COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
1997-1998 Bulletin Information |
For current bulletin information see www.southalabama.edu/bulletin |
Dean: George E. Uhlig (460-6205)
Associate Dean: Thomas L. Chilton
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research: William F. Gilley
| Departments of Instruction | |
| Behavior Studies and Educational
Technology Curriculum and Instruction Education Leadership and Foundations Health, Physical Education and Leisure Studies Special 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 early childhood education and elementary education, middle- and high-school education; special education, and N-12 programs. Offerings in educational psychology; foundations of education; health, physical education and leisure services, 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 48 hours of the last 64 quarter hours as a student at
the University of South Alabama.
ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
All students (freshmen, external transfers, and internal transfers) seeking admission to
the College of Education must submit official college entrance examination scores for
counseling, advising and evaluation purposes.
FRESHMAN ADMISSION
All first-time freshmen who meet the University admission requirements are eligible for
admission into the College of Education.
TRANSFER ADMISSION
Full Standing
All transfer students (external and internal) with an ACT score of 19 (SAT of 800) or above are admitted to full standing in the College of Education.
Conditional Standing
Students with an ACT score of less than 19 (SAT of 800) may be admitted conditionally into the College of Education. All students (new admission, readmission or change of major) admitted CONDITIONALLY to the College of Education are BLOCKED from REGISTRATION until the Conditional Admission Qualifying Plan is completed and approved by the academic department. Students in conditional standing will be eligible for full standing at the end of the FIRST QUARTER of their enrollment if the following requirements have been met:
Students who do not complete the above two requirements may be granted ONE ADDITIONAL QUARTER to meet the requirements. The overall GPA for both quarters will be used for the GPA requirement. No student may remain in conditional standing for more than one quarter without the permission of the Office of the Dean of the College.
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 or complete two approved
teaching specializations. Those preparing to teach in the early childhood and elementary
school concentrate on subject matter relevant to the elementary school curriculum while
completing general requirements in the liberal arts. Those preparing for teaching 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. Some are single concentration programs, some require two teaching majors, and some are composite programs. Prospective high-school (grades 7-12) and middle-school (4-8) teachers must complete two academic areas unless they choose a composite major (such as general science, language arts, mathematics, or social studies).
MINIMUM GENERAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS
(90 hours)
See individual departments for additional or specific requirements.
| Humanities EH 101, 102 8 hours; Literature 8 hours; Art/Music/ Drama 4 hours; SPA 290/CA 4 hours. Natural and Physical Science 20 hours (Including Mathematics) Must include a natural science, a physical science, and a Mathematics course. Social Sciences Must include one course in Economics, one course in History, and remaining courses from HY, PSC, ECO, SY, PSY, GEO, AN, PHL. Educational Technology Health and Physical Education Must include PE 100 and three (3) one-hour activity courses. Electives |
24 hours |
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 16 quarter 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.
Students must make a written application for admission to a teacher education program during the quarter immediately following the completion of 90 quarter hours of credit. Courses in progress during the quarter 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:
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO TEACHER
EDUCATION CANDIDACY
REQUIREMENTS FOR
ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING
Admission to student teaching requires that the applicant:
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING
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 qualifies the student for
Class B certification valid for eight years.
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.
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, ILB 120. 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 THE BST
(CMEE) OR STATE CANDIDACY ADMISSION 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 BST
(CMEE) or State Candidacy Admission test(s) may be obtained from the Education
Certification and Student Services Office, ILB 120. 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 Leadership, Educational Media,
Elementary Education, Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services, Secondary
Education, and Special Education, and to the Master of Science degree in Community
Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, Instructional Design and Development, Exercise
Technology, Therapeutic Recreation, and Recreation and Parks Administration.
Educational Specialist degree programs of study are offered in Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, 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.
Programs of study leading to the Alabama Class A and Class AA Professional Certificates are available in appropriate areas.
INFORMATION ON GENERAL PROGRAM
Academic Regulations
Student Responsibilities
ACCREDITATION AND APPROVALS
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.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
Master of Education degree programs require that students be eligible for the appropriate
State of Alabama Class B Professional Certificate or possess its equivalent. Sixth-year
programs require that students be eligible for the appropriate State of Alabama Class A
Professional Certificate or possess its equivalent. Exceptions to the above are permitted
in programs in which prior certification is not required.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
A foreign language is not required for graduate programs in the College of Education.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
Graduate assistantships are awarded on an annual basis and are granted for the Fall,
Winter, and Spring Quarters. The stipend for the three quarters is $4,000 and waiver of
tuition. Fees are paid by the student. In return, twelve-twenty clock hours of work are
required per week. The awards are made generally before the end of the Spring Quarter.
