College of Education and Human Sciences

The College of Education and Human Sciences offers the following degree and certification programs:

Master of Arts in Education degree in early childhood education P-3, elementary education K-6, secondary education (including P-12 education), instructional leadership, and special education collaborative teacher K-6 and/or 6-12. For persons who hold the appropriate Alabama Class B professional certificate and who have completed the teaching experience as specified, program completion may qualify them for recommendation for the Alabama Class A professional certificate.

Students in the process of earning a degree on one level who meet specified institutional criteria shall be allowed to take a limited number of courses at the next higher degree level with appropriate approval from the Dean. Students desiring to take higher-level courses must request consideration through their academic advisor. Coursework used to meet requirements for certification at one level may not be used to meet certification requirements for a higher-level certification in any teaching field or area of instructional support.

Master of Arts in Education degree for alternative Class A candidates in early childhood P-3, P-12 education and secondary education.

Master of Arts in Education degree in School Counseling P-12 accredited by CACREP. For persons who hold the appropriate Alabama Class B professional certificate, or who qualify under the Track 2 CACREP Approach, program completion may qualify them for recommendation for the Alabama Class A professional certificate.

Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is appropriate for persons who plan to counsel in mental health and agency settings and who may wish to become Licensed Professional Counselors.

Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion is designed for students interested in the exercise and health sciences professions. This program provides opportunities for advanced study for those individuals whose careers or personal interests require additional knowledge or research skills. The Exercise Science and Health Promotion degree offers four concentrations; exercise science, kinesiology, sport management, and wellness and health promotion.

Education Specialist degree for persons seeking Class AA professional certificate in elementary education, instructional leadership, and teacher leader must hold a valid Class A level certificate in an appropriate, approved Alabama State Department of Education teaching field or instructional support area.

Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) consists of 18 semester hours of graduate coursework for individuals who wish to have training in working with English language learners but who do not wish to pursue the Master of Arts in Education degree or Alabama professional educator certification. Please refer to the College of Education and Human Sciences section on Special Programs and Activities for requirements.

All College of Education and Human Sciences graduate program course requirements must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher while maintaining all other existing academic/GPA requirements.

Graduate degree programs and graduate courses of study in education are subject to change without further notice in order to follow federal or state guidelines for professional educator certification, accreditation standards, or licensure requirements. Candidates should consult their advisor in education to obtain a description of the most current offerings.

Educator preparation candidates must provide proof of personal liability insurance prior to admission to internship.

Candidates will not be permitted to receive credit for a 500-level course if they have received credit for the comparable senior-level undergraduate course.

Candidates interested in using PRAXIS II test results for program admission should refer to the Alabama State Department of Education for appropriate codes and minimum score requirements (http://www.alsde.edu).

All programs leading to a recommendation for an Alabama Professional Educator certificate are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. The College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of North Alabama is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs at the University of North Alabama. However, the accreditation does not include individual education courses that the institution offers to P-12 educators for professional development, relicensure or other purposes. Degree requirements are subject to change in order to comply with state and/or federal guidelines. Students/candidates should consult with their academic advisor throughout their program to ensure all requirements are met.

The College of Education and Human Sciences has the responsibility to ensure all candidates are formally admitted to the graduate Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and remain in good standing throughout their program. Educator Preparation candidates may be placed on probation, suspended, or removed from EPP by the College for issues including but not limited to grade point average deficiencies, dispositions, academic dishonesty, or institutional sanctions. Educator Preparation candidates must be in good standing in EPP to enroll in restricted courses including the internship.

Students pursuing non-educator preparation degrees in the College of Education and Human Sciences may be placed on probation, suspended, or removed from a program by the departmental faculty for issues including but not limited to grade point average deficiencies, dispositions, academic dishonesty, or institutional sanctions.

