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.

The College of Education and Human Sciences offers a variety of programs including Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Instructional Leadership, Secondary Education, Special Education, Teacher Leadership, Exercise Science, Sport and Recreation Management, and more. There are approximately 900 undergraduate students and approximately 500 graduate students enrolled in the COEHS studying from one of 27 undergraduate programs and 28 graduate programs.

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

Departments 

The College of Education and Human Sciences includes the following departments:

Degree Programs

The undergraduate degree programs and courses of study provided through the College of Education and Human Sciences include the following academic programs:

Minor Fields

Educator Preparation Programs 

All programs leading to a recommendation for an Alabama Professional Educator certificate are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education.  The Educator Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).  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 admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) remain in good standing throughout the program. Educator Preparation candidates may be placed on probation, suspended, or removed from TEP 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 TEP to enroll in restricted courses including the internship.

A one-time only College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) assessment fee of $125 is charged for the first enrollment in courses with the following prefixes: ECE, EED, ED, and EEX. This fee is also charged to designated content methods courses for secondary and P-12 educator preparation majors and other select courses in the COEHS.

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. This 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.

Educator Preparation Requirements

1. Admission to the University.
   Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to programs in educator preparation.
2. Declaration of a Major.
   Students may select education as a major upon admission to UNA but are not classified as educator preparation candidates until they have been formally admitted to the UNA Teacher Education Program (TEP). Prior to formal admission:
   1. Students are assigned a faculty advisor in their major. Secondary and P-12 students will be assigned a primary faculty advisor in the College of Education and Human Sciences and an additional content area advisor in their major/teaching field.
   2. Secondary and P-12 students who are classified as second semester sophomores may enroll in the following education courses prior to formal admission to TEP: Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience (ED 292), Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs (EEX 340), Content Literacy (ED 375), Instructional Technology for the High School (ED 381) and the content-specific methods course.  ASBI/FBI background clearance is a prerequisite for education courses with required school-based clinical experiences.
   3. Elementary Education students may enroll in the following education courses prior to formal admission to TEP: Creative Arts for Children (ECE 312), Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience (ED 292), Children's Literature in a Digital Age (EED 301), Introduction to Elementary Education (EED 319), Instructional Technology (EED 324), Social Studies for the Elementary School Teacher (EED 305), Science for the Elementary School Teacher (EED 308), AND Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs (EEX 340).
   4. Early Childhood Education students may enroll in the following education courses prior to formal admission to TEP: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 309), Creative Arts for Children (ECE 312), Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience (ED 292), Children's Literature in a Digital Age (EED 301), Instructional Technology (EED 324), Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs (EEX 340), Social Studies for the Elementary School Teacher (EED 305), Science for the Elementary School Teacher (EED 308), Child Development Child Development (ECE 262), AND Infants and Toddlers (ECE 310). ASBI/FBI background clearance is a prerequisite for education courses with required school-based clinical experiences.
   5. Educator Preparation majors who have attended a college or university outside the United States shall obtain an evaluation of the foreign credentials from a foreign-credential evaluation service recognized by the UNA Teacher Certification Office and the Alabama State Department of Education. 
3. Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP).
   To be considered a candidate in an Educator Preparation Program, students must be formally admitted to the UNA Teacher Education Program and meet the following requirements:
   1. Submission of formal application to TEP. The deadline to apply for admission to TEP is posted each semester in Stevens Hall and on the Office of Educator Preparation website. A late application must be accompanied by a $50 late fee.
   2. Completion of the required general education courses. A grade of “C” or higher must be obtained in Fundamentals of Speech (COM 201), First-Year Composition I (EN 111), and First Year Composition II (EN 112).
   3. A grade point average of 2.50 or higher on all work attempted.
   4. A grade point average of 2.75 or higher on all work attempted at the University of North Alabama.
   5. A grade point average of 2.75 or higher on all work attempted in the teaching field with a grade of “C” or higher in each course.
   6. Grade point average of 3.00 or higher on all work attempted in the professional studies component with a grade of “C” or higher in each course.
   7. Successful completion of the TEP interview process, which occurs during the semester the student is enrolled in Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience (ED 292). The interview includes assessments of oral communication, written communication, and professional dispositions. Candidates are allowed a maximum of two attempts to successfully complete the interview.
   8. Successful completion of Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience (ED 292) with a grade of “C” or higher.
   9. Successful background clearance by the ASBI and FBI (fingerprinting).
   10. Receipt of notification by email of formal admission to TEP by the Certification Officer at the end of the semester of application.
4. Retention in Programs.
   Educator Preparation candidates must maintain:
   1. The required GPA in each category (UNA; overall; teaching field(s); professional studies).
   2. Satisfactory ASBI/FBI background clearance.
   3. Satisfactory knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
   4. A grade of “C” or higher in all courses in the professional studies component and the teaching field component.
5. Admission to Internship.
   Educator Preparation candidates must:
   1. Maintain all requirements listed under Admission and Retention to TEP.
   2. Submit a formal application to the Office of Educator Preparation. The deadline is posted each semester in Stevens Hall and outside the Office of Educator Preparation. A late application must be accompanied by a $50 late fee and will be accepted as placements are available.
   3. Complete all required coursework.
   4. Submit a passing score on each of the required Praxis II examination(s). Score report must be on file in the Office of Teacher Certification, and must reflect the passing score(s) set by the Alabama State Department of Education. Candidates who have not submitted passing scores will not be placed in an internship.
   5. Document acceptable multicultural experience.
   6. Complete all required field experience hours.
   7. Meet all eligibility requirements for internship placement prior to the internship semester.
   8. Provide proof of valid State of Alabama educator liability insurance.
6. Graduation.
   Educator Preparation candidates must meet the following requirements prior to graduation:
   1. Have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher on all college work attempted, on all work attempted at the University of North Alabama, on all work attempted in  the  teaching  field(s),  and  a  GPA  of  3.0  in  the  professional studies component. A grade of “C” or higher is required in each course in the professional studies component and each course in the teaching field.
   2. Successful completion of an exit assessment covering professional education.
   3. Satisfactory completion of all coursework, field experiences, and the internship.

