College of Innovation and Design Resources: Frequently Asked Questions

Program Overview and Majors

What majors can I choose from?

You can choose from the following undergraduate programs:

How does this program work?

Our CBE program is built differently than traditional college courses. Rather than sitting through lectures, you engage in active, experiential and project-based learning at your own pace.

  • Module Workflow: Each module typically begins with a pre-test. Your instructor guides you through targeted readings and a hands-on project. You complete the module by taking a post-test — once you pass, you move immediately to the next module.
  • Grading: You must score an 80 or above (an A or B) on the post-test to pass each module.
  • Retakes: You have three attempts to pass. If you don't pass on your first try, reach out to your instructor for feedback before your next attempt.

Is this a pass/fail program, or are letter grades awarded?

Letter grades are awarded. You must earn an 80 or above on each module's post-test to successfully complete it — there's no shortcut, but your instructor is always available to help you get there.

Do I need to come to campus?

No. The program is 100% online. You can complete your coursework entirely on your own schedule from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

Are tests proctored?

No in-person or video proctoring is required. The academic bar is set high — you must score an 80 or higher on each post-test — and your instructor is always available to offer guidance along the way.

Can I skip a term?

Yes. While many students prefer to continue straight through to build momentum and graduate sooner, you can skip a term and return for the next one if needed.

I haven't been to college before. Can I still apply?

Absolutely. Many of our students start as true freshmen. We provide all University Approved Core, Elective and Applied Major courses needed to complete your full degree.

Can I go on to earn a Master's Degree?

Yes. Upon completing the program, you'll receive a fully accredited Bachelor's Degree and can seamlessly apply to a Master's program. East Texas A&M also offers a CBE Master's program that uses this same accelerated model.

I have a hold on my account. How do I remove the advising hold?

The advising hold remains on your account until you graduate — this is by design. Our program does not use self-registration; we handle enrollment for you, so the hold does not affect your ability to participate.

Term Structure and Timelines

How many terms are there per year?

We use six short, 7-week terms per year rather than traditional 16-week semesters:

  • Fall 1
  • Fall 2
  • Spring 1
  • Spring 2
  • May Mini
  • Summer

How do Accelerations work?

Each term, you're enrolled in two courses, which you must complete within the 7 weeks. If you finish both courses before the end of Week 5, you're eligible to accelerate — meaning you can add an additional course at no extra tuition cost.

You may add as many courses as you like within a single term, one at a time. Each additional course must be added by 5 p.m. on the Friday of Week 5 to ensure you have two full weeks remaining to complete it. To accelerate, simply email your advisor before that deadline.

How long will it take me to complete my Bachelor's Degree?

Many students complete their degree within 1–2 years. Your exact timeline depends on how many credits you transfer in, how many terms you take per year, and how often you choose to accelerate.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

What does the program cost?

Our tuition structure is uniquely affordable:

  • In-State Tuition: $1,000 per 7-week term (minimum two courses)
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $2,000 per 7-week term
  • Criminal Justice Discount: Texas peace officers with TCOLE certification receive a $300 scholarship per term, reducing tuition to $700
  • Course Materials: All e-books and online resources are included at no additional cost

Note: A one-time $60 enrollment fee is included in your first tuition payment.

When is payment due?

Payment (or a payment arrangement) must be in place by the first day of class. Through Student Accounts, you can set up a payment plan with a $35 down payment and pay the remaining balance across the 7-week term. Financial aid and scholarships are applied automatically on the first class day.

Do you accept Financial Aid (FAFSA)? Am I considered a full-time student?

Yes on both counts. You are a full-time student in this program. Credit hours are distributed across our mini-terms as follows:

  • Fall 1 & 2: 2 courses per term (3 credits each) = 12 credit hours
  • Spring 1 & 2: 2 courses per term (3 credits each) = 12 credit hours
  • Summer 1 & 2: 2 courses per term (3 credits each) = 12 credit hours

Apply at studentaid.gov using ETAMU school code 003565.