In rare cases in which assigning a grade of I or IP is not the most appropriate course of action for incomplete coursework, COEHS students who continue to use University resources, including faculty, facilities, library resources, etc., must maintain continuous enrollment status until the coursework has been completed and a final grade has been assigned. The continuous enrollment requirement includes but is not limited to practicum and research courses. Course numbers 479/679/779 are discipline specific and are reserved to provide a means of maintaining such continued enrollment. Course credit will not count toward degree requirements or a student’s GPA calculation. A grade of S or U will be assigned. Students will be allowed to use this option up to two times per incomplete course. No prerequisite required.

A Message from the Dean

Dr. Katie Cole Kinney

Welcome to the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of North Alabama! With roots tracing back to 1872 as the first state-supported teachers college south of the Ohio River, UNA has a rich history of preparing high-quality educators. Our work has expanded to include preparing high-quality practitioners and researchers in the fields of education, health, and wellness. We believe that healthy minds and healthy bodies coupled with a desire for knowledge can nurture individuals who are game-changers for the communities of Northwest Alabama, the Southeast Region of the United States, and the world.

As Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, I have experienced firsthand that our greatest asset is our faculty and students. Our dedicated faculty provide not only a relevant curriculum for the various fields of study in our College, but they work tirelessly to provide rich experiences outside the classroom for students to develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will help them be ready to make a positive impact in their communities. Our students—while balancing work, extra-curricular activities, and families—go beyond the academic expectations set by the faculty to shine as leaders in their fields of study.

The College of Education and Human Sciences is quickly developing a reputation for innovative practitioners and researchers. The Human Performance Lab in the Department of Kinesiology, Kilby Laboratory School, and the Education Research and Inservice Center provide unique opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Our partners in the field collaborate with us to tackle the problems facing our communities and to apply our research to support a better life for the individuals in the communities we serve.

Whether you are a prospective student, current student, or an alumni or friend seeking to engage in our work, I hope you will find the resources on our website helpful. The faculty and staff of the College of Education and Human Sciences would be honored to help you find your place in our Pride.

Roar Lions!

Katie Cole Kinney, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor

Degree Programs

Admission

In addition to the general requirements for admission to graduate studies (see General Regulations and Procedures), each program within the College of Education and Human Sciences has specific requirements for admission. Teacher education programs require the submission of the following: undergraduate and graduate official transcript(s) from degree-conferring institutions; a copy of each valid Alabama Professional Educator Certificate; and, if applicable, verification of successful full-time P-12 teaching experience from an employing Alabama superintendent’s office (ALSDE Supplement EXP Form). Please refer to each program for a listing of specific admission requirements.

International Transcripts

All graduate students who attended a college or university outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by a university-approved international credentials evaluator. Students applying for admission to any program that leads to certification as a teacher, school leader, or school counselor must have their international transcripts evaluated by one of the foreign-credential evaluation services recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education. Certification program applicants should contact the UNA Certification Officer or Office of International Affairs for a current listing of approved evaluators. Candidates for admission to non-certification programs should contact the appropriate department chair for approved transcript evaluation options and procedures.

Master of Arts in Education

Curriculum and Instruction (non certification)

Scholastic achievement: minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate work for unconditional admission.
Preparation: must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an appropriate field of study from an institution that meets the general admission requirements for graduate study at UNA.
Candidates with an overall grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate coursework may be conditionally admitted, but must successfully complete 12 hours achieving a GPA of 3.0 or above (with no grades below “B”) in order to be moved to unconditional status.
International candidates must submit WES, ECE, or an approved international credential evaluation to determine if any additional prerequisite courses are needed. International candidates must also meet English language proficiency requirements with appropriate TOEFL/IELTS score or successful completion of UNA Academic English Program (AEP).

Early Childhood Education (P-3)

Scholastic achievement: a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Preparation: hold valid baccalaureate-level professional educator certification in early childhood education and satisfy the requirements for the Alabama Class B professional certificate.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
Graduate coursework: candidates are limited to a total of five graduate courses prior to unconditional admission to the program. Any coursework exceeding the five-course rule may not be used for certification purposes.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.