Teacher Internship Requirements

Internships for candidates seeking professional educator certification are offered in the fall and spring semesters only. Candidates are assigned to a single or dual internship placement that consists of a full-time assignment in an approved school setting or settings for a full semester. The University reserves the right to assign an intern to any school setting in the greater Shoals area. The intern must comply with all codes, policies and regulations of UNA and the assigned school(s). The intern is responsible for transportation to and from the placement(s) and may not be enrolled in other courses during the internship semester.

Undergraduate internship experiences must occur in the appropriate grade level(s) and subject(s), and are supervised by an approved certified classroom teacher who is the teacher of record for the class. Interns may not complete an internship as a substitute teacher or in a classroom under the supervision of a long-term substitute teacher.

For candidates seeking certification in two or more distinct teaching fields, an additional full semester of internship shall be required (e.g., mathematics and biology or elementary and Spanish). For candidates seeking certification in two or more related fields, the internship may be divided between the two teaching fields during a single semester (e.g., physics and chemistry; or elementary education and collaborative special education). For Early Childhood Education, the internship shall include two placements. For P-12 programs the internship shall be divided between early childhood/elementary and middle/secondary grades.

Certifications 

Alabama Class B Professional Certificates

Candidates seeking a recommendation for Alabama Class B Professional Educator certification must meet all requirements set forth by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) at the time the application is submitted.

Certification regulations are established by the ALSDE and are subject to change without prior notification. Candidate eligibility must be verified at the time the application is submitted. Currently, eligibility for recommendation for an Alabama Professional Educator certificate includes successful completion of a state-approved certification program, review of ASBI/FBI background clearance, acceptable test score results on the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program and proof of graduation from a regionally accredited institution with the required GPA and graduation date posted on the official transcript.

Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial certification or certification in a second teaching field must meet all current program requirements, including an additional internship and testing requirements. All transferred coursework and UNA coursework will be reviewed to ensure compliance with institutional, state, federal and accreditation regulations.

Certification in Other States

Candidates who seek certification in states other than Alabama should contact the appropriate State Department of Education to determine specific certification requirements in that state.

Study Abroad Certificates

A College of Education and Human Sciences Study Abroad Certificate is a one-semester 15 credit hour study abroad certificate program with a focus on a specific skill or emphasis within the disciplines housed in the College of Education and Human Sciences. This program is open only to students from UNA global partner schools who come to UNA from their home university for one fall or spring semester. Targeted students are those with sophomore status and with TOEFL iBT79 or IELTS 6.0. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of achievement as well as the notation on their transcript of “College of Education and Human Sciences Study Abroad Certificate in (Area of Emphasis)”. Areas of emphasis include: Exercise Leadership, Health Promotion, Sport Management, and Nutrition.

