College of Education

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dean: Richard L. Hayes (251) 380-2738

Associate Dean of Academic & Financial Affairs: Thomas L. Chilton

Associate Dean for Development & External Affairs: Phillip Feldman

Director of Graduate Studies & Research: Abigail Baxter

Director of Assessment & Evaluation: James P. VanHaneghan

Director of Field Services: Andrea Kent

Director of Student Advising: Peggy M. Delmas

College of Education web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/coe

DEPARTMENTS OF INSTRUCTION

Health, Physical Education and Leisure Studies

Leadership and Teacher Education

Professional Studies

MISSION, VISION, AND GOALS

The mission of the College of Education is to provide the highest level of leadership in furthering education, life-long learning, and well-being for all citizens of Alabama as members of a global community. In fulfilling this mission, we envision becoming an exemplar for preparing high quality professionals who are committed to maximizing the potential of every citizen to participate fully in a global society. To realize this vision, we have set the following goals:

To raise academic quality and enhance the learning environment
To maximize the quality of student life
To embrace diversity
To enhance visibility, collaboration, and civic engagement
To strengthen financial resources
To ensure appropriate planning and assessment
To promote research and scholarship

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

As part of its mission, the College of Education is committed to broadening students' understanding of different cultures and preparing them for the global community in which we live. We believe that an international academic experience, in which students immerse themselves in a different culture and apply what they have learned in their USA classes, can enhance their cross-cultural competence and improve their interpersonal skills. While abroad, students develop a greater understanding and a deeper appreciation of the complexity of educational, cultural, political, environmental, economic, and social issues worldwide that promote the knowledge and skills needed to interact effectively in today's global society. Students are encouraged to explore the full range of international opportunities for directed study, teaching internships, collaborative research, and service learning projects available in the College and in other programs across campus.

Interested students should contact the College's Office of Student Advising (http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/advising.shtml) or the USA Office of International Education (http://www.southalabama.edu/international) to explore options available to students majoring in programs in the College.

ACCREDITATION AND APPROVALS

The College of Education at the University of South Alabama is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) 466-7496. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs.

Additionally, teacher and support personnel certification programs are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education.

CHOICE OF BULLETIN

If a student does not attend the College for a period of one (1) calendar year or longer, he/she will be required to fulfill the requirements of the program as specified by the Bulletin in effect during the year of his/her return as a student.

Students requesting to change their program, major, or concentration must meet the requirements as specified by the Bulletin in effect at the time of the change.

COMPUTER ACCESS REQUIREMENT
College of Education Computing Policy

In addition to the University Access Requirement the College of Education requires all students who are pursuing a degree in designated programs to own or have access to a personal portable laptop computer or equivalent device and accessories that conform to the College's current minimum standards. See http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/forms/computerpolicy.pdf for details.

FINGERPRINT/BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT

Beginning fall term 2011 proof of a clear background check (SDE Suitability Letter) will be required prior to enrollment in any course in a teacher education certification program which contains a field experience/placement in a K-12 school.

UNDERGRADUATE

The College of Education, working in cooperation with the Administrative staff and with other colleges of the University, recognizes and accepts the responsibility for identifying, recruiting, and preparing students who will be capable of providing education in a dynamic society. It accepts the further responsibility of insuring that every student preparing to teach will have the advantage of continuous counseling. Planned observation and participation are regular parts of the student’s program throughout the preparation period.

The College of Education has five major objectives: to prepare professional educators for meeting the educational needs of children, youth, and adults; to prepare support personnel for meeting the educational needs of the schools; to assist schools with the improvement of instructional programs; to prepare students in professional areas other than teaching; and to conduct research to expand, enhance, and evaluate instructional programs and personnel.

Undergraduate preparation is offered in elementary education, middle and high-school education, and special education programs. Offerings in educational psychology, foundations of education, health, physical education and leisure studies, safety education, and other areas of general appeal are available to students in the University on the basis of need and interest.

The College of Education, as an integral part of the total University, strives to give all possible services to the people of Alabama through assistance to their educational programs and related activities.

STUDENT PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT

The College of Education uses student portfolio assessment as a part of program requirements and assessment of student learning outcomes.

Students majoring in the College of Education are required to purchase the License to use the portfolio beginning with the first College of Education course containing teacher education standards taken and will continue to use the software throughout their program of study.