Elementary Education (K-6)

Scholastic achievement: a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Preparation: hold valid baccalaureate-level professional educator certification in elementary education and satisfy the requirements for the Alabama Class B professional certificate.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
Graduate coursework: candidates are limited to a total of five graduate courses prior to unconditional admission to the program. Any coursework exceeding the five-course rule may not be used for certification purposes.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.

International ESOL (non certification)

Scholastic achievement: minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate work for unconditional admission.
Preparation: must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an appropriate field of study from an institution that meets the general admission requirements for graduate study at UNA.
Candidates with an overall grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate coursework may be conditionally admitted, but must successfully complete 12 hours achieving a GPA of 3.0 or above (with no grades below “B”) in order to be moved to unconditional status.
International candidates must submit WES, ECE, or an approved international credential evaluation to determine if any additional prerequisite courses are needed. International candidates must also meet English language proficiency requirements with appropriate TOEFL/IELTS score or successful completion of UNA Academic English Program (AEP).

Special Education: Collaborative Teacher K-6 and/or 6-12

Scholastic achievement: a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Preparation: hold valid baccalaureate-level professional educator certification in an appropriate teaching field and satisfy the requirements for the Alabama Class B professional certificate.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
Graduate coursework: candidates are limited to a total of five graduate courses prior to unconditional admission to the program. Any coursework exceeding the five-course rule may not be used for certification purposes.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.

Secondary Education, including P-12 Education

Scholastic achievement: a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Preparation: hold valid baccalaureate-level professional educator certification in the appropriate teaching field and satisfy the requirements for the Alabama Class B professional certificate.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
Graduate coursework: candidates are limited to a total of five graduate courses prior to unconditional admission to the program. Any coursework exceeding the five-course rule may not be used for certification purposes.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.

School Counseling (P-12)

Scholastic achievement: a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution. Submission of the following is required: undergraduate transcripts from degree-conferring institutions and transcripts for all graduate work. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 is recommended. Candidates who have completed an advanced degree or whose undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or above are not required to submit test scores. Candidates whose undergraduate GPA is between 2.75 and 3.0 may be considered for admission by submitting test scores.
Test scores: submission of satisfactory scores prior to admission on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or an appropriate Praxis II subject area test; recommended minimum score of 388 on the MAT, recommended minimum GRE scores of 146 on the Verbal and 140 on the Quantitative portions, or a passing score on an appropriate Praxis II subject area test. (See website for sliding scale of acceptable test scores and grades.)
International credentials: candidates holding a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree or the equivalent from an institution outside the United States of America must submit a WES, ECE, or other ALSDE-approved credential evaluation.
Prerequisite: hold valid Class B or Class A professional educator certification in a teaching field and complete two full years of full-time, satisfactory education experience at the P-12 level. Candidates without teacher certification and/or teaching experience may be admitted to the School Counseling major under the Track 2 CACREP Approach by meeting the following additional requirement: successful completion of the ASBI/FBI background clearance required of school personnel in Alabama.
References: submit three (3) completed Recommendation for Admission forms (current/former instructors or supervisors preferred). Recommendation forms are available at counselored@una.edu or by calling the Department of Counselor Education at 256-765-4763.
Employment and volunteer activities: submit a personal resume that includes a record of employment and volunteer activities.
Interview: successfully complete an interview with members of the Counselor Education faculty. When all required application documents have been received, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Candidates must be either accepted into the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Program (AMP) or unconditionally admitted to the School Counseling program prior to enrolling in any coursework in the program.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
For program graduation, all School Counseling candidates must achieve passing scores on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) and the PRAXIS II Professional School Counselor Examination (0421) and a minimum 3.25 grade point average. For certification, in addition to passing the PRAXIS II and achieving a minimum 3.25 grade point average, Track 2 - CACREP Approach candidates must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
The Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling follows the University Graduate Grading Policy in regard to satisfactory academic progress as a graduate student except for the overall grade average. A minimum grade point average of 3.25 on all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved School Counseling program is required for program graduation.

