Dec 14, 2024  
ACE Catalog - Volume 56 
  
ACE Catalog - Volume 56

Program Admission Requirements



Ed.D. & Ed.S. Programs

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education
Ed.D. in Instructional Technology
Ed.D. in Leadership
Ed.D. in Nursing Education 
Ed.D. in Public Health Education
Ed.D. in Second Language Instruction
Ed.D. in Special Education

Minimum Level of

Education Required

Minimum Grade Point

Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade

Point Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Provisional Admission

Master’s 

3.00

Provisional admission is not permitted.

Other Requirements
  • Nursing Education ONLY: must provide evidence of active, unencumbered registered nursing (RN) license. 
  • Applicants must achieve and maintain a 3.00 GPA throughout their program.

 

Ed.D. Completion Pathway in Curriculum and Instruction
Ed.D. Completion Pathway in Early Childhood Education
Ed.D. Completion Pathway in Instructional Technology
Ed.D. Completion Pathway in Leadership
Ed.D. Completion Pathway in Nursing Education
Ed.D. Completion Pathway in Public Health Education
Ed.D. Completion Pathway in Second Language Instruction
Ed.D. Completion Pathway in Special Education

Minimum Level of

Education Required

Minimum Grade Point

Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade

Point Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Provisional Admission

Master’s Degree and 21 Doctoral Credits
or
Education Specialist degree earned

3.00

Provisional admission is not permitted.

Other Requirements
  • Nursing Education ONLY: must provide evidence of active, unencumbered registered nursing (RN) license. 
  • Applicants must achieve and maintain a 3.00 GPA throughout their program.
  • Must be in academic good standing where previous doctoral coursework was completed.

 

Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction
Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education 
Ed.S. in Instructional Technology 
Ed.S. in Leadership
Ed.S. in Nursing Education
Ed.S. in Public Health Education
Ed.S. in Second Language Instruction
Ed.S. in Special Education 

Minimum Level of

Education Required

Minimum Grade Point

Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade

Point Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Provisional Admission

 Master’s

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Nursing Education ONLY: must provide evidence of active, unencumbered registered nursing (RN) license. 
  • Applicants must achieve and maintain a 3.00 GPA throughout their program.

 

Master’s Degree Programs

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Education in Elementary Education
Master of Education in Integrated Curriculum
Master of Education in Literacy
Master of Education in Special Education
Master of Education in STEM Education
Master of Education in Teacher Leadership

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for 
Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for
Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s degree earned

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Applicants must acknowledge they have access to the educational settings for completion of course assignments throughout the program.
  • Applicants must achieve and maintain a 3.00 GPA throughout their program.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Minimum Level
of Education Required

Minimum Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 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 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 state recognized certificate, the student may provide evidence of full-time PK-12 teaching or school service personnel assignment, where applicable, 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 credentials, professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

 

Arizona Applicants:   

In addition to the general requirements for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, the following are required: 

  • Submit an essay that describes their desire to lead and leadership potential. 
  • Submit two (2) letters of professional recommendation. 
  • Acknowledge the requirement of having three years of successful teaching experience to be eligible for Arizona principal licensure. 

 

Florida Applicants:   

In addition to the general requirements for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, the following are required: 

  • Submit an essay that describes their desire to lead and leadership potential. 

  • 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.

 

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 or
  • A valid Career and Technical Education License, if the below standards have been met through verified coursework*
    1. Methods of Instruction of the exceptional child in cross-categorical special education
    2. Methods of reading and reading in the content area
    3. Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners
  • Submit proof of at least two years of teaching experience under a valid and current license in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, or in a regionally accredited and state-recognized out-of-state public school or out-of-state nonpublic school; or
  • Two years of Support Personnel experience in one of the following capacities in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois Board of Education or in a regionally accredited and state-recognized out-of-state public school or out-of-state nonpublic school:
    • School Counselor
    • School Psychologist
    • Speech Language Pathologist
    • School Nurse
    • School Social Worker
    • School Marriage and Family Counselor

*Courses may be taken with ACE as a provisional student at large but must be completed before approval to move the Educational Leadership Program.

