College of Education

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dean: Richard L. Hayes (251) 380-2738

Associate Dean of Academic & Financial Affairs: Thomas L. Chilton

Associate Dean for Development & External Affairs: Phillip Feldman

Director of Graduate Studies & Research: Abigail Baxter

Director of Assessment & Evaluation: James P. VanHaneghan

College of Education web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/coe

DEPARTMENTS OF INSTRUCTION

Health, Physical Education and Leisure Studies

Leadership and Teacher Education

Professional Studies

MISSION STATEMENT

Preparing professional educators for lifelong learning through teaching, service, and research.

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

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provide students with quality, accessible undergraduate and graduate professional education

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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.

ACCREDITATION AND APPROVALS

The College of Education at the University of South Alabama is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) 466-7496. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs.

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.

UNDERGRADUATE

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, and special education 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.

UNDERGRADUATE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

In addition to the University Residency Requirements, a student seeking a degree in the College of Education must complete 32 hours of the last 45 semester hours and at least a minimum of 15 hours of upper level course work in the major discipline 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 in the College of Education, and a content area in the College of Arts and Sciences. 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 of Science degree) level in the College.

MINIMUM GENERAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS (64 Hours)

See individual department for additional or specific general studies requirements.

Area I - Written Composition
2 courses EH 101, EH 102	6 hrs
Area II - Humanities and Fine Arts
1 course CA 110	3 hrs
1 course from ARS 101; MUL 101; DRA 110; ARH 100, ARH 103, ARH 123,	3 hrs
ARH 240, ARH 242
1 course from *EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, EH 236	3 hrs
1 course from EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, EH 236; AFR 101;
AIS 105; PHL 110, PHL 121, PHL 131, PHL 231, PHL 240;
LG 111-272; ARS 101; MUL 101; DRA 110; ARH 100,
ARH 103, ARH 123,ARH 240, ARH 242	3 hrs
Area III - Natural Sciences and Math
1 course from MA 110, MA 112, MA 113, MA 115	3 hrs
2 courses from BLY 101, BLY 102; GY 111, GY 112;
CH 101, CH 103, CH 131, CH 132, CH 141; GEO 101, GEO 102;
PH 101,PH 104, PH 114, PH 115, PH 201, PH 202	8 hrs
Area IV - History, Social and Behavioral Sciences
1 course from *HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, HY 136	3 hrs
3 courses from **HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, HY 136; AN 100, AN 101;
GEO 114, GEO 115; SY 109, 112; PSC 130; PSY 120, PSY 250;
ECO 215, ECO 216	9 hrs
** Only one additional History course may be selected from this area.
Area V - Preprofessional, Major and Electives
1 course PE 100 and 1 course from PE 101-PE 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 or History.

Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education majors must take 12 semester hours in each of the following four disciplines: English language arts, mathematics, social sciences and natural sciences. In addition, Elementary and Early Childhood majors must include BLY 101 and BLY 102, and one laboratory science course from CH, GY, or PH.

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 candidate may not enroll in more than five professional studies courses before the candidate has met all criteria for unconditional admission to a teacher education program. The candidate may repeat any of the five courses in which he or she received a grade of "C" or below. 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

Student should 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 to be eligible for candidacy consideration.
4.	The student’s application receives approval from the Student Services and Teacher Education 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 program grade-point average of 2.75 (including transfer work).
3.	A minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in professional teacher education (including transfer work).
4.	A minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in area(s) of teaching specialization(s) (including transfer work).
5.	Completion of EH 101, 102, CA 110, EDM 310, SPE 400, EDF 315/211.
6.	Satisfactory performance on the College of Education Reading Test (IDE 010). Students who are seeking a second Bachelor of Science degree or students with official E-ACT scores of 19 (or higher) on the Reading Component (RD) are exempt from IDE 010.
7.	Satisfactory performance on the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT).
8.	Completion of the dispositions Self Survey and satisfactory completion of a departmental interview designed to provide information on the applicant's personality, dispositions, interests, and aptitudes consistent with the requirements for the successful teaching.
9.	Sufficient physical ability and emotional stability to perform successfully as a teacher. (NOTE: These factors might be covered in the departmental interview.)
10.	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 nontraditional 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 chair of the department in which that student is enrolled.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING

1.	A minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5 on all work attempted at the University of South Alabama.
2.	A minimum program grade-point average of 2.75 (including transfer work).
3.	A minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in professional teacher education (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 2.75 in area(s) of 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 all components of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT).
7.	Satisfactory score on the Praxis II test for teaching field or content area.

