Students who complete this certification program should have a desire to teach in an elementary school (K-6) or early childhood (P-3) regular education classroom. Prior experience in the classroom is not required, although a lively interest in the institution of schooling and in state and national policies that shape school experiences is encouraged. Successful completion of the program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Education degree and to eligibility for Alabama Class B certification in Elementary (K-6) and Early Childhood (P-3).
The undergraduate catalog is published annually. Program checklists are updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to-date information on degree and other requirements. Students should obtain the most recent program checklists, available from their academic advisors and in 104 Carmichael Hall. Further information on recommended course sequences should also be obtained from 201 Autherine Lucy Hall.
This department requires the completion of at least 120 semester hours for graduation. Requirements for State-approved educator preparation programs are subject to change between publications, so students should check with their advisor for the most up-to-date information.
NOTE: Programs leading to certification may be altered to meet requirements adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education. At the time of publication of this catalog, proposed changes to this program are pending and are expected to be approved before the next catalog revision. Students must consult with their advisor for current requirements before registering each term.
General Education Requirements
Students must meet all General Education requirements. Courses that are common to the teaching field and the General Education requirements may be applied to both. At least 120 hours are required for the degree.
Students in this program should select the following courses in the Foundational Core:
| Code and Title | Hours |
| UA 101 | Legends | 1 |
| |
| EDU 200 | Orient to Teacher Education | 1 |
| |
When selecting courses to meet General Education and program requirements, students should note the following:
- Courses should be selected to meet teaching field or prerequisite requirements.
- Natural Science: In addition to the minimum Foundational Core requirements, students must complete 4 additional hours of Natural Science (N), for a total of 12 credit hours. Preferred are four semester hours in biological science and eight semester hours in physical/interdisciplinary science.
- Mathematical Science: In addition to the minimum Foundational Core requirement, students must complete additional hours of mathematics to meet ALSDE requirements. Students should consult with their advisor for appropriate selections.
- Humanities: 9-12 credit hours are required. Students should consult with their advisor for appropriate selections.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences: 9-12 credit hours are required. Students should consult with their advisor for appropriate selections.
- For the Upper-Division Core, in this program, CEE 370 and CEE 478 meet the Writing requirement.
- Students must complete a course approved for the U.S. and Global Citizenship designation (3 credit hours).
- Students must meet the World Language Proficiency requirement.
- MUE 107 Basic Skills In Music is also required.
Teacher Education Program Admission Requirements for Elementary Education Majors
Meeting the minimum criteria for the teacher education program (TEP) does not guarantee admission to the professional semesters. See program for admission procedures.
The student must complete the TEP application form. The minimum requirements are listed here: Admission to a Teacher Education Program (TEP).
Professional Studies and Teaching Field
A minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required in each of the following areas: (1) overall, (2) teaching field, and (3) professional studies. A minimum grade of C- must be earned in all professional studies coursework.
EDU 200 Orient to Teacher Education is the required College-Specific Compass Course.
All required English coursework must be completed before Professional Semester 1.
| Professional Semester 1 | Hours |
| BEF 362 | School, Culture, and Society 1 | 3 |
| BEP 305 | Educational Psychology 1 | 3 |
| CEE 320 | Survey of EC/ELE 2 | 3 |
| SPE 300 | Survey Spe Accomd Stratg 1 | 3 |
| CEE 491 | Early Childhood Curr. & Inst. 2 | 3 |
| CRD 369 | Fnd of Read Inst for EC/ELE 2 | 3 |
| MUE 385 | Teaching Music 2 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 |
NOTE: MUE 107 Basic Skills In Music is a prerequisite to MUE 385 Teaching Music.
NOTE: Students formally apply to the Teacher Education Program during CEE 320 Survey of EC/ELE and should meet requirements at this time. Check TEP requirements above for additional information.
All required General Studies areas must be completed prior to Professional Semester 2.
| Professional Semester 2 | Hours |
| CEE 401 | Managing Effective Classrooms | 1.5 |
| CEE 365 | Lit for EC and ELE Ages | 3 |
| CEE 370 | Teaching Reading Elem School | 3 |
| CEE 380 | Tch Early/Elem Mathematics | 3 |
| CEE 492 | Engaging Children ECE | 3 |
| CEE 495 | Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16.5 |
| Professional Semester 3 | Hours |
| BER 450 | Assess Of Classrm Learng | 3 |
| CEE 401 | Managing Effective Classrooms | 1.5 |
| CEE 304 | Tch Early/ELE Sch Science | 3 |
| CEE 366 | Tch Social Sci for Early/ELE | 3 |
| CEE 478 | Teaching Lang Arts in EC/ELE | 3 |
| CEE 496 | Senior Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16.5 |
| Professional Semester 4 | Hours |
| CEE 497 | EC/ELE Internship 1 | 6 |
| CEE 497 | EC/ELE Internship 1 | 6 |
| EDU 400 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 13 |
Our graduates are certified to teach Elementary (kindergarten through 6th grade) and Early Childhood (preschool through 3rd grade) in Alabama.
Types of Jobs Accepted
Graduates accept jobs in public and private early childhood, elementary, and middle schools in Alabama and may apply for jobs in other states that have signed a compact for reciprocal certification.
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
Alumni often return for additional degrees or certifications. They can then work as special educators, reading specialists, curriculum specialists, counselors, administrators or educational psychologists.
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center
