School of Graduate Studies

The School of Graduate Studies provides advanced study leading to the degrees of Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Science, Master of Science in Adult Continuing Education, Education Specialist and Doctor of Education. Graduate courses are offered on-campus and off-campus for students who wish to renew certification, add a new certification area or update their knowledge and skills to advance their careers.

The degree of Master of Arts in Teaching (Certification) is designed for students who are already certified at the Class B level and wish to pursue a master's degree program and certification in the same field. They have the opportunity to work in a single field of concentration, including biology, history, English language arts, mathematics, physical education, science and social science.

The degree of Master of Education (Certification) is designed for students who are already certified at the Class B level and wish to pursue a master's degree program and certification in the same field or an instructional support field. The M.Ed. is offered in the following areas Early Childhood; Elementary; High School; Pre-school-Grade Twelve; School Counseling; Instructional Leadership; Library Media and Special Education.

The degree program leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching (Non-Certification) is available to those students who hold a non-teaching bachelor's degree and would like to prepare more thoroughly in a specialized academic area. This degree is oriented toward the preparation of students who plan to teach in the junior and community colleges or pursue advanced studies beyond the master's level. Specialized areas are offered in biology, English, environmental science, history, language arts, physical education and social science.

The Master of Education and/or Master of Arts in Teaching degrees are also offered for non-traditional students in early childhood education/elementary education, secondary education and P-12 education (physical education and special education). The Alternative A Program is designed to serve those students who have completed a non-teaching baccalaureate degree and would like to obtain a master's degree and Class A Certification.

The degree of Master of Business Administration is designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions in business and industry, government, education, and non-profit sectors of employment.

The degree of Master of Science is focused on research, adding to the body of knowledge in the field, and advanced study or specialization in the field.

The Master of Science in Adult Continuing Education degree offers graduate students the opportunity to pursue a general master's degree. The degree also allows graduate students to concentrate in the areas of Library Media, General Studies, and Counseling/Psychology. This degree does not lead toward Alabama teacher certification.

The Education Specialist Degree Programs (Certification) offer students who are certified at the Master's level the opportunity to earn a six-year degree leading to Alabama Class AA certification in Special Education-Collaborative Teacher K-6, Special Education-Collaborative Teacher 6-12, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Library Media, and School Counseling.

The Education Specialist Degree Programs (Non-Certification) offer students who are not certified at the Master's level, but have 18 graduate semester hours in field, the opportunity to earn a sixth-year degree in Counseling or Library Media. Note: This degree does not qualify a student for any teaching certificate in the State of Alabama.  Out-of-state students should check carefully the certification requirements of their respective states.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is designed to support the mission of UWA. The program is designed to prepare adult learners to fulfill their professional and personal academic goals. It provides opportunities to enhance the core knowledge, skills, and values essential to competent and ethical practitioners and leaders of organizations in the fields of education and related areas.

The Graduate Catalogue, which is available using the drop down above, contains detailed information on admission requirements, programs of study, and policies and procedures of the School of Graduate Studies. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies at UWA should write to the Office of Graduate and Online Admissions, Station 46, or Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Station 31, the University of West Alabama, Livingston, Alabama 35470.