School of Education (MA and M.Ed.)

Course and Program Listings

Master of Arts Programs

Statement of Purpose

The Master of Arts offered through the School of Education leads to Class A certification in the areas of early childhood and/or elementary education. An alternative certification program is available in early childhood education or elementary education. Alternative certifications apply only to persons who have completed baccalaureate degrees in non-education programs from accredited colleges or universities.

The goal of the programs is to prepare scholars whose professional roles will include the achievement of knowledge, the improvement of practices in their professions, and effective leadership. Studies in the area of curriculum and teaching, humanistic and behavioral studies, and evaluation of teaching and learning have been designed as a common curriculum core for each of the degree audits. Specific objectives of the program are to:

Introduce students to methods of scholarly research;
Contribute to increased competency in teaching;
Provide and promote the spirit as well as the methods of creative work in educational, social, and spiritual maturation;
Offer a liberal education with sufficient opportunities in specialized education to prepare students to serve with professional competence in various careers; and
Furnish a sound basis for further graduate study.

Criteria for Admission

A student seeking admission to graduate study should address all inquiries to the office of graduate programs. The completed application and supporting documents should be received at least three weeks prior to the date on which the student wishes to enter. Applicants for the Alternative Class A certification should see the appropriate program section of this catalog for specific requirements. Applicants may be admitted in one of the following categories.

Unconditional Admission

To qualify for unconditional admission, the student must:

Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
File the application for admission to the office of graduate programs and furnish the various materials listed in the instructions;
Pay a non-refundable application fee;
Furnish two official transcripts from each institution attended, showing all credits previously earned;
Have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
Provide a copy of teaching certificate (for traditional master’s program only-not applicable for Alt. A);
A student entering the Master of Arts program after earning a Class B teaching certificate has only ONE semester (maximum of 6 hours) to provide a copy of his or her Class B teaching certificate to stay enrolled;
A student seeking Alternative Class A certification must successfully complete the appropriate Praxis II content knowledge test within the first 12 hours of coursework; and
Provide proof (suitability letter) of fingerprint clearance (ABI and FBI) from the Alabama State Department of Education (first semester of coursework).

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission may be granted to an applicant who has an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.

A student seeking a master’s degree in early childhood education and/or elementary education may be considered for unconditional admission after the completion of twelve semester hours of approved graduate work at the University of Mobile with a “B” or better in those courses, a recommendation from the graduate advisor, a valid Alabama teaching certificate, and fingerprint clearance. A student seeking an alternative A certification in early childhood education or elementary education may be considered for unconditional admission after the completion of twelve semester hours of approved graduate work at the University of Mobile with a “B” or better in those courses, a recommendation from the graduate advisor, passing scores on the appropriate Praxis II content knowledge exam, all completed within first twelve graduate semester hours.

A student who is granted conditional or unconditional admission must provide proof (suitability letter) of fingerprint clearance (ABI and FBI) from the Alabama State Department of Education within the first semester of coursework.

A student who is granted conditional or unconditional admission is expected to make grades of “B” or higher and maintain an overall 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale on all graduate courses. A student who falls below the requirement (3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale) will be subject to dismissal from the program.

Appeals may be made to the vice president for academic affairs, the dean of the School of Education, and the area graduate faculty.

A maximum limit of FOUR courses may be taken prior to unconditional admission into a program leading to Class A certification.

Readmission

A student returning after not being registered for one or more regular terms (fall or spring) must re-enter in the graduate program currently in effect.

Eligibility Criteria for Master of Arts in Elementary Education and/or Early Childhood Education

Students planning to complete a teacher education program should be aware of various state laws and regulations governing teacher certification. Although the administration of the University of Mobile attempts to incorporate all such laws and regulations within the programs described in this catalog, there always exists the possibility that the State Board of Education will take action on teacher certification matters after the catalog has been published. Students are encouraged to discuss teacher certification with their advisors on a regular basis.