Instructional Leadership (P-12) Degree Program

Scholastic achievement: a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Preparation: hold valid Class B or Class A professional educator certification in a teaching field or instructional support area.
Preparation: have a minimum of three full years (or six full semesters) of full-time professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, which must include at least one full year of full-time P-12 teaching experience. This should be demonstrated via the Alabama Supplemental EXP form. The Supplemental EXP form can be found at this site: https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SUPPLEMENT-EXP.pdf The form(s) should be completed by district central office and can be emailed to coehsgrad@una.edu or to the COEHS Graduate Coordinator.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
Portfolio: submit an admission portfolio. See link for portfolio requirements: https://bit.ly/3oqqFq6
Interview: successfully complete an individual interview with University department faculty.
Graduate coursework: candidates must be unconditionally admitted to a Class A Instructional Leadership program prior to enrolling in any Instructional Leadership (IL) coursework in the program.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.

Alternative Class A Program

Entrance exam requirement: A passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam. (More information can be found at this site: https://www.ets.org/praxis/al/al_teacher_ed/)
Degree and grade point average (GPA) requirement: a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited academic institution with a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 (4.0 scale) documented on the official transcript from the degree-granting institution and must be the GPA that was used as the basis for granting the degree. If a graduate degree is used as the basis for admission to the Alternative Class A program, no graduate credit from that degree may be applied to the Alternative Class A program for certification purposes.
For candidates with less than the recommended grade point average or test score, the Alabama State Department of Education may have an alternative test score requirement. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator and/or Department Advisor and/or Graduate Enrollment Coordinator to determine specifics on whether alternate requirements are available.
Individuals applying for admission to the Alternative Class A program in Early Childhood Education shall have a passing score on the Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle- Mathematics, Social Studies, Science 5901; (Subtests 5903, 5904, 5905) in order to meet the ALSDE 4x12 requirement for admission to the program.
The grade point average required for certification in the Alternative Class A program (upon graduating) is a 3.25 or above.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
Graduate coursework: candidates are limited to a total of five graduate courses prior to unconditional admission. Any coursework exceeding the five-course rule may not be used for certification purposes.
If survey of special education course was completed prior to unconditional admission to the Alternative Class A program, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.

Master of Arts Degree

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Scholastic achievement: a bachelor's degree or higher. Submission of the following is required: undergraduate transcripts from degree-conferring institutions and transcripts for all graduate work. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 is recommended. Candidates who have completed an advanced degree or whose undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or above are not required to submit test scores. Candidates whose undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0 may be considered for admission by submitting test scores.
Test scores: submission of satisfactory scores prior to admission on either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); recommended minimum score of 388 on the MAT or a minimum GRE score of 146 on the Verbal and 140 on the Quantitative portions of the exam. (See website for sliding scale of acceptable test scores and grades.)
Candidates whose undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0 may be conditionally admitted if their test scores meet or exceed the recommended minimums noted in item 2 above. The candidate who is conditionally admitted may take no more than two courses per semester, and must successfully complete 12 hours of graduate credit achieving a grade point average of 3.0 or above in order to be moved to unconditional status. All courses must be in the Department of Counselor Education. After completing a minimum of 12 credit hours and no more than 15 credit hours in Counselor Education coursework, the student must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better. Failure to obtain this grade point average will result in the student being dismissed from the program.
International credentials: candidates holding a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree, or the equivalent from an institution outside the United States of America must submit a WES, ECE, or other approved international credential evaluation.
References: submit three (3) completed Recommendation for Admission forms (current/former instructors or supervisors preferred). Recommendation forms are available at counselored@una.edu or by calling the Department of Counselor Education at 256-765-4763.
Employment and volunteer activities: submit a personal resume that includes a record of employment and volunteer activities.
Interview: successfully complete an interview with members of the Counselor Education faculty. When all required application documents have been received the applicant will be contacted to schedule an interview.
For graduation, Clinical Mental Health Counseling candidates must achieve a passing score on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling follows the University Graduate Grading Policy in regard to satisfactory academic progress as a graduate student.

