Special education graduate programs are designed to bring improvements to the educational services accorded to exceptional children. Courses of study leading to the Master of Arts (MA) degree and Class A professional educator certification in the education of exceptional children are listed below:
Traditional Class A certification programs are available in
- autism (Class A, Innovative)
- collaborative education
- early childhood special education
- gifted and talented
- severe disabilities (Class A only)
Alternative Class A certification programs are available in
- collaborative education
- early childhood special education with dual certification in early childhood
- gifted and talented
Additionally, an Overseas master's degree program in Special Education is offered to overseas students. The Overseas Program does not lead to professional licensure or certification.
While the Graduate Catalog is published annually, program checklists for state-approved certification programs may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to-date information about requirements. Students should refer to the appropriate program checklists for their teaching fields and consult their advisors before registering each semester.
Admissions
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must be aware of the admission requirements established by the Alabama State Department of Education.
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.
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Traditional Class A Certification Programs
For admission to traditional Class A programs of study in collaborative education, early childhood special education, or gifted and talented education, the appropriate prior certification must be held in a teaching field.
For admission to the Class A program of study in severe disabilities, the appropriate prior certification must be held in an appropriate area of special education.
For admission to the Class A program of study in autism, the prior certification must be held in an appropriate area of special education.
Three recommendations are required. (Applicants 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.
Alternative Class A, Nontraditional, Initial Teacher Certification Programs
Special Education & Multiple Abilities offers teacher education programs that do not require prior certification in a teaching field. These programs lead to Alabama Alternative Class A certification in special education (collaborative teacher, K–6; collaborative teacher, 6–12; early childhood special education, P-3; or gifted, P-12) and are designed to allow individuals with undergraduate degrees in nonteaching fields to enter the field of education.
Admission to a nontraditional, alternative certification program in special education requires full admission to the Graduate School and the completion of specified undergraduate prerequisite courses.
For admission to the Alternative Class A (non-traditional) program in collaborative education, early childhood special education, or gifted and talented education, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Transcript evaluation: Applicants should contact the Office of Student Services & Certification for a transcript evaluation to determine prerequisite courses. [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.
- General Studies and Teaching Field: For Alternative Class A in Collaborative or Early Childhood Special Education, applicants must have completed 12 hours of coursework in each of four areas: English Language Arts, social studies, science, and mathematics. (This is called the 4 x 12 requirement.) Applicants who do not meet the 4 x 12 requirement have the option to earn a passing score on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment(s) in lieu of completing the deficient 4 x 12 courses. For Alternative Class A in Gifted, applicants must have an academic major in a discipline that is approved in the Alabama Course of Study.
- Three recommendations: Applicants 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.
Non-Certification Overseas Program for Special Education, MA
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, three recommendations are required.
Curricular Requirements
Autism, Class A (Innovative)
This course listing applies to candidates having appropriate prior certification in an area of special education. 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, with no grade below a C. Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment(s) are required if changing areas of certification.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SPE 531 | Intro to ASD | 3 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro to Assistive Technology | ||
| Early Language and Literacy | ||
| Foundations of Professional Studies | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Educ Theory And Policy | ||
| Adv Educational Psych | ||
| Motivation and Self-Regulation | ||
| Learning and Cognition | ||
| Life Span Development | ||
| Personality & Social Dev | ||
| Foundations of Educational Neuroscience | ||
| Contemp Educ Psych Prob | ||
| Family, Sch., Community Relat. | ||
| Educational Research | ||
| SPE 501 | Diag Assess Except Chld Youth | 3 |
| Technology | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Teaching Field | ||
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt * | 3 |
| SPE 532 | EBP for Ind ASD | 3 |
| SPE 533 | Assessing Behavior Change | 3 |
| SPE 588 | Autism Practicum | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Advisor-approved course related to content/special focus area | 3 | |
| SPE 500 is also 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 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | State-approved diversity course |
Collaborative (K-6), Class A
This course listing applies to candidates having appropriate prior certification who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C. Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment(s) are required if changing areas of certification.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt * | 3 |
| SPE 503 | Masters Seminar In Spe | 3 |
| SPE 514 | Teach Consult Model Spe | 3 |
| 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: | ||
