Class A Certification Programs
Traditional Class A and Alternative Class A certification programs in Secondary Education (6-12) are available in
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- English Language Arts
- Foreign Language* (French, German, Latin, or Spanish)
- General Science
- General Social Science
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Music Education (P-12)
- Physics
- Reading Specialist (P-12, traditional Class A only)
*For foreign languages, the Alternative Class A is available for Spanish only.
Overseas Program
Through the Office of International Programs, the department offers an Overseas MA program at the Westhill Institute in Mexico City for eligible overseas students only. The Overseas program is a non-certification program, and completion of the program does not lead to professional educator licensure or certification.
The Graduate Catalog is published annually.State-approved program checklists may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to-date information about requirements.A current program checklist may be obtained from the program office. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.
Admission Requirements
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Admission Requirements for Traditional Class A Programs
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must:
- hold appropriate prerequisite certification
- submit references from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant's academic and professional capabilities. Three recommendations are required.
- For Music Education, applicants may be required, at the discretion of the department, to demonstrate professional competence in music theory and music history; to submit a recording of an ensemble performance or teaching sample; and, if requested, to perform a placement audition on the major instrument prior to the completion of 12 hours of graduate study. If requested, applicants will interview with the music education faculty prior to an admission decision.
Applicants must also meet the fingerprinting requirement for background clearance.
Admission to the Graduate School is not equivalent to "unconditional admission" to a state-approved educator preparation program.
Admission Requirements for Alternative Class A (Master's-Level), Nontraditional, Initial Teacher Certification Program
The department of Curriculum & Instruction offers Alternative Class A programs that do not require prior certification in a teaching field. These programs lead to Alabama Class A certification in Secondary Education (6-12) and are designed to allow individuals with undergraduate degrees in non-teaching fields to enter the field of education. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission to an Alternative Class A program, the application must include:
- Completion of specified undergraduate prerequisite courses.
- Transcript evaluation: Applicants should contact the Office of Student Services & Certification for a transcript evaluation to determine prerequisite courses and other requirements. [NOTE: Coursework and/or a degree from institutions outside the United States shall be substantiated by an evaluation of the foreign credentials through a foreign credential evaluation service recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education. Contact the College's Office of Student Services and Certification for more information.]
- Degree requirement: An appropriate bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 OR a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required.
- Teaching Field: For single teaching fields at the secondary level (6-12), applicants must have an academic content major (or the equivalent) in the teaching field OR passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment. For comprehensive teaching fields of English Language Arts and General Social Science at the secondary level, applicants must have an academic content major (or the equivalent) in the teaching field plus one course in each of the four areas of the teaching field OR passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment. For the comprehensive field of General Science or the single teaching fields of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, applicants must have passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment. For English for Speakers of Other Languages (P-12), applicants must have an academic content major (or the equivalent) in English or a foreign language OR passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment. The transcript evaluation will determine if an applicant meets the teaching field requirement.
- Three recommendations: An applicant to a College of Education program that leads to professional certification must submit references from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant's academic and professional capabilities.
Applicants must also meet the fingerprinting requirement for background clearance.
Admission to the Graduate School is not equivalent to "unconditional admission" to a state-approved educator preparation program.
Changes to Certification Requirements
The programs listed in this catalog that lead to Alabama Class A professional educator certification for service in the public schools may be altered to meet certification standards adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education. The Graduate Catalog is published annually; however, requirements for State-approved programs are subject to change between publications. Current students, as well as prospective students, should check with the specific program for the most up-to-date information.
Admissions Requirements for Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)
Undergraduate mathematics majors seeking AMP admission are required to complete the GRE General Test with a score of 300 or higher. Fall semester admissions are made April through July 31st each year. Test scores must be received by August 1st. Interested students with questions should contact program faculty. More information can be found at our program recruitment website: https://becomeamathteacher.ua.edu/
Admissions Requirements for Overseas Program
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
- A CV/resume
- 3 letters of recommendation
Curricular Requirements
Curricular Requirements for Traditional Class A Programs
A minimum of 30 hours of course credit must be earned; see specific program checklists. The program of study must be planned with an advisor.
