Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Sixth-Year Certification Program for Teachers

All sixth-year certification programs are approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. 

The purpose of the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) certification programs in teaching is to extend the expertise and further develop knowledge, competencies, and skills of professionals holding master’s level certification in the same teaching field in which the Class AA certification is sought.  All coursework applied toward the Ed.S. degree program must be earned at the 6000 level or above, and no courses applied toward certification at the master’s level may be applied toward certification at the education specialist level.   See the specific degree program for additional admission and degree completion requirements.

College of Education students must meet all specialized accreditation requirements to be classified as graduates of specialized accredited programs (NCATE).  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 Transfer Credit section for additional information.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION SPECIALIST PROGRAMS FOR TEACHERS

Admission to the Graduate School does not automatically constitute admission to the Education Specialist Program.  All candidates must complete all requirements for the Alabama Class AA certification.  All Ed.S. candidates must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination prior to program completion.

In addition to the Admission Requirements for Graduate School, candidates seeking the education specialist degree in a teacher education program must

1. hold a masters degree from a regionally accredited college or university;

2. hold valid master’s level certification in the same teaching field in which the Class AA certificate is sought;

3. complete a special education course as a prerequisite if not previously completed; and

4. be unconditionally admitted and complete all additional admission requirements identified in the specific program.

CERTIFICATION IN ALABAMA

Candidates completing an approved Education Specialist certification program are eligible to apply for the Alabama Class AA professional certificate, provided they meet the following:

• a grade point average of 3.25 on all education specialist 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 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.

CERTIFICATION IN OTHER STATES

Other states may grant professional certification to candidates completing the Troy University Education Specialist program. Some states may have additional requirements.  Candidates seeking certification in other states should contact the appropriate State Department of Education.

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.

Select six additional hours of adviser-approved ECE courses or other adviser-approved courses related to the profession (e.g., EDU, ELE, SPE, RED).  A candidate may not enroll in a 6000-level course if it duplicates the same course listed on the master’s transcript.

A candidate may not enroll in a 6000-level course if it duplicates the same course listed on a graduate transcript.  At least nine semester hours of teaching field courses must be at the 7000 level.