| SPE 501 | Diag Assess Except Chld Youth | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 591 | Adv Academc Methods Elem | 3 |
| SPE 594 | Methods Severe Disabilty | 3 |
| SPE 596 | Collaborative Practicum | 3 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Creative Prob Solving | ||
| Expanding Reading | ||
| Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades | ||
| Concepts of EC/ELE School Math | ||
| Early Child/Elem Math Curr Res | ||
| Additional requirements: | ||
| SPE 590 | Intro Mild Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 593 | Intro Severe/Profound Disabili | 3 |
| SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course (or the following MAP courses: 311, 312, 413 and 414) was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 36-39 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
Collaborative (6-12), Class A
This course listing applies to candidates having appropriate prior certification who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C. Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment(s) are required if changing areas of certification.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt * | 3 |
| SPE 503 | Masters Seminar In Spe | 3 |
| SPE 514 | Teach Consult Model Spe | 3 |
| 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: | ||
| SPE 501 | Diag Assess Except Chld Youth | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 592 | Adv Academc Methods Sec | 3 |
| SPE 594 | Methods Severe Disabilty | 3 |
| SPE 597 | Transition In Special Ed | 3 |
| SPE 596 | Collaborative Practicum | 3 |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| SPE 590 | Intro Mild Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 593 | Intro Severe/Profound Disabili | 3 |
| SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course (or the following MAP courses: 311, 312, 413, and 414) was not completed as part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 36-39 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
Early Childhood Special Education (P-3), Class A
This course listing applies to candidates having appropriate prior certification who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C. Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment(s) are required if changing areas of certification.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| SPE 571 | Educ Yng Child W/Disablt | 3 |
| HD 501 | Child Development | 3 |
| 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: | ||
| SPE 576 | Assessment Young Childrn | 3 |
| BER 550 is also required if an evaluation and learning course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt * | 3 |
| SPE 578 | Meth Tch Yng Child W/Dis | 3 |
| SPE 575 | ECSE Practicum | 6 |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| (Choose ONE of the following or another advisor approved elective.) | 3 | |
| Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades | ||
| Concepts of EC/ELE School Math | ||
| Early Child/Elem Math Curr Res | ||
| 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 | 30-36 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
Gifted (P-12), Class A
This course listing applies to candidates having appropriate prior certification who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C. Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessment are required.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| SPE 582 | Teach Gifted And Taltd | 3 |
| SPE 583 | Creative Prob Solving | 3 |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| (Choose ONE of these SDE approved diversity courses.) | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| BER 500 | Intro Educatn Research | 3 |
| SPE 501 is also required if an assessment/evaluation course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 581 | Psy Gift Tal Chld Yth | 3 |
| SPE 584 | Spec Populatn Gift Educ * | 3 |
| SPE 585 | Teaching Thinking Skills | 3 |
| SPE 589 ** | 3 | |
| SPE 589 or 3 hours from a previous Class A certification program | 3 | |
| Additional requirements/electives: | ||
| Advisor approved elective in content or special interest area (counseling, geography, space science workshop, children's literature, etc.) | 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 | 30-36 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| ** | Total internship hours of at least 300 clock hours at the P-12 level are required. |
Severe Disabilities, Class A
This course listing applies to candidates having appropriate prior certification who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| SPE 593 | Intro Severe/Profound Disabili | 3 |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| SPE 506 | Working W/Families | 3 |
| Educational Research: | ||
| SPE 501 | Diag Assess Except Chld Youth | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt * | 3 |
| SPE 514 | Teach Consult Model Spe | 3 |
| SPE 594 | Methods Severe Disabilty | 3 |
| SPE 597 | Transition In Special Ed | 3 |
| Additional requirements: | ||
| SPE 595 | Severe Practicum | 3 |
| Additional courses from advisor approved cognate (Early, Autism, Assist Tech, Transition) | 6 | |
| 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 | 33-36 | |
Collaborative (K-6), Alternative Class A
This course listing applies to candidates who have completed a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited college or university and who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt * | 3 |
| SPE 503 | Masters Seminar In Spe | 3 |
| SPE 514 | Teach Consult Model Spe | 3 |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| SPE 501 or | Diag Assess Except Chld Youth | 3 |
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | |
| Literacy: | ||
| CEE 570 | Teach Reading in ELE School | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 583 | Creative Prob Solving | 3 |
| SPE 590 | Intro Mild Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 591 | Adv Academc Methods Elem | 3 |
| SPE 593 | Intro Severe/Profound Disabili | 3 |
| SPE 594 | Methods Severe Disabilty | 3 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
CEE 580 or | Concepts of EC/ELE School Math | |
| Early Child/Elem Math Curr Res | ||
| Special Education Coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required unless SPE 300 (or the equivalent) was completed as part of the undergraduate program within the last 5 years. | 0-3 | |