Application forms can be secured by a request addressed to Director, Graduate Studies, College of Education.
Transferred Work
(After completion of 12 quarter hours on USA campus)
A maximum of twelve quarter 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.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Graduate programs of study in the College of Education are designed to bring professional
practitioners to a more expert level in the specific area of their professional practices,
and to extend their range of skills as a student of that practice. For a smaller number of
students, the programs are designed to enable those so qualified to go on to advanced
graduate study.
The following assumptions have guided deliberations in designing graduate programs of study.
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.
The following Master of Education degree programs are offered: Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Media, Elementary Education, Health Education, Physical Education, School Psychometry, Secondary Education, and Special Education.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Students are admitted each quarter. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School
criteria (see Categories of Admission in the general section of this Bulletin):
REGULAR ADMISSION
NOTE: Appropriate test score(s) are required for admission to candidacy in a Teacher Education Program. Test scores may not be more than five years old. (See Requirements for Candidacy.)
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.
NOTE: Appropriate test score(s) are required for admission to candidacy in a Teacher Education Program. Test scores may not be more than five years old. (See Requirements for Candidacy.)
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.
The following Master of Science degree programs are offered: Community Counseling, Exercise Technology, Instructional Design, Recreation and Parks Administration, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Therapeutic Recreation.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Students are admitted each quarter. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School
criteria (see Categories of Admission in the general section of this Bulletin):
REGULAR ADMISSION
NOTE: Appropriate test score(s) are required for admission to candidacy in a Teacher Education Program. Test scores may not be more than five years old. (See Requirements for Candidacy.)
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.
NOTE: Appropriate test score(s) are required for admission to candidacy in a Teacher Education Program. Test scores may not be more than five years old. (See Requirements for Candidacy.)
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 major
concentration. Supporting courses are developed for 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, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Education, Music Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Students are admitted each quarter. 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
NOTE: Students in alternative master's programs are limited to a maximum of 24 quarter hours of degree course work prior to achieving Level-Two status.
LEVEL-TWO STATUS
NOTE: Level-Two Status is required for Admission to
Candidacy in a Teacher Education Program.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST DEGREE PROGRAMS
The programs for the Educational Specialist degree are designed for professional educators
who desire increased competence in their fields of specialization. The programs are viewed
as an extension of professional training beyond the master's level with greater
concentration in the chosen area of specialization. The programs consist of two basic
components: the major field and supporting course work. The major is divided into a common
core and an area of specialization. The area of specialization consists of education
courses appropriate to the student's interests and objectives. The programs lead to the
Alabama Class AA Certificate, or equivalent.
The following Educational Specialist degree programs are offered: Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Media, Elementary Education, Health Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Students are admitted each quarter. Admission to the program requires:
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE PROGRAM
The College of Education offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Instructional Design and
Development. Information about degree and admission requirements are presented in this
section.
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS
The University of South Alabama participates in a cooperative doctoral program with Auburn
University to provide programs leading to the Doctor of Education degree in Adult and
Vocational Education, Counselor Education, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education,
and Secondary Education. Applications for admission to the program should be submitted to
Dean of the Graduate School, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY
Students must make a written application for admission to Candidacy in a graduate program
after the completion of 12 but not more than 24 quarter hours. IDE 510 is required for
candidacy in all Master's degree programs. Candidacy requires:
Master of Science Degree Programs
Information concerning specific departmental requirements for admission to Candidacy
should be requested from the chair of the major department. Approval will depend on the
following:
Master of Education Degree Programs
A. Programs for Teachers:
B. Programs for Instructional Support Personnel:
Educational Specialist Degree Programs
A. Programs for Teachers:
B. Programs for Instructional Support Personnel:
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:
B. Programs for Instructional Support Personnel*:
*Counselor, Media Specialist, Principal, Psychometrist, Superintendent, and Supervisor.
Educational Specialist Degree Programs
Successful completion of the following minimum requirements qualifies the student for
Class AA certification.
A. Program for Teachers:
B. Programs for Instructional Support Personnel*:
*Counselor, Media Specialist, Principal, Psychometrist, Superintendent, and Supervisor.
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 quarter. The
student is responsible for ascertaining the date and time of the examination.
Normally, the comprehensive examination is taken during the quarter in which the student completes his degree requirements. The examination is given at least two weeks before the end of the quarter, and the result is reported to the Director of Graduate Studies, College of Education. Applications for the comprehensive examination given in any quarter 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 designed for teachers. Its primary focus is on teaching its
theoretical base, its structure, and its evaluation. Programs for certification are
offered in Early Childhood Education, Educational Media, Elementary Education, Health,
Middle School Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
The candidate achieves the general objectives of the Instructional Specialist Program by:
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; (2) shall have a Master's degree from an accredited
institution; 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.
