Science Education
Teacher and leadership preparation in science for 6-16 levels is available at the Undergraduate, Masters, Alternative Masters, Educational Specialist, and Doctoral levels. All certification programs in science education have been approved by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Alabama State Board of Education. In addition, these programs adhere to the National Science Education Standards as well as the National Educational Technology Standards for students and teachers. The Science Education programs focus on strong content knowledge, intensive and diverse clinical experiences, infusion of technology, and mentoring by the faculty. Outreach programs through the Alabama Science Teaching and Learning Center involve undergraduate and graduate students in nationally funded grants, research, curriculum development, and leadership development for teachers and instructors K-16.
In addition to the mission of the Department of Secondary Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, the Science Education program adheres to the standards of the National Science Teaching Association.
Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate students who successfully complete the program will be able to apply for certification at the B class level in Biology or General Science for grades 6-12 classrooms. This program (a minimum of 136 semester hours) provides a variety of clinical experiences throughout the junior and senior years. The program offers a strong foundation in the goals of the National Science Education Standards. During the senior year, students will participate in the Secondary Methods Block of courses. Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) is required before taking the Secondary Block.
Graduate Degrees
Graduate degrees and certification are available in science education for the masters and alternative masters level (A certification), Educational Specialist (AA certification), PhD and EdD degrees (AA certification). Graduate (Alternative Masters) certification is available in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Comprehensive Science. Graduate admission is required for all programs. The Alternative Master's Degree offers a master's degree and "A' level certification. The Alternative Master's degree requires a BS or BA degree, admission to TEP, and completion of 39 semester hours and a 6 semester hour teaching internship. The Master's degree requires a BS in Education and the completion of 33 semester hours. An Educational Specialist, 33 semester hours, requires a Class A certification. The EdS along with the EdD and PhD doctoral degrees, both requiring 60 semester hours beyond the MA Degree, are designed for professionals involved in expertise in teaching, leadership, development, and research in science education at the 6-12 level or at the College or University level.
Master of Arts & Alternative Master of ArtsThe College of Education offers graduate work for the Master of Arts degree in Secondary Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning (CTL). The prerequisites for a master's degree include the completion of an appropriate baccalaureate curriculum and professional teacher certification. Candidates enrolling in the master's program must earn a total of 30 semester hours of credit.
Master of Arts Program of Study
After the student has been accepted into the Graduate School, the application
is considered by the College of Education and the faculty in Secondary
CTL. The graduate student is assigned to a faculty advisor. The advisor
MUST approve the student's schedule before registration each semester.
Click here for the MA program of study.
Alternative Master of Arts Program
of Study
The College of Education offers graduate work for the Master of Arts
degree in Secondary Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning (CTL). The prerequisites
for a master's degree include the completion of an appropriate baccalaureate
curriculum and professional teacher certification. Candidates enrolling
in the master's program must earn a total of 42 hours of credit for
Alternative Master's degree.
Transfer Credit
Courses of full graduate-level credit earned in an accredited institution
where a student was previously enrolled may be submitted for review
for inclusion in the degree program. Evaluation of credit for transfer
will not be made until the student has enrolled in the Graduate School.
Acceptance of credit requires the approval of the student's advisor
and the dean of the Graduate School. Courses to be considered for transfer
credit must have earned a minimum grade of "B" at the institution
attended. The student must forward official transcripts to the Graduate
School, and the student must file a Request Transfer of Credit in the
Graduate School. No more than 12 semester hours may be transferred to
meet master's degree requirements.
For further information, contact the Graduate School at: 102 Rose Administration Building, Box 870118, Tuscaloosa, AL 354987; telephone (205) 348-5921.
Time Limits
All requirements for the master's degree must be completed during the
6 years immediately preceding the date on which the degree is to be
awarded.
Class A Certification
Upon completion of the master's program, a graduate student is eligible
for recommendation for Class A Professional Certification in the state
of Alabama. It is important to note that the awarding of a master's
or higher degree does not necessarily guarantee that the student is
eligible for class A certification. The student must apply for the Class
A Professional Certificate through the Office of Student Services and
Teacher Certification. A $20 money order is required at the time of
application. See the Graduate Catalog for more information about certification
or contact Ms. Deborah Powell, Registrar and Assistant Certification
Officer, 104 Carmichael, Box 870231, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231; telephone
(205) 348-6073.
