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.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION (M.S.Ed.)

TRADITIONAL FIFTH-YEAR CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS FOR TEACHERS

Purpose

The purpose of the fifth-year certification program for teachers is to provide an opportunity for advanced study within their discipline for candidates who are seeking advanced certification in the same discipline/level in which they hold baccalaureate level professional educator certification.

Advanced Certification at the Master’s Level

The College of Education offers the Traditional Fifth-Year Master of Science in Education Program for candidates seeking advanced certification in the same discipline/level in which they hold baccalaureate level professional educator certification.

Initial Certification at the Master’s Level

For candidates seeking initial certification at the graduate level, or those who are seeking certification in an area or at levels other than those in which they hold baccalaureate level certification, the Alternative Fifth-Year (Alternative-A) Master of Science in Education Program is offered. See specific programs for any additional admissions and/or certification requirements.

In addition to the programs for teachers, fifth-year certification programs are offered in the following instructional support areas: Educational Administration, School Counseling, and School Psychometry.

Admission Requirements for Traditional Fifth-Year Certification Programs

Unconditional admission to the Graduate School does not constitute unconditional admission to any professional education program. In addition to the admission requirements for the Graduate School, candidates seeking admission to a traditional fifth year certification program for teachers must hold professional baccalaureate-level certification in the teaching field in which the Class A certification is sought except in Collaborative Teacher K-6, Gifted Education, and Reading Specialist. Temporary, provisional, and other nonrenewable certifications are not acceptable. See specific program descriptions for any additional admission requirements.

Admission to the Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP)

1. Submission of proof of baccalaureate level professional education certification.
2. A grade of “B” or better in EDU 6629 The Master Teacher, and PSY 6631 Psychological Foundations of Education. The remaining three requirements are met through EDU 6629.
3. Successful completion of an essay (teaching philosophy).
4. Successful completion of an oral communication presentation.
5. Completion of the Self-Assessment of Professional Dispositions Checklist (SAPDC). Candidates will develop a professional development plan based on the results of the SAPDC.

Candidates are restricted to nine semester hours of graduate course work prior to admission to the Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP). Students are strongly encouraged to take EDU 6629 within the first nine hours of graduate coursework.

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 Transfer Credit section for additional information.

Required Courses for the Traditional Fifth-Year Certification Program for Teachers

In addition to the required core, a survey course in special education is required unless previously completed at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Required Core Courses: 18
Teaching Field Courses: 18
Select 12 semester hours of adviser-approved ECE courses.
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 5000-level course if it duplicates the same course listed on an undergraduate transcript. At least nine semester hours of teaching field courses must be at the 6000 level.

Required Core Courses: 18
Teaching Field Courses: 18
Select 12 semester hours of adviser-approved ELE courses.
Select six additional hours of adviser-approved ELE courses or other adviser approved courses related to the profession (e.g., EDU, ECE, SPE, RED). A candidate may not enroll in a 5000-level course if it duplicates the same course listed on an undergraduate transcript. At least nine semester hours of teaching field courses must be at the 6000 level.

Required Core Courses: 18
Teaching Field Courses: 18
Select 18 semester hours of adviser-approved courses specific to the major. Choices for major are biology, English/language arts, general science, history, mathematics and social science. A candidate may not enroll in a 5000-level course if it duplicates the same course listed on an undergraduate transcript. At least nine semester hours of teaching field courses must be at the 6000 level.

Comprehensive degree programs (i.e., English/language arts, general science, and social science) require course work in multiple disciplines. Candidates should consult their academic adviser regarding any specific course requirements in the teaching field.

Required Core Courses: 18
Teaching Field Courses: 18
Select 18 semester hours of adviser-approved courses specific to the major. Choices for a major are art, instrumental music, choral music, and physical education. A candidate may not enroll in a 5000-level course if it duplicates the same course listed on an undergraduate transcript. At least nine semester hours of teaching field courses must be at the 6000 level. Candidates should consult their academic adviser regarding any specific course requirements in the teaching field.

The purpose of the graduate professional educator certification program in the School of Music is to provide advanced, specialized music education experiences that will assist graduate students in developing the musical skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to begin/continue a viable career as a professional music educator. The School of Music works in collaboration with the College of Education to provide educational experiences for advanced music students with traditional music certification and for advanced music students pursuing alternative music teacher certification in Alabama, and supports the University NCATE conceptual framework to develop innovative, informed, reflective decision makers.

Additional Admission Information for Collaborative Teacher
Candidates holding professional baccalaureate-level certification in any teaching field may be admitted to the traditional master’s program in Collaborative Teacher provided all other admissions criteria are met. A candidate’s prior coursework will be evaluated by the College of Education to determine if undergraduate prerequisite coursework is required. All prerequisites must be satisfied prior to unconditional admission.

In addition to the required core, a survey course in special education is required unless previously completed at the undergraduate or graduate level.

** required if not ECE, ELE or Reading Specialist certified

Additional Admission Information for Gifted Education
Candidates holding professional baccalaureate-level certification in any teaching field may be admitted to the traditional master’s program in Gifted Education provided all other admissions criteria are met. A candidate’s prior coursework will be evaluated by the College of Education to determine if undergraduate coursework is required. All prerequisites must be satisfied prior to unconditional admission.