| Internship: | ||
| SPE 598 | Internship In Special Ed ** | 3-6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 43-49 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| ** | Students seeking K-12 certification must register for 3 hours of elementary internship and 3 hours of secondary internship. |
Collaborative (6-12), Alternative Class A
This course listing applies to candidates who have completed a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited college or university and who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt * | 3 |
| SPE 503 | Masters Seminar In Spe | 3 |
| SPE 514 | Teach Consult Model Spe | 3 |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| SPE 501 or | Diag Assess Except Chld Youth | 3 |
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | |
| Literacy: | ||
| CRD 512 | Impr Read Second Schools | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 583 | Creative Prob Solving | 3 |
| SPE 590 | Intro Mild Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 592 | Adv Academc Methods Sec | 3 |
| SPE 593 | Intro Severe/Profound Disabili | 3 |
| SPE 594 | Methods Severe Disabilty | 3 |
| SPE 597 | Transition In Special Ed | 3 |
| Special Education Coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required unless SPE 300 (or the equivalent) was completed as part of the undergraduate program within the last 5 years. | 0-3 | |
| Internship: | ||
| SPE 598 | Internship In Special Ed ** | 3-6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 43-49 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| ** | Students seeking K-12 certification must register for 3 hours of secondary internship and 3 hours of elementary internship. |
Early Childhood Special Education (P-3) and Early Childhood (P-3) certification, Alternative Class A
This course listing applies to candidates who have completed a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited college or university and who begin this program June 1, 2020. 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, with no grade below a C.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| SPE 571 | Educ Yng Child W/Disablt | 3 |
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| SPE 576 | Assessment Young Childrn | 3 |
| Literacy: | ||
| SPE 520 | Early Language and Literacy | 3 |
| Select ONE course from the following: | 3 | |
CEE 570 or | Teach Reading in ELE School | |
| Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades | ||
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt * | 3 |
| SPE 506 | Working W/Families | 3 |
| SPE 578 | Meth Tch Yng Child W/Dis | 3 |
| HD 501 | Child Development | 3 |
| HD 602 | Adv Infant Development | 3 |
| Additional requirements (Choose ONE of the following): | 3 | |
CEE 580 or | Concepts of EC/ELE School Math | |
| Early Child/Elem Math Curr Res | ||
| Special Education Coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required unless SPE 300 was completed in the undergraduate program within the last 5 years. | 0-3 | |
| Internship: | ||
| SPE 579 | Intern Ed Yg Child Div Abil ** | 6 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 43-46 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| ** | The internship will include a placement with at least two of the following age groups: birth-age 3, age 3-5, and age 5-8. Placements will be in appropriate settings which include children with and without identified disabilities. |
Gifted (P-12), Alternative Class A
This course listing applies to candidates who have completed a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited college or university and who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Teaching: | ||
| SPE 583 | Creative Prob Solving | 3 |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| BEF 510 | Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed * | 3 |
| Technology: | ||
| CAT 531 | Computer Based Instruction | 3 |
| Evaluation of Teaching and Learning: | ||
| BER 550 | Eval Classroom Learning | 3 |
| SPE 501 | Diag Assess Except Chld Youth | 3 |
| Literacy: | ||
| CRD 512 | Impr Read Second Schools | 3 |
| Teaching Field: | ||
| SPE 581 | Psy Gift Tal Chld Yth | 3 |
| SPE 582 | Teach Gifted And Taltd | 3 |
| SPE 584 | Spec Populatn Gift Educ * | 3 |
| SPE 585 | Teaching Thinking Skills | 3 |
| SPE 586 | Socl Emotl Compnts Talent Dev | 3 |
| SPE 587 | Indiv Needs Talents Classroom | 3 |
| Special Education Coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is required unless SPE 300 (or the equivalent) was completed in the undergraduate program within the last 5 years. | 0-3 | |
| Internships (Two 3-hour internships are required.)** | ||
| SPE 589 | Internship Gift/Talent | 3 |
| SPE 589 | Internship Gift/Talent | 3 |
| EDU 500 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 43-46 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | SDE approved diversity course |
| ** | Total internship hours of at least 300 clock hours at the P-12 level are required. |
Non-Certification Overseas Program for Special 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 exam 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.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Group I Special Education Courses | ||
| AREA 1. Required Courses. Students select either SPE 500 or SPE 571. | 3 | |
SPE 500 or | Intro Exc Childr/Youth | |
| Educ Yng Child W/Disablt | ||
| AREA 2. Program Specifics | ||
| SPE 501 | Diag Assess Except Chld Youth | 3 |
| SPE 502 | Adv Behav Mgt Spec Educt | 3 |
| SPE 503 | Masters Seminar In Spe | 3 |
| SPE 506 | Working W/Families | 3 |
| SPE 514 | Teach Consult Model Spe | 3 |
| 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 approved by the Office of International Programs. | 9 | |
| Counseling Skills | ||
| Med Aspects | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Eval Classroom Learning | ||
| Second Language Acquisition | ||
| Tch English For Lang Prog/Pol | ||
| Expanding Reading | ||
| Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades | ||
| Impr Read Second Schools | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Transfer Credit
For Traditional Class A programs, credits used for previous Class B certification(s) may not be used for the Class A program.