Master's Comprehensive Examination
Students must register to take the Master's comprehensive examination
toward the end of their degree programs. Students must have no more
than nine hours remaining and a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to
take the comps. The examination is an opportunity for students to demonstrate
their knowledge as a result of graduate level study. This culminating
experience asks students to respond to questions that focus on the integration
of course material, personal teaching experiences, and research. Students
will have only two opportunities to successfully pass the examination.
All students (regular and alternative) must pass the master's comprehensive
examination in Secondary CTL to receive a degree and recommendation
for certification.
The examination is given in the fall and spring semesters only. Prior to the administration of the examination each semester, the department will conduct a review session. Students must contact the department office at 205-348-6053 to register for the examination and the workshop.
Admission to Candidacy
Admission to the Graduate School does not guarantee admission of a student
to candidacy for a master's degree. The student must meet the formal
requirements for candidacy and demonstrate sufficient preparation to
pursue the graduate study and research required for the master's degree.
Admission to candidacy is contingent upon the recommendation of the Department of Secondary CTL and the approval of the graduate dean. Approval will depend on the quality of the applicant's graduate work, the removal of any special conditions, and the certification of the department that the student is well qualified to continue work toward a degree. Students may file the application for admission to candidacy for the master's degree after they have successfully completed their master's comprehensive examination. Applications are available from the Graduate School.
Application for Graduation
Each candidate for a master's degree must apply for graduation through
the Graduate School no later than the registration period for the semester
in which requirements for the degree are to be completed. The Application
for Degree form is required and must be completed in duplicate.
Educational Specialist The Educational Specialist degree offers courses following state guidelines to be eligible for a Class AA Professional Certificate. The teacher graduating for the Ed.S. program will be capable of participating in the educational decision making process and will possess the knowledge and skills to facilitate positive change at the classroom, school, and district levels. An emphasis is placed on the analysis and adaptation of instructional strategies applied to diverse instructional contexts.
EdS Program of Study
The Ed.S. degree normally is granted at the end of the sixth year of
collegiate study and falls in time between the master's degree and the
doctorate. However, it is not necessarily viewed as intermediate between
the master's and doctoral degrees. In teaching fields, the purpose of
the degree is to prepare school leaders and undergraduate-college teachers,
especially those who will be employed in junior colleges, small private
and state colleges, and the group of colleges labeled as "developing"
institutions.
Because the purpose of the Ed.S. differs from that of either the Ed.D. or Ph.D., credit earned in an Ed.S. program is not automatically transferable to a doctoral program. If a holder of an Ed.S. degree enters a doctoral program at a later date, the doctoral advisory committee will decide how much of the credit earned in the Ed.S. program will be counted toward the doctorate.
Admission and Advising
Applicants for the Ed.S. program must have a master's degree from a
regionally accredited educational institution and must meet the requirements
for admission to the Graduate School. Upon admission to the Graduate
School, the student will be notified by the program of his or her academic
advisor. Prior to completion of twelve (12) semester hours, the student
will meet with his or her academic advisor to develop a plan of study.
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the approved plan
of study is filed with the program and the Graduate School. This is
to be done at least one semester prior to graduation.
Degree Requirements
The Ed.S. requires a total of 30 semester hours of study beyond the
master's degree. Students completing the Ed.S. program will be eligible
for recommendation for an Alabama Class AA Professional Certificate.
Transfer of Credit
Students who wish to transfer academic credit from other institutions
must initiate this process through the Graduate School. It is the student's
responsibility to ensure that official transcripts are received in the
Graduate School and that the transfer of credit process is completed
at the department level as well. A maximum of 15 semester hours of appropriate
post-master's degree credit -- earned through accredited institutions
approved to offer graduate programs beyond the master's level in the
field of study where the credits were earned -- may be transferred to
apply toward an Ed.S. degree.
Time Limit
All requirements for the Ed.S. degree must be completed during the six
years immediately preceding the date on which the degree is to be awarded.
