificates |
| Minimum Level of Education Required |
Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Full Admission |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission |
| Graduate Level |
3.00 |
Provisional Admission is not permitted. |
Notification of Admission Decision
Once all required admission documents are received, the applicant’s file is reviewed. If the applicant meets the admission requirements, he/she is either fully admitted or provisionally admitted. Applicants are notified of their acceptance via email. Students who have been provisionally admitted due to missing documents, must fulfill the requirement as specified or be administratively withdrawn from the College.
Enrollment and Registration
Once admitted, students are registered for courses in their degree or certificate program. Students must meet their obligation to pay tuition by the payment deadline in order to maintain access to their courses.
Change of Start Date Policy
New students, after enrollment at ACE, may encounter circumstances in their lives that prevent them from starting classes on their expected term start date. In these instances, new enrollees can apply to change their start date by submitting a Change of Start Date Request form. The Admissions team will review the Change of Start Date Request form and provide approval if all the following applies:
- The student’s initial admissions documents are still current and approved; and
- The student’s requested new start date is within a time-period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the initial application date; and
- The student’s request will not exceed the maximum of two (2) changes to the start date within a time-period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the initial application date.
New ACE enrollees can submit updated admissions documents for their request to be considered. If the change of start date request exceeds the allowable time period or exceeds the maximum of two (2) changes to the start date within a time period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the initial application date and cannot be approved, the new enrollees will be required to submit a new admission application with the required documents and pay a new application fee to be considered for admission in the new requested term.
Reinstatement of Cancelled Enrollment
When an individual who was enrolled in courses but cancelled his/her enrollment wishes to begin their studies at ACE, he/she can request for his/her enrollment to be reinstated by submitting a Reinstatement of Cancelled Student form. The Admissions team will review the form and provide approval if all of the following applies:
- The student’s initial admissions documents are still current and approved; and
- The student’s requested new start date is within a time-period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the initial application date; and
- The student’s request will not exceed the maximum of two (2) reinstatement requests within a time-period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the initial application date.
Individuals can submit updated admissions documents for their request to be considered. If the reinstatement request exceeds the allowable time period or exceeds the maximum of two (2) reinstatements within a time period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the initial application date and cannot be approved, the individual will be required to submit a new admission application with the required documents, and pay a new application fee to be considered for admission for the new requested term.
Change of Program
After a student is admitted to a program, the student may find that another program is more appropriate. ACE provides a procedure for helping the students make the right choice and facilitating a change, if appropriate.
Applicants admitted as a provisional student-at-large are not allowed to switch programs until they have successfully completed their first three courses taken consecutively.
Academic Qualifications for Change of Degree Program
- Students who have been admitted with or without conditions (except for provisional student-at-large as explained above) are eligible to change their program of study.
- Only courses successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better at ACE may be eligible for application to the new program or the new focus of study.
Change of Degree Program
Students are admitted to a specific degree program based upon their qualifications for the program. When an ACE student seeks to change to a different ACE degree program, or wishes to switch to a non-degree option, the student may request the change by completing the Program Change Request Form. The student must meet all current admissions requirements for the new program and submit all required documentation, if not already on file.
The request is reviewed and approved by the Admissions office.
- If approved, the change of degree program will become effective the next term.
- If approved, the student will follow the program requirements for the degree program according to the catalog in effect at the time the change is granted.
- The maximum time to complete the new degree begins with the first term of the new degree program.
Change from Master’s Program to Doctoral Program
Applicants who applied for a master’s program and wish to change to a doctoral program and have not yet matriculated, must pay the additional fee and complete the additional admission requirements before being reviewed for admission. Students who have already matriculated must re-apply to the doctoral program, pay the full application fee, and complete the additional admission requirements before being reviewed for admission.
Change from Non-Degree Certificate to Degree Program
Students admitted to a non-degree master’s-level certificate program who seek to change to a degree program and have not completed the certificate, may request the change by completing the Program Change Request Form and submitting all additional admission documentation required for the new program. The request is reviewed and approved by Admissions office.
- If approved, the program change will become effective the next term.
- If approved, the student will follow the program requirements for the new program of study according to the catalog in effect at the time the change is granted.
- The maximum time to complete the new program begins with the first term of the new program.
- If the student is already in the last course of their certificate, the student will have to re-apply to the degree program of interest.
Change from Student-at-Large to Degree Program
Students who are enrolled as a student-at-large and wish to enroll in a degree-granting program must complete their course and apply to the new degree-granting program. If the non-degree seeking student requesting a program change had previously been admitted to the degree program of Interest, the student will be allowed to change programs and not reapply. Students who were admitted as a provisional student-at-large, must submit a Program Change Request form after successfully completing four courses taken consecutively to be fully admitted into their previously applied to degree program.
- Students must complete an application to the new program and pay the applicable application fee and submit all required documents.
- Student must meet current admissions eligibility requirements of the new program.
- Not more than four previously completed applicable courses with a grade of “C” or better at ACE may be eligible to be applied to the new program. This is reviewed by the Registration office.
- The maximum time to complete the new program begins with the first term of the new program.
- If approved, the change of degree program will become effective the next term.
- If approved, the student will follow the program requirements for the new program according to the catalog in effect at the time the change is granted.
Change from Student-at-Large to a Certificate
Students who are enrolled as a student-at-large and wish to change their program of study to a certificate program must re-apply. The request is reviewed and approved by the Admissions office.
- Student must meet current admissions eligibility requirements of the new program, if applicable.
- No more than three previously completed courses with a grade of “C” or better at ACE may be eligible to transfer to the new certificate program.
- If approved, the change of program will become effective the next term.
- If approved, the student will follow the certificate program requirements for the new program of study according to the catalog in effect at the time the change is granted.
Change of Major or Focus of Study
Students who are enrolled in a program that requires a major or focus of study, who wish to change or add an additional major or focus of study, can do so by submitting a Major or Focus of Study Selection form. A couple of things to note:
- Only courses part of the new major or focus of study will count towards credit requirements.
- A change in major or focus of study may cause a gap in scheduling as these courses are NOT offered every term.
Re-Entry or Readmission after Withdrawal or Administrative Withdrawal
Individuals who have been withdrawn from the College may be eligible to return to the College. The process to re-enter depends on the length of time away from ACE. If the student’s last date of attendance is less than 365 days from the anticipated return date, the student may apply for re-entry. If this time period is greater than 365 days, the student must re-apply to the College.
Re-Entry:
- If the student has been out of attendance less than 365 days, they will return to their current program of study if the program version is active. If approved, the student will re-enter under the catalog and tuition in effect when they initially withdrew or were withdrawn. If the version is not active, the student will re-enter into the most current version, catalog, and tuition rates.
- If the program of study has been revised, the student will re-enter into the current version.
- Students who are administratively withdrawn for not meeting required Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be subject to the procedures in the SAP policy.
Re-Apply:
- If the student has been out of attendance more than 365 days, the student will apply and be accountable for all current charges and admissions requirements.
- Students will return to the current program version of study, catalog and tuition at time of re-application.
- If a student left ACE on a SAP status, they will return on that same status and be subject to all related procedures in the SAP policy.
Program Disclaimer
Program requirements may change over time and these changes will be reflected in a catalog or addendum. Students may request to move to a more recent program version by sending an email [[email protected]]. Students may not move to program requirements in an earlier catalog version. Policies, tuition, and fees may change at any time. ACE will give proper notice of these changes via Student/Doctoral Commons in the LMS and the College’s website. These changes will apply to all students.
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