UNDERGRADUATE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

In addition to the University Residency Requirements, a student seeking a degree in the College of Education must complete 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree from the last 45 semester hours and a minimum of 32 hours of upper level course work in the major discipline as a student at the University of South Alabama.

THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Teacher Education Program begins with selective recruitment, gives careful attention to each phase of the preparation program, and assists in the proper placement and adjustment of teachers and other educational personnel. Follow-up studies of graduates are made in an effort to assist them, to gain knowledge of their effectiveness on the job, and to secure data vital to future planning and development. Programs for the preparation of teachers are built on a liberal arts foundation. Those preparing for teaching positions in the secondary schools pursue a composite teaching specialization in the College of Education, and a content area in the College of Arts and Sciences. Those preparing to teach in elementary school concentrate on subject matter relevant to the elementary school curriculum while completing general requirements in the liberal arts. Those preparing for a teaching specialization which extends from nursery through twelfth grade pursue a broad program appropriate to elementary and secondary schools. All groups complete their undergraduate programs with suitable professional preparation.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM OPTIONS WITHIN THE COLLEGE

The College of Education offers teaching and non-teaching programs. Teaching programs are presented first and predominate among all programs offered.

Various teaching program options are available at the Class B (Bachelor of Science degree) level in the College.

MINIMUM GENERAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS (64 Hours)

See individual department for additional or specific general studies requirements.

Area I - Written Composition
2 courses EH 101, EH 102	6 hrs
Area II - Humanities and Fine Arts
1 course CA 110	3 hrs
1 course from ARS 101; MUL 101; DRA 110; ARH 100, ARH 103, ARH 123,	3 hrs
1 course from *EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, EH 236	3 hrs
1 course from EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, EH 236; AFR 101;
AIS 105; PHL 110, PHL 121, PHL 131, PHL 231, PHL 240;
LG 111-272; ARS 101; MUL 101; DRA 110; ARH 100,
ARH 103, ARH 123	3 hrs
Area III - Natural Sciences and Math
1 course from MA 110, MA 112, MA 113, MA 115	3 hrs
2 courses from BLY 101, BLY 102; GY 111, GY 112;
CH 101, CH 103, CH 131, CH 132, CH 141; GEO 101, GEO 102;
PH 101, PH 104, PH 114, PH 115, PH 201, PH 202	8 hrs
Area IV - History, Social and Behavioral Sciences
1 course from *HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, HY 136	3 hrs
3 courses from **HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, HY 136; AN 100, AN 101;
GEO 114, GEO 115; SY 109, 112; PSC 130; PSY 120, PSY 250;
ECO 215, ECO 216	9 hrs
** Only one additional History course may be selected from this area.
Area V - Preprofessional, Major and Electives
1 course PE 100 and 1 course from PE 101-PE 157	4 hrs
1 course EPY 251 (teacher education majors take EPY 351)	3 hrs

Required electives in the Major to total 64 hrs.

*As a part of the General Studies Curriculum, students must complete a 6 semester hour sequence in Literature or History.

K-6 Teacher Education (Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education) majors must complete 12 semester hours (as specified on the advising sheets or in PAWS) in each of the following four disciplines: English Language Arts, mathematics, social sciences and natural sciences (with a grade of C or higher in each course). In addition, K-6 Teacher Education majors must include BLY 101 + lab and two laboratory science courses from BLY, CH, GY, or PH representing two areas.

See Departmental Advising Sheets for Specific Course Requirements.

COURSE FEES

All undergraduate three semester hour courses in the COE, except the PE activity courses, internships and practicum, have a special computer fee. Internships have an internship fee, and some PE activity courses have special fees as noted in other sections of this Bulletin.

MINIMUM PROFESSIONAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS

Because professional studies requirements vary from program to program, the student is referred to the appropriate departmental section in this Bulletin. However, a candidate may not enroll in more than five professional studies courses before the candidate has met all criteria for unconditional admission to a teacher education program. The candidate may repeat any of the five courses in which he or she received a grade of "C" or below. A student who changes from non-teacher certification to a teacher certification program must comply with this standard. A student who violates this standard is in jeopardy of losing academic credit.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY IN A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Student should make a written application for admission to a teacher education program during the semester immediately following the completion of 60 semester hours of credit. Courses in progress during the semester the student makes the application for candidacy may be used as a part of meeting the regulations.

