Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Providing Pathways for Non-Traditional Students
At SFA, we recognize that barriers like geographic distance, employment schedules and family obligations can prevent students from coming to campus or attending scheduled classes. It is our goal to provide a way to overcome these challenges and earn a degree in your chosen field.
SFA has a strong tradition of excellence and a dedication to making higher education more accessible. We’re proud to offer you a distance education option to complete your undergraduate or graduate degree. The Department in Education Studies offers the Lumberjack Link-Ed Distance Education Program for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in three concentration areas. Graduate programs are only offered through our online program.
Our distance education programs are designed to provide real-world experiences teaching children in diverse classroom environments. You will receive pedagogical and content area instruction from a highly qualified, interdisciplinary faculty throughout your preparation. During your final semesters, you’ll spend an increasing number of hours in the field engaged in authentic classroom settings as you hone your skills and learn from mentor teachers.
Lumberjack Link-Ed Distance Education Program
The Department of Education Studies offers a unique distance education pathway for qualifying, non-traditional students who wish to pursue a BSIS in one of three specific concentration areas without attending courses on the SFA main campus.
Who needs to complete an application to apply for the Link-Ed Program?
Only those interested in pursuing one of the following degrees are required to apply.
- Early Childhood through 6th Grade
- For more information about the EC-6 degree, email ELEM.UG@sfasu.edu.
- Middle Level Grades 4-8 Core Content Concentration
- Middle Level Grades 4-8 ELAR Concentration
- Middle Level Grades 4-8 Mathematics Content Concentration
- Middle Level Grades 4-8 Science Content Concentration
- Middle Level Grades 4-8 Social Studies Content Concentration
- For more information about the MLG degree, email MLGE.UG@sfasu.edu.
- All Special Education coursework is currently offered online only; therefore, an application is not required.
- For more information about the SPED degree, email SPED.UG@sfasu.edu.
Who is eligible for this program?
- Candidates who are full-time paraprofessionals in a TEA accredited school and are working in an academic placement within a grade level associated with their desired certification area may qualify for the Link-ED program.
- The candidate must provide confirmation from the school district that opportunities to complete SFA course requirements will be provided in appropriate classroom settings throughout the candidate's course of study.
- Candidates who live 60 miles or more from SFA may qualify for the Link-ED program.
- The candidate must provide confirmation from a TEA accredited school district that placement opportunities will be provided in appropriate classroom settings throughout the candidate's course of study. The campus being used for field experience placement must also be outside a 60-mile radius from SFA.
- Candidates who are enrolled at Panola College or Angelina College, completed their Associates of Arts in Teaching, and are transferring to SFA to complete a bachelor’s degree in education.
*Documentation is required to determine eligibility.
What steps do I need to complete to be accepted to the Link-Ed Program?
- Step One - Apply for SFA through the Apply to SFA page.
- Step Two – Send an email to the program you are interested in pursuing and request additional information about applying for the Lumberjack Link-Ed program.
- Step Three – An application packet will be sent to your email. Please note that acceptance to SFA does not secure admission into the Lumberjack Link-Ed program. Once you have been accepted to SFA, your application for the online program will be approved if you meet the criteria for eligibility.
Graduate programs and requirements
The Department of Education Studies offers several graduate degrees in an online format for students interested in advanced degrees. For more specific information on graduate course offerings and admission standards, please contact the Department of Education Studies at 936.468.2904.