College of Education - The University of Alabama - Overview
The College of Education at the University of Alabama
The College of Education at the University of Alabama offers "exemplary" academic programs that help educators gain the expertise needed to become effective decision makers who improve student learning.
It recruits outstanding candidates who are committed to (1) enhancing the educational and social conditions of people in Alabama and around the world and (2) engaging in "socially-responsible," "research-based" practices and policy making.
The college is highly-regarded for its academic programs. In fact, "US News and World Report's" 2011 Best Education Schools guide gives the graduate programs in the College of Education at the University of Alabama a ranking within the top 100 programs of this kind.
Flexible and Convenient Programs
In addition to the traditional graduate programs, the College of Education offers a wide-variety of programs through the Academic Outreach division of the University of Alabama. These programs are designed for individuals -- such as working professionals and distance learners -- who are seeking flexible, convenient, and academically rigorous master's and doctoral programs in education.
Programs are offered in several formats including online courses, Weekend College, Gadsden Education and Research Center, blended format, and videoconferencing.
Master of Arts in Education Programs
The College of Education offers several Master of Arts in Education programs, including the MA in Educational Leadership, MA in Elementary Education, MA in Rehabilitation Counseling, MA in Secondary Education, MA in Special Education, and MA in Higher Education Administration.
The 30-credit MA in Educational Leadership programs prepare individuals for careers as superintendants, principals, curriculum directors, instructional supervisors, and other leadership positions.
MA in Elementary Education
The 30-credit MA in Elementary Education program emphasizes a "contextual basis for learning," especially within dynamic school environments that include a diverse array of learners and educators.
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling
Offered in an online format, the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling consists of 48 credit hours of coursework, including a 6 hour internship. The program, which can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, has accreditation from the Council on Rehabilitation Education.
MA in Secondary Education
The 30-credit MA degree program in secondary education is designed to help experienced teachers advance their instructional expertise and strengthen their decision making skills.
MA in Special Education
Students in the MA in Special Education program may choose from 3 specializations: collaborative K through 6, collaborative 6 through 12, or gifted and talented.
These programs, which require 30 to 39 credit hours, provide teachers with the certifications needed to create specialized instruction that helps students with exceptional learning needs, or gifted and talented students, excel academically.
MA in Higher Education Administration
The Master of Arts in Higher Education is designed for individuals who plan to pursue leadership roles in post-secondary education. This 36-credit hour program is also ideal for current administrators who want to gain greater understanding of the operations of their institutions.
Educational Specialist (EdS) Degree Programs
The Academic Outreach division at the University of Alabama (UA) also offers several post-master's Educational Specialist (EdS) programs that enable teachers and other education professionals to acquire advanced skills, research expertise, and certifications.
For instance, the EdS in Counselor Education is an online program that includes 30 hours of course and field work. It is designed for counselors in school settings and individuals who are pursuing licensure in counseling.
Doctoral Programs in Education
UA has several Doctor of Education (EdD) programs that are designed for working professionals who want to earn advanced degrees while continuing their careers. Programs and courses are delivered through a number of formats including summer, online, weekend, evening, and blended.
One of these programs -- the EdD in Instructional Leadership -- consists of 72 hours of coursework and is offered through the UA Gadsden Education and Research Center.
The program prepares individuals for careers as practitioners, researchers, scholars, and decision makers in the areas of educational leadership, policymaking, curriculum design, and supervision.
Faculty Members in the College of Education
The College of Education's faculty members are actively involved in research that advances educational practice at the national level. For example, Craig S. Shwery, EdD, began his career as a classroom teacher and is now an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
His research interests include teaching and teacher change, brain-based learning, cognition, and self-regulatory learning. His research has been published in several journals and presented at a number of conferences.
Jeremy Zelkowski, associate professor of elementary education programs, has published a series of articles about secondary mathematics in journals such as "TechTrends," "American Secondary Education," and "Mathematics Educator."
Graduate Student Life
Students who attend the University of Alabama's non-traditional master's and doctoral programs receive the support needed to achieve academic success while effectively managing their personal and professional lives.
They have access to a comprehensive range of resources including academic advising, financial aid, career services, and library services for distance learners. They also have easy access to support staff and faculty members.
University of Alabama
Established in 1831, the University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in the southern region of the United States. It offers more than 30,000 students over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
With an average student to faculty member ratio of 19 to 1, UA is dedicated to providing top-quality academic programs. It also provides the support and resources that faculty members and students need to conduct groundbreaking research.
Furthermore, the university is committed to service learning and community engagement. This dedication to academic excellence has earned the University of Alabama a ranking within the top 100 national universities in "US News and World Report's" Best Colleges 2011 guide.