Admission to a program in teacher education requires that:

1.	The student (a) declare teaching specializations, (b) take any necessary tests (including those in the communicative skills), (c) submit to any needed evaluations, and (d) be available for necessary interviews.
2.	The student’s application must be submitted to the College of Education Advising Center by the second week of the semester in which the student is eligible to be admitted.
3.	Transfer students must complete twelve semester hours of work at the University of South Alabama to be eligible for candidacy consideration.
4.	The student’s application receives approval from the Undergraduate Candidacy Committee.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION CANDIDACY

1.	Completion of 60 semester hours of course work, 48 of which must be in general studies.
2.	A minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5 on all work attempted at the University of South Alabama and a minimum program grade-point average of 2.75 (including transfer work).
3.	A minimum grade point average of 2.75 in professional studies (including transfer work) , no grade below "C" is acceptable.
4.	A minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in area(s) of teaching specialization(s) (including transfer work).
5.	Completion of EH 101, 102, CA 110, EDM 310, EDF 315, EPY 351 including successful completion of the e-portfolio assessment of standards in completed courses. K-6 Teacher Education majors must also complete EPY 355. Secondary Education, Health Education, and Physical Education must complete EDU 400.
6.	Satisfactory performance on the College of Education Reading Test (IDE 010). Students who are seeking a second Bachelor of Science degree or students with official E-ACT scores of 20 (or higher) on the Reading Component (RD are exempt from IDE 010. Students are limited to two attempts for IDE 010. After two unsuccessful attempts individuals are required to seek remediation and register for RGD 152 or 153 until they meet the requirement.
7.	Satisfactory performance on the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT).
8.	K-6 Teacher Education majors must successfully complete the Elementary Ed: Content Knowledge Praxis II.
9.	Completion of The Dispositions Survey and satisfactory completion of a departmental interview designed to provide information on the applicant's personality, dispositions, interests, and aptitudes consistent with the requirements for the successful teaching.
10.	Proof of: Clear (SDE) background check, and professional liability insurance.
11.	Sufficient physical ability and emotional stability to perform successfully as a teacher. (NOTE: These factors might be covered in the departmental interview.)
12.	Recommendation of advisor and department chair.
13.	Department/program may have additional candidacy requirements. See departmental section of the bulletin.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING

Admission to student teaching requires that the applicant:

1.	Submit an application for student teaching to the Office of Field Services through the advisor February 15 for fall placements and September 15 for spring placements.
2.	Receive approval of the application from the Director, Office of Field Services.
3.	All students must comply with the College of Education Policies and Procedures, which are on file in the Office of Field Services and in the Office of the Dean.
4.	A student may not enroll in any other course during the hours assigned for student teaching. With approval a student may be allowed to enroll in one course outside the hours assigned for student teaching.
5.	Student Teaching Assignments: All student teaching placements and nontraditional fifth-year teaching field internships will be coordinated by the Office of Field Services. All student teaching placements will be made in Mobile and Baldwin counties to facilitate the supervision of students by University of South Alabama faculty or other personnel so designated by the chair of the department in which that student is enrolled.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING

1.	Be admitted to Teacher Candidacy and senior standing.
2.	A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 at the University of South Alabama.
3.	A minimum program grade point average of 2.75 (including transfer work).
4.	A minimum grade point average of 2.75 in professional studies (including transfer work). No grade below a "C" is acceptable.
5.	Completion of a minimum of three-fourths of teaching specialization(s) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 (including transfer work).
6.	Completion of the required methods courses, sequence courses, or block courses.
7.	Continued satisfactory progress in meeting requirements for admission to the program of teacher education.
8.	Recommended for Student Teaching by assigned faculty advisor.
9.	Satisfactory completion of Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT) for reading, writing and math.
10.	Satisfactory score on the Praxis II test for the teaching field or content area.
11.	Completion of any departmental prerequisites.
12.	Proof of: clear (SDE suitability letter) background check and professional liability insurance.
13.	Completion of field experience requirement, hours vary with program (at a minimum 150 hours, 90 hours in 3 hour block, at least half in the teaching field and span grades for which certification is sought).
14.	Department/program may have additional admission requirements. See departmental section of the bulletin.

