College of Education

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dean: George E. Uhlig (251-380-2738)

Associate Dean: Thomas L. Chilton

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research: William F. Gilley

College of Education web site

DEPARTMENTS OF INSTRUCTION

Behavior Studies and Educational Technology

Curriculum and Instruction

Education Leadership and Foundations

Health, Physical Education and Leisure Studies

Special Education

UNDERGRADUATE

MISSION STATEMENT

Preparing professional educators for life-long learning through teaching, service, and research.

The College of Education at the University of Alabama seeks to:

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prepare graduates for professional careers and lifelong learning

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promote the creation and dissemination of knowledge

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service our constituencies through professional development programs and community outreach

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assist regional agencies in meeting their professional obligations.

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 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, special education, and P-12 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.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

In addition to the University Residency Requirement, a student seeking a degree in the College of Education must complete 32 hours of the last 45 semester hours 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. 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 to teach special education and 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’s degree) level in the College.

MINIMUM GENERAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS (64 Hours)

See individual department for additional or specific general studies requirements.

2 courses EH 101, 102		6 hrs
2 courses from *EH 215, 216, 225, 226, 235, 236		6 hrs
1 course from ARS 101, MUL 101, DRA 110, ARH 100, 103, 123, 240,		3 hrs
	242
1 course CA 110		3 hrs
1 course from MA 110, 112, 113, 115		3 hrs
2 courses from BLY 101, 102, 121, 122, GY 111, 112, CH 101, 103, 131,		8 hrs
	132,141, GEO 101, 102, PH 101, 104, 114, 115, 201, 202
1 course from HY 101, 102, 135, 136		3 hrs
3 courses from **HY 101, 102, 135, 136, AN 100, 101, GEO 114, 115,		9 hrs
	SY 109, 112, PSC 130, PSY 120, 250, ECO 215, 216
	(**No more than one additional history course may be selected from this area)
2 courses PE 100 and 1 from PE 101-157		4 hrs
1 course EPY 251 (Professional Studies)		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.
Elementary/Early Childhood majors must take two additional Math courses and two additional Science courses.
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 student is not permitted to take more than 12 semester hours of professional studies courses prior to admission to teacher candidacy. 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

On March 11, 1977 and on October 13, 1988, the State Board of Education adopted resolutions outlining admission, retention, and graduation requirements for students who desire teacher certification in Alabama.

Student must 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 Office of Student Services 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.
4.	The student’s application receives approval from the Student Services 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 overall grade-point average of 2.5 on all college work attempted (including transfer work).
3.	A minimum grade-point average of 2.5 in professional teacher education on work attempted at this University, and on all work attempted (including transfer work).
4.	A minimum grade-point average of 2.5 in area(s) of teaching specialization(s) on work attempted at this University and on all work attempted (including transfer work).
5.	Completion of a minimum of three semester hours drawn from the foundations of education requirement and completion of a preprofessional experience.
6.	Completion of EH 101, 102, CA 110, EDM 310 and SPE 400.
7.	Satisfactory performance on the College of Education Reading Test (IDE 010). Students who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree or students with official E-ACT scores of 19 Reading (or higher) are exempt from IDE 010.
8.	Satisfactory performance on the BST (CMEE) or Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT).
9.	Satisfactory completion of a departmental interview designed to provide information on the applicant’s personality, interests, and aptitudes consistent with the requirements for successful teaching.
10.	Sufficient physical ability and emotional stability to perform successfully as a teacher. (NOTE: These factors might be covered in the departmental interview.)
11.	Recommendation of advisor and department chair.

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 at the end of the first month of the semester prior to student teaching.
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.
5.	Student Teaching Assignments: All student teaching placements and non-traditional fifth-year teaching field internships will be coordinated by the Office of Field Services. All student teaching placements will be made in the greater Mobile area to facilitate the supervision of students by University of South Alabama faculty or other personnel so designated by the department chair in which that student is enrolled.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING

1.	A minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5 at the University of South Alabama.
2.	A minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5 on all college work attempted (including transfer work).
3.	A minimum grade-point average of 2.5 in the professional education sequence at this University, and a grade-point average of 2.5 overall in the professional education sequence (including transfer work). In the professional education component, no grade below “C” is acceptable.
4.	Completion of a minimum of three-fourths of the teaching specialization(s) (including appropriate methods courses) with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 on all work taken at this University and a grade-point average of 2.5 overall in the teaching specialization(s) (including transfer work).
5.	Continued satisfactory progress in meeting requirements for admission to the program of teacher education (candidacy).
6.	Satisfactory completion of APTT.

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 required grade-point averages drop below 2.5.

MINIMUM PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of the following minimum requirements qualify the student for Class B Certification valid for five years.