Application to Candidacy
Immediately upon completion of twelve (12) semester hours of course
work, the student must apply for candidacy for the Educational Specialist
Degree through the Graduate School. Application forms and instructions
for applying for admission to candidacy may be obtained from the Office
of the Graduate School, the Secondary CTL office, or the Gadsden Center.
The student is also responsible for applying for AA certification through
the Office of Student Services, 104 Carmichael; telephone (205) 348-6073.
Research Project
The primary purpose of the Ed.S. Research Project is to give students
the opportunity to implement and evaluate instructional strategies,
ideas, and innovations acquired during their advanced graduate study.
The research project serves as the State Department of Education's required
evaluation of the student's performance in this degree program. Successful
completion of the project is mandatory in completing the degree. Students
must enroll for CSE 670 in the fall and enroll in CSE 697 the following
spring during the final year of their coursework.
Comprehensive Examination
All students must pass a comprehensive examination in order to receive
teh EdS degree. The examination will be administered during the CSE
670 course.
Application for Graduation
Each candidate for an Ed.S. degree must apply for the degree through
the Office of the Graduate School no later than the registration period
of the semester in which requirements for the degree are to be completed.
The "Application for Degree" is required for this purpose
and must be completed in duplicate.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST RESEARCH PROJECT
Planning for the Research Project
Students pursuing the Ed.S. degree should begin planning for the research
project as early as possible. Students must enroll for 3 semester-hours
of action research (CSE 670) during the fall semester. Enrollment in
the course is possible only during the fall semester. The course will
meet on several weekends during the fall. Some sessions may be held
on the University campus and some at the Gadsden Center. Students will
be required to attend all weekends.
Students will enroll for 3 hours of Educational Specialist Research (CSE 697) during the spring semester following the action research course.
Students must take an advisor approved research course immediately preceding the Ed.S. research sequence (CSE 670 and CSE 697).
Description of the Research Project
Ed.S. research projects may vary in type and/or form. Common examples
of projects are: classroom or school oriented action research; curriculum-related
evaluation; instruction-related evaluation; and curriculum development.
Research may be qualitative or quantitative in nature. The length of
an Ed.S. project written report normally ranges from 30 to 50 pages;
however, depending on the nature of the project, length may vary. Projects
which deviate from the usual length or form will require prior approval
from the student's Ed.S. research committee. Ed.S. projects should be
developed using the 4th edition of the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association.
Completion of the Project
Students are expected to complete the research project for the Ed.S.
degree during the academic year in which they are enrolled in CSE 670.
If the project is not completed during this time, students must enroll
for one semester hour of Educational Specialist Research each semester
(including summer) until the project is completed. Students should understand
that this would result in a program of more than 30 semester hours.
In extenuating circumstances and with prior approval of the student's
Ed.S. committee, the student may be allowed to complete the research
project during the summer.
The two-member Ed.S. research committee will examine the research project and evaluate the methods, procedures, content, and the total written report. Based on this examination, the committee will make a recommendation about its acceptance toward degree completion and AA teacher certification. The student's two committee members and the CSE 670 instructor will sign graduate school forms required for degree completion.
Projects submitted during the last term of the student's degree program must be completed by the Graduate School deadlines for that term. This mandates that the paper be completed at least two weeks prior to Graduate School deadlines to allow time for the student to make changes in the document and to present it in final form by deadline dates.
Students are required to provide a bound copy of the research project to the chair of the research committee. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that all program and Graduate School paperwork is completed and that all Ed.S. degree and AA teacher certification requirements have been fulfilled.
Doctoral Degrees The Doctoral degree program is the highest professional degree and is designed primarily for top-level education practitioners and university researchers. The College offers both Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees. Programs at the doctoral level are designed to prepare advanced practitioners for school positions or for professorships in institutions of higher education.
There are two types of doctorates available. One is for students who intend to become researchers in a given field. The other is for students who intend to become highly skilled practitioners and school leaders. Normally, three years of teaching are required to enter either of the programs.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is mainly focused on research and theory. Program requirements include the acquisition of special skills that would be useful in conducting scholarly investigation and traditional research. The Doctor of Education degree includes a focus on facilitating the development of action researchers and experienced practitioners.