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 12 quarter hours on USA campus)
A maximum of twelve quarter 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 ILB 103.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM
The Program for the Instructional Specialist is organized around the following Program
components.
COURSE WORK - INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST
Core Courses
IDE 640 Instructional Development
IDE 650 Instructional Techniques
IDE 660 Program Research and Evaluation
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
12-16 hours of course work approved by the student's advisor and department in the
following areas of specialization:
Early Childhood Education
Middle School Education
Physical Education
Educational Media
Special Education
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Health Education
Refer to the department concerned for specific requirements for each area of specialization.
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.
Application for admission to the program should be made to the Dean of the Graduate School. The following information must be on file with the University of South Alabama Graduate School before admission to the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Instructional
Design and Development will be considered. Applications for admission to the Ph.D. program are reviewed throughout the year.
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 qualified minority students into the program.
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: (334)460-6141; the toll-free number for the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee is 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, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002 (Telephone: (334)460-6205).
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 area; (2)
research methods and statistics; (3) supporting course work; and (4) completion of a
dissertation.
A minimum of 120 quarter 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 60 quarter hours of course work must be completed at the University after admission to the doctoral program. The following chart indicates the minimum course work required for the various program components.
| Instructional Design and 64-72 hours Development Foundation Area Research Methods/Statistics 20-28 hours Supporting Course Work 12-24 hours Dissertation 12 hours minimum |
|
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 Area (64-72 hours)
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.
(Foundation course work is listed under the Instructional Systems Design category in the
Department of Behavioral Studies and Educational Technology.)
Research Methods/Statistics (20-28 hours)
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 quarter
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 two quarter hours of
IDE 799, Research and Dissertation, to continue their seminar participation. A minimum of
12 hours of dissertation credit is required.
Supporting Course Work (12-24 hours)
Course work to support the proposed doctoral program is available from several academic
divisions of the University. Supporting course work is used: (1) to strengthen other
program components by providing more breadth and depth in curricular areas; (2) to
overcome deficiencies or gaps in a student's academic background; and (3) to allow
students access to a concentration of course work to support a career interest. Course
work is selected with the approval of the student's doctoral advisory committee.
Dissertation (12 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 this Bulletin and the University's current edition
of A Guide for Preparing Theses and Dissertations.
DOCTORAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The purpose of the doctoral advisory committee is to guide the student throughout the
program. The committee will consist of at least four graduate faculty members, two of whom
must be full members of the graduate faculty. The student's major professor, who must be a
full member of the graduate faculty, will serve as chair of the committee. The student
will confer with the major professor and the Director of Graduate Studies, College of
Education, to identify and recommend additional doctoral faculty to serve on the advisory
committee. The Dean of the Graduate School will make the formal appointment of the
committee and chair.
Students may select qualified individuals from outside the College of Education and the University to serve on their committee with the concurrence of the major professor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and Dean of the Graduate School. Before selecting outside committee members, the student should consider the time and meeting requirements these individuals will be required to keep. Having an individual outside the University may impose restraints on the student's ability to complete the program in a timely manner.
The major professor will work with the student to develop a tentative plan of study early in the program. A formal plan of study must be submitted to the full doctoral advisory committee and the Director of Graduate Studies as a requirement for admission to candidacy for the degree. Plans may be revised during the course of the program with approval of the doctoral advisory committee and the Director of Graduate Studies. Other duties of the committee will include: assisting the student in understanding the requirements and regulations governing the degree program; monitoring the residency and other program requirements; conducting written and oral examinations; discussing and approving the dissertation prospectus; supervising and approving the dissertation; and certifying to the Dean of the Graduate School that degree requirements have been met.
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 four consecutive quarters, including summer, or completing a minimum of 36 quarter
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 three 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 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.
Candidacy for the degree is the final phase of the program. This phase is the period during which the candidate develops as an independent researcher. The candidate pursues research objectives under the guidance of the major professor. This work must be original, independent, and exhibit scientific merit. The student must write a dissertation acceptable to all members of their doctoral advisory committee and defend the dissertation before the graduate faculty.
TIME LIMIT
Students will have eight 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 60 quarter hours at the University of South Alabama after
admission to the doctoral program.
MAJOR PROFESSOR
A doctoral advisor will be appointed for each student at the point of admission to the
doctoral program. The doctoral advisor will serve as the student's major professor and
will be responsible for orienting the student to doctoral study, counseling in selection
of preliminary course work, and assisting in the formation of a doctoral advisory
committee. Each doctoral student will work closely with the major professor throughout the
doctoral program.