1.	Satisfactory completion of a program approved by the State Board of Education with at least a 2.5 grade-point average on a four-point scale on all work attempted, at least 2.5 grade-point average on all work attempted (and no grade below “C”) in professional teacher education, and at least a 2.5 grade-point average on all work attempted in the teaching specialization(s).
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 course in student teaching.
4.	A minimum of 32 of the last 45 semester hours of work must be earned in residence at this University.
5.	A junior college graduate can transfer no more than 64 semester hours toward the bachelor’s degree requirements.
6.	A satisfactory score on a comprehensive examination covering the Teaching Field(s) and Professional Education.
7.	A passing score on the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT).

RECOMMENDATION FOR CERTIFICATION

The Associate Dean 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 State Department of Education will be recommended for Class B Professional Certificate.

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 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.

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

Students are asked to request a worksheet for their particular programs at the Education Certification and Student Services Office, UCOM 3020. Each student should have a worksheet for their own review even though a copy will be available in the student’s folder in the above-named office.

ACCREDITATION, APPROVALS, AND SERVICES

Programs in the College of Education are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), approved by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), approved by the Interstate Reciprocity Compact (IRC), and approved by the Alabama State Board of Education.

Upon satisfactory completion of an approved program of study and upon recommendation of the Associate Dean 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, almost all State Departments of Education have reciprocal agreements for issuing certificates to graduates of NCATE-accredited institutions.

Students in colleges other than the College of Education are encouraged to take courses in Education and Educational Psychology for acquiring understanding of teaching as a profession and of human growth and development. They are eligible to take any course in the College of Education for which they have the prerequisites.

DUAL-OBJECTIVES PROGRAM

Students in other colleges of the University wishing to complete requirements for graduation in an academic department and also to satisfy the degree requirements of the College of Education may follow the dual-objectives program.

A student choosing the dual-objectives program will be assigned an advisor in the academic department in which he is enrolled. The student is urged to maintain contact with the appropriate department in the College of Education for program information.

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: general studies, humanistic and behavioral studies, professional teacher education (including the internship), and teaching specialization.

THE TEACHER EDUCATION EXIT EXAMINATION AND ALABAMA PROSPECTIVE TEACHER TEST(S)

Students under the current state standards must pass satisfactorily the tests mentioned above if they are to be certified by the Alabama State Department of Education. Dates these tests will be administered are announced in advance. Application forms for the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test may be obtained from the Education Certification and Student Services Office, UCOM 3020. 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 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’s degree. In addition, students seeking teacher certification or Sport Injury Management (NATA Certification) must have a 2.5 grade-point average on all work attempted in the teaching specialization, in professional teacher education, and a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 on all work attempted (including transfer work).

GRADE-POINT AVERAGE (GPA) DEFICIENCY

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.

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 Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Administration, Educational Media, Elementary Education, Health Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education, and to the Master of Science degree in Community Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, Instructional Design and Development, and Exercise Technology.

The College of Education offers an Educational Specialist degree leading to AA Certification, in Alabama, in the following areas: Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Administration, Educational Media, Elementary Education, Health Education, Physical 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

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.

Academic Regulations

All degree programs require a minimum of 33 semester hours of approved course work of which 24 hours must be at 500-level or above.

A minimum overall 3.0 GPA on all work attempted for Master’s Degree programs 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 five 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 will 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.

Apply for Graduation. See University Calendar for deadline dates. Apply two semesters in advance in the Registrar’s Office, AD 165.

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.

ACCREDITATION AND APPROVALS

TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Master of Education degree programs require that students be eligible for the appropriate State of Alabama Class B Professional Certificate. Sixth-year programs require that students be eligible for the appropriate State of Alabama Class A Professional Certificate.

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 $4,000 and waiver of tuition. Fees are paid by the student. In return, twenty clock hours of work 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 $8,000 and waiver of tuition. Fees are paid by the student. In return, twenty clock hours of work are required per week. The awards are made generally before the end of the Spring Semester.

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

TRANSFERRED WORK

(After completion of nine semester hours on USA campus)

A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit from an 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 five years prior to graduation may not be used to meet degree requirements. Transfer request forms are available in UCOM 3020.

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 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 or MAT (must be sent by testing agency to the Registrar).
5.	Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
6.	A copy of a valid Alabama Teaching Certificate.

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.

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 test scores - GRE or MAT (must be sent by testing agency to the Registrar).
5.	Official transcripts from all institutions attended.

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.

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, or equivalent.

The following Alternative Master of Education degree programs are offered: Art Education, Elementary Education, Health Education, Physical 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 as well as the following program criteria:

LEVEL-ONE STATUS

1.	A grade-point average of at least 2.50 (A=4.0) on all college work (undergraduate and graduate) taken prior to admission.
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.
3.	Official test scores - GRE or MAT (must be sent by testing agency to the Registrar).