Alternative Certification Program for Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education

The University of Mobile offers alternative certification graduate programs leading to Class A certification in early childhood education or elementary education. This program is available for students with baccalaureate degrees who are seeking certification in early childhood or elementary education. Baccalaureate degrees must be from regionally accredited institutions of higher education and students must have earned a 2.75 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale in their overall undergraduate coursework.

Unconditional Admission

Students seeking alternative A certification in early childhood education or elementary education must:

Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
File the application for admission to the office of graduate programs and furnish the various materials listed in the instructions;
Pay a non-refundable application fee;
Furnish two official transcripts from each institution attended, showing all credits previously earned;
Have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale;
Submit satisfactory official report of test scores on the appropriate Praxis II content knowledge exam. Passing scores on these tests must be submitted within the first twelve hours of enrollment;
Provide proof (suitability letter) of fingerprint clearance (ABI and FBI) from the Alabama State Department of Education (required first semester of coursework).

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission may be granted to an applicant who has an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.

A student seeking an alternative A certification in early childhood education or elementary eduation may be considered for unconditional admission after the completion of twelve semester hours of approved graduate work at the University of Mobile with a “B” or better in those courses, a recommendation from the graduate advisor, passing scores on the appropriate Praxis II content knowledge exam, all completed within first twelve graduate semester hours. Proof (suitability letter) of fingerprint clearance (ABI and FBI) must be provided within the first semester of coursework.

Fingerprinting

Prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program, students’ fingerprints must be submitted for approval. The fingerprints will be checked by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If one has ever been “arrested for, convicted of, or entered a plea of no contest to a felony or misdemeanor other than a minor traffic violation,” the record will be reviewed by the State Superintendent of the Department of Education prior to issuance of a teaching certificate.

Master of Education Programs

Master of Education in Instructional Leadership (P-12) (Pending SACSCOC approval)

The Master of Education in Instructional Leadership (P-12) leads to state certification in Instructional Leadership (P-12). The curriculum prepares future superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and central office administrators. The program focuses on preparing individuals who understand the importance of strong ethics, who know how to behave professionally in all settings, who understand good leadership practices, and who are committed to school improvement and student success.

The curriculum is designed to be a five-semester program requiring 30 credit hours of coursework. A reduced credit-hour option of 18 hours is also offered for students who already hold a current Class A state educator certification. The program is delivered in a blended format with online courses, face-to-face field experiences, and face-to-face internships. During the internships, students demonstrate their skill in effective leadership. The field experiences and internships take place in P-12 schools. The goals of the program are to seek to develop educational leaders who:

think reflectively and critically;
possess integrity and strong moral convictions to serve in their chosen profession;
understand the impact that education can have on individuals and society at large;
possess innovative and effective methodologies to affect change;
understand the importance of aollaborating and working with others;
are committed to knowing professional standards and practicing professional ethics;
understand and respect the diversity of all persons;
have a deep awareness of their legal and moral responsibilities;
possess effective nonverbal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Requirements for Unconditional Admission (30-Credit-Hours Program)

The prospective student for the Master of Education in Instructional Leadership (P-12) program must:

Submit a University of Mobile graduate application with processing fee;
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended with degrees posted;
Have earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a previous undergraduate or graduate degree;
*Hold a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate or a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area;
*Provide a criminal history background check;
*Meet one of the following criteria:

Have a minimum of three full years (or six full semesters) of full-time, acceptable professional educational experience in a P-12 setting which must include at least one full year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience; or
Have a valid Alabama professional Educator Certificate endorsed for library media or school counseling, document a minimum of seven full years of full-time employment, in the sam school system, as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting if admitted Spring semester 2022 or thereafter, and provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent.

7. *Submit an admission portfolio prior to an interview. The portfolio must contain the following:

Three letters of recommendation to include the applicant’s principal or supervisor. Each local superintendent will establish requirements for recommendations from the principal and/or supervisor.
Completed copy (all forms) of the most recent performance appraisal to include the professional development component, if available.
Evidence of ability to improve student achievement.
Evidence of leadership and management potential, includng evidence of most recent accomplishments in the area of educational leadership.
Summary of candidate’s reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification.
Summary of what the candidate expects from the preparation program.

