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. Students must consult with their advisor for current requirements before registering each term.
General Education Requirements
Students must meet all General Education requirements. Courses should be selected to meet program or prerequisite requirements. At least 120 hours are required for the degree. Students may need to complete additional courses to reach 120 hours.
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.
- For the Upper-Division Core, in this program, CEE 370 and CEE 478 meet the Writing requirement.
- BEF 362 School, Culture, and Society and CEE 402 Managing Effective Classrooms meet the requirement for the U.S. and Global Citizenship designation (3 credit hours).
- Students must meet the World Language Proficiency requirement.
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.
| College-Specific Compass Course (required) | Hours |
| EDU 200 | Orient to Teacher Education | 1 |
| Courses required prior to Professional Semester 1. | Hours |
| BEF 362 | School, Culture, and Society | 3 |
| BEP 305 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| CEE 320 | Survey of EC/ELE | 3 |
| CIE 499 | Special Topics | 3 |
| MATH 208 | Number And Operations | 3 |
| MATH 209 | Geometry & Measurement | 3 |
| MUE 107 | Basic Skills In Music | 2 |
| SPE 300 | Survey Spe Accomd Stratg | 3 |
| Total Hours | 23 |
All required English coursework must be completed before Professional Semester 1.
| Professional Semester 1 | Hours |
| CEE 402 | Managing Effective Classrooms | 3 |
| CEE 365 | Lit for EC and ELE Ages | 3 |
| CEE 381 | Geo Meas Data: Specialized | 3 |
| CEE 491 | Early Childhood Curr. & Inst. 2 | 3 |
| CRD 369 | Fnd of Read Inst for EC/ELE 2 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
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 366 | Tch Social Sci for Early/ELE | 3 |
| CEE 370 | Teaching Reading Elem School | 3 |
| CEE 382 | Whole Num & Op: Knowledge | 3 |
| CEE 492 | Engaging Children ECE | 3 |
| CEE 495 | Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Professional Semester 3 | Hours |
| BER 450 | Assess Of Classrm Learng | 3 |
| CEE 304 | Tch Early/ELE Sch Science | 3 |
| CEE 478 | Teaching Lang Arts in EC/ELE | 3 |
| CEE 483 | Algebra & Rational Number | 3 |
| CEE 496 | Senior Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| 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