 

Ohio Applicants:

In addition to the general requirements for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, the following are required:

  • Ohio standard professional teaching license or professional pupil services license.
    or
    4-year Alternative Resident Educator Designated Subject Grades K-12 or a permanent nontax certificate. (Only for applicants pursuing the Alternative Principal Licensure Pathway directly with Ohio State Board of Education. American College of Education cannot recommend or approve this Pathway for licensure).
  • Submit an Educational Leadership essay describing what you view as the biggest challenge for school principals in your state.
  • Submit two (2) letters of professional recommendation.
  • Acknowledge the requirement of two years of successful teaching experience under a standard or professional teaching license or work experience under a professional pupil services license for the ages and grade levels for which the principal license is sought.

 

Texas Applicants:

In addition to the applicable general requirements for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, the following are required:

  • Valid classroom teaching certificate.
  • Complete an interview.
  • Submit an Educational Leadership essay describing what you view as the biggest challenge for school principals in your state.
  • Have their school district submit a sealed and signed Texas Teacher Service Record. If a Texas Teacher Service Record cannot be provided, an applicant can submit proof of employment in a Texas school and a service record from the previous state of employment showing two years of service. 
  • Acknowledge the requirement of having two years of creditable teaching experience, as a classroom teacher under a valid classroom teaching certificate to be eligible for Texas principal licensure.

The minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 scale for full admission is 2.50, overall, or in the last 60 semester credits attempted at the accredited, degree-granting institution. To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements, provisional admission is not permitted.

Texas applicants whose first language is not English must submit an SBEC-issued standard Texas certificate or scores from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT). A minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C).

Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including verifying of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements, provisional admission is not permitted, and applicants who have been admitted must confirm, in writing, acceptance of the admission offer.

 

Notes for Texas Educational Leadership Students:

  • Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program performance over the past five years is available on the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Educator Preparation Compliance Reports website. 
  • Information about the effect of supply and demand forces on the educator workforce can be found on the EPP website and from the Texas Workforce Commission.
  • Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program accreditation status is available on the EPP website and the TEA Educator Preparation Data Dashboard.
  • A criminal background check is required before employment as an educator (Per Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083) and candidates must undergo a criminal history background check before clinical teaching or practicum (Per TEC, §22.0835).
  • Individuals convicted of an offense as listed in Section 249.16. Eligibility Persons with a Criminal History for a Certificate under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 21, may be ineligible for issuance of a certification on completion of an educator preparation program. An individual has the right to request a copy of the criminal history evaluation letter provided in Chapter 227, Subchapter B (relating to Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility).
  • Texas Educational Leadership Students who wish to seek principal licensure in Texas must achieve an 80% or better on a practice examination within six months of testing approval request as outlined in the Texas Approval to Test Policy.

 

Florida Modified for Educational Leadership

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for 
Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for
Provisional Admission

Master’s or Doctoral level Degree required for admission.

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

In addition to the general requirements for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, the following are required: 

  • Submit an essay that describes their desire to lead and leadership potential. 

  • 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.*

  • Though not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide an “Official Statement of Status of Eligibility” from the Florida Department of Education indicating the subject area content requirements for Educational Leadership.

  • The receipt of the College’s approval of the internship site and mentor prior to the start of the student’s first term. 

*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.

 

Master of Education in Adult Education and Training
Master of Education in Advanced Studies
Master of Education in Biology Education
Master of Education in Chemistry Education
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Master of Education in Educational Business Administration
Master of Education in Educational Technology
Master of Education in English Education
Master of Education in Health and Wellness Education
Master of Education in Higher Education
Master of Education in History Education
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Educational Technology
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology
Master of Education in Mathematics Education
Master of Education in Science Education
Master of Education in Social Science Education
Master of Education in Teaching English Learners

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for 
Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Applicants must achieve and maintain a 3.00 GPA throughout their program. 

 

Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching
Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education Certificate

Minimum Level
of Education Required

Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for
Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Graduate degree 

Cumulative 3.00

or

2.50 and at least 5 years of documented professional experience.

or

Both a baccalaureate degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution and proof of passing Indiana state-approved content area examination in the content area.

Provisional admission is not permitted.

 

Other Requirements
Requirements determined through marrying both the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards
  • Pass criminal background check from Safe Hiring Solutions. Applicants are responsible for the fees required to complete the initial background check. For applicants with less than five years of US or US territorial residency status, an extended background check may be needed for at the applicant’s sole expense.
  • Acknowledgment of field-based diversity experiences and classroom access.

 

Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching
Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education Certificate

Minimum Level
of Education Required

Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for
Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s degree earned in the subject area or related field the person wishes to teach.

or

Bachelor’s degree in any field and proof of passing Indiana state-approved content area examination(s) in the 5-12 subject area the applicant wishes to teach.