RETENTION

To remain in the teacher education program, each student shall make satisfactory progress as determined by continuous evaluation. A student shall be removed from candidacy when any of the minimum required program GPA's drop below 2.75, or, the USA transcript GPA drops below 2.50. Violations of the Alabama Educators Code of Ethics is grounds for dismissal from the program or delay in advancing through the program. Failure to receive or maintain a clear background check is grounds for dismissal from the program.

MINIMUM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

Successful completion of the following minimum requirements may qualify the student for Class B Certification. Currently in Alabama this certificate is valid for five years.

1.	Satisfactory completion of a program approved by the State Board of Education with a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5 on all work attempted at the University of South Alabama and a minimum program grade-point average of 2.75 (including transfer work), a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in professional teacher education with no grade below "C" (including transfer work), and a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in area(s) of teaching specialization(s) (including transfer work).
2.	Demonstrated readiness to teach through on-the-job performance as a student teacher as determined by an evaluation plan approved by the State Board of Education.
3.	Satisfactory completion of the student teaching experience.
4.	A minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree from last 45 semester hours and a minimum of 32 semester hours of upper level course work in the major discipline must be earned in residence at The University of South Alabama.
5.	A community college graduate can transfer no more than 64 semester hours toward the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
6.	A satisfactory performance on the Alabama Quality Teaching and Teaching Field Standards as determined by the e-portfolio assessment.
7.	A passing score on all areas of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT).
8.	Satisfactory performance on the appropriate PRAXIS II test.
9.	Bachelor's degree from a regionally accrditated institution.
10.	Course work used to meet certification requirements (B, A, AA) may not be used to meet a different level requirement.
11..	Secondary Education programs require an academic major in Arts & Sciences.
12.	Remedial or developmental studies courses may not be used to meet program requirements.

RECOMMENDATION FOR CERTIFICATION

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the College of Education is responsible for recommending qualified University of South Alabama students seeking teacher certification. Only those students who have completed requirements of the University and of the Alabama State Department of Education will be recommended for Class B Professional Teaching Certificate. The State Department of Education and Teacher Certification do not recognize minors in teacher education programs.

WARRANTY STATEMENT

Consistent with the policies of the Alabama State Department of Education, the College of Education at the University of South Alabama warranties its graduates (State Approved Program Competencies) under the following conditions:

Warranties will be provided USA graduates who receive their initial professional certification through the college and are employed by a public school district in Alabama in their area of specialization. The College of Education shall provide assistance at no cost to such individuals who were recommended for certification by the College of Education and are deemed to be unsatisfactory based on performance evaluations established/approved by the Alabama State Board of Education and recommended by the Local Education Agency within two years after program completion.

TRANSFER CREDIT FROM NON-ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS

No degree credit will be accepted by the College of Education from any collegiate institution unless that institution has regional accreditation and prepares teachers on the same degree level of certification. Course work from institutions in foreign countries require an official (WES or IEE) evaluation to determine if course may be used.

PERSONS WITH DEGREES OTHER THAN IN EDUCATION

Persons holding degrees other than in Education may apply for study in an “approved program” leading to professional certification; they will be required to complete their approved programs outlined in this Bulletin to qualify for Alabama certification.

WORKSHEETS AVAILABLE FOR ALL PROGRAMS

Course of Study sheets are available online at (www.southalabama.edu/coe/coursesofstudy.shtml). Each student will have access to his/her degree audit via PAWS.

APPROVALS AND SERVICES

Upon satisfactory completion of an approved program of study and upon recommendation of the Associate Dean and Certification Officer of the College of Education, a professional certificate will be issued by the appropriate State Department of Education only if the student is eligible and applies. Presently, many State Departments of Education have reciprocal agreements for issuing certificates to graduates of NCATE-accredited institutions.

CERTIFICATION IN MORE THAN ONE TEACHING FIELD

Students enrolled in the College of Education desiring to complete certification requirements in more than one teaching field will complete the curriculum in each field including general studies, professional studies in teacher education (including the internship), and teaching specialization. Courses used for one level of certification may not be used again for a higher level certificate.

THE TEACHER EDUCATION EXIT EXAMINATION, THE ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT, AND THE ALABAMA PROSPECTIVE TEACHER TEST(S), INCLUDING PRAXIS II

Students under the current Alabama state standards must pass satisfactorily the assessments mentioned above if they are to be recommended to be certified by the Alabama State Department of Education. Test dates are announced in advance. Application information for the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test and Praxis II Test may be obtained from the Student Services Office, UCOM 3020 or Advising Center, UCOM 3360. Information pertaining to the exit examination may be obtained in the student’s major department.

