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

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.

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 ADMISSIONS
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.

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 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.

MINIMUM GENERAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS (64 Hours)
See individual department for additional or specific general studies requirements.

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

1. The student:

1. declare teaching specializations,
2. take any necessary tests (including those in the communicative skills),
3. submit to any needed evaluations, and
4. 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 the University English Composition requirement (EH 101 or USA 010, and EH 102) and completion of the College of Education speech requirement.
         
7. Satisfactory performance on the College of Education Reading Test (IDE 010) and on the BST (CMEE) or State Candidacy Admission Test(s).
         
8. 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.     
           
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 or student teaching to the Office of Field Services through the advisor at the end of the first month of the final semester of the junior year.
       
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.

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 qualified 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.

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:

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.

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.

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, 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 Leadership, 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, Exercise Technology, Therapeutic Recreation, and Recreation and Parks Administration.

INFORMATION ON GENERAL PROGRAM
Academic Regulations

1. 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.
     
2. 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.
      
3. All requirements for a graduate degree or certification program must be completed within five calendar years from the date of matriculation.

1. 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.
       
2. Apply for Admission to Candidacy (between nine and 18 hours). Applications available in UCOM 3020.
        
3. Apply for Graduation. See University Calendar for deadline dates. Apply two semesters in advance in the Registrar’s Office, AD 165.
       
4. 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
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
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, fifteen-twenty clock hours of work are required per week. The awards are made generally before the end of the Spring Semester.

TRANSFERRED WORK
(After completion of nine semester hours on USA campus)

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.

1. That education, a term often used in the generic sense only, today designates many discrete areas of inquiry and practice.
     
2. That each major degree area seeks to provide a program for persons who will function within a particular part of their profession.
      
3. That graduate study should provide the opportunity for sufficient depth to develop the expertise appropriate for the particular area of function.
      
4. That both sequence and continuity should be important considerations in designing graduate programs.
     
5. That work in areas other than the major should be designed to support the major.
     
6. That flexibility should be a part of the program to allow the individual to capitalize on strengths and to correct weaknesses.
        
7. That the total program should prepare practitioners who are able to function as innovators and leaders in the profession.
       

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. A minimum score of 800 on the Graduate Record Examination (using any two areas) or a minimum score of 40 on the Miller Analogies Test.
       
3. Evidence of having earned as many hours of credit in the subject to be taught as are required in an undergraduate teacher education program.
       
4. Completion of 60 semester hours of approved course work in General Studies.

LEVEL-TWO STATUS

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

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.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Students are admitted each semester. Admission to the program requires:

1. A master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
     
2. State of Alabama Class A Certification in an appropriate field or its equivalent, where required.

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 nine but not more than 18 semester hours. Failure to do so will result in students being blocked from registering for classes. IDE 510 is required for candidacy in all Master’s degree programs. The candidacy exam may not be repeated more than twice. A student will be dismissed from the program after three unsuccessful attempts to pass the examination. Candidacy requires:

1. Must hold Class A Certificate in the instructional support field in which the Educational Specialist’s degree program is sought.
      
2. Two letters of recommendation attesting to successful experience in the instructional support field.
        
3. Copy of valid teaching certificate.

COMPLETION OF A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Master of Education Programs

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 (two years).

EXAMINATIONS
Two types of examinations are available. See departmental sections for departmental option(s).

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 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:

1. Formulating a pragmatic rationale for the design of instruction;
      
2. Demonstrating the skills necessary for implementing varied instructional designs;
       
3. Developing and implementing plans and procedures for field testing and re-cycling instructional prototypes;
       
4. Demonstrating competency in the practice and effective use of a variety of instructional skills;
       
5. Demonstrating an understanding of research literature concerned with instructional skills;
       
6. Developing and applying an evaluation model appropriate to a given population;
        
7. Applying basic assessment techniques and concepts to individual learners and groups;
        
8. Demonstrating consumer as well as applied research skills;
       
9. Developing the specific instructional techniques appropriate to the area of specialization for which certification is sought; and
        
10. Demonstrating the ability to apply the above competencies in a selected instructional setting.

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 sixty-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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM
The Program for the Instructional Specialist is organized around the following Program components.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 24 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.

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 establish;
4. measurement/Research/Statistics Examination completed;
5. Instructional Computing and Media Examination completed;
6. ID & D Qualifying Examination completed; and
7. dissertation topic approved.

THE 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 40 semester 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.

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