NOTE: The comprehensive fields of General Science, General Social Science, and English Language Arts require at least one course in two areas within the broader field as follows:
-
English Language Arts must include courses from at least two of the following areas: EN, JCM, COM, and TH
-
General Science must include courses from at least two of the following areas: BSC, CH, PH, and GEO.
-
General Social Science must include courses from at least two of the following areas: HY, SOC, PY, PSC, GY, and EC
Candidates moving from the comprehensive fields of general science or general social science to a single teaching field must earn passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for certification in the single teaching field. For example, a student admitted with Class B General Science certification who completes teaching field coursework only in biology must earn a passing score on the Praxis for biology to earn Class A Biology certification. Individuals who intend to earn Class AA certification in a secondary education field must hold valid Class A certification in the same teaching field as the Class AA program.
Unless otherwise specified, these course listings apply to candidates having appropriate prior certification who begin this program at UA on June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program below, with no grade below a C.
Curricular Requirements for Alternative Class A Programs
A minimum of 37 semester hours of specific graduate credit plus some undergraduate prerequisites are required for certification. The program of study must be planned with an advisor.
The Alternative Class A course listings apply to candidates having completed a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited college or university who begin the program June 1, 2017 and thereafter. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program below, with no grade below a C.
Concentrations for Traditional Class A Teaching Fields
General Social Sciences Concentration
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Select 500 Level (or above) advisor-approved teaching field content courses | 12 | |
History (HY) | ||
Sociology (SOC) | ||
Psychology (PY) | ||
Geography (GY) | ||
Economics (EC) | ||
Political Science (PSC) | ||
| Supporting Coursework | ||
| CSE 564 | Imprvg Soc Sci Instr | 3 |
| Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Teaching Fields that include the General Social Sciences Concentration:
General Social Science (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 564 | Imprvg Soc Sci Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level HY, SOC, PY, PSC, GY or EC) * | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| Choose one of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Advisor approved elective | 3 | |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | Teaching field courses must include at least two fields (HY, SOC, PY, PSC, GY, or EC). |
Geography (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 564 | Imprvg Soc Sci Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level, advisor approved) | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| Choose one of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Advisor approved elective | 3 | |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
History (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 564 | Imprvg Soc Sci Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level) | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| Choose one of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Advisor approved elective | 3 | |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
English Language Arts Concentration
| English Language Arts Concentration | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Select 500 Level or above Courses in Two Disciplines | 12 | |
English (EN) | ||
Journalism and Creative Media (JCM) | ||
Communication Studies (COM) | ||
Theatre (TH) | ||
| Supporting Coursework | ||
| CSE 563 | Improvg English Instr | 3 |
| Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Teaching Fields that include the English Language Arts Concentration:
English Language Arts (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 563 | Improvg English Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level EN, JCM, COM or TH) * | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| Choose ONE of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Advisor approved elective | 3 | |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | Teaching field courses must include at least two fields (EN, JCM, COM or TH) |
Mathematics Concentration
Teaching Fields that include the Mathematics Concentration:
Mathematics (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 566 | Princpls MathEd: Tech/Lrn/Cur | 3 |
| CSE 575 | Princples Math: Tech/Assess | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level, advisor approved) | 10-12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| Choose one of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| CIE 560 | Princples Math Ed Equity Acces | 3 |
| CAT 531 or advisor approved tech | 3 | |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 31-36 | |
General Science Concentration
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Select 500 level (or above) advisor-approved teaching field content courses | 12 | |
Biological Sciences (BSC) | ||
Chemistry (CH) | ||
Physics (PH) | ||
Geology (GEO) | ||
| Supporting Coursework | ||
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Teaching Fields that include the General Science Concentration:
