Programs leading to Class AA certification in Secondary Education (6-12) are available in
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- English Language Arts (comprehensive)
- Foreign Language (French or Spanish)
- General Science (comprehensive)
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Music Education
- Physics
- Social Science (comprehensive)
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 in 204 Autherine Lucy Hall. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.
Admissions
The Ed.S. program (except for Class AA Music Education) accepts applications according to the following deadlines:
- Spring 2024 deadline: July 31, 2023
- Summer 2024 deadline: February 5, 2024
- Fall 2024 deadline: February 5, 2024
- Spring 2025 deadline: July 29, 2024
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.
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.
A composite GRE score of 300 or better is required for all candidates, irrespective of degree program, who are seeking an appointment as a college-sponsored Graduate Assistant.
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.
Students must be certain that their planned programs meet all certification requirements according to programs approved by the state department of education. Approved program checklists are available from the program office.
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 or TH
- General science must include courses from at least two of the following areas: BSC, CH, PH or GEO.
- General social science must include courses from at least two of the following areas: HY, SOC, PY, PSC, GY or 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 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.
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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 625 | Res Sem Science Curriculum | 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 | |
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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 625 | Res Sem Science Curriculum | 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 | |
English Language Arts (6-12), Class AA
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 663 | Sec School English | 3 |
| CSE 670 | Res & Theory In Sec Ed | 3 |
| CSE 693 or | Advanced Workshop | 3 |
| CSE 697 | Specialist Degree Res | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses in at least two areas of ELA (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CRD 690 | Advanced Seminar Crd | 3 |
or advisor approved elective | ||
| 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 | |
English for Speakers of Other Languages (P-12), Class AA
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| 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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| 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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses in ONE foreign language (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 656 | Sem For Language Eductn Resear | 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 (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 | |
| 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 540 or | Statistical Methods In Educ | 3 |
| BER 631 | Inqry As Interp: Qual I | |
| Teaching field courses in ONE foreign language (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 656 | Sem For Language Eductn Resear | 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 | |
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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses in at least two areas: BSC, PH, CH, or GEO (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 625 | Res Sem Science Curriculum | 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 | |
General Social Science (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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses in at least two areas: HY, SOC, PY, PSC, GY, or EC (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 626 | Res Sem Social Studies Curricl | 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 | |
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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 626 | Res Sem Social Studies Curricl | 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 | |
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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 626 | Res Sem Social Studies Curricl | 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 | |
Mathematics (6-12), Class AA
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CSE 666 | Res TeachLearnCurr Math Ed | 3 |
| CSE 670 | Res & Theory In Sec Ed | 3 |
| CIE 680 | Sem In Math Educ Research | 3 |
| CSE 693 or | Advanced Workshop | 3 |
| CSE 697 | Specialist Degree Res | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose two from BER 540, BER 600, and BER 631. | 6 | |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 10-12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CSE 675 is required if CSE 575 was not completed in the MA program. | 0-3 | |
| 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 | 31-39 | |
Music Education (P-12), Class AA
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 9 | |
| See the graduate program coordinator to select from the following or other approved MUE courses. | ||
| Curriculum Projects Mued | ||
| Non-Dissertatn Research | ||
| General Music | ||
| Choral Techn Materials | ||
| Instrml Techn Materls | ||
| If the above courses were part of the Class A certificate, approved MUE electives may be utilized. | ||
| Teaching Field: | 12 | |
| See the graduate program coordinator to select from the following or other music courses approved by the advisor. | ||
| Choral Techn Materials | ||
| Instrml Techn Materls | ||
| Seminar In Music Education | ||
| Doctor of Philosophy Diagnostic/Admission Exam | ||
| Curriculum Projects Mued | ||
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| MUE 500 | Foundatn Music Education | 3 |
| Select 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: | ||
| MUE 540 | Intro Research In Mued (If MUE 540 was part of the Class A program, meet with the graduate program coordinator to select a substitute course.) | 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 | |
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 | |
| 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: | ||
| Choose BER 540, BER 600, or BER 631. | 3 | |
| Teaching field courses (advisor approved, graduate level) | 12 | |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| CIE 625 | Res Sem Science Curriculum | 3 |
| 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 | |
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, Advanced Portfolio. Due in the last semester of the program, the final portfolio 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 an Advanced Portfolio 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 Advanced Portfolio 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
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.