College of Innovation and Design
Match Your Learning Style
The College of Innovation and Design was created with you in mind! Your college delivers a unique blend of services and programs to help you reach your educational and career goals.
Our online degree options are perfect for working adults who are seeking to earn a degree or certificate. Whether you choose our self-paced, competency-based programs or our online programs that provide a more structured environment, you will find learning opportunities that match your learning style. Our dedicated advisers ensure your needs are met and provide one-on-one guidance, either virtually or face-to-face.
By combining unique programs, personalized advising and career planning, the College of Innovation and Design provides you with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to become a career-ready professional who is prepared to compete and contribute value in the global marketplace.
What is Competency-Based Education?
What is Competency-Based Education
Competency-Based Education (CBE) posits that learning is best measured by students demonstrating what they know and can do rather than by the number of hours spent in a classroom. CBE is student-driven and self-paced, guided by individualized feedback from an instructor and advisor. CBE is also flexible, and offered fully online, so it works around the busy personal and professional lives of adult learners and working professionals.
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Welcome from the Interim Dean
I am delighted to welcome you to the College of Innovation and Design. At East Texas A&M, we are committed to fostering an environment where students can discover their calling and reach their full potential. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing you with the support and resources you need to succeed, whether you are facing challenges or exploring new professional opportunities. We believe that every program offered in CID can give you the tools to transform your life, and we’re here to guide you through your academic journey.
Benefits of the College of Innovation and Design
Competency-based Delivery
Our competency-based delivery programs allow you to work in a self-paced environment. If you have experience in a particular subject area, you will receive credit for what you already know! With the choice of a BAAS in Organizational Leadership, BAAS in Safety and Health, BAAS in Health Services Administration, or the B.S. in Law Enforcement Leadership, you will find that competency-based delivery is flexible, affordable and perfect for working adults.
Online Programs
Our college offers convenient online degrees designed for transfer students and working adults. Our faculty and staff are very mindful of your busy schedule and limited time. We work with you to help achieve your goals as efficiently as possible.
Transfer Students
Our college offers six degree programs that will each transfer up to 84 semester credit hours. No other college can accept that many transfer credits! Courses that you have completed as part of an A.S. or AAS degree may be applied to one of our bachelor’s degrees, which you can complete in as little as 36 hours.
Wraparound Student Support
Our advisors and faculty are dedicated to providing rapid response to your academic and social needs. Whether you need assistance selecting a major, registering for classes, accelerating into additional coursework, or need clarification about assignments, campus resources or other questions, we are here to ensure your success!
Academic Degree Programs
Alternative Teacher Certification Competency-Based
Make a difference in the lives of students sooner than you might think with our fully online competency based Alternative Teacher Certification program.
Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS)
Our BAAS program is flexible, affordable and 100 percent online. If you have earned or worked toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, our innovative BAAS program will provide you with a cost-effective pathway to earning your bachelor’s degree. We will accept up to 84 hours of your previous coursework from an accredited institution, which means you are could be only 36 hours away from earning your degree!
Artificial Intelligence (MS)
Unlock your creative potential to revolutionize industries, advance technology, and shape the future through the power of artificial intelligence.
Criminal Justice (BS) Law Enforcement Leadership Emphasis, Competency-Based **Ideal for students with law enforcement training**
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement Leadership (BSCJ-CJCB) at East Texas A&M University is a 100% online, competency-based program designed specifically for first responders: law enforcement, peace officers and military personnel with existing work experience, police academy training, or other certifications. Courses are offered in an accelerated format, so students can move swiftly through material they already have mastery over, and focus more attention on topics that are new and challenging to their existing knowledge base. The courses are self-paced, so students can work according to their own schedule. Students in the BSCJ-CJCB program develop practical workplace competencies that meet current and future challenges facing first responders today.
General Studies (BGS)
The BGS degree will allow you to explore multiple areas of study, satisfying personal interests, aligning to career goals, or simply helping you wrap up the college education you might have started long ago.
General Studies (BGS) Competency-Based
The Bachelor of General Studies competency-based degree allows you to explore your strengths and apply prior learning experiences to a degree that fits your goals. You will learn about leadership, problem-solving and design thinking while exploring career options and preparing for academic and career success.
Health Services Administration (BAAS) Competency-Based
Our BAAS program is flexible, affordable and 100 percent online. If you have earned or worked toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, our innovative BAAS program will provide you with a cost-effective pathway to earning your Bachelor degree. We will accept up to 85 hours of your previous coursework from an accredited institution, which means you are only 37 hours away from earning your degree!
Human Resource Development (BAAS) Competency-Based
Develop leadership skills to become a human resource professional who prepares employees for future positions and works to develop and retain existing talent. Play a pivotal role in creating positive, productive work environments that align with the strategic goals of your organization.
Online UX Design Graduate Certificate
UX Design involves the development of solutions to problems (particularly with websites, apps, products or services) by relying on insights from the user. This multidisciplinary certificate will provide you with the skills necessary to gather, interpret and visualize a range of data types in a variety of mediums.
Organizational Leadership (BAAS) Competency-Based
The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) degree is a competency-based program that prepares innovative leaders for employment in an increasingly technological and global society. This program provides opportunities for students to receive credit for what they know and can do already, allows them to accelerate completion of their degree and — because it is fully online — students are able to plan their study schedule around the rest of their day to complete the coursework.