General Science (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level BSC, CH, PH, or GEO) * | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| hoose one of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 or | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| CSE 595 | Practicum | |
| Additional requirements: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | Teaching field courses must include at least two fields (BSC, CH, PH, or GEO). |
Biology (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level) | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| Choose ONE of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| Additional requirements: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
Chemistry (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level, advisor approved) | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| Choose ONE of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 or | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| CSE 595 | Practicum | |
| Additional requirements: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
Physics (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level, advisor approved) | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| Choose one of these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 or | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| CSE 595 | Practicum | |
| Additional requirements: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not taken as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
Additional Teaching Fields and Overseas Program
Biology (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| CSE 586 | Teach Sec School Science | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 1 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
Chemistry (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| CSE 586 | Teach Sec School Science | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 1 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
English for Speakers of Other Languages (P-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CIE 582 | Dev Util Instr Matrls | 3 |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 534 | Multicultural Education * | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Educational Research: | ||
| CIE 578 | Second Lang Test Assess Evaln | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| CIE 579 | Tch English For Lang Prog/Pol | 3 |
| CIE 576 | Linguistics Classroom Teachers * | 3 |
| CIE 577 | Second Language Acquisition * | 3 |
| Choose ONE from CRD 510 or CRD 511 or CEE 565 or CSE 555 | 3 | |
| Internship: | ||
| CIE 597 | Elementary/Secondary Internsh | 6 |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
English for Speakers of Other Languages (P-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CIE 579 | Tch English For Lang Prog/Pol | 3 |
| CSE 502 | Bldng Hmnzng Cls Comm Sec Schl | 3 |
| CIE 562 | Tesol: Basic Methods | 3 |
| CIE 582 | Dev Util Instr Matrls | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| CIE 576 | Linguistics Classroom Teachers | 3 |
| CIE 577 | Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| CIE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| Summer Block in Cultural and Linguistic Immersion: Choose CIE 594 via Summer FL Study Abroad OR one advisor approved graduate course providing immersion in a foreign language and/or culture. | 3 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| CIE 578 | Second Lang Test Assess Evaln | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required unless SPE 300 was completed prior to unconditional admission to this program. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CIE 597 | Elementary/Secondary Internsh 1 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
English Language Arts (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 502 | Bldng Hmnzng Cls Comm Sec Schl | 3 |
| CSE 579 | Teach Sec School English | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| CSE 563 | Improvg English Instr | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (graduate level EN, JCM, COM, or TH) 1 | 12 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 2 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Teaching field courses must include at least two fields (EN, JCM, COM, or TH). |
| 2 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
French, German, Latin, OR Spanish (6-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CIE 567 | Improv Foreign Lang Instruct | 3 |
| Teaching field courses in one foreign language (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| (Choose BEF 534 or ONE advisor-approved course from these SDE approved diversity courses.) | 3 | |
| Multicultural Education | ||
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| CIE 578 or | Second Lang Test Assess Evaln | 3 |
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Advisor-approved elective | 3 | |
| SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course as not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
Spanish (6-12)-Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 502 | Bldng Hmnzng Cls Comm Sec Schl | 3 |
| CIE 567 | Improv Foreign Lang Instruct | 3 |
| CIE 580 | Teaching Foreign Languages 1 | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work 1 | 3 |
| Teaching field courses in foreign language (advisor approved, graduate level) 2 | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| CIE 578 | Second Lang Test Assess Evaln | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 3 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | CIE 580 and CSE 592 must be taken concurrently. |