⚠️ FAFSA Year Selection:

  • 2025–26 FAFSA covers Fall 2025 – Summer 2026
  • 2026–27 FAFSA covers Fall 2026 – Summer 2027

What is the Financial Aid application process?

  1. Complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov using school code 003565.
  2. Your funding details will be sent to our Financial Aid office. Watch your myLEO account and university email closely — you'll need to formally accept or decline your aid offer.
  3. Once you receive confirmation that you're enrolled in courses, call the Financial Aid office immediately via the QLess system and request that they package your aid.

Admissions, Transfer Credits, and Enrollment

How many credits are required for a Bachelor's Degree, and how many can I transfer?

University Approved Core Courses:

  • Credit Hours: 42 credits (14 courses)
  • Max Transfer Allowed: 42 credits

General Electives:

  • Credit Hours: 42 credits (14 courses)
  • Max Transfer Allowed: 42 credits

Upper-Level Electives:

  • Credit Hours: 6 credits (2 courses)
  • Max Transfer Allowed: 6 credits

Applied Major Courses (must be taken at ETAMU):

  • Credit Hours: 30 credits (10 courses)
  • Max Transfer Allowed: 0 credits

Will I know how many credit hours transferred?

Yes. Once we receive your official application and transcripts, we'll build a custom degree plan for you. This blueprint identifies what transferred, what you still need to complete, and helps you estimate a clear graduation timeline.

How do I send my transcripts?

Ask your previous institutions to submit official transcripts directly to us:

Mail:

  • College of Innovation and Design
    East Texas A&M University
    P.O. Box 3011
    Commerce, TX 75429-3011

Email: [email protected]

Note: We require an official transcript from every institution you attended, even if those courses appear on another institution's transcript.

What is the application deadline?

We accept applications up to 10 days before the start of a term. That being said, we strongly recommend applying at least 6–8 weeks in advance — high-demand courses fill up quickly as the start date approaches.

How do I apply?

Visit www.etamu.edu/apply and make the following selections:

  • Select Competency Based
  • Campus: Competency Based
  • Choose your desired Major and preferred start term

How do I know which classes to take?

You don't have to figure that out on your own — we handle enrollment for you. Our team selects two optimal starter courses and sends them to you for confirmation. Once approved, we finalize your schedule and email you a confirmation with next steps, course portal links and your advisor assignment.

Can I use my JST (Joint Services Transcript)?

Yes. We accept Joint Services Transcripts for evaluation and potential transfer credit.

What is a JST used for?

A JST may be used to satisfy Professional Development elective requirements based on your military training, education and experience. Credits are awarded following a review of your transcript in accordance with university policy.

Do Continuing Education (CE) credits count toward my degree?

No. CE credits are not eligible for transfer. Only coursework completed for academic credit at an accredited institution may be considered.

Can I receive college credit for workplace experience?

Possibly. Credit may be granted for educational experiences — such as in-service training or government/industry programs — if they have been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).

ACE can evaluate your experience and/or certificates and issue a transcript that we can apply toward your degree. Learn more at acenet.edu.

If you hold a TCOLE certification, JST or CSHO, email those directly to [email protected].

Support, Technology, and Veterans Services

What academic support is available to me?

We take a wrap-around approach to student support. Your Onboarding Specialist is your first point of contact through the admissions process. Once registered, you're connected with a dedicated Academic Advisor who handles schedule changes, answers questions and processes accelerations. Your Course Instructors are available for academic mentoring, and free ETAMU Tutoring Services are available to all students.

Who do I contact about military or Veterans Benefits?

What technology do I need?

Courses are delivered through the D2L platform. Most students access their coursework on a standard desktop or modern laptop. A slightly larger screen can be helpful for project work, but standard hardware is perfectly sufficient.

I'm having trouble logging into myLEO. Whom do I contact?

For myLEO login issues or password resets, contact the IT Help Desk at 903.468.6000.

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