GRADUATION AVERAGE

A minimum grade-point average of 2.2 in the major/specialization (including transfer work) and a grade-point average of 2.2 on all work undertaken in residence at the University of South Alabama are required for the Bachelor of Science degree. In addition, students seeking teacher certification must have a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5 on all work attempted at the University of South Alabama and a minimum program grade-point average of 2.75 (including transfer work), a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in professional teacher education with no grade below "C" (including transfer work), and a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in area(s) of teaching specialization(s) (including transfer work).

GRADE-POINT AVERAGE (GPA) DEFICIENCY (OVER ALL)

If additional course work is required to fulfill the GPA requirement, only course work in the humanities, social sciences, science, mathematics, or the teaching field(s)/ specialization(s) may be used. Physical Education activity courses may not be used to improve a deficient GPA. Previous course work with a grade of C or below may be reqpeated.

DIRECTED/INDEPENDENT STUDIES

No more than two (2) Directed/ Independent Study courses may be used for degree and/or certification requirements, including use in improving the grade-point average.

GRADUATE

The College of Education offers programs leading to the Master of Education degree in Art Education, Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Administration, Educational Media, Elementary Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Health Education, Physical Education, Reading Teacher, Secondary Education, and Special Education, and to the Master of Science degree in Community Counseling, Instructional Design and Development, and Exercise Science.

The College of Education offers the following Alternative Master of Education degree programs leading to the Alabama Class A Certificate, or equivalent, to persons who have earned a non-education baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education: Art Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

The College of Education offers an Educational Specialist degree leading to AA Certification, in Alabama, in the following areas: Educational Administration, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

The College of Education offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Instructional Design and Development.

COURSE FEES

All graduate three semester hour courses in the COE, except internships, practicum and pre-practicum experiences have a special computer fee.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Requirements for Admission/Readmission

Each applicant to a graduate program must meet the general Graduate School Standards stated in the “Graduate School Admission Requirements and Procedures” section of this Bulletin. Individual programs may have additional requirements for admission and may be restricted because of capacity limitations. Consult departmental or program descriptions for additional information. Readmission to some programs in Education (e.g., Educational Administration, Doctoral Program, and some AA/Ed.S. and M.Ed. Programs) require review by program faculty.

Academic Regulations

All degree programs require a minimum of 33 semester hours of approved course work at the 500-level or above.

A minimum overall 3.0 GPA on all work attempted in the specific Master’s Degree programs as well as an overall 3.0 GPA on all work attempted. (Educational Administration M.Ed. and certification option - 3.25) and a 3.25 GPA for Educational Specialist Degree programs is required for graduation.

All requirements for a Master’s Degree or Educational Specialist Degree must be completed within seven calendar years from the date of matriculation.

Student Responsibilities

Students admitted on a provisional basis will be eligible for regular admission when they complete nine hours of approved graduate course work with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0. If this requirement is not met in the first nine hours, provisional status may be continued for a maximum of 15 semester hours. Students who do not meet the required minimum GPA of 3.0 after 15 hours are completed are subject to academic dismissal. Some programs do not admit students in provisional status.

Apply for Graduation. See University Calendar for deadline dates. Apply two semesters in advance in the Registrar’s Office, Meisler Hall, Suite 1100.

Apply for Written Comprehensive Examination. This should be done by the end of the first week of class in the semester student wishes to sit for the examination.

TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Master of Education degree programs require that students have the appropriate State of Alabama Class B Professional Certificate. Sixth-year programs require that students have the appropriate State of Alabama Class A Professional Certificate. Coursework used to meet Class B certification requirements may not be used to meet Class A certification requirements. Coursework used to meet Class A certification requirements my not be used to meet Class AA certification requirements.

RENEW/REINSTATE STATE CERTIFICATION

Students in need of coursework to renew or reinstate certificates can be admitted as non-degree graduate students for no more than two semesters. Courses taken as a non-degree graduate student cannot be counted toward subsequent degrees. The student is responsible for checking with the State Department of Education to ensure that the course(s) will meet renewal or reinstatement requirements.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

A foreign language is not required for graduate programs in the College of Education.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Masters level assistantships are awarded on an annual basis and are granted for the fall and spring semesters. The stipend for the two semesters is $6,000 and waiver of tuition. Fees are paid by the student. In return, twenty clock hours of work during business hours are required per week. The awards are made generally before the end of the spring semester.