| 2 | At least 3 hours in the teaching field must be in foreign language study abroad or advisor-approved graduate course in foreign language and/or foreign culture. |
| 3 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
French, German, Latin, OR Spanish (P-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CEE 574 | Guid Early Chld/Elem Pupil Lea | 3 |
| CSE 530 | Mod Sec School Program | 3 |
| CIE 567 | Improv Foreign Lang Instruct | 3 |
| CIE 578 | Second Lang Test Assess Evaln | 3 |
| Teaching field courses in ONE foreign language (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| (Choose BEF 534 or ONE advisor-approved course from these SDE approved diversity courses.) | 3 | |
| Multicultural Education | ||
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Additional requirements: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course as not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
Spanish (P-12)-Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 502 | Bldng Hmnzng Cls Comm Sec Schl | 3 |
| CIE 567 | Improv Foreign Lang Instruct | 3 |
| CIE 580 | Teaching Foreign Languages 1 | 3 |
| CIE 592 | Field Work 1 | 3 |
| Teaching field courses in foreign language (advisor approved, graduate level) 2 | 12 | |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed (or SDE approved diversity course) * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| CIE 578 | Second Lang Test Assess Evaln | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CIE 597 | Elementary/Secondary Internsh 3 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | CIE 580 and CSE 592 must be taken concurrently. |
| 2 | At least 3 hours in the teaching field must be in foreign language study abroad or advisor-approved graduate course in foreign language and/or foreign culture. |
| 3 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
General Science (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 586 | Teach Sec School Science | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level BSC, CH, PH, or GEO) 1 | 12 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required unless SPE 300 was completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 2 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Teaching field courses must include at least two fields (BSC, CH, PH, or GEO). |
| 2 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
General Social Science (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 502 | Bldng Hmnzng Cls Comm Sec Schl | 3 |
| CSE 587 | Teach Sec School Soc Sci | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| CSE 564 | Imprvg Soc Sci Instr | 3 |
| CSE 585 | Inquiry in Social Studies | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) 1 | 12 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 2 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 40-43 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Teaching field courses must include at least two fields. |
| 2 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
Geography (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 502 | Bldng Hmnzng Cls Comm Sec Schl | 3 |
| CSE 587 | Teach Sec School Soc Sci | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| CSE 564 | Imprvg Soc Sci Instr | 3 |
| CSE 585 | Inquiry in Social Studies | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 1 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 40-43 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
History (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 502 | Bldng Hmnzng Cls Comm Sec Schl | 3 |
| CSE 587 | Teach Sec School Soc Sci | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| CSE 564 | Imprvg Soc Sci Instr | 3 |
| CSE 585 | Inquiry in Social Studies | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 1 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 40-43 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
Mathematics (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 502 | Bldng Hmnzng Cls Comm Sec Schl | 3 |
| CSE 583 | Teach Sec School Math | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| CSE 566 | Princpls MathEd: Tech/Lrn/Cur | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (12 credit hours, advisor approved, graduate level): | ||
| MATH 503 | Algebra: Secondary Teachers | 3 |
| MATH 505 | Geometry: Secondary Teachers | 3 |
| MATH 509 | Data Analysis: Sec Teachers | 3 |
| MATH elective, advisor approved | 3 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 1 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
Music Education (P-12), Traditional Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| MUE 530 | Mus Ed Curr Theory Dev | 3 |
| Choose ONE from MUE 522, MUE 525, or MUE 526 | 3 | |
| Teaching Field: | 12 | |
| Contact the graduate program coordinator to select 12 hours from the following. | ||
| General Music | ||
| Choral Techn Materials | ||
| Instrml Techn Materls | ||
| Curriculum Projects In Mued | ||
| Seminar In Music Education | ||
| Non-Thesis Research | ||
| Thesis Research | ||
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| MUE 500 | Foundatn Music Education | 3 |
| Select ONE course from these SDE approved diversity courses: | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| MUE 540 | Intro Research In Mued | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
Music Education (P-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| MUE 530 | Mus Ed Curr Theory Dev | 3 |