Engagement and Innovation 

The Center for the study of Exercise Science and Health Promotion

The purpose of the University of North Alabama Center for the Study of Exercise Science and Health Promotion is to enhance quality and quantity of scholarly endeavors and service-based initiatives in exercise science, health promotion, and related fields at the University. Research and scholarly pursuits serve not only as an avenue for creation of knowledge but in the facilitation of information guiding teaching content. From this perspective the Center holds the position that teaching and research are most effective when applied as an integrated model. The Center also seeks to create potential for service within the University and the local community whereby expertise regarding personal wellness and health-related issues may be shared thereby promoting health and well-being in the interest of pursuing optimal quality and quantity of life for the general citizenry.

The Center for the study of Sport and Recreation

The purpose of the University of North Alabama Center for the Study of Sport and Recreation is to enhance quality and quantity of scholarly endeavors and service-based initiatives in sport, recreation, and related fields as cultural, social, and economic dimensions of the human experience. Research and scholarly pursuits serve not only as an avenue for creation of knowledge but in the facilitation of information guiding teaching content. From this perspective the Center holds the position that teaching and research are most effective when applied as an integrated model. The Center also seeks to create potential for service within the University and the local community whereby expertise regarding the role of sport and recreation as an essential part of the human experience may be enhanced through application of knowledge gained through scholarly initiatives. To this end the Center endeavors to create a multifaceted research community consisting of faculty, students and community agencies involved in sport and recreation management.

Kilby Laboratory School

Operated under the administration of the College of Education and Human Sciences, Kilby Laboratory School is located on the University campus and includes Pre-K and grades K through six. It also serves as a student internship station for students in early childhood and elementary education, as a laboratory school for teacher training, and for observation by students and faculty. Inquiries on the enrollment of children in Kilby Laboratory School should be addressed to the Office of the Director. The application process is separate from and is in no way connected to those governing the Child Development Center.

Kilby Child Development Center

Kilby Child Development Center (CDC) has a program for three and four-year-old children. The Pre-K four-year-old program is presently state funded, free to participants, and operates from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. five days per week. The three-year-old program is half-day and children may attend two (2), three (3), or five (5) days per week. Information about the program is available online at http://www.una.edu or by calling the Kilby Child Development Center. Admission to Kilby Laboratory School is a separate process. Children enrolled at the CDC do not automatically continue to the Kilby kindergarten.

Education Research and In-Service Center (ERIC)

The center serves as a professional development center for excellence in education for area teachers currently in the classroom. The center provides workshops, single-visit seminars, and consultants for individual teachers, board members, and administrators in a six-county region consisting of Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion, Walker, and Winston Counties. Kilby Laboratory School and the In-service Center collaboratively serve as a demonstrational laboratory where teachers and school administrators may observe innovative educational practices. 

Human Performance Laboratory

The Human Performance Laboratory serves as a teaching and research center that benefits students and the University community. Students have the opportunity to acquire practical skills such as testing and evaluation of major components of health and fitness, and designing exercise prescriptions. Utilizing computer technology, students also learn to administer and evaluate health risk appraisals. Laboratory personnel and students regularly collect and analyze data for ongoing departmental research projects.  The Human performance laboratory no only supports programs housed in the Kinesiology Department, it also is integral in assessments critical to Roar For Wellness, the UNA faculty and staff wellness program.   

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in Early Childhood Education

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in early childhood education include the prescribed general education component, the major concentration, and the professional education courses for a total of 124 semester hours. A minor is not required. See section on Educator Preparation Requirements for a description of the grade point requirements for admission and completion of a program that will enable the candidate to be recommended for a Class B Professional Certificate.

Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in Early Childhood Education

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in Elementary Education

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in elementary education include the prescribed general education component, the major concentration, and the professional education courses for a total of 124 semester hours. A minor is not required. See section on Educator Preparation Requirements for a description of the grade point requirements for admission and completion of a program that will enable the candidate to be recommended for a Class B Professional Certificate.

Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in Elementary Education
Concentration in Collaborative Special Education K-6

Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in

Secondary Education:

Biology
Business and Marketing
Chemistry
English/Language Arts
French
General Social Science
German
History
Mathematics
Physics
Physics with General Science Concentration
Spanish