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Comprehensive Exam
Students complete a comprehensive examination during their last semester of coursework. Dates for comprehensive examinations are announced at the beginning of each semester. Students must be registered for at least one hour in order to take comprehensive examinations per graduate school policy. The student’s advisor/chair will write the comprehensive examination questions in view of each student’s course of study. The comprehensive examination will be delivered via Blackboard, and students will have 10 consecutive days to complete their questions. Comprehensive examination responses are subject to evaluation for plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty as outlined in the code of student conduct. Two graders will grade the comprehensive examinations. A third reviewer will be added if there is not agreement of pass/fail among the original two readers.
Graduate School information on Comprehensive Exams.
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. For Alternative Class A programs, these placements are in the greater Tuscaloosa area in order to facilitate supervision of students. For Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood programs, field experiences shall include placements in at least two of the three main types of early education settings: P-3 classrooms, child care centers and homes, and Office of School Readiness programs. On-campus practicum experiences may include the Children's Program, the Rural Infant Stimulation Environment (RISE) Program, and Early Intervention at The University of Alabama (EI@UA). These programs provide opportunities for students to work with infants, toddlers, pre-K children, and their families. 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.
Professional Liability
Students enrolled in College of Education courses that require a clinical placement should have 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).
Internships for Certification Programs
Alternative Class A Programs
The teaching internship (formerly called student teaching) is one of the most important experiences College of Education students have. It is generally regarded as the culminating activity of one's preparation to become a teacher. At The University of Alabama, the internship is a full-semester, full-time assignment and must be taken in residence.
Alternative Class A students must file internship applications with the Office of Clinical Experiences during the semester preceding the semester of the planned internship. The application process begins by attending a mandatory application session, which is held the first Wednesday in October for spring-semester interns and the first Wednesday in March for fall-semester interns. The time, date, and place of the application session are announced at the beginning of each semester. The deadline for filing applications for a spring-semester internship is October 31; for a fall-semester internship the deadline is March 31.
Alternative Class A students may apply to enroll for an internship if they meet the following criteria:
- The student must have completed all courses in the major or majors or must have approval from the faculty advisor or department chair to intern.
- The student must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0, both for all University of Alabama courses attempted and for all University of Alabama courses and transfer courses combined.
- The student must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in each major, both for University of Alabama courses in each major and for combined University of Alabama courses and transfer courses in each major.
- The student must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 2.75 for professional education coursework.
- The student must have completed all methods courses and appropriate professional coursework with grades of "C" or higher.
- The student must have removed from the transcript any grade of incomplete ("I") recorded in required courses; grades of incomplete are treated as grades of "F."
- The student must show mastery of required standards in all courses completed prior to internship.
- Portfolio requirements must be met.
Registration for Internship Credit Hours
Students are required to register for the number of internship credit hours specified by their program. In some programs, graduate students may be allowed to choose a 6-hour registration or a 9-hour registration; course requirements are the same whether 6 hours or 9 hours are taken. Graduate students whose program requires two internship placements should register for two sections of internship (3 hours per section or 4.5 hours per section). Students enrolled for internship must not expect to be enrolled in other courses while interning.