NOTE: Students in alternative master’s programs are limited to a maximum of 18 semester hours of degree course work prior to achieving Level-Two status.

LEVEL-TWO STATUS

1.	Completion of all Level-One Status requirements (above).
2.	Regular Admission in the Graduate School.

COMPLETION OF A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Master of Education Programs

Successful completion of the following minimum requirements 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 examination including the teaching field, humanistic and behavioral studies, curriculum and teaching, and evaluation of teaching and learning.
	3.	Satisfactory performance as a teacher. (Not required of students in the alternative master’s degree program.)
B.	Programs for Instructional Support Personnel:
	1.	A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on all work attempted in the graduate program.
	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.	A minimum of 80% of the curriculum in each area of specialization must be taken in work approved for graduate students.

Educational Specialist Degree Programs

Successful completion of the following minimum requirements qualifies the student for Class AA Certification.

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.	Satisfactory performance in the area of specialization (2 years).

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 or fields 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.

Normally, the comprehensive examination is taken during the semester in which the student completes his degree requirements. 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 given in any semester will not be accepted after the last day of the first week of classes.

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, 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, Educational Administration, Elementary Education, Health Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

The requirements for admission to the Program are as follows:

1.	The applicant shall have successfully completed a fifth-year program in the same teaching area in which the sixth-year program is sought (except in Special Education);
2.	Shall have a Master’s degree from an accredited institution, an appreciate certification; and
3.	Shall have at least one year’s successful experience as a teacher in the area of specialization in which the sixth-year program is sought, except in Special Education.

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 will 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 an 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 five years old may not be used to meet degree requirements. Transfer request forms are available in UCOM 3020.

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: Early Childhood Education; Educational Media; Elementary Education; Health Education; Physical Education; Secondary Education and 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 reaches suitable agreements with the appropriate public school system. A Project Report in standard form is required.

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.

The program consists of components in instructional systems design, instructional technology, learning theory, and research and evaluation. Program emphases are: applying instructional systems design procedures in educational program development; developing instructional models for a variety of subject matter areas and educational settings; matching instructional strategies to student learning styles; evaluating, selecting, and integrating new technologies into instructional systems; and utilizing formative and summative evaluation and research in the development and improvement of instructional systems. Graduates of the program will be prepared to function in school districts, colleges and universities, business and industry, health care organizations, and the military with responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Applicants must have earned the master’s degree before being considered for admission to the program. Students who will complete the master’s degree before matriculation to the doctoral program are eligible for admission contingent upon receipt of a final transcript from an accredited institution showing a degree and date of graduation. Persons with deficiencies in instructional design, technology, and other program areas will be required to complete necessary course work. This course work is available in the University.

The College of Education Graduate Admissions Committee is responsible for reviewing the qualifications of all applicants and conducting interviews of prospective candidates. The Committee will select the most highly qualified candidates to be considered for admission to the program. A positive effort will be made to identify and recruit minority students into the program. The following must be on file for an applicant to be considered.

1.	A completed application for admission to the Graduate School.
2.	Official GRE scores sent by the testing agency to the Registrar.
3.	Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
4.	A written statement of the applicant’s career goal(s) and purpose(s) for pursuing the Ph.D. program in Instructional Design and Development.
5.	Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or professional abilities.

The admission decision involves evaluation of the following: the grade-point average on undergraduate and graduate course work; scores on the GRE; interviews; letters of recommendation; professional experience; the applicant’s statement of purpose; and the program’s enrollment. Final decisions regarding admission will be based on the applicant’s personal and professional qualifications as well as the program’s ability to accommodate additional doctoral students. Upon acceptance by the College of Education, the applicant will be recommended to the Dean of the Graduate School for admission. The Dean of the Graduate School will make the final admission decision and notify all applicants in writing of the disposition of their applications.

Requests for application blanks for admission should be addressed to the Office of Admissions, Administration Building, Room 182, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002 (Telephone: (251)460-6141 or 1-(800)872-5247).

Information about the Ph.D. program in Instructional Design and Development should be requested from the Director of Graduate Studies, College of Education, the University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002 (Telephone: (251)380-2738).

All documents for admission review (transcripts, test scores or letters of recommendation) must be official, i.e., mailed from the home institutions or testing agency directly to the Office of Admissions at the address above. Documents become the property of the University of South Alabama.

PROGRAM

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Instructional Design and Development is designed to provide persons with skills required in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs in a variety of educational settings. The program consists of four major components:

1.	the instructional design and development foundation core;
2.	research methods and statistics;
3.	area of concentration; and
4.	completion of a dissertation.