Cumulative 3.00

or

2.50 and at least five (5) years of documented professional experience in the subject area or related field in which the person wishes to teach.

or

Both a baccalaureate degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution and proof of passing Indiana state-approved content area examination(s) in the 5-12 subject area in which the applicant wishes to teach.

Provisional admission is not permitted.

 

Other Requirements
Requirements determined through marrying both the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards
  • Pass criminal background check from Safe Hiring Solutions. Applicants are responsible for the fees required to complete the initial background check. For applicants with less than five years of US or US territorial residency status, an extended background check may be needed for at the applicant’s sole expense.
  • Acknowledgment of field-based diversity experiences and classroom access.

 

Master’s in Nursing: BSN to MSN Program

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Applicants for the above program must provide documentation of an active, unencumbered RN license.
    Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements.
  • Acknowledgment of the requirement to have a clinical/practicum setting to complete the program.  Applicants must also acknowledge these sites may require additional documentation (such as drug screening, criminal background checks, etc.) and that they will be responsible for providing this documentation and the costs associated with the requirement. 

 

Master’s in Nursing: RN-MSN Program

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission

Associate degree or Diploma in Nursing

or 90 undergraduate semester credits

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Applicants for the above program must provide documentation of an active, unencumbered RN license.
    Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements.
  • Acknowledgment of the requirement to have a clinical/practicum setting to complete the program.  Applicants must also acknowledge these sites may require additional documentation (such as drug screening, criminal background checks, etc.) and that they will be responsible for providing this documentation and the costs associated with the requirement. 
  • All general education, and elective, courses must be completed before awarding of bachelor’s degree and matriculation to graduate portion of the program.

 

Master of Healthcare Administration

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Acknowledgment of the requirement for a practicum setting to complete the program.  Applicants must also acknowledge these sites may require additional documentation (such as drug screening, criminal background checks, etc.) that they will be responsible for providing and responsible for costs associated with the requirement.

 

Master of Science in Health Informatics (currently not enrolling)

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in healthcare or related field OR bachelor’s degree in non-health related field and at least 9 credit hours in healthcare OR bachelor’s degree in non-health related field and 1-year relevant healthcare experience. 

 

Master of Public Health 

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in public health OR bachelor’s degree and at least nine (9) credit hours in public health OR bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in public health.                                       

 

Master of Business Administration

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Submit a current resume.
  • Undergraduate or post-baccalaureate in business OR 2 years in management position.* 

*If students do not have a bachelor’s or highest post-baccalaureate degree in a business-related field OR do not have any professional experience using a business background, students will need to take MGMT5003 

 

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Master of Science in Sustainable Management (currently not enrolling)

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
None

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies 
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies 

Minimum Level of
Education Required

Minimum Grade Point Average

on a 4.00 Scale
for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for
Provisional Admission

Associates degree

or 60 undergraduate semester hour credits

2.00

1.75

Other Requirements
All general education and elective courses must be completed before awarding of a bachelor’s degree.

 

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Leadership
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Minimum Level of
Education Required

Minimum Grade Point Average

on a 4.00 Scale
for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for
Provisional Admission

Associates degree

or 60 undergraduate semester hour credits

2.00

1.75

Other Requirements
All general education and elective courses must be completed before awarding of a bachelor’s degree.

 

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Minimum Level
of Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission

Associate degree or Diploma in Registered Nursing or 90-semester credits

2.25

2.00

Other Requirements
  • Applicants for the above program must provide documentation of an active, unencumbered RN license. Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements.
  • All general education and elective courses must be completed before awarding of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Acknowledgment of the requirement to have a clinical/practicum setting to complete the program.  Applicants must also acknowledge these sites may require additional documentation (such as drug screening, criminal background checks, etc.) and that they will be responsible for providing this documentation and the costs associated with the requirement. 

 

Certificates

Doctoral Level Certificate

Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission
Graduate Level 3.00 Provisional admission is not permitted.
Other Requirements
None

 

Master Level Certificates

Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training
Certificate in Content Area Instruction
Certificate in Executive Healthcare Quality and Financial Management (currently not enrolling)
Certificate in Higher Education (currently not enrolling)
Certificate in Organizational Leadership (currently not enrolling)
Certificate in Teacher Leadership
Certificate in Teaching English Learners
Certificate in Virtual Instruction (currently not enrolling)

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned

2.50

2.00

Other Requirements
None

 


Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Special Education
 

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

Cumulative 3.00

or 

A minimum of a 2.50 GPA and at least five (5) years of documented professional experience in  education.

or

A minimum of a 2.50 GPA and proof of passing Indiana state-approved content area examination in Mild Intervention.

