BELTON, Texas\u2014The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is the first institution in Texas to offer an innovative 90-hour Abridged Bachelor of Educational Studies degree, beginning in the fall of 2026. This reduced-credit-hour degree accelerates a student\u2019s path to the classroom or to a post-baccalaureate certification program. Recently approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, UMHB\u2019s new pathway prepares students for meaningful, purpose-driven careers in education.<\/p>\n
\u201cTexas needs teachers, and the demand has never been greater. Now is the perfect time to pursue a career in education, and UMHB\u2019s new Abridged Bachelor of Educational Studies can help students get there sooner,\u201d explained Dr. Craig Hammonds, UMHB\u2019s Dean of the College of Education. \u201cUMHB is a recognized leader in preparing high-quality educators, and we have strong partnerships and field opportunities with numerous local school districts. Local districts are excited about this reduced credit hour degree program and support us as the first institution in the state to offer it!\u201d<\/p>\n
This new accelerated 90-hour pathway provides focused, classroom-relevant coursework and post-graduation certification preparation, thereby enhancing classroom readiness. This model directly supports efforts to alleviate ongoing teacher shortages by accelerating entry into the educator workforce. Upon degree completion, graduates can begin working in a non-certified education role immediately or seamlessly enter UMHB\u2019s Master of Education program to complete certification while teaching full-time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 90-hour program has been designed in such a way that students can enter our one-year master\u2019s program immediately upon graduation, while also working full-time and earning a great salary. We highly recommend students consider this pathway, where they can earn both their bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in four years,\u201d Hammonds said. \u201cIt\u2019s the ideal pathway for students who know what they want\u2014a more streamlined and accelerated route into the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n