A minimum of 82 semester hours of approved graduate course work is required in the program. Appropriate course work taken at the master’s level and beyond may be used to meet this requirement. A minimum of 40 semester hours of course work must be completed at the University after admission to the doctoral program. Refer to the doctoral handbook for specific requirements.

The requirements for each of the components in the program in instructional design and development are described below. (Any additional requirements will be determined by the student’s doctoral advisory committee.)

Instructional Design and Development Foundation Core (40 hours minimum)

The Instructional Design and Development Foundation Area includes course work in instructional systems design, instructional technology, learning theory, performance technology, and courseware development. Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in all Foundation areas in written and performance examinations and will complete successfully a supervised field internship in a selected instructional setting.

Research Methods/Statistics (18 hours min.)

Research course work and experiences are designed to prepare students to produce and apply knowledge in the field of instructional design and development. Emphasis is given to:

1.	conceptualizing research/evaluation models appropriate for different instructional settings;
2.	applying basic assessment techniques to instructional environments; and
3.	performing basic and applied research in order to develop and improve instructional systems. Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in research methods and statistics on written and performance examinations.

Research Seminar

Students will be in continuous enrollment in a dissertation research seminar (IDE 710/ 799) from admission to the program until graduation. From the point of admission to the doctoral program until candidacy, students will enroll each academic term for one semester hour of IDE 710, Research Seminar. Doctoral students must enroll in the Research Seminar even if they are not taking any other courses. After admission to candidacy and until graduation, students must enroll each academic term for a minimum of one semester hour of IDE 799, Research and Dissertation. Failure to enroll during any semester will result in a student being removed from the program. Students who voluntarily withdraw from the program may be considered for readmission. The student will be reviewed by the readmissions committee under standards in effect at the time the student applies for readmission. The student will need to demonstrate that they are current with the research literature in the field. This will require additional work on the part of the candidate. A minimum of nine hours of dissertation credit is required.

Supporting Course Work (12 hours minimum)

Course work to support the proposed doctoral program is available from several academic divisions of the University. Course work is selected with the approval of the student’s doctoral advisory committee.

Dissertation (9 hours minimum)

A dissertation is required of all candidates for the Ph.D. degree. The dissertation will involve independent, original research and creative effort. It should make a significant contribution to the field of knowledge in instructional design and development. The student’s major professor and advisory committee will be responsible for supervising the dissertation research and for recommending approval of the dissertation to the Graduate School. The candidate will be required to complete an oral defense of the dissertation before the Graduate faculty. For additional information and guidance on the technical aspect of the dissertation, please see the Graduate Section of this Bulletin and the University’s current edition of A Guide for Preparing Theses and Dissertations.

RESIDENCY

Students in the program will complete a minimum of one year of residency during their doctoral studies. Residency is defined as enrollment as a full-time student for a period of three consecutive semesters, including summer, or completing a minimum of 21 semester hours in one academic year. Residency is a requirement for admission to candidacy.

EXAMINATIONS

Doctoral students are required to successfully complete three major examinations before admission to candidacy.

Measurement/Research/Statistics Examination

The Measurement/Research/Statistics Examination is a one day examination consisting of a written portion and the analysis of a data set using a computer program of the student’s choice. The purpose of the examination is to verify that the student has developed an understanding of research and statistical skills.

Instructional Computing and Media Examination

The Instructional Computing and Media Examination is a portfolio examination (i.e., the student must show examples of completed work). The purpose of the examination is to verify that the student has achieved mastery in the use of the computer and associated media.

Qualifying Examination

The Qualifying Examination is a two day written and oral examination. The purpose of the written portion is to assure that all Instructional Design and Development candidates are prepared in the foundation areas of the discipline. The two hour oral examination is intended to review and extend the topics covered in the written parts of the examination.

CANDIDACY

Students will be admitted to candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design and Development after successful completion of the following program requirements:

1.	doctoral advisory committee appointed;
2.	program of studies established;
3.	residency established;
4.	Measurement/Research/Statistics Examination completed;
5.	Instructional Computing and Media Examination completed;
6.	ID & D Qualifying Examination completed; and
7.	dissertation topic approved.

TIME LIMIT

Students will have seven years from the date of admission to the doctoral program to complete all requirements for the degree. This limit may be extended for a defined period of time with approval of the advisory committee, Director of Graduate Studies, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

TRANSFER CREDIT

Graduate credit earned at an approved graduate school may be transferred to the University of South Alabama; however, no prior commitments will be made by the Graduate School or the College of Education concerning approval of the course work to meet requirements in the Ph.D. program in Instructional Design and Development. Recommendations concerning transfer credit will be made by the doctoral advisory committee in light of a student’s total program of study. All proposed transfer credit must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School. Students in the doctoral program must complete a minimum of 40 semester hours at the University of South Alabama after admission to the doctoral program.