Online Alternative Teaching Certification in English (MEd or MAT)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-05-29 | - |
| 2024-07-03 | - |
| 2024-05-15 | - |
| 2024-06-05 | - |
Program Overview
This online alternative teacher certification program prepares individuals for a teaching career in English Language Arts for grades 6-12 in Alabama. It leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (MEd) degree, along with Alabama teaching certification. The program includes a continuum of field experiences in P-12 settings and is designed to enhance the online learning experience through the UWA Mentor Collective program.
Program Outline
It also provides an opportunity for current educators to change their teaching area.
- Eligibility: Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 from a regionally accredited institution or a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
- Field Experiences: The program includes a continuum of field experiences in P-12 settings, culminating in an internship during the final semester.
- Online Learning: The program is fully online, with no on-campus time required. Students participate in at least four seminars and any necessary training sessions online.
- University Reputation: The program is offered by the University of West Alabama, one of Alabama's oldest and most prestigious universities.
Outline:
- Program Length: 2 years
- Credit Hours: 45
- Course Length: 8 weeks
- Course Structure:
- Professional Courses (27 hours):
- ED 500 Foundations of Education (3 credit hours)
- ED 501 Educational Planning (3 credit hours)
- ED 505 Technology and Education (3 credit hours)
- ED 504 OR ED 506 Techniques of Educational Research OR Educational Statistics (1 credit hour)
- EP 500 OR EP 506 Advanced Educational Psychology OR Life-Span Development and Learning (3 credit hours)
- ED 509 Internship in Teaching: P-12 (3 credit hours)
- ED 533 Reading Methods Secondary/P-12 (3 credit hours)
- ED 582 Methods of Teaching Language Arts (3 credit hours)
- SE 500 Introduction to Special Education (3 credit hours)
- Teaching Field Courses (18 hours):
- Advisor-approved electives
- Graduate electives from subjects EH, JN, SH, TH with at least one course in two areas (12 credit hours)
- EH 501 Research in Literary Studies (3 credit hours)
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Teaching career in English Language Arts (ELA) for grades 6-12
- Career advancement in classroom and specialty roles
- Opportunities:
- The program prepares individuals for a teaching career in Alabama.
- It also provides opportunities for career advancement in various educational settings.
Other:
- Mentor Collective Program: The UWA Mentor Collective program enhances the online learning experience by connecting students with mentors. This program helps students understand what to expect in school and allows mentors to build their networks and develop leadership skills.
Graduate tuition is $429 per credit hour. There is a $60 technology fee each semester.
University of West Alabama
Overview:
The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university located in Livingston, Alabama. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online learning opportunities. UWA prides itself on providing a supportive and immersive educational experience with a focus on hands-on learning.
Services Offered:
UWA offers a range of services to support students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, and writing centers.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, and loan programs.Student Life:
Clubs and organizations, Greek life, intramural and varsity athletics, recreational activities, dining options, and comfortable dorms.Health Services:
Health information and resources.Library:
The Julia Tutwiler Library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Technology:
Access to computer labs, wireless internet, and other technology resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWA offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to get involved in a variety of activities. Students can join clubs and organizations, participate in Greek life, compete in intramural and varsity athletics, enjoy recreational activities on the 54-acre lake and in the Livingston area, and take advantage of the various dining options and comfortable dorms.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Small Class Sizes:
UWA boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and a more intimate learning environment.Supportive Faculty:
A high percentage of UWA faculty hold the highest-level degrees in their disciplines, providing students with access to experienced and knowledgeable instructors.Financial Aid Opportunities:
A significant portion of UWA students receive financial aid, making a quality education more accessible.Hands-on Learning:
UWA emphasizes practical experience and real-world application of knowledge.Vibrant Campus Life:
UWA offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and build lasting connections.Academic Programs:
UWA offers a wide range of academic programs across various colleges and divisions, including:
College of Business
College of Education
College of Liberal Arts
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Division of Engineering and Technology
Division of Nursing
School of Graduate Studies
Entry Requirements:
- Unconditional Admission to the Graduate School and the Educator Preparation Program:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA from a regionally accredited institution, or a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.00 GPA.
- A passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam for the field of study.
- Fingerprint Clearance/Background Clearance on file with the Alabama State Department of Education.
- All official transcripts from any university or junior colleges that have been attended.