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 minimum required program GPA's drop below 2.75, or, the USA transcript GPA drops below 2.50.

MINIMUM PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

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

1.	Satisfactory completion of a program approved by the State Board of Education with a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5 on all work attempted at the University of South Alabama and a minimum program grade-point average of 2.75 (including transfer work), a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in professional teacher education with no grade below "C" (including transfer work), and a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in area(s) of teaching specialization(s) (including transfer work).
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 of Science degree requirements.
6.	A satisfactory score on a comprehensive examination covering the Teaching Field(s) and Professional Education.
7.	A passing score on all areas of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT).
8.	Satisfactory performance on the Alabama Professional Studies Assessment and Praxis II before program completion.

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

Advising sheets are available in the department of your major. Each student will have access to his/her degree audit via PAWS.

APPROVALS AND SERVICES

Upon satisfactory completion of an approved program of study and upon recommendation of the Associate Dean and Certification Officer 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.

DOUBLE MAJOR 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 double major program.

A student choosing the program will be assigned an advisor in the academic department in which he/she is enrolled, and the comparable major program within the College of Education.

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, professional studies in teacher education (including the internship), and teaching specialization. Courses used for one level of certification may not be used again for a higher level certificate.

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 recommended 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 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 (including transfer work) 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 of Science degree. In addition, students seeking teacher certification must have a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5 on all work attempted at the University of South Alabama and a minimum program grade-point average of 2.75 (including transfer work), a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in professional teacher education with no grade below "C" (including transfer work), and a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in area(s) of teaching specialization(s) (including transfer work).

GRADE-POINT AVERAGE (GPA) DEFICIENCY (OVER ALL)

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 the following Alternative Master of Education degree programs leading to the Alabama Class A Certificate, or equivalent, to person who have earned a non-education baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education: Elementary Education, Health Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

The College of Education offers an Educational Specialist degree leading to AA Certification, in Alabama, in the following areas: Early Childhood Education, Educational Administration, 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/Readmission

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. Readmission to some programs in Education (i.e., Educational Administration, Doctoral Program, and some AA/Ed.S. Programs) require review by program faculty.

Academic Regulations

All degree programs require a minimum of 33 semester hours of approved course work of which 21 hours must be at 500-level or above.

A minimum overall 3.0 GPA on all work attempted for Master’s Degree programs (Educational Administration - 3.25, M.Ed.) 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.

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 $6,000 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 $10,000 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: 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. Courses taken to meet deficiencies or prerequisites will count toward this 2.50 minimum GPA. If these courses cause the original admissions GPA to drop below the minimum 2.50, the individual would no longer be eligible to continue in the program. Courses (graduate or undergraduate) taken in graduate status to meet the deficiencies or prerequisites are subject to the Academic Dismissal policy of the Graduate School.
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. (Minimum 32 semester hours/19 semester hours upper level.) Social Science, General Science and English Language Art composite programs require at least one course in each area of the composite program. For example General Science composite program requires course work in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Physics.
3.	Official test scores - GRE or MAT (must be sent by testing agency to the Registrar),
4.	and completion of the APTT ( test scores are sent directly to the Office of Student Services in the College of Education).

Students in alternative master’s programs are limited to specific courses in level-one status. A list of courses that require level-two status can be found with each specific alternative master's program in this Bulletin and on program advising sheets available in the department or advising center.

LEVEL-TWO STATUS

1.	Completion of all Level-One Status requirements (above), including any prerequisites.
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.

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.

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).

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.