Program Overview

Alternative Class A Program

The University of West Alabama offers the Alternative Class A Program for those individuals who have completed a non-teaching degree or for individuals who want to change teaching areas. Candidates must have a baccalaureate or higher degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 in order to be admitted. This program will enable students to receive a master's degree in education as well as master's level certification.

Program Requirements

The continuum of Field Experiences required in UWA's programs includes experiences in P-12 settings and culminates in an internship during the final semester. Students must also complete at least four seminars, as well as any necessary training sessions, which are available fully online with no on-campus time required.

Admission Requirements

The requirements for unconditional admission to the Alternative A Program and to the Teacher Education Program must be met prior to issuance of the program work-sheet and enrolling in any course work. The admission requirements for the Alternative A Program include:

• A bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA
• Passing Praxis II score in the area of certification being pursued
• Fingerprint clearance on file
• For Elementary Education, Early Childhood, Special Education K-6, and/or Special Education 6-12 majors, verification of completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours of acceptable credit earned in the area of English Language Arts at the undergraduate level
  • These courses are verified upon review of all official transcripts

Special Considerations

• Candidates with a 2.74-2.00 GPA may appeal to the Dean to be allowed admission to the Alternative A program
• If a student has a bachelor's degree with a 2.49 GPA, they may be admitted as long as they meet the alternate Praxis II score for their area

Available Programs

Students seeking professional certification may choose one of the following programs for a Master of Education degree:

• Early Childhood Education P-3
• Early Childhood / Elementary Education P-6
• Elementary Education K-6
• Special Education Collaborative Teacher K-6
• Special Education Collaborative Teacher 6-12 Students may also choose one of the following programs for a Master of Education degree or a Master of Arts in Teaching degree:
• Biology
• General Science
• Mathematics
• English Language Arts
• History
• General Social Science
• Physical Education P-12

Program Completion

Completion of the Alternative A program requires a 3.25 GPA in all areas. Upon admission to the Alternative A program, a GPA less than a 3.00 may result in removal of the unconditional admission status to the Teacher Education Program.