Graduate School
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

The College of Education offers teacher education programs that lead to certification as well as non-certification programs in graduate study.  Offerings reflect a flexible program of current curricula, educational plans, and requirements, which may be altered as warranted by changes in the professions and accrediting agencies.  As regulating agencies (e.g., Alabama State Department of Education, NCATE, CACREP, and CORE) modify standards and expectations, programs may be modified during a candidate’s period of study.  At such time, candidates may be subject to revised program or certification requirements.  The purpose of all College of Education graduate programs is to develop innovative, informed, reflective decision makers.

ACCREDITATION

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The Master of Science degree programs in Community Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling offered at the Phenix City campus are accredited by CACREP.
The Master of Science degree programs in Community Counseling and School Counseling offered at the Troy campus are accredited by CACREP.

Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)
The Master of Science degree program in Rehabilitation Counseling offered at the Troy campus is accredited by CORE.

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
The Teacher Education Unit at the Troy, Dothan, and Phenix City campuses is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) 466-7496.  This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation and advanced education preparation programs.  NCATE is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel.

TEACHER CERTIFICATION
All teacher education certification programs are approved by the Alabama State Department of Education.  Students seeking teacher certification should refer to the specific program for eligibility and program completion requirements.  Only those students who are properly admitted to an approved teacher certification program and complete all current requirements will be recommended for certification.

PURPOSE OF ALL CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
The purpose of all certification programs in the College of Education is to develop practicing master teachers, instructional support personnel, and education specialists who more effectively serve students in P-12 settings. As master teachers, instructional support personnel, and education specialists, they participate as leaders in their schools and contribute to their profession. 

*The Phenix City and Troy campuses offer the Alternative Experience Route Program in Elementary Education.  See special admission requirements for eligibility.

Troy University College of Education students must meet all specialized accreditation requirements to be classified as graduates of specialized accredited programs (NCATE, CACREP, and CORE).  Up to 12 hours of course work completed at a site/university without the appropriate specialized accreditation may be considered for application toward program completion.  See the Transfer Credit section for additional information.

CERTIFICATION IN ALABAMA
Candidates completing an approved teacher certification program are eligible to apply for the Alabama Class A professional certificate, provided they meet the following:

• a grade point average of 3.0 on all graduate coursework attempted.

• a grade of “C” or better in all coursework which applies to certification.

• a grade of “B” or better in the research requirements for the program.

• Any “D” earned in a teaching field course must be successfully repeated with a grade of “C” or better.

• Successful completion of the Praxis II examination in all areas of initial certification.

Any candidate who applies for a professional certificate is subject to all regulations set forth by the Alabama State Department of Education. These regulations may include a comprehensive background check, verification of appropriate experience, and prior certification specific to the certification sought.  Additional requirements (e.g., standardized examinations to demonstrate content mastery) may be added as the Alabama State Board of Education and other accrediting agencies modify regulations.  Candidates should consult their education adviser for details.

Only candidates properly admitted to an approved certification program and who successfully fulfill all program and certification requirements will be recommended for certification. The Certification Officer, appointed by the Dean of the College of Education, is the only Troy University official authorized to recommend candidates for certification in any state.