8. *Pass an interview conducted by a program admissions committtee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher education faculty.

Requirements for Unconditional Admission (Reduced-Hour Option)

The prospective student for the reduced-hour option in Instructional Leadership must:

Submit a University of Mobile graduate application with processing fee;
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended with degrees posted;
Have earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a previous undergraduate or graduate degree;
*Hold a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area;
*Provide a criminal history background check;
*Meet one of the following criteria:

Have a minimum of three full years (or six full semesters) of full-time, acceptable professional educational experience in a P-12 setting which must include at least one full year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience; or
Have a valid Alabama professional Educator Certificate endorsed for library media or school counseling, document a minimum of seven full years of full-time employment, in the same school system, as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting if admitted Spring semester 2022 or thereafter, and provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent.

7. *Submit an admission portfolio prior to an interview. The portfolio must contain the following:

Three letters of recommendation to include the applicant’s principal or supervisor. Each local superintendent will establish requirements for recommendations from the principal and/or supervisor.
Complete copy (all forms) of the most recent performance appraisal to include the professional development component, if available.
Evidence of ability to improve student achievement.
Evidence of leadership and management potential, including evidence of most recent accomplishments in the area of educational leadership.
Summary of candidate’s reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification.
Summary of what the candidate expects from the preparation program.

8. *Pass an interview conducted by a program admissions committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher education faculty.

*Taken directly from Section 290-3-3-.47 of the Rules of the Alabama State Board of Education

Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology (Non-Certification)

The Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology is intended for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education documented on an official transcript from the degree-granting institution. Individuals majoring in Instructional Design and Technology wish to increase their understanding of the role of technology and its appropriate use in the support of student learning and ways technology can be used in learning, training, and teaching at the corporate level.

With the Instructional Design and Technology degree, education and corporate professionals are provided an opportunity to obtain a broad understanding and application of current and emerging technology, adult learning theory, distance learning, instructional design, and assistive technology. The master’s in Instructional Design and Technology will prepare candidates with such skills for professional settings that include P-12 schools, government, higher education, healthcare management, business, and industry.

Program Objectives:

Evaluate and apply current practices in course, program, and training development using effective instructional design in a variety of instructional situations.
Assess and utilize a range of effective technologies in support of all types of learners’ success.
Investigate the advancement of future technologies in education and training on the global level.
Apply the skills and knowledge required in the use of multimedia application in the development of training and learning activities.

Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Policy (Non-Certification)

The Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Policy program is designed to develop and enrich knowledge and skills in the area of higher education. A master’s in Higher Education Leadership and Policy teaches communication skills required of today’s leaders in higher education and examines practices, policies, and current issues in higher education. This program enables students to advance in educational services and leadership and attain a deep insight into the history and theory that shaped higher education in the United States. This program will NOT lead to Alabama Certification in Educational Leadership for P-12 school administrators.

Students will gain knowledge in:

how to evaluate and implement strategies based on data and research that further the mission, vision, and strategic goals for a college/university setting;
design, develop, and evaluate programs for addressing the needs of an increasingly diverse college/university student;
critically evaluate the historic and social context of higher education as it influences and is influenced by national, local, and institutional policy;
assess and develop processes for maintaining compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards (national, regional, state, and local);
Apply strategies for facilitating communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the institution.

Master of Education in Early Child Development (Non-Certification)

The Master of Education in Early Child Development is designed to meet the growing need for Pre-K programs in private, religious, or federal sites. The State of Alabama First Class Pre-K program or Office of School Readiness (OSR) will be opening new sites and urging students to consider this career field while earning a competitive salary. Federal Head Start programs now require lead teachers to have an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree; therefore, the master’s in Early Child Development is a perfect fit.

Program Objectives:

Identifies various theories of child guidance and the practical application of these theories;
Investigates developmentally appropriate methods for guiding young children;
Explores positive discipline strategies for managing young children;
Investigates family involvement and cultural influences in helping children become self-responsible, competent, independent, and cooperative learners;
Identifies effective leadership skills in managing early childhood programs.