Provisional admission is not permitted.

Other Requirements
  • Pass criminal background check from Safe Hiring Solutions. Applicants are responsible for the fees required to complete the initial background check. For applicants with less than five years of US or US territorial residency status, an extended background check may be needed for at the applicant’s sole expense.
  • Acknowledgment of field-based diversity experiences and classroom access.

Master Level Certificates- Nursing

Certificate in Nursing Education and Simulation (currently not enrolling)
Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Management (currently not enrolling)

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s in Nursing or Highest Post- Baccalaureate degree earned in Nursing

2.50

Provisional admission is not permitted.

Other Requirements
  • Active unencumbered Registered Nurse License.

 

Texas Educational Leadership (Certification-Only) 

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission

Master’s degree 

2.50

Provisional admission is not permitted.

Other Requirements

Applicants for the Texas Educational Leadership (Certification-Only) program must:

  • Provide documentation of a valid teaching certificate and a school service personnel record indicating at least two (2) year’s teaching experience in an accredited P-12 setting. 
  • Submit a current curriculum vitae (preferred) or resume. 
  • Submit an Educational Leadership essay describing what you view as the biggest challenge for school principals in your state.
  • Complete an Interview and gain approval for acceptance into the program. 
  • Have their school district submit a sealed and signed Texas Teacher Service Record indicating two (2) years of teaching experience in a P-12 setting.  If Texas Teacher Service Record cannot be provided, an applicant can submit proof of employment in a Texas school and service record from previous state of employment showing two years of service.  
  • Have on record the College’s approval of the internship site and mentor/site supervisor prior to the start of the student’s first term.
  • Acknowledge the requirement of having two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher under a valid classroom teaching certificate to be eligible for Texas principal licensure. 
  • Acknowledge the review of College Catalog policies related to dismissal or administrative withdrawal including Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP), maximum time to completion policy, good financial standing or violations of academic integrity policies.

Texas applicants whose first language is not English must submit scores from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT). A minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C).

Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including verifying professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements, applicants who have been admitted must confirm, in writing, their acceptance of the admission offer.

 

Principal Preparation Certificate (Certification-Only) 

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission

Master’s degree 

2.50

Provisional admission is not permitted.

Other Requirements
  • Applicants for the Principal Preparation Certificate 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 state-recognized certificate, the student may provide evidence of full-time PK-12 teaching or school service personnel assignment, where applicable, from an individual in a supervisory capacity or from a human resource official of the school at their current employment.
  • Have on record the College’s approval of the internship site and mentor/site supervisor prior to the start of the student’s first term.
  • Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of credentials, professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Illinois Applicants:

In addition to the general requirements for the Principal Preparation Certificate, the following are required:

  • Must hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License and
  • Submit proof of at least two years of teaching experience under a valid and current license in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education or in a regionally accredited and state-recognized out-of-state public school or out-of-state nonpublic school; or 
  • A valid Career and Technical Education License if the below standards have been met through verified coursework*
    • Methods of Instruction of the exceptional child in cross-categorical special education
    • Methods of reading and reading in the content area
    • Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners
  • Two years of Support Personnel experience in one of the following capacities in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois Board of Education or in a regionally accredited and state-recognized out-of-state public school or out-of-state nonpublic school:
    • School Counselor
    • School Psychologist
    • Speech Language Pathologist
    • School Nurse
    • School Social Worker
    • School Marriage and Family Counselor

*Courses may be taken with ACE as a provisional student at large but must be completed before approval to move the Educational Leadership Program.

Ohio Applicants: 

In addition to the general requirements for the Principal Preparation Certificate, the following are required:

  • Ohio standard or professional teaching license or professional pupil services license.
  • Submit an Education Leadership essay describing what you view as the biggest challenge for school principals in your state.
  • Submit two (2) letters of professional recommendation.
  • If the applicant does not have three (3) semester credits in a master’s level research course, completed with a B or better, RES5173  must be taken as part of the program.
  • Acknowledge the requirement of two years of successful teaching experience under a standard or professional teaching license or work experience under a professional pupil services license for the ages and grade levels for which the principal license is sought.

