Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
A Concentration In
Non-Certification Pathway
An option within the B.S. in Secondary Education — earn the education degree on a flexible, non-licensure track.
No State Licensure Required
The education degree without teacher certification
Flexible by Design
Includes 21 credits of electives or a second minor
Choose Your Emphasis Area
Build a 12-credit area of concentration
Not everyone who studies education plans to lead a state-certified public-school classroom — and ACU’s Non-Certification pathway is built for them. You’ll complete the same strong education core, study an emphasis area you choose, and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, all without the student-teaching and state-licensure requirements of the certified track.
This pathway is a good fit if you’re headed toward a Christian school that doesn’t require state certification, an education-adjacent career like training, curriculum, or ministry education, or if you want to keep your options open and pursue certification later. It also builds in real flexibility — 21 credits of electives or a second minor — so you can shape the degree around where you’re actually going.
Understand How Students Learn
Build a foundation in educational psychology and adolescent development.
Teach in Your Emphasis Area
Learn methods for teaching your chosen content area at the secondary level.
Build Content-Area Literacy
Develop the reading and writing skills students need across your subject.
Reach Diverse Learners
Adapt instruction for students with disabilities and varied needs.
Manage a Learning Environment
Build the routines and strategies that keep any learning setting focused and effective.
Build a Custom Emphasis
Shape a 12-credit area of concentration around the field you care about most.
Whether or not it leads to a classroom, the work of education is deeply human — and a Biblical Worldview shapes how you understand learners and learning itself.
The Worth of Every Learner
Scripture teaches that every person bears God's image. That conviction reframes teaching, tutoring, and training as investing in people of inherent dignity — wherever that work happens.
Grounds your approach to learners in respect, not just outcomes.
Knowledge as Gift
If all truth is God's truth, then helping someone learn — in any setting — participates in something good. Education becomes meaningful work even outside a licensed classroom.
Frames non-classroom education roles as genuinely worthwhile, not a fallback.
Formation in Every Context
People are shaped by those who teach them, formally or not. Taking that influence seriously matters as much in ministry, training, and mentoring as in a certified school.
Prepares you to teach and mentor with integrity in any setting.
Without state licensure, this pathway opens education-adjacent roles — and keeps the door open to certification later if you choose.
Christian School Teacher (Non-Licensure Settings)
Teach in private or Christian schools that don't require state certification.
Training & Curriculum Roles
Apply your education background in corporate training, instructional design, or curriculum development.
Ministry & Nonprofit Education
Lead teaching and discipleship programs in churches, camps, and education nonprofits.
Path to Later Certification
Use the degree as a foundation to pursue teacher certification through a future program if your plans change.
The Non-Certification pathway offers the education degree with flexibility built in — for students whose plans don't require a state license.
Same Degree, Flexible Track
Earn the B.S. in Secondary Education without the student-teaching and licensure requirements of the certified path.
Room to Customize
21 credits of electives or a second minor let you shape the degree around your goals.
Choose Your Emphasis
A 12-credit area of concentration lets you focus on the subject that matters to you.
Strong Education Foundation
The same educational psychology, development, and teaching-methods core that anchors the certified degree.
Considering the education degree but not sure you need state certification? The Non-Certification pathway is worth a conversation.
Apply to ACU
Submit your application for admission to Arizona Christian University.
Start Your ApplicationTalk Through Your Goals With an Advisor
Discuss whether the certified or non-certification track fits your plans — and pick your emphasis area.
Build Your Emphasis and Electives
Complete the education core, your 12-credit area of concentration, and 21 credits of electives or a second minor.
The Non-Certification pathway gives you ACU's education degree with the flexibility to follow where you're actually headed. Apply or reach out today.