Master of Education (Certification) School Counseling

Program Admission Requirements

To be admitted to this program, the prospective student must meet all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies, including fingerprints/verification of background clearance, and hold valid baccalaureate level certification in a teaching field or valid master's level professional educator certificate in another area of instructional support. Two years of satisfactory educational experience is required prior to the issuance of the Class A Certificate. Note: Educational experience is defined as: teaching experience and instructional support experience, including full-time educational work in: (1) any state or local public school, regionally accredited postsecondary school, educational agency, or educational association; (2) an accredited, state registered, state-approved, and/or church-related nonpublic school; and (3) rehabilitation facilities for P-12 students. Education experience as an intern, graduate assistant, student teacher or in positions such as substitute teacher, aide, or clerical worker, shall not be considered.

I. Professional Courses: 9 hours

II. Certification Area: 39 hours

Total Required: 48 hours

Note(s):

Students who have not previously met the special education requirement must take a general survey course in special education.
This program is also offered online.

Program Completion Requirements

A grade-point average of not less than 3.0 on a four-point scale on all work attempted with no grade less than "C."
A satisfactory score on a comprehensive examination (Praxis II) covering all the content of the program.
Satisfactory performance in two full-time internships for a combined 600 clock hours supervised jointly by individuals who hold a valid master's level professional educator certificate in school counseling and who are employed as a counselor and a specialist in the same area from UWA.
Two full years of full-time, acceptable educational experience.*

*Students should refer to the definition of teaching experience as given by the Alabama State Department of Education.

Governance

The Teacher Education Program and the Teacher Certification Program are governed by the Alabama State Department of Education, and the College of Education reserves the right to change requirements in these programs at any time when such changes are mandated by the State Department.

Requirements for Alabama Class A Certification in School Counseling

Meet all program completion requirements.
Hold at least a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field, a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or in another area of instructional support, or a valid Class A Professional Leadership Certificate.
Have an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master's degree.