Secondary Education, Ed.S.

Admissions

In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must:

• hold appropriate, prerequisite master's level certification
• have a master's program GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• provide a Statement of Purpose explaining their interest in the program, which will serve as a writing sample
• 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 must successfully complete a formal screening interview with the music education faculty prior to an admission decision. Applicants are required 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. It is highly recommended that applicants have a minimum of three years of full-time contractual teaching experience prior to beginning a post-master’s degree program. Contingent upon faculty and Graduate School approval, conditional admission is granted in some instances.
• For Mathematics Specialist, cohorts begin in the summer, and applicants should plan for a February 5^th application deadline each year. Please contact program faculty for questions in the fall semester prior to applying. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

a. Alabama Class A (or equivalent) teaching field or area of instructional leadership or instructional support certificate.

b. Alabama Class B (or equivalent) mathematics certification for grades 4-8 and/or grades 6-12

c. If the Class A certificate is in a field other than Math (4-8) for Math Specialist grades 4-8 and/or Math (6-12) for Math Specialist grades 6-12, a passing score on the current Praxis subject area test is required prior to admission.

d. A minimum of 3 years of mathematics teaching experience in a P-12 setting prior to admission

e. admission portfolio including letters of recommendation, evidence of positive impact on student learning, and evidence of collaborative leadership potential

Applicants must also meet the requirement for fingerprinting/background clearance.

Admission to the Graduate School is not equivalent to "unconditional admission" to a state-approved educator preparation program.

Admission with Permission to Continue

In exceptional circumstances, Admission with Permission to Continue may be granted if the GPA is below the required 3.0/4.0. In such a case, the student must earn a 3.5 overall GPA for the first nine semester hours of the program.  If the student does not meet this requirement, then they will not be permitted to continue in the program.

Curricular Requirements

A minimum of 30 hours of appropriate work beyond the MA degree, including either the completion of classroom inquiry projects (CSE 693) or a thesis (CSE 697), is required for the educational specialist degree. Note: Specific courses in the Mathematics Specialist program are required and noted below rather than CSE 693 and CSE 697.

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 A general science certification who completes teaching field coursework only in physics must earn a passing score on the Praxis for physics to earn Class AA physics certification.

These course listings apply to candidates having appropriate prior certification. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program below, with no grade below a C. Requirements for State-approved educator preparation programs are subject to change between publications, so students should check with their advisor for the most up-to-date information.

Biology (6-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
CSE 665	Sec School Science	3
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
CIE 625	Res Sem Science Curriculum	3
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours in the teaching field: BSC (advisor approved, 500-level or above)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

Chemistry (6-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
CSE 665	Sec School Science	3
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
CIE 625	Res Sem Science Curriculum	3
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours in the teaching field: CH (advisor approved, graduate level)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

English for Speakers of Other Languages (P-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
Required 3-hour course (see advisor)		3
Choose ONE option: OPTION1: CEE 687 and CEE 697 or OPTION 2: CSE 670 and CSE 693 or CSE 697		6
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours (advisor approved, 500-level or above)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses or contact advisor for additional approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements/Electives:
Advisor approved elective (600-level)		3
SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

French or Spanish (6-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses;
Required 3-hour course (see advisor)		3
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
CIE 656	Sem For Language Eductn Resear	3
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours in ONE foreign language: FR or SP (advisor approved, 500-level or above)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses or contact advisor for additional approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

French or Spanish (P-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
Required 3-hour course (see advisor)		3
CIE 656	Sem For Language Eductn Resear	3
Choose ONE option: OPTION1: CEE 687 and CEE 697 or OPTION 2: CSE 670 and CSE 693 or CSE 697		6
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours in ONE foreign language: FR or SP (advisor approved, 500-level or above)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses or contact advisor for additional approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

General Science (6-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
CSE 665	Sec School Science	3
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
CIE 625	Res Sem Science Curriculum	3
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours in at least TWO areas of the teaching field: BSC, PH, CH, or GEO (advisor approved, graduate level)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

Geography (6-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
CSE 664	Sec Sch Social Science	3
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
CIE 626	Res Sem Social Studies Curricl	3
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours in the teaching field: GY (advisor approved, 500-level or above GY courses)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses or contact advisor for additional approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

History (6-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
CSE 664	Sec Sch Social Science	3
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
CIE 626	Res Sem Social Studies Curricl	3
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours in the teaching field: HY (advisor approved, 500-level or above HY courses)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses or contact advisor for additional approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

Music Education (P-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
MUE 530	Mus Ed Curr Theory Dev	3
MUE 522 or	General Music	3
MUE 525 or	Choral Techn Materials
MUE 526	Instrml Techn Materls
MUE 635 or	Curriculum Projects Mued	3
MUE 698	Non-Dissertatn Research
Teaching Field:		12
See the graduate program coordinator to select 12 hours of MUA/MUS/MUE, 500-level or above.
Educational Research:
MUE 540	Intro Research In Mued (If MUE 540 was part of the Class A program, meet with the graduate program coordinator to select an elective instead.)	3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
MUE 500	Foundatn Music Education (If MUE 500 was used for prior certification, select another course from the list of Foundations courses below.)	3
Select ONE of these ALSDE approved courses or contact advisor for additional approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
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