| Select ONE from MUE 522, MUE 525, or MUE 526 | 3 | |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| MUE 540 | Intro Research In Mued | 3 |
| Three graduate courses in MUS, MUA or MUE approved by the graduate coordinator for MUE | 9 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| MUE 500 | Foundatn Music Education | 3 |
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required unless SPE 300 was previously completed. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| MUE 597 | Practicum Music Education 1 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
Physics (6-12), Alternative Class A
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| CSE 565 | Improvg Science Instr | 3 |
| CSE 576 | Improving Science Teaching | 3 |
| CSE 592 | Field Work | 3 |
| CSE 586 | Teach Sec School Science | 3 |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| Special Education coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission. | 0-3 | |
| Full-time Internship: | ||
| CSE 597 | Internship 1 | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 37-40 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| 1 | Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment for the teaching field are required for internship. |
Reading Specialist (P-12)*, Traditional Class A
| Reading Specialist (P-12), Traditional Class A | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| CIE 577 | Second Language Acquisition ** | 3 |
| Instructional Support Area: | ||
| CRD 510 | Expanding Reading | 3 |
| CRD 511 | Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades | 3 |
| CRD 590 | Seminar In Literacy Coaching | 3 |
| CRD 654 | Re-envisioning Reading | 3 |
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 or | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | |
or advisor-approved research course | ||
| Internship and Practicum: | ||
| CRD 593 | Practicum in Literacy Coaching | 3 |
| CRD 595 | Practicum In Reading | 3 |
| CRD 695 | Adv Practicum Readg Education | 3 |
| CRD 696 | Adv Reading Specialist Practic | 3 |
| Additional requirements: | ||
| SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | Admission to Reading Specialist (P-12) requires two full years of full-time teaching experience. The Praxis for Teaching Reading is also required for applicants who hold the prerequisite certification in an area other than Early Childhood, Elementary, or Collaborative (K-6). |
| ** | SDE approved diversity course |
Non-Certification Overseas Program for Secondary Education, MA
This is a non-certification program offered only to overseas students. Completion of this program does not lead to professional educator licensure or certification.
A minimum of 30 hours of course credit must be earned, and a comprehensive assessment must be successfully completed. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
| Overseas Program Course Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Group I: Secondary Education Courses | ||
| AREA 1. Required Courses. Students select ONE course from the following: | 3 | |
| Mod Sec School Program | ||
| Secondary Sch Curric | ||
| AREA 2. Program Specifics. Students select FIVE courses from the following--OR select three or four courses from Program Specifics plus 6 or 3 hours of graduate credit courses* in the student's subject field. | 15 | |
| Improvg English Instr | ||
| Imprvg Soc Sci Instr | ||
| Improvg Science Instr | ||
| Princpls MathEd: Tech/Lrn/Cur | ||
| Impr Read Second Schools | ||
| Second Language Acquisition | ||
| AREA 3. Educational Research | ||
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 21 | |
| Group II: Electives | ||
| Students select THREE courses from the list below. Students may also choose courses not taken from the Group I list above or courses specifically aproved by the Office of International Programs. | 9 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Eval Classroom Learning | ||
| Computer Based Instruction | ||
| Tesol: Basic Methods | ||
| Linguistics Classroom Teachers | ||
| Adolescent Literature | ||
| Problems | ||
| Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades | ||
| Intro Exc Childr/Youth | ||
| Adv Academc Methods Sec | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | Courses must have a graduate-level equivalent at The University of Alabama, be part of the curriculum in a graduate degree program, and be from a regionally accredited institution. Students must secure permission to enroll in transfer courses prior to enrolling in those courses. |
Transfer Credit
In compliance with regulations established by the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Administrative Code, coursework used to meet Class B certification requirements may not be used to meet requirements for Class A certification.
Graduate School information for Transfer Credit.
Accelerated Master's Program
The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) in Secondary Education (Mathematics) allows students earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a Math Education minor to take courses that dual count toward the MA in Secondary Education (Mathematics) degree as well as toward the Alternative Class A certification program.
Undergraduate mathematics majors seeking AMP admission are required to complete the GRE general test with a score of 300 or higher. Fall semester admissions are made April through July 31st each year. Test scores must be received by August 1st. Interested students should contact program faculty for questions. More information can be found at our program recruitment website: https://becomeamathteacher.ua.edu/.
Information on the Accelerated Master's Program.