Ph.D. level assistantships are awarded on an annual basis and are granted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The stipend for the three semesters is $11,000 and waiver of up to 10 hours of tuition. Fees are paid by the student. In return, twenty clock hours of work during business hours are required per week. The awards are made generally during the summer semester.

Application forms can be secured by a request addressed to Director, Graduate Studies, College of Education.

TRANSFERRED WORK - DEGREE

(After completion of nine semester hours on USA campus)

For a master's program a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accreditated institution having a master’s program may be transferred to the University of South Alabama. The appropriateness of courses for transfer will be determined by the candidate’s department. A minimum grade of “B” is required for each course. Courses completed more than seven years prior to graduation may not be used to meet degree requirements. Graduate Transfer Credit Recommendation forms are available in UCOM 3020 or on the web. The institution must have been accredited at the time of students' study for a student to transfer credit.

CERTIFICATION TRANSFER COURSES

(Prior to completion of the first semester at USA)

Students with a previous master's degree, seeking Class A level certification without obtaining a second master's degree and wish to count course work from a previous master's degree must seek approval during the first semester of enrollment in the new certification program. The form for this process is Transfer Credit Evaluation - Certification Courses and is located on the web. No previously taken course will count in the new certification program without this approval. Courses approved in this manner may count for the certification, but not a second master's degree.

MASTER OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

The programs for the Master of Education degree in the College of Education provide for a major in each area. Both thesis and non-thesis degree options are available to the graduate student. Each degree area specifies courses that support the major area. Supporting courses are developed for the particular demands of the individual degree areas. The programs may lead to the Alabama Class A Certificate, or equivalent.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Students are admitted each semester. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School criteria (see Categories of Admission in the general section of this Bulletin).

REGULAR ADMISSION

1.	Sufficient courses in the major area to qualify for graduate study in the involved discipline.
2.	An appropriate advanced degree may be used in lieu of other requirements for Regular Standing.
3.	A completed application for admission to the Graduate School.
4.	Official test scores - GRE (must be sent by testing agency to University - USA College Code for GRE is 1880). All Master's of Education programs require the GRE including the Analytical writing section except Health, Physical Education, and Counseling. Health, Physical Education, and Counseling will accept the GRE or MAT.
5.	Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
6.	A copy of a valid Alabama Teaching Certificate in the appropriate teaching field or instructional support area if entering a certification program.
7.	Submission of resume with chronology of professional employment.
8.	Two letters of recommendation, preferably from outside the academic department, attesting to the prospective student's scholarship and/or professional abilities.
9.	Two page narrative on the prospective student's career goals and purpose for graduate study.
10.	For programs requiring proof of teaching experience (e.g., Instructional Leadership, Reading Specialist) a Supplemental Experience Form is required as proof of the teaching experience.
11.	See departments for any other or more specific requirements.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

See Categories of Admission in the general section of this Bulletin for criteria for Provisional Admission and requirements for a provisional student to be changed to Regular Standing. Some programs including certification programs do not admit students in provisional status.

MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS

The programs for the Master of Science degree program in the College of Education provide for a major in each area. Both thesis and non-thesis degree options are available to the graduate student. Each degree area provides for areas of study that support the major area. These are developed for the particular demands of the individual degree areas. Supporting areas of study draw upon other divisions of the University, as well as the College of Education, to give greater depth and breadth to the major. Courses in the supporting area are elected by the student after consultation with the advisor.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Students are admitted each semester. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School criteria (see Categories of Admission in the general section of this Bulletin).

REGULAR ADMISSION

1.	Sufficient courses in the major area to qualify for graduate study in the involved discipline.
2.	An appropriate advanced degree may be used in lieu of other requirements for Regular Standing.
3.	A completed application for admission to the Graduate School.
4.	Official GRE or MAT scores (must be sent from the testing agency to the University - USA College Code for GRE is 1880). Health, Physical Education, and Counseling will accept the GRE or MAT. Instructional Design and Development program (IDD) requires the GRE. The GRE Analytical Writing score must be submitted with GRE scores.
5.	Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
6.	Submission of resume with chronology of professional employment.
7.	Two letters of recommendation, preferably from outside the academic department, attesting to the prospective student's scholarship and/or professional abilities.
8.	See departments for any other or more specific requirements.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

See Categories of Admission in the general section of the Bulletin for criteria for Provisional Admission and requirements for a provisional student to be changed to Regular Standing. Some programs do not admit students in provisional status.

