Online Programs

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 of Education Studies offers The Lumberjack Link-Ed Distance Education Program for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in three concentration areas, seven graduate degrees and two certification programs. 

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 Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in one of three specific concentration areas without attending courses on the SFA main campus. 

• Early Childhood through Sixth Grade (EC-6)
  • For more information email: ELEM.UG@sfasu.edu.
• Middle Level Grades 4-8
  • For more information email: MLGE.UG@sfasu.edu.
• Special Education (All level)
  • For more information 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's main campus or the RELLIS campus in Bryan, TX 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's main campus or the RELLIS campus.

*Documentation may be requested to determine eligibility. 

Apply for SFA through the Apply to SFA page. Indicate that you are interested in applying for the Online Link-Ed Program. An advisor will be assigned to you and will be able to send additional information about applying for the Lumberjack Link-Ed program.

Please note that acceptance to SFA does not secure admission into the Lumberjack Link-Ed program. You will need to submit a separate application for the program. Information about this application process will be sent to you once you have been accepted to SFA.

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.