Master of Science Degree

Exercise Science and Health Promotion

Scholastic achievement: minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate work for unconditional admission.
Preparation: must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution that meets the general admission requirements for graduate study at UNA.
Conditional admission: minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale) with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate major work.
Must have departmental approval.
In addition, students may earn no more than six hours of "C" work or below. A third grade of "C" or below will result in dismissal from the program.
Recommendations: three letters of recommendation to be addressed to the Chair or Graduate Program Coordinator of Department of Kinesiology from professionals that can attest to the candidate’s academic ability and potential for success as a graduate student.
Essay: typed, maximum two pages, addressing these three questions:
1. Why the candidate wishes to be considered for admission to the graduate program;
2. How completion of a graduate degree supports the candidate’s career goals; and
3. What the candidate can bring to this graduate program.

Instructional Technology and Design

Unconditional Admission

Hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally-accredited US based institution or an institution recognized by the government of another country and
An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, as reported on the transcript of the qualifying degree granting institution.
Submission of resume.

Conditional Admission

Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally-accredited US based institution or an institution recognized by the government of another country and
An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, as reported on the transcript of the qualifying degree granting institution.
Submission of Resume.

Sport and Recreation Management

Scholastic achievement: minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate work for unconditional admission.
Preparation: must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution that meets the general admission requirements for graduate study at UNA.
Conditional admission: minimum overall GPA of 2.50 (4.0 scale) with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate major work or overall GPA of 2.50 if the applicant has at least three years of full-time experience in the sport and recreation management field.
Must have departmental approval.
In addition, students may earn no more than six hours of "C" work or below. A third grade of "C" or below will result in dismissal from the program.
Recommendations: three letters of recommendation to be addressed to the Chair or Graduate Program Coordinator of Department of Kinesiology from professionals that can attest to the candidate’s academic ability and potential for success as a graduate student.
Essay: typed, maximum two pages, addressing these three questions:
1. Why the candidate wishes to be considered for admission to the graduate program;
2. How completion of a graduate degree supports the candidate’s career goals; and
3. What the candidate can bring to this graduate program.

Education Specialist Degree

Elementary Education

Scholastic achievement: a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Preparation: candidates must be unconditionally admitted to the Education Specialist Program in Elementary Education. Requirements for admission shall include a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in the same teaching field(s) in which the Class AA Professional Educator Certificate is sought, except as prescribed below:
1. A teacher with a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in elementary education and a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in reading may be admitted to a Class AA program in elementary education.
2. A teacher with a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in any teaching field and a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in English for speakers of other languages may be admitted to a Class AA program in the same teaching field for which the teacher holds a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
Interview: successfully complete an individual interview with university faculty.
Graduate coursework: candidates are limited to a total of five graduate courses prior to unconditional admission to the program. Any coursework exceeding the five-course rule may not be used for certification purposes.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.
If an individual is admitted to an Alabama Class AA program based on a master’s-level professional educator certificate in another state, completes a Class AA program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class AA level, then the individual must earn at least a Class A Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Class AA certification.

