College of Innovation and Design
Match Your Learning Style
The College of Innovation and Design offers flexible online degree options tailored for working adults. Whether you prefer a flexible or structured programs, you'll find a learning style that fits your needs. With dedicated advisors providing personalized guidance and career planning, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and support to excel in today's competitive job market.
Our online degree options are perfect for working adults who are seeking to earn a degree or certificate. Whether you choose our flexible, 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
At East Texas A&M University, Competency-Based Education (CBE) puts you in control of your learning. Instead of logging hours in a classroom, you’ll move forward by showing what you know and can do. With personalized guidance from your instructor and advisor, our flexible learning options help you understand when and how they fit your schedule. And because CBE is fully online and built for flexibility, it’s designed to fit around your busy life, helping you earn your degree on your terms.
Welcome from the 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.
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 flexible, 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.
Early Childhood Education (BS) Competency-Based
The Competency-Based Early Childhood program at East Texas A&M University helps prepare you to become a confident, highly skilled educator for children from Pre-K through 3rd grade.
Elementary Education (BS) Competency-Based
The Competency-Based Elementary Education program prepares candidates to become highly skilled teachers for children from Pre-K through 6th Grade.
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 84 hours of your previous coursework from an accredited institution, which means you are only 37 hours away from earning your degree!
Human Resources Development (BAAS) Competency-Based
Develop leadership skills to become a human resources 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.
Instructional Design (M.ED.) Competency-Based
Graduates of the M.Ed. in Instructional Design often pursue careers as curriculum developers, e-learning specialists, educational technology coordinators, and learning experience designers across education and corporate settings.
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.
Organizational Leadership (MS) Competency-Based
The M.S. in Organizational Leadership enhances your leadership skills and prepares you for higher management roles by developing strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication needed to guide organizations in today’s complex business environment.
Pride Pathway (BAAS) Competency-Based
The Pride Pathway program at East Texas A&M University offers a flexible, competency-based route to teacher certification tailored for those balancing busy professional lives. Whether you’re beginning your journey or completing your degree, this program provides the essential knowledge and expertise required to thrive in the classroom. With a focus on practical application, you’ll benefit from affordable tuition, expedited 7-week terms and a curriculum designed to accelerate your path to becoming an educator efficiently and cost-effectively.
Public Administration, City Planning (BAAS) Competency-Based
Public administration and city planning are essential to shaping vibrant, sustainable communities. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead in government, nonprofit, and urban development roles. Learn to navigate complex challenges in public policy, budgeting, infrastructure planning, land use, and community engagement while fostering economic growth and sustainability.
Public Safety (MS) Competency-Based
The M.S. in Public Safety at East Texas A&M University offers advanced study in emergency management, crisis response and public safety leadership with opportunities to explore critical infrastructure areas. Coursework emphasizes the theories, strategies and analytical approaches used across government, healthcare and public safety organizations.
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 84 hours of your previous coursework from an accredited institution, which means you are only 37 hours away from earning your degree!
Faculty Spotlight
April Sanders, Ph.D.
George Swindell
Deena Besson
Jennifer Hudson, Ed.D.
Amanda Willows
Justin Weiss
Alumni Spotlight
Jared Troescher
Shankara Troescher
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
News Spotlights
Taking a 13-Year Detour, East Texas A&M Alum Reflects on a Different Path to Success
Through East Texas A&M University’s online Competency-Based Education (CBE) program, people like Tiffany Norman are returning to school years—and sometimes decades—later.
Future Teachers Earn Two National Children’s Literature Awards at National Conference
Future educators from East Texas A&M University claimed two of the nation’s top honors at the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference.
East Texas A&M Celebrates Class of 2026 with Milestone Commencement Weekend
Amidst cheers and applause, 1,586 graduates turned their tassels to mark the transition from students to proud East Texas A&M University alumni this weekend.
Meet our Faculty and Staff
Advisors
Instructors
Academic Affairs Budget Team
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?
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 is the BAAS in Public Administration/City Planning Program?
The BAAS in Public Administration / City Planning is a competency-based education program designed to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to address challenges in public service and rural or urban development. This fully online program is tailored for adult learners and focuses on essential areas such as governance, policy-making, strategic planning, land use, zoning, budgeting and community development. Graduates are prepared for impactful careers in city and regional government, housing, transit, nonprofits and beyond.
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