 

Bachelor Level Certificate

Certificate in Essential Employability Skills (currently not enrolling)

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission

At least 30 semester credits

2.00

1.75

Other Requirements
None

 

Micro-Credentials

Master’s Level Micro-Credentials

Early Childhood Special Education
Learning Behavior Specialist

Minimum Level of

Education Required

Minimum Grade Point

Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade

Point Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Provisional Admission

Bachelor’s or Highest Post- Baccalaureate degree earned

2.50

N/A

Other Requirements
  • If a Micro-Credential student wishes to enroll to a degree or certificate program, a new application is required and all appropriate admissions requirements for the new program must be met.

 

Bachelor’s Level Micro-Credentials

Public Health and Health Leadership

Minimum Level of

Education Required

Minimum Grade Point

Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Full Admission

Minimum Cumulative Grade

Point Average on a 4.00 Scale

for Provisional Admission

At least 30 semester credits

1.75

N/A

Other Requirements
  • If a Micro-Credential student wishes to enroll 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

Student at Large at the Doctoral Level

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Provisional Admission
Graduate level 3.00 Provisional admission is not permitted
Other Requirements
  • Applicants are required to meet the general admission requirement of a 3.00 GPA.
  • All academic standards for academic achievement and conduct apply.
  • Students are not permitted to take doctoral seminars or dissertation courses.

 

Student at Large at the Master’s Level

Minimum Level of
Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Provisional Admission
Category 1: Student at Large
Bachelor’s or Highest Post Baccalaureate
degree earned
2.50* N/A
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.
  • Students at Large must have prior receipt of the College’s approval of internship site and mentor/site supervisor before selecting courses on an at-large basis from the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program.
  • Students at Large must have proof of a valid, unencumbered, RN license on file with the college before selecting courses with the NUR prefix. If the NUR course selected has a prerequisite, this course must be completed before approval to complete the initial course requested.
  • Students at Large must have passed the required criminal background check before selecting courses on an at-large basis from the M.A. in Teaching or Transition to Teaching program. 
  • 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
2.00-2.49* N/A
Other Requirements
  • Applicants who meet the above education level requirements but have a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 can be considered for admission if any of the following apply:
    • Degree for GPA was conferred over ten years from the start date at ACE
    • Applicant has five (5) or more years of experience in the field appropriate for intended courses
Category 2: Provisional Student at Large 

M.Ed. Programs: Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Secondary
degree earned

RN to MSN Program: Associate degree or 90 semester credits 

2.00

 

2.50

 
Other Requirements
  • Applicants who were denied for not meeting the minimum requirement for admission into the master’s degree program of interest may apply as a provisional Student at Large if approved by the Director of Admissions or their designee and if all other program requirements are met.
  • Students taking courses as a provisional Student at Large must complete three (3) 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 successfully completing the three-course sequence, the student may request program change to the program of interest.
  • The three courses completed can be transferred into the program of study at the time of admission. **
  • Applicants must submit an acknowledgment form agreeing to the terms of Provisional SAL admission.

*Illinois Educational Leadership applicants with a Career and Technical Education license must complete SPED5013 , LIT5203 , and BE5033 .

**Illinois Educational Leadership applicants with a Career and Technical Education license will not be eligible to transfer the required three courses to their program.

 

Student at Large at the Bachelor’s Level

Minimum Level of
Education Required
Minimum Grade Point
Average on a 4.00 Scale
for Full Admission
Minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average on a 4.00 Scale
or Provisional Admission
At least 30 semester credits 1.75 N/A
Other Requirements
  • Applicants denied for not meeting the minimum requirement for admission into a bachelor’s program may apply as a Student at Large if approved by the Director of Admissions or their designee and if all other program requirements are met. Upon successfully meeting the requirements for admission, the student may request a change to the bachelor’s program.
  • Students at Large must have proof of a valid, unencumbered RN license on file with the college before selecting courses with the NUR prefix. If NUR course selected has a prerequisite, that prerequisite course must be completed before authorization to complete the requested initial course.
  • If a Student at Large wishes to enroll 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 Professional Development

Minimum Level of Education Required Minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.00 Scale for Full Admission Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.00 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 before admission.
  • If all requirements above are met, applicant will be permitted to complete requested course.