Instructional Leadership

Scholastic achievement: a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Candidates must hold a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in Instructional Leadership or a valid Class A Professional Leadership Certificate.
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
1. Be currently serving as a superintendent, assistant or associate superintendent, assistant to the superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor (any subject and/or grade level), administrator of career and technical education, coordinator, or evaluator.
2. Document three years of employment in an Instructional Leadership position for which one of the certificates is proper certification according to the current edition of the Subject and Personnel Codes of the Alabama State Department of Education.
3. Demonstrate each of the abilities in the Class A Instructional Leadership standards prior to admission to the Class AA Instructional Leadership program or prior to completion of the Class AA Instructional Leadership program.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
Applicants who completed a Class A program other than one approved by the State Board of Education on or after September 8, 2005, must submit a portfolio. Instructions can be located at this link: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:cfcd35e1-ccca-3f04-927b-f65bd45f131a
Interview: applicants who completed a Class A program other than one approved by the State Department of Education on or after September 8, 2005, must pass an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and Instructional Leadership faculty.
Graduate coursework: candidates must be unconditionally admitted to the Class AA Instructional Leadership program or the Class AA teacher leader program prior to enrolling in any leadership courses in the program.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.

Teacher Leader

Scholastic achievement: a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
ASBI/FBI background clearance.
A minimum of three full years of full-time teaching experience in a P-12 setting. This should be demonstrated via the Alabama Supplemental EXP form. The Supplemental EXP form can be found at this site: https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SUPPLEMENT-EXP.pdf. The form(s) should be completed by district central office and can be emailed to coehsgrad@una.edu, or to the COEHS Graduate Coordinator.
Portfolio: submit an admission portfolio. See link for portfolio requirements: https://bit.ly/35BTCqt
Graduate coursework: candidates who have not met requirements for unconditional admission to a Class AA teacher leader program prior to August 1, 2012, may not complete more than five courses in the Class AA teacher leader program prior to unconditional admission. Any coursework exceeding the five-course rule may not be used for certification purposes.
If a survey of special education course was completed for prior level certification, another approved diversity course is required.
Unconditional admission: candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding unconditional admission requirements specific to their program.
Note: If an individual is admitted to an Alabama Class AA teacher leader program based on a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in a teaching field or area of instructional support from another state, completes the Class AA teacher leader program, and subsequently applies for Class AA teacher leader certification, then the individual must earn at least a Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or area of instructional support before applying for Class AA certification.

Advisement

Upon admission to programs in education, each candidate is assigned a major field advisor who will assist the candidate in planning the program of study, approve the program, and provide continuing supervision and guidance. Candidates admitted to secondary education programs are also assigned a teaching field advisor who will assist in planning the teaching field program.

Certification

The issuance of professional certificates for teachers and other public school personnel is a function of the Alabama State Department of Education under the authority of and according to regulations and procedures approved by the Alabama State Board of Education and contained in the Administrative Code. The University of North Alabama cannot assume responsibility for changes in certification requirements due to the changes in the State Board of Education policy.

Students successfully completing the approved programs described in this catalog must also meet all Alabama State Department of Education regulations for the appropriate certificate including experience, background clearance and testing requirements. Completion GPA is 3.25 for Class A Certification and 3.50 for Class AA Certification.

Graduates are encouraged to apply for certification upon program completion. If graduates apply for certification at a later date, all certification requirements in place at the time that the application is filed must be met, even if they are different from those in place at the time of program completion.

Application for certification is made through the Office of Educator Preparation and must be accompanied by the required application fee. Students who intend to use graduate work at the University of North Alabama to apply for certification in another state should apprise themselves in advance of the requirements and procedures of the particular state.

If an individual admitted to a Class A program based on a bachelor’s level professional educator certification from another state completes a Class A program and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must earn Alabama Class B certification before applying for Class A certification.

If an individual is admitted to an Alabama Class AA program based on a master’s-level professional educator certificate in another state, completes a Class AA program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class AA level, then the individual must earn at least a Class A Alabama Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Class AA certification.

Examinations

In addition to other course and program requirements, satisfaction of requirements for a degree or certification program includes the passing of a final comprehensive College of Education and Human Sciences assessment completed during the final term of the program. Secondary and P-12 candidates must also earn a passing score on a comprehensive assessment in the specific teaching field(s). Candidates should see the assigned teaching field advisor to obtain information regarding the comprehensive assessment.

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Academic Catalog 2024-2025