Pride Pathway (Bachelor’s preparing for Educator Certification) Competency-Based
Public Administration, City Planning (BAAS) Competency-Based
City planning is an essential discipline within urban development, shaping the environments where we live, work and play. Develop the knowledge and skills to address the complex challenges of urbanization, from managing population growth and transportation systems to fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Safety and Health (BAAS) Competency-Based
Our BAAS program is flexible, affordable and 100 percent online. If you have earned or worked toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, our innovative BAAS program will provide you with a cost-effective pathway to earning your Bachelor degree. We will accept up to 85 hours of your previous coursework from an accredited institution, which means you are only 37 hours away from earning your degree!
The Human Experience Humanities Undergraduate Certificate
Integrate an intentional and connective humanities experience into your existing degree plan and career pathways.
What is Competency-Based Education?
What is Competency-Based Education
Competency-Based Education (CBE) posits that learning is best measured by students demonstrating what they know and can do rather than by the number of hours spent in a classroom. CBE is student-driven and self-paced, guided by individualized feedback from an instructor and advisor. CBE is also flexible, and offered fully online, so it works around the busy personal and professional lives of adult learners and working professionals.
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Faculty Spotlight
Deena Besson
Jennifer Hudson
April Sanders, Ph.D.
Beth Bailey, Ph.D.
Pride Pathway
Earn an affordable and flexible degree leading to teacher certification!
Texas schools need your talent and experience working in local schools. As an ISD employee, you can complete your bachelor's or master's degree and earn a teacher certification fully online without having to quit your full-time job.
Student Support
Initiatives
Events
Featured News
East Texas A&M Alum Named Terrell Police Chief
Chief Arley Sansom joins a growing network of East Texas A&M graduates who are leading the charge in law enforcement leadership across Texas and beyond.
Two East Texas A&M Alums Lead Major State Agencies
Both Martin and Kidd graduated from competency-based degree programs at East Texas A&M designed to help working professionals advance their careers.
Six Mount Pleasant ISD Employees Receive Scholarships for Pride Pathway at A&M-Commerce
The program addresses teacher shortages by assisting school district employees in earning their degree and teacher certification.
A&M-Commerce Offers Two New Competency-Based Degrees
The university will offer fully online bachelor's degrees aimed at city planning and human resource development
From Aviation Dreams to Corporate Success: The Inspiring Journey of TAMUC Alumnus Richard Heitzman
Richard Heitzman's journey from aspiring aviation professional to a leadership role at CAE, the world's largest manufacturer of flight training devices, exemplifies the transformative power of education at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Texas A&M-Commerce Alum Leading Digital Transformation at Midland College
A&M-Commerce alum Kevin Andrews (’10) is the new executive director of Digital and Workplace Transformation at Midland (TX) College. In this newly created role, Andrews leads the Project Management Office, enterprise systems and software development, process improvement and knowledge management. These efforts aim to improve strategy implementation and organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Andrews earned a […]
A&M-Commerce and Terrell Police Department Establish Preferred Pathway for Officers to Earn Their Bachelor's Degree
Texas A&M-Commerce and the Terrell Police Department have established a preferred educational pathway for the city’s police officers to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in law enforcement leadership. The fully online, competency-based program is offered through the College of Innovation and Design. Through the partnership, eligible officers receive direct admission […]
A&M-Commerce Criminal Justice Alum Elected as Guadalupe County Sheriff
Recent Texas A&M-Commerce alum Joshua Ray is sheriff-elect of Guadalupe County in Texas. Ray emerged victorious in the county’s Republican primary and is unopposed in the November election. A United States Marine Corps veteran and retired Texas Ranger, he served as chief deputy for the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office prior to the March primary. Ray […]
A&M-Commerce Professional Development Series Helps Employees Grow, Thrive
This spring, Texas A&M University-Commerce embarked on the second semester of its transformative Investing in Us employee development program, which has met with high praise from faculty and staff across the university. The innovative program features eight-week courses designed to help employees learn, grow and thrive in their careers. According to Dr. Carrie Klypchak, senior […]
Mount Pleasant ISD Partners with A&M-Commerce for Alternative Teacher Certification
Officials with Mount Pleasant ISD (MPISD) and A&M-Commerce gathered on Aug. 14 as MPISD Superintendent Judd Marshall and A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin signed an MOU affirming the district’s commitment to the Pride Pathway alternative teacher certification program at A&M-Commerce. Additionally, Deputy Superintendent Debra Malone revealed scholarships—made possible through a Department of Education grant awarded to […]
Meet our Faculty and Staff
Advisors
Instructors
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I take?
Students initially register for six hours (two courses per-term). You have the opportunity to accelerate into another course with the expectation that you will complete the coursework by the end of the term. You may continue to add courses, one at a time, through the 5th Friday of the term.
How do I get into Graduate School?
You can begin graduate coursework after you receive your bachelor’s degree, and sometimes even while you are finishing it up. Please visit the Graduate School for graduate program assistance.
How does financial aid work for general studies or applied arts and sciences?
You have to be enrolled in at least six hours (2 courses) to be considered half-time and eligible for grants and loans. Full-time enrollment is 12 hours (4 courses).
For more information, visit the Cost and Assistance page.
Please email [email protected] or call 903.886.5096 for questions about applying for financial aid.
What does the Basic Skills policy have to do with me?
Please review the University Basic Skills policy for information on this rule so that we can better ensure your success in your higher educational endeavors.
Why can’t I drop my Math or English course and What does the Basic Skills policy have to do with me?
Math courses include: PJCM 306/300 or Math 131/141/175
English courses include: ENG 100/110/101
ENG 100 must be taken concurrently with coordinating college-level courses according to the University Basic Skills Policy found in the Student Guide. As a CID student, you must be continuously enrolled in mathematics until you complete your math requirements.
Contact Us
- College of Innovation and Design
- 214.954.3615 & 903.886.5878
- [email protected]
- 8750 North Central Expressway, Suite 1940
- Dallas, TX 75231