Secondary Education, MA

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 Studies 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 Music Education and the comprehensive field of General Science, applicants must have passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessments. 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)

Fall semester admissions are made April through July 31st each year. The GRE general test is not required but can strengthen an applicant's application packet if desired. 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

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 Studies, 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 Studies must include courses from at least two of the following areas: HY, SOC, PY, PSC, GY, and EC

Candidates moving from the comprehensive field of general social studies 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 Social Science certification who completes teaching field coursework only in history must earn a passing score on the Praxis for history to earn Class A History 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 13, 2024, 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.

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 13, 2024, 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 Studies (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
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course		3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Advisor approved elective		3
Teaching field courses: HY, SOC, PY, PSC, GY, EC (Must include TWO areas, graduate level.) *		12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select one of the following 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements/electives:
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 areas (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
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course		3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Advisor approved elective		3
Teaching field courses (graduate level, advisor approved GY courses)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select one of the following 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements/electives:
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
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course		3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Advisor approved elective		3
Teaching field courses (advisor-approved, graduate level HY courses)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select ONE of the following 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements/electives:
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
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course		3
Advisor approved elective		3
Teaching field courses: EN, JCM, COM, TH (Must include TWO areas, graduate level.) *		12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select ONE of the following ALSDE approved diversity 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirement(s):
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 areas (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
CIE 560	Princples Math Ed Equity Acces	3
CAT 531 or advisor approved tech		3
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course		3
Teaching field courses: MATH (500-level or above, advisor approved)		10-12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select ONE of the following ALSDE approved diversity 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements(s):
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
Advisor-approved BER course or CSE 595 (approved by advisor)		3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Teaching field courses: BSC, CH, PH, GEO (Must include TWO areas, 500-level or above.) *		12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select ONE of the following ALSDE approved diversity 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not completed 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 areas (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
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course or CSE 595 (approved by advisor)		3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Teaching field courses: BSC (500-level or above)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select ONE of the following ALSDE approved diversity 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not completed 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
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course or CSE 595 (approved by advisor)		3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Teaching field courses: CH (500-level or above, advisor approved)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select ONE of the following ALSDE approved diversity 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not completed 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
Advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course or CSE 595 (approved by advisor)		3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Teaching field courses: PH (500-level or above, advisor approved)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies:
Select ONE of the following 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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements:
SPE 500 is only required if a survey of special education course was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-33

Additional Teaching Fields and Overseas Program

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

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
CIE 578	Second Lang Test Assess Evaln	3
CIE 582	Dev Util Instr Matrls	3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
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	Ethics And Education
Teaching Field:
CIE 576	Linguistics Classroom Teachers *	3
CIE 577	Second Language Acquisition *	3
CIE 579	Tch English For Lang Prog/Pol	3
Select ONE from the following:		3
CRD 510 or	Expanding Reading
CRD 511 or	Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades
CEE 565 or	Clas & Mod Lit Early Child/Ele
CSE 555	Adolescent Literature
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)

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 578	Second Lang Test Assess Evaln	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
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
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: EN, JCM, COM, or TH (Must include TWO areas, graduate level.) 1		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
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, 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
CIE 578	Second Lang Test Assess Evaln (OR an advisor-approved, graduate-level BER course)	3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Advisor-approved elective		3
Teaching field courses in one foreign language (advisor approved, graduate level)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements:
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

Footnotes
*	ALSDE-approved course(s)

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 578	Second Lang Test Assess Evaln	3
CIE 580	Teaching Foreign Languages 1	3
CSE 592	Field Work 1	3
Teaching field courses in Spanish (advisor approved, graduate level) 2		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
1	CIE 580 Teaching Foreign Languages and CSE 592 Field Work 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, OR Spanish (P-12), Traditional Class A

Code and Title		Hours
Required Courses:
CEE 574	Guid Early Chld/Elem Pupil Lea	3
CIE 567	Improv Foreign Lang Instruct	3
CIE 578	Second Lang Test Assess Evaln	3
CSE 530	Mod Sec School Program	3
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Teaching field courses in ONE foreign language (advisor approved, graduate level)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 534 or	Multicultural Education
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
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	Ethics And Education
Additional requirements:
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

Footnotes
*	ALSDE approved course(s)

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 578	Second Lang Test Assess Evaln	3
CIE 580	Teaching Foreign Languages 1	3
CIE 592	Field Work 1	3
Teaching field courses in Spanish (advisor approved, graduate level) 2		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed (or SDE approved diversity course)
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
1	CIE 580 Teaching Foreign Languages and CSE 592 Field Work 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: BSC, CH, PH, GEO (Must include TWO areas, advisor approved, graduate level.) 1		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.)		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
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 Studies (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: HY, PSC, GY, EC, PY, SOC (Must include TWO areas, advisor approved, graduate level) 1		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
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 GY courses)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
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 HY courses)		12
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
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, 500-level or above		3
Foundations of Professional Studies: (Select ONE or contact advisor for additional approved courses.) *		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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
*	ALSDE approved course(s)
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
Select ONE from the following:		3
MUE 522 or	General Music
MUE 525 or	Choral Techn Materials
MUE 526	Instrml Techn Materls
Teaching Field:		12
Contact the graduate program coordinator to select 12 hours of MUA, MUS, MUE (500-level or above)
Foundations of Professional Studies:
MUE 500	Foundatn Music Education	3
Select ONE course from the following 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	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-level courses in MUS, MUA or MUE approved by the graduate coordinator for MUE		9
Foundations of Professional Studies:
MUE 500	Foundatn Music Education	3
Select ONE from the following ALSDE-approved courses or contact advisor for additional approved courses:		3
BEF 510 or	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed
BEF 503 or	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507 or	Sociology Of Education
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	Ethics And Education
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.

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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
CSE 530	Mod Sec School Program
CSE 532	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
CSE 563	Improvg English Instr
CSE 564	Imprvg Soc Sci Instr
CSE 565	Improvg Science Instr
CSE 566	Princpls MathEd: Tech/Lrn/Cur
CRD 512	Impr Read Second Schools
CIE 577	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
BEF 503	History Of Amer Educn
BER 550	Eval Classroom Learning
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction
CIE 562	Tesol: Basic Methods
CIE 576	Linguistics Classroom Teachers
CSE 555	Adolescent Literature
CSE 594	Problems
CRD 511	Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades
SPE 500	Intro Exc Childr/Youth
SPE 592	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.

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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 31^st each year. Test scores must be received by August 1^st. 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 Comprehensive Assessment.

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 or surrounding counties, within a 50-70 mile radius (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).

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.

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

Funding for Math or Science (Traditional or Alternative Class A Programs)

Students completing Traditional or Alternative Class A programs in Math or Science who subsequently teach in Alabama public schools and reside in Alabama are eligible for tuition reimbursement up to a total of $30,000. See the AMSTEP webpage of the Alabama Commission of Higher Education for specific requirements: https://amstep.ache.edu/.

Students who enroll in the Alternative Class A program in science are eligible to be considered for employment as teachers in the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham area with full pay and responsibilities under the Interim Employment Certificate. More information about the Interim Employment Certificate is available through the Alabama State Department of Education.

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.