ALTERNATIVE MASTER OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS

Alternative Master of Education degree programs are available in selected areas to persons who have earned a non-education baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education. The program provides for a major concentration in an area of teacher certification. Each certification area specifies courses that support the particular demands of the individual certification areas. The programs lead to the Alabama Class A Certificate.

The following Alternative Master of Education degree programs are offered: Art Education, Early Childhood Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Students are admitted each semester. Students must meet the criteria for Provisional or Regular Standing in the Graduate School described in Categories of Admission in the general section of this Bulletin and the Master of Education or Master of Science Requirements for Admissions sections listed above, as well as the following program criteria:

1.	A grade-point average of at least 2.50 (A=4.0) documented on the official transcript from the degree-granting regionally accredited institution.
2.	Evidence of having earned as many hours of credit in the subject to be taught as are required in an undergraduate teacher education program. (Minimum 32 semester hours/19 semester hours upper level.) Social science, general science and English language arts composite programs require at least one course in each area of the composite program. For example general science composite program requires course work in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics.
3.	Elementary and Early Childhood Education and Special Education require completion of 12 hours of course work in each of the following areas prior to admission to the program: mathematics, social sciences, general sciences, and English language arts (with a grade of "C" or higher in each course).
4.	Official GRE test scores must be sent by testing agency to the Registrar USA College Code for GRE is 1880. All Alternative Master's programs require the GRE including the Analytical writing section.
5.	Successful completion of the APTT (test scores are sent directly to the Office of Student Services in the College of Education). Passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam required for all programs except ESOL.
6.	All Alternative Master's programs, except Special Education require SPE 500, if not previously taken at the undergraduate level. SPE 510 is required for Special Education majors.
7.	Proof of: Clear SDE background check.
8.	See department for additional prerequisites or admission requirements.

COMPLETION OF A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Master of Education Programs

Satisfactory performance on the following minimum requirements and completion of the required master's degree curriculum qualifies the student for Class A Certification.

A.	Program for Teachers:
	1.	A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on all work attempted in the graduate program.
	2.	Successful completion of a written comprehensive examination including the teaching field, humanistic and behavioral studies, curriculum and teaching, and evaluation of teaching and learning.
	3.	Successful completion of an internship required for: Alternative Master's programs, Reading Specialist, and other initial teacher certification programs.
	4.	Satisfactory performance on the appropriate Praxis II test and the electronic portfolio are required for a recommendation for certification.
B.	Programs for Instructional Support Personnel:
	1.	A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on all work attempted in the graduate program. (3.25 in Educational Administration)
	2.	A satisfactory score on a comprehensive written examination covering content of the program.
	3.	Satisfactory performance of the responsibilities of the specialist in a full-time internship of not less than ten weeks or the equivalent.
	4.	The curriculum in each area of specialization must be taken in work approved for graduate students.
	5.	Satisfactory performance on the appropriate Praxis II test and the electronic portfolio are required for a recommendation for certification.

EXAMINATIONS

Two types of examinations are available. See departmental sections for departmental option(s).

Type I Comprehensive Examination Written or Oral

This examination is written or oral, or both, at the option of the faculty of the student’s major department, and is in the candidate’s field(s) of concentration. The examination is conducted by a committee of at least three members appointed by the chair of the department in which the student has majored. This examination shall not exceed three hours. Comprehensive examinations are scheduled once each semester. The student is responsible for ascertaining the date and time of the examination. Student must be in good standing, i.e. not on academic probation in order to take the exam.

The comprehensive examination is taken during the semester in which students complete their degree requirements or a subsequent semester. The examination is given at least two weeks before the end of the semester, and the result is reported to the Director of Graduate Studies, College of Education. Applications for the comprehensive examination can be obtained from http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/forms/compsapp.pdf, submission deadlines for the application are available at http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/forms/deadlinetestdates.pdf.

Comprehensive examinations may be repeated at the discretion of the graduate student’s department. In no case may the comprehensive examination be repeated more than twice. A student will be dismissed from the program after three unsuccessful attempts to pass the examination. Specific recommendations for additional work, following failure of the comprehensive examination, will be at the discretion of the department involved.