Comprehensive Exam
In lieu of a comprehensive exam, students complete a Final Advanced Teacher Education Portfolio.
For Music Education, a passing score on a comprehensive written exam covering the content of the curriculum is required. The written exam is scheduled during the last semester of enrollment. Students contact the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Music Education Office to arrange to take the exam.
Graduate School information on Comprehensive Exams.
Plan I - Thesis Process Requirements
For Music Education, information about the thesis process including committee formation, scheduling of proposal and defense, IRB procedures, and formatting and submission are arranged with the Graduate Program Coordinator in Music Education. Students in Plan I present and defend a thesis in lieu of taking a comprehensive exam.
Plan II - Non-Thesis Process Requirements
For Music Education, a passing score on a comprehensive written exam covering the content of the curriculum is required. The written exam is scheduled during the last semester of enrollment. Students contact the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Music Education Office to arrange to take the exam.
Fieldwork/Practicum/Internship Requirements
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
All Class A and Alternative Class A programs require extensive field experiences in diverse settings. The majority of field experiences must occur in P-12 schools, and at least half of the field experiences shall be in the candidate’s teaching field or area of instructional support. These placements are in the greater Tuscaloosa area (with the exception of music education and distance learning) in order to facilitate supervision of students. With approval, individuals who are employed in positions appropriate to the area of their current program may complete field experiences on the job, but those experiences must be planned with specific purposes and assessment.
All clinical placements in the College of Education relating to educator preparation are coordinated through the Office of Clinical Experiences.
Advanced clinical placement assignments are required. The placement may occur in the student’s classroom provided there is support from school administration.
For the Alternative Class A Music Education, an internship placement in elementary and secondary education is required during the final semester of enrollment. The placements are arranged through the Music Education Office and the Office of Clinical Experiences.
Students enrolled in College of Education courses that require a clinical placement should obtain professional liability insurance. Professional liability insurance may be purchased through an independent insurer or is available to students who are members of the Student Alabama Education Association (SAEA).
TEACHING INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The teaching internship (formerly called student teaching) is one of the most important experiences College of Education students have. It is generally regarded as the culminating activity of one's preparation to become a teacher. At The University of Alabama, the internship is a full-semester, full-time assignment.
Students must file internship applications with the Office of Clinical Experiences during the semester preceding the semester of the planned internship. The application process begins by attending a mandatory application session, which is held the first Wednesday in October for spring-semester interns and the first Wednesday in March for fall-semester interns. The time, date, and place of the application session are announced at the beginning of each semester. The deadline for filing applications for a spring-semester internship is October 31; for a fall-semester internship the deadline is March 31.
Students may apply to enroll for an internship if they meet the following criteria:
- The student must have completed all courses in the major or have approval from the faculty advisor and/or Department Chair to intern.
- The student must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0, both for all University of Alabama courses attempted and for all University of Alabama courses and transfer courses combined.
- The student must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in each major, both for University of Alabama courses in each major and for combined University of Alabama courses and transfer courses in each major.
- The student must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 2.75 for professional education coursework.
- The student must have completed all methods courses and appropriate professional coursework with grades of "C" or higher.
- The student must have removed from the transcript any grade of incomplete ("I") recorded in required courses; grades of incomplete are treated as grades of "F."
- The student must show mastery of required standards in all courses completed prior to internship.
- The student must have earned passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment(s) for the teaching field.
- Portfolio requirements must be met.
Registration for Internship Credit Hours
Graduate students are required to register for the number of internship credit hours specified by their program. In some programs, graduate students may be allowed to choose a 6-hour registration or a 9-hour registration; course requirements are the same whether 6 hours or 9 hours are taken. Graduate students whose program requires two internship placements should register for two sections of internship (3 hours per section or 4.5 hours per section). Students enrolled for internship must not expect to be enrolled in other courses while interning.
