Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online

What you'll study

The core curriculum interleaves leadership theory with applied topics relevant to school and district administration. Coursework emphasizes strategic leadership, instructional innovation, effective communication, human capital management, and the cultural, political and social contexts that affect K–12 leadership. Example course titles provided on the program page include:

• Effective Communication as an Education Leader
• Instruction and Innovation
• Schools as Organizations
• Organizational Assessment and Evaluation

The program uses an embedded dissertation model: each course contains a dissertation-journey task, students begin working with a dissertation chair early in their second semester, and milestones lead to a Concept Proposal prerequisite for LEAD 765. Three concentration pathways are available:

• Higher Education — emphasis on resource management, legal/ethical issues, diversity, student development, spiritual formation, assessment and research related to higher education contexts.
• Principalship — campus-level leadership with focus on improving student learning, using data, creating effective environments and applying research-based school leadership practices.
• School Superintendent — district-level preparation covering school finance, facilities, state policy and politics, and district instructional leadership.

Entry requirements

The program page does not list explicit admissions criteria. It notes that students with Principal or Superintendent Certification may receive 12 hours of Advanced Standing; applicants should consult ACU admissions for detailed prerequisites and application materials.

Career prospects

The program is aimed at preparing candidates for administrative and leadership roles within K–12 systems and related settings. Common job titles listed by the program include:

• District Administrator
• Assistant Principal
• Principal
• Deputy Superintendent
• Superintendent

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page lists a per-hour tuition rate of $767 and a $210 resource fee per term. It also highlights ACU’s institutional mention of a Locked-In Tuition program that guarantees undergraduate tuition stability; prospective doctoral students should verify available graduate funding, scholarships, assistantships or tuition guarantees with the university’s financial aid office.