Policy on Internship Placements
All internship placements are coordinated by the College of Education Office of Clinical Experiences. Placement sites are selected to ensure the quality of the internship experience and of the supervision provided by the cooperating teacher. For Alternative Class A programs, internship placements are in the greater Tuscaloosa area in order to facilitate supervision of students by University of Alabama faculty or other designees of the department heads. Placements outside the greater Tuscaloosa area are made only if the director of clinical experiences and/or the department head determines that an appropriate local placement is unavailable.
With approval, a candidate admitted to a traditional Class A or an Alternative Class A program who is employed in an Alabama school may complete the internship in the candidate’s classroom if the candidate holds a valid Interim Employment Certificate (IEC) for the appropriate teaching field and assignment.
Students may apply for overseas internships if they meet certain criteria and if appropriate placements can be coordinated by the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching (COST) and/or The University of Alabama. Applications for overseas internships are taken during January for placements for the next fall semester, and in May for placements the succeeding spring semester. Contact the Office of Clinical Experiences in 101 Autherine Lucy Hall for additional information.
Internship Assignments
- Special education-Collaborative (K–6 or 6–12) interns will receive a split internship assignment: half in a severe and profound setting and half in a mild to moderate setting. The placements will be divided according to their certification grade levels. For candidates seeking certification in BOTH Collaborative K-6 and Collaborative (6-12), the internship shall be divided between early childhood/elementary and middle/secondary grades.
- Special education-early childhood (P-3) interns will receive split placements in pre-K and K-3 in both general education and special education.
- For Traditional Class A Gifted, total internship hours of at least 300 clock hours at the P-12 level are required.
Summer Internships
Summer internships are rarely available and then only to persons who hold an undergraduate degree and certification and have one or two years of successful teaching experience at the level and in the subject for which they are seeking certification (with approval from the department head). In addition, summer internship assignments are allowed only if an appropriate placement can be secured in the Tuscaloosa area and appropriate supervision can be provided. These conditions also apply to those seeking to update or renew their certification or add an additional endorsement to a current certificate. To apply for a summer internship, students should file an appropriate application with the Office of Clinical Experiences by March 31 of that year.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Student Progress Requirements
For Alternative Class A programs, students must be formally admitted to the Alternative Certification Teacher Education Program during their program. Students must meet the minimum qualifications that are expected of candidates entering and completing undergraduate (Class B) certification in the same discipline. This usually means minimum GPA requirements in the core curriculum as well as minimum GPA requirements within the disciplines in which the applicant is seeking certification. Other requirements, such as completion of a writing assessment and other screening associated with undergraduate certification must be completed before formal admission to the alternative teacher education program.
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
As required for traditional Class A and Alternative Class A certification, students must earn a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
A student completing requirements for a master's degree during a semester or summer session who does not need a full class load to meet those requirements may, with approval of the advisor and department head, register for additional courses toward a Class AA professional educator certificate, not to exceed the maximum prescribed class load.
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.
Certification
The Alabama State Department of Education grants Class A professional educator certification in special education (autism; collaborative, K-6; collaborative, 6–12; early childhood special education, P-3; gifted, P-12; or severe disabilities, P-12). The Associate Dean for Student Services in the College of Education has been designated as the teacher certification officer for The University. Students who need information about or assistance with certification should consult the associate dean for student services.
To be eligible for Class A certification, candidates must hold appropriate prerequisite certification OR complete an Alternative Class A program and must successfully 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). It is important to remember that the awarding of a master's or higher degree does not necessarily imply that the student is eligible for Class A certification.
To be awarded Alabama Class A certification, students must:
- maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses with no grade below a C,
- receive a passing score on a comprehensive assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum,
- earn a passing score on the required Praxis subject assessment(s), if applicable
- earn a passing score on Foundations of Reading 190, if applicable.
Students must complete the proper application form(s) 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 during the student's last semester. An individual who completes an Alabama State-approved program must submit an application for Alabama certification within 60 calendar months of the program completion date. A student who does not apply for professional licensure within 60 months after completing the state-approved program will be required to meet the current program. The Class A certificate is valid for five years and may be renewed according to regulations of the Alabama State Department of Education. Individuals are responsible for meeting renewal requirements and submitting the application for renewal.
Students who plan to teach in other states must secure the proper professional licensure application forms from those states' departments of education. Students planning to teach outside the state of Alabama are held personally responsible for knowledge of professional licensure requirements in those states.
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.
The certification programs of the department have been designed to fulfill current requirements of the Alabama State Department of Education. The state requirements change from time to time and, accordingly, the department's requirements and programs are subject to change.