Policy on Internship Placements
All internship placements are coordinated by the College of Education Office of Clinical Experiences. Placement sites are selected to ensure the quality of the internship experience and of the supervision provided by the cooperating teacher. All internship placements are in the greater Tuscaloosa area (with the exception of music education and distance learning) in order to facilitate supervision of students by University of Alabama faculty or other designees of the department heads. Placements outside the greater Tuscaloosa area are made only if the director of clinical experiences and/or the department head determines that an appropriate local placement is unavailable.
With approval, a candidate admitted to a traditional Class A or an Alternative Class A program who is employed in an Alabama school may complete the internship in the candidate’s classroom if the candidate holds a valid Interim Employment Certificate (IEC) for the appropriate teaching field and assignment.
Students may apply for overseas internships if they meet certain criteria and if appropriate placements can be coordinated by the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching (COST) and/or The University of Alabama. Applications for overseas internships are taken during January for placements for the next fall semester, and in May for placements the succeeding spring semester. Contact the Office of Clinical Experiences for additional information.
Internship Assignments
- Secondary education (6–12) interns with a comprehensive major may receive one or two internship assignments. If a candidate is seeking certification in two or more distinct teaching fields, an additional internship(s) will be required (unless the internship is defined according to the State-approved program.) If a candidate is seeking certification in two or more related fields, the internship may be divided between the two teaching fields.
- P–12 programs in foreign language or music education interns should expect to have a split internship assignment with an elementary and a secondary school.
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) interns should expect to have a split internship assignment between an elementary and a secondary school or if ESOL interns are employed full-time as an ESOL teacher in a public school setting, they may complete one semester of internship in their own classroom under the supervision of their building principal and a first-term summer semester of internship in an ESOL summer program coordinated by the Office of Clinical Experiences under the supervision of a University of Alabama ESOL faculty member.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Additional Academic Requirements
Electronic Learning Management System Requirement
A designated, electronic learning management system is required of all students in programs leading to professional educator certification.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School Information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation
Information on the Application for Graduation.
Postsecondary Instruction
Graduate students in the MA program who have an interest in teaching in postsecondary institutions may take advantage of the program's flexibility to acquire a maximum of 18 hours in cognate field courses. Students who have this option in mind should coordinate the program of study carefully with their advisors.
Certification
All students must complete the proper application form for Alabama certification. Forms are available online through the Alabama State Department of Education. Applications should be submitted to Student Services in 104 Carmichael Hall at least one semester in advance of graduation. A student who does not apply for professional certification within 60 months after completing the State-approved program will be required to meet the current program. Students who plan to seek employment in other states must secure the proper professional licensure application forms from those states' departments of education.
The certification programs of the department have been designed to fulfill current requirements of the Alabama State Board of Education. The state requirements change from time to time and, accordingly, the department's requirements and programs are subject to change.
The associate dean for student services in the College of Education has been designated the teacher certification officer for the University. Students who need information about or assistance with certification should consult the associate dean for student services.
Traditional Class A Certification
The Alabama State Department of Education grants Class A professional educator certification in Secondary Education (6-12) teaching fields and P-12 teaching fields. To be eligible, candidates must hold appropriate prerequisite certification and must complete all requirements for the MA degree in the chosen program as described in this catalog, including a comprehensive assessment, state assessments (if applicable), and the Praxis subject assessment(s). The extensive professional portfolio completed by candidates will be used as a comprehensive assessment in lieu of a comprehensive exam. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 in all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
According to Alabama regulations, individuals admitted to a Class A program based on a professional educator certificate from another state must earn the prerequisite Alabama certification before applying for Alabama Class A (master's level) certification.
Alternative Class A Certification
The Alabama State Department of Education grants Class A professional educator certification in Secondary Education (6-12) teaching fields and P-12 teaching fields. To be eligible, candidates must complete all requirements of the Alternative Class A program, including a comprehensive assessment, state assessments (if applicable), and the Praxis subject assessment(s). The extensive professional portfolio completed by candidates will be used as a comprehensive assessment in lieu of a comprehensive exam.