Type II Comprehensive Examination Performance

This examination requires a performance either as part of a culminating seminar, internship, field study, or practicum review. Successful completion of this examination is determined by the faculty of the department of the student’s major.

The result of this examination is reported to the Director of Graduate Studies, College of Education, by the chair of the department.

The student should consult with an advisor for entering this phase of graduate work.

If a thesis is submitted, an oral examination on the thesis, not to exceed one hour, is required. The examination is conducted by the candidate’s Thesis Committee. Approval by a majority of the examination committee is required.

EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST DEGREE PROGRAM FOR THE
INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST

The Educational Specialist degree program for the Instructional Specialist leading to AA Certification, in Alabama, is available in the following areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Instructional Leadership, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

The requirements for admission to the program are as follows:

1.	The applicant shall have valid Class A certificate in the same teaching field or instructional support area in which the sixth-year program is sought;
2.	The applicant shall have a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; and
3.	The applicant shall have at least two years' successful experience as a teacher in the area of specialization in which the sixth-year program is sought, except for Instructional Leadership, which requires three years of acceptable experience. A Supplemental Experience Form is required as proof of teaching experience.
4.	A two to three page narrative, typed and double spaced, stating the applicant's reasons for pursuing an Educational Specialist Degree.
5.	Three letters of recommendation. Letters may not be written by someone currently teaching in the College of Education.
6.	Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores including the Analytical writing section.
7.	Submission of resume with chronology of professional employment.
8.	The Instructional Leadership program requires an admission portfolio with specific content and format. Please refer to the department section for additional information.

Application forms can be requested from the Director of Admissions, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002. If a student already holds a Master’s degree from the University of South Alabama, a new application must be submitted, as this is considered a different program.

Transferred Work (After completion of nine semester hours on USA campus)

A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited institution having a sixth-year program may be transferred to the University of South Alabama for the program. Only graduate credit earned following the completion of a Master’s degree may be transferred. The appropriateness of courses for transfer will be determined by the candidate’s department. Courses more than seven years old may not be used to meet degree requirements. Graduate Transfer Credit Recommendation forms are available in UCOM 3020 or on the web.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM

The Program for the Instructional Specialist is organized around the following program components.

Core Courses

Core courses are designed to insure that each candidate possess required basic knowledge and competencies. The Core Courses are IDE 620, IDE 640, IDE 650, and IDE 692, EPY 602, EDF 615, and Departmental 699.

Area of Certification

In addition to the core courses, each candidate will complete an area of specialization from among the following available in the program: Educational Administration; Elementary Education; Secondary Education; or Special Education. The specializations are designed to provide candidates with an in-depth study of instructional concerns and skills appropriate to specific student groups and areas of study in the school curriculum.

Research Project Seminar

The Research Project Seminar is designed for the purposes of selecting and developing a field project proposal. The proposal, in turn, provides the basis for the Field Project. Successful completion of the core courses is prerequisite to the enrollment in the research project seminar.

Research Project

The research project, as the culminating experience in the Instructional Specialist Program, provides an opportunity for the candidate to synthesize and apply the various program components in a selected instructional setting. The research project may carry three semester hours of credit. The candidate must reach suitable agreements with the appropriate public school system. A project report in standard form is required. Students must enroll in the Department 699 course each semester until the project is completed. A grade of "B" or higher in IDE 692 is a prerequisite.

Educational Specialist Degree Programs

Successful completion of the required curriculum and the following minimum requirements qualifies the student for Class AA Certification recommendation.

A.	Programs for Teachers:
	1.	A minimum grade-point average of 3.25 on all work attempted.
	2.	Successful completion of a written comprehensive examination covering the content of the program.
	3.	Satisfactory performance as a teacher.
B.	Programs for Instructional Support Personnel:
	1.	A minimum grade-point average of 3.25 on all work attempted.
	2.	Successful completion of a written comprehensive examination covering the content of the program.
	3.	Two years satisfactory performance in the area of specialization three years for Educational Administration

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM IN
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

The College of Education offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Instructional Design and Development. The purpose of the program is to produce graduates who will discover, advance, and disseminate knowledge in the field of instructional design and development. See Department of Professional Studies for details.