Physics (6-12), Class AA

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
CSE 665	Sec School Science	3
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
CIE 625	Res Sem Science Curriculum	3
Teaching Field:
Select 12 hours in the teaching field: PH (advisor approved, 500-level or above)		12
Educational Research:
Select ONE advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course.		3
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Choose ONE of these ALSDE approved courses:		3
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
Additional Requirements:
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

---

Concentrations

English Language Arts

Code and Title		Hours
Core Courses
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop (Or)	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn (Or)	3
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
BER 540, BER 600, BER 631, or another graduate-level, advisor approved research course.		3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Concentration Courses (12 hours in 500-level or above EN, COM, JCM, TH. Courses must be selected from at least TWO areas and should be advisor-approved. (Examples are below.)		12
EN 500	Special Topics
EN 523	History English Language
TH 551	Hist Of The Theatre I
COM 525	Gender & Pol Com
COM 555	Conflict and Negotiation
JCM 542	Advanced Magazine Writing
JCM 553	Making Media Innovation
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Supportive Courses
CSE 663	Sec School English	3
CRD 690	Advanced Seminar Crd (or advisor approved elective)	3
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6-9
Total Hours		30-33

Mathematics

Code and Title		Hours
Core Courses
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn	3
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
BER 540, BER 600, BER 631, or another graduate-level, advisor-approved research course.		3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Concentration Courses (10-12 hours in courses listed or advisor approved)		10-12
MATH 503	Algebra: Secondary Teachers
MATH 504	Topics Mod Math Teachers
MATH 505	Geometry: Secondary Teachers
MATH 509	Data Analysis: Sec Teachers
MATH 591	Teaching College Math
MATH 593	Collegiate Math Education Rsrc
Credit Hours Subtotal:		10-12
Supportive Courses
CSE 666	Res TeachLearnCurr Math Ed	3
CIE 680	Sem In Math Educ Research	3
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course		3
CSE 675 is required for candidates who did not complete CSE 575 in the MA program.		0-3
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not completed during the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		9-15
Total Hours		31-39

Mathematics Specialist

Students may pursue both grade bands of certification. Major projects within CIE 693 and CEE/CSE 695 provide students the opportunity to seek both 4-8 and 6-12 if they so desire and if they are qualified. Fifty percent of the total coursework or more must be at the Ed.S. level, and successful completion of the exit portfolio components is required.

Code and Title		Hours
Core Courses
NOTE: Candidates in this program should select CEE 695 or CSE 695 below.
CEE 695 or	Practicum	3
CSE 695 or	Practicum
CSE 693	Advanced Workshop
CIE 693 or	Workshop (CIE 693 is required for this program.)	3
CSE 670 or	Res & Theory In Sec Ed
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn	3
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
CSE 666	Res TeachLearnCurr Math Ed	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Concentration Courses
AEL 612	Instruc Supv Mentor Trng	3
CIE 560	Princples Math Ed Equity Acces	3
MATH 504	Topics Mod Math Teachers (Number Systems and Algebraic Reasoning for Teachers)	3
MATH 504	Topics Mod Math Teachers (Geometry and Data Analysis for Teachers)	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Additional Courses
CSE 675	Resrch ToolsTechAssess MathEd	3
CIE 680	Sem In Math Educ Research	3
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6-9
Total Hours		30-33

Social Studies

Code and Title		Hours
Core Courses
CSE 670	Res & Theory In Sec Ed	3
CSE 693 or	Advanced Workshop	3
CSE 697	Specialist Degree Res
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn	3
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 575 or	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 585 or	Language Politics & Education
BEF 607 or	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650 or	Theories of Race and Education
BEF 667 or	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681 or	Ethics And Education
BCE 611 or	Multicult. Approach Counseling
BCE 621	Adv Multicultural Counseling
BER 540, BER 600, BER 631, or an advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course		3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Concentration Courses (12 hours in 500-level or above HY, SOC, PY, PSC, GY, or EC. Courses must be selected from at least TWO areas and should be advisor-approved. (Examples are below.)		12
HY 606	Prosem Us Histry To 1877
HY 500	Special Studies in History
GY 553	Environment & Society
GY 615	Seminar Human-Environment
PY 581	Readings In Py Grad
PY 693	Seminar:Adv General Py
EC 510	Law and Economics
EC 624	Political Economy
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Supportive Coursework
CSE 664	Sec Sch Social Science	3
CIE 626	Res Sem Social Studies Curricl	3
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not completed during the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6-9
Total Hours		30-33

Transfer Credit

Courses taken for Class A certification may not be used toward Class AA certification.

Graduate School information on Transfer Credit. 

