Overview
Advance your career with The University of Alabama’s online Elementary Education Specialist Degree and Class AA Certification. Our in-depth, theoretical, and practice-based courses prepare you for professions such as teacher leadership, curriculum development, consulting, and more. Graduates often find the educational specialist degree a springboard for pursuing doctoral degrees.
Admission Requirements
After acceptance into The University of Alabama Graduate School and then into a degree program in the College of Education, you will begin coursework. For graduate admissions, visit the Graduate School home page. Upon acceptance into the Ed.S. Program, a faculty advisor will be assigned and available to assist you.
Application Deadlines*
rolling admissions
Program Requirements
- A minimum of 30 hours of appropriate work beyond the MA degree
- GPA of 3.5 upon graduation
- A grade of B or above in all program courses
Program of Study
The Program of Study for the Elementary Education Ed.S. Degree is a document serving as a course checklist. See the Program of Study, Ed.S. Course Rotation Schedule, and an Ed.S. Plan of Study Form
- ELED (AA) Program of Study (Please contact the Office of Student Services (205.348.6073) if you need a readable copy of the program of study.)
- 3-Year Rotation for EdS
Electronic Portfolio
All ELE EdS students submit an electronic portfolio that concentrates on reflection of particular areas of professional opportunities and EdS degree coursework. Students must submit initially upon admittance, at a midpoint, and then at graduation. Portfolios are assessed by a student’s advisor who will provide feedback by assessing the portfolio at each of the three checkpoints with a portfolio rubric and a dispositions rubric. Scoring at the level of Target or higher is required for graduation.
How to Apply Transfer Credit
A maximum of 12 hours of transfer credit, if approved by a student’s advisor, may be applied toward the degree. A maximum of 6 hours of pass/fail courses are allowed for completion of this degree.
Final Assessment for Graduation
Ed.S. students complete the program with an opportunity to apply their knowledge by conceptualizing, then carrying out and writing an action research thesis project. The action research enables students to work in their own professional settings researching and implementing a strategy of interest to them. Our Ed.S. students move to the level of teacher-researcher in the process toward the degree. The process also is used to individualize and satisfy comprehensive exam requirements.