Frequently asked questions for three-year Bachelor of Education
A three-year Bachelor of Education degree is a new undergraduate degree that can be completed with a minimum of 90 credits instead of the traditional minimum of 120 credits. It's designed to help you earn your bachelor's degree in less time while maintaining the quality of an ASU education.
ASU offers two degree options designed for students pursuing teacher certification in elementary education or special education.
Students have different goals, life experiences and responsibilities. Some want a more direct path to a career in education.
The three-year Bachelor of Education degree give students another option by reducing the time and cost to earn a bachelor's degree while maintaining ASU's academic standards. These programs expand access to careers in education without replacing ASU's traditional bachelor's degrees.
ASU offers two three-year Bachelor of Education degrees in Education:
- Bachelor of Education in Education (Elementary Education)
- Bachelor of Education in Education (Special Education)
MLFC recruitment and advising teams can help you choose the option that best fits your career goals.
The biggest difference is the number of credits required. A traditional bachelor's degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, while a three-year Bachelor of Education degree requires a minimum of 90 credits.
The curriculum is more focused and follows a more structured course sequence, leaving less room for electives, minors or additional certificates. This allows many students to graduate sooner while meeting the requirements for their degree.
Yes. The three-year Bachelor of Education degrees meet the same academic standards and quality expectations as ASU's traditional bachelor's degrees.
This is not a compressed program or a heavier course load. Faculty thoughtfully developed the curriculum so you complete the courses needed for your degree in a minimum of 90 credits instead of the traditional minimum of 120 credits.
You'll earn an ASU bachelor's degree and prepare for a career in education while pursuing Arizona teacher certification in your chosen area of study.
Yes. The three-year Bachelor of Education degree are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ASU's institutional accreditor. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Education from Arizona State University that meets the same academic standards and quality expectations as ASU's other bachelor's degrees.
Three-year Bachelor of Education degrees are available in immersion (in person), online and ASU Sync, depending on the degree program.
- New students can apply now.
Online: Begins Fall B (October 14, 2026).
Immersion (in person): Begins Spring C (January 11, 2027). - Current immersion and online ASU students do not need to wait — they can learn more by attending an upcoming webinar and may switch into the program after working with their academic advisor.
- ASU Sync: Currently available only through partnerships with Gila Community College and Arizona Western College.
Visit the program page or speak with an academic advisor to confirm the available learning modalities for the degree you're interested in.
Choosing the right pathway
The three-year Bachelor of Education degree is a good option if you want to earn your bachelor's degree in less time and start your career sooner. They are best suited for students who have a clear career goal and prefer a more structured pathway.
If you want to become a teacher, choose a teacher certification pathway in Elementary Education or Special Education. Both degree options prepare you to pursue Arizona teacher certification and a career in the classroom.
If you're interested in adding multiple minors, certificates or electives, you may prefer a traditional bachelor's degree. An academic advisor can help you compare your options.
Yes. ASU currently offers two three-year Bachelor of Education degrees:
- Bachelor of Education in Education (Elementary Education)
- Bachelor of Education in Education (Special Education)
Be sure to choose the degree that matches your career goals, or speak with an academic advisor if you're unsure which pathway is right for you.
Your career options depend on the degree you choose.
For the three-year Bachelor of Education specifically, graduates of the teacher certification programs are prepared for careers as elementary or special education teachers in Arizona.
Yes. Graduates of the three year bachelor's degree are eligible to apply to graduate programs, provided they meet the admission requirements of the graduate program they are applying to.
It's important to understand that admission requirements vary by institution and program. Some graduate programs may have prerequisite coursework or a minimum number of undergraduate credits beyond the bachelor's degree. Students interested in graduate school should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they complete any additional prerequisites needed for their intended graduate program.
The Elementary Education and Special Education degrees are designed to meet Arizona teacher certification requirements.
If you plan to teach in another state, you may need to meet additional certification or licensure requirements. We recommend checking with that state's education agency.
Yes. You'll earn a Bachelor of Education from Arizona State University. Your diploma will not indicate that the degree required a minimum of 90 credits, and employers recognize your degree, not the number of credits required to earn it.
For careers that require teacher certification, you'll also need to meet the certification or licensure requirements for the state where you plan to work.
Yes.
You can add a minor or certificate to personalize your degree based on your interests and career goals. Depending on your choices, adding a minor or certificate may require additional coursework and could extend the time needed to complete your degree. An academic advisor can help you explore your options.
Cost and timing
The three-year Bachelor of Education degrees are designed to help you earn your degree in less time and at a lower overall cost.
Because tuition varies based on your residency, degree program and learning modality, your total cost will be different. You can estimate your tuition using ASU's Tuition Estimator.
Based on the 2026–2027 tuition rates, estimated tuition savings compared with a traditional four-year bachelor's degree range from approximately:
- Arizona residents: $13,500–$14,200
- Non-residents: $15,900–$37,100
Visit the ASU Tuition Estimator to calculate your estimated tuition.
Most students can complete the minimum 90-credit program in three years.
The three-year Bachelor of Education degrees are designed to be completed in three years by following the recommended course sequence. Your timeline may vary depending on transfer credits, course load and whether you choose to add a minor or certificate.
Yes. Three years is the intended timeline, but you can take longer if needed. Your academic advisor can help you create a plan that fits your schedule and goals.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for students pursuing the three-year bachelor’s degree; however, eligibility and funding may vary based on each student’s individual circumstances. Students considering a change from a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree to the three-year degree should speak with Financial Aid and Scholarship Services before changing programs to understand how the change could affect their current aid, scholarships, and future eligibility.
Current and future students
Yes. Transfer students are welcome to apply. Eligible transfer credits may count toward your degree, depending on your previous coursework and your chosen program. An academic advisor can help you understand how your transfer credits apply.
Yes. Current ASU students may be able to switch into or out of a three-year Bachelor of Education degree, depending on their academic progress and program requirements. Contact your academic advisor to discuss your options.
No. Your diploma will say Bachelor of Education from Arizona State University. It will not indicate the number of credits required to earn your degree.
The same support as other ASU students. You'll have access to the same faculty, academic advising, career services, support resources and university experiences as students in ASU's traditional bachelor's degree pathway.