Comprehensive Exams

In lieu of a Comprehensive Exam, candidates will submit a Comprehensive Assessment. Due in the last semester of the program, the final comprehensive assessment must be passed in all areas with scores of 2/4 (Developing) or better. A score of 1 in any area will require resubmission and graduation will be delayed until the comprehensive assessment is passed.

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. 

Fieldwork/Practicum/Internship Requirements

One 15-hour Advanced Clinical Placement is required for this degree. This placement is typically carried out in the student’s own classroom as they engage in action research or inquiry projects, but it need not be.

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).

Time Limit for Degree Completion

Graduate School information on Time Limits. 

Student Progress Requirements

Students submit requisite assessment(s) upon entrance, at midway point, and in the final semester. Feedback will be provided at each phase. Students must pass the final submission of the comprehensive assessment with 2/4 (Developing) or better on all items in order to graduate.

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

Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in a Class AA program, with no grade below a C.

For Music Education, at least 1/2 of the coursework must be in music and at least 15 semester hours of the 30 semester hour total must be at the 600-level.

Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing. 

Graduate School Deadlines

Information on Graduate School Deadlines. 

Admission to Candidacy

Students should contact their academic advisor/graduate director to initiate the form for Admission to Candidacy for the Ed.S. degree and submit a program of study. The Graduate School must approve the student's EdS plan of study prior to admission to candidacy for the degree.​

Application for Graduation

Information on the Application for Graduation. 

Class AA Certification

The Alabama State Board of Education grants Class AA 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 of the State-approved program, including a comprehensive assessment.

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.

According to Alabama regulations, individuals admitted to a Class AA program based on a professional educator certificate from another state must earn the prerequisite Alabama certification before applying for Alabama Class AA (specialist level) certification.

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.

Postsecondary Instruction

Graduate students in the EdS 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.

Accepted graduate students are encouraged to apply for College of Education scholarships and scholarships offered through UA Online (for distance learning students).

Funding for Music Education

Acquisition of Financial Support

Students in good standing in the Music Education Graduate Program may be supported by a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) funded by the Department or School of Music at the .25 or .5 level. Both assistantship levels provide a stipend and benefits along with paid (partial or full) tuition and fees. Students awarded assistantships receive financial support through the first two years in the program for traditional master's degree students and the first three years for doctoral and EdS students who meet performance expectations and who do not meet any Conditions for Termination of Financial Support (see below).

Students will be informed of impending financial support termination at least one semester prior to the support termination date, except in special cases noted under Conditions for Termination of Financial Support. Doctoral students in good standing may petition the Music Education Department Chair for continued GTA support beyond the third year on a semesterly basis. Petitions for continuing support must be submitted at least three months prior to the start of the final semester of guaranteed support.

Performance Expectations for Continuing Financial Support
To remain eligible for financial support, students must:

• Maintain good academic standing in the Music Education MA, EdS, EdD or PhD program.
• Adhere to all university, college, and department policies, including those related to ethical conduct and professional behavior.
• Complete all mandatory annual training and abide by all policies held by The University of Alabama, the College of Education, the Department of Music Education, and the School of Music.
• Perform all duties assigned as a graduate teaching assistant in a timely and professional manner, as defined by the Music Education Department Chair.
• For doctoral students, engage in research under the direction of a department-approved advisor beginning in the first semester of the third year, with continuous progress expected as guided by the advisor and dissertation committee.

Conditions for Termination of Financial Support
Students may face termination of financial support under the following conditions, pending administrative review by the Department. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the Department Chair —along with input from the Graduate Committee—may recommend immediate termination, termination at the end of the current semester, or termination at the end of the following semester.

1. Dereliction of Duty – Includes, but is not limited to:
   • Failure to comply with all university conduct policies.
   • Unexcused absences from assigned responsibilities.
   • Failure to satisfactorily complete GTA responsibilities as defined by the Music Education Department Chair.
2. Academic Misconduct – A resolved finding of academic misconduct may result in loss of financial support, with penalties determined in consultation with the Graduate School and/or College of Education and/or School of Music.
3. Failure to Secure a Dissertation Advisor – Students must secure a department-approved dissertation advisor at the beginning the first semester of their third year in the program. Students who fail to do so may lose financial support, at the discretion of department.
4. Loss of Good Academic Standing – Students placed on academic probation have one semester to return to good standing. Financial support will be terminated if good standing is not restored. Additionally, students who receive more than two grades of ‘C’ or at least one grade of ‘D’ or ‘F’ will undergo a faculty review, which may result in termination of financial support or dismissal from the program.
5. Failure to Complete Annual Self Reviews – Doctoral students must complete all required annual progress reviews in a timely manner. Failure to meet deadlines may result in probation and, if unresolved, termination of financial support.
6. Insufficient Research Progress – A student’s dissertation committee evaluates research progress annually. If the committee determines that progress is inadequate, the student will have one probationary semester (fall, spring, or summer) to address deficiencies while maintaining financial support. Failure to meet expectations by the end of the probationary semester will result in immediate termination of financial support.