Additional Admission Requirements for Reading Specialist
A candidate’s prior coursework will be evaluated by the College of Education to determine if undergraduate coursework is required. All prerequisites must be satisfied prior to unconditional admission. Additional admission requirements include:

1. Baccalaureate-level professional certification in any area of education. (If certification is in areas other than Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Collaborative Teacher, the candidate must complete as prerequisites two reading courses including an introduction to reading course.)
2. Two years of successful classroom teaching experience.
3. Successful completion of a formal interview conducted by the College of Education reading faculty.
4. Successful completion of a Professional Portfolio. Students must meet with their reading adviser for portfolio requirements.
5. Students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program and successfully complete the interview and portfolio requirements prior to admission to the Reading Specialist Master’s Program.

 top

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION (M.S.Ed.)

ALTERNATIVE FIFTH-YEAR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS

Purpose

The purpose of the Alternative Fifth-Year Program is to provide initial teacher certification programs for individuals holding a baccalaureate level degree in a field other than education or those desiring initial certification in a new teaching field. Candidates shall have acquired knowledge and skill above the level required for the completion of the baccalaureate program in the same discipline, including subject matter knowledge, student development, diversity, instructional strategies, classroom management and learning environment, communication, planning, assessment, professionalism, and collaboration.

The College of Education adopted the model standards for beginning teacher licensure developed by the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) in 2000. These standards are applied throughout the Alternative-Fifth-Year Program.

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 Transfer Credit section for additional information.

Admission Requirements for Alternative Fifth-Year Program for Teachers

INITIAL TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Prior to applying for admission to the Graduate School and the Master of Science Alternative Fifth-Year certification program, individuals must possess a baccalaureate degree, from a regionally accredited institution with a posted minimum cumulative/overall graduating grade point average of 2.75 on the baccalaureate transcript. (Students will not be permitted to use additional undergraduate or post degree courses to raise their grade point average.)

Admission Status Classification

In order to establish admission status an individual must be evaluated by the College of Education and the discipline of study to determine prerequisites. Prior to seeking admission to the Graduate School, individuals should make an appointment with the Teacher Education office on the respective campus to have all undergraduate transcript(s) reviewed by the Certification Officer/Alternative-A Evaluation Coordinator. Individuals must bring an official copy of all undergraduate transcripts to the session. The
evaluation process may take up to one week to complete.

Note: An individual’s admission status to the Graduate School will be determined by the transcript(s) evaluation. Individuals who have more than six (6) hours of prerequisites will be classified as a post-baccalaureate student until they have completed all prerequisites.

In addition to completing the undergraduate prerequisite coursework, students should also be working to meet admission criteria for the Teacher Education Program.

Admission Requirements to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

Admission to the Graduate School does not automatically qualify a student for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Written application to the Teacher Education Program is required from all students seeking acceptance. In addition to the written application, the following are also required:

1. A grade of “C” or better in the two English composition courses.
2. A grade of “C” or better in mathematics courses completed for the baccalaureate degree that is equivalent to the required general studies courses for the teacher education major. If equivalent courses were not completed at the baccalaureate level, these must be completed as prerequisites.
3. A minimum cumulative/overall graduating grade point average of 2.75 on the baccalaureate transcript.
4. A passing score on the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test. (Music students must also receive a passing score on the Basic Music Skills Test.)
5. Successful completion of a speech and interview.
6. Completion of a minimum of 12 clock hours of classroom observation/participation.
7. Successful completion of an impromptu essay.

Students working to complete pre-admission requirements for the Teacher Education Program are encouraged to work closely with their discipline adviser. This individual will assist in course selection and course sequencing for completion of these requirements.

Information regarding qualification and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program can also be obtained through the Teacher Education Office on the respective campus.

In addition to the discipline specific pre-requisites, individuals must also complete the Professional Studies prerequisite coursework. The following is a list of required Professional Studies coursework:

Note: Students are encouraged to take EDU 3310 Professional Educator and SPE 3340 Diverse Learners, as early as possible.

Early Childhood majors:

1. 12 semester hours in each of the following areas: mathematics, science, English/language arts, and social science courses
2. EDU 3310-Professional Educator
3. ECE 33XX-Portrait of a Learner
4. SPE 3340-Diverse Learners
5. PSY 3303-Educational Psychology
6. RED 3380-Children’s Literature
7. RED 4481-Language and Literacy

Elementary majors:

1. 12 semester hours in each of the following areas: mathematics, science, English/language arts, and social science courses
2. EDU 3310-Professional Educator
3. SPE 3340-Diverse Learners
4. EDU 4400-Classroom Management
5. ELE 3362-Teaching Math in the K-6 Classroom
6. RED 4481-Language and Literacy I
7. RED 4482-Language and Literacy II

Secondary/P-12 majors:

1. EDU 3310-Professional Educator
   
2. SPE 3340-Diverse Learners
   
3. XXX 4481-Methods and Materials
   
4. PSY 3346-Educational Assessment
   
5. SED 4400-Classroom Management
   
6. PSY 3303-Educational Psychology

Once all of the above requirements are met, the individual will be considered for admission into the Master of Science Alternative Fifth-Year certification program.

Candidates may take only nine semester hours of graduate coursework prior to admission to TEP.

Internship
All candidates completing the Alternative Fifth-Year initial certification program for teachers must complete a six-semester hour internship in the grade level(s) and academic subject(s) of the certification sought. Instructions regarding qualifications and applications for internship should be obtained from the Office of Teacher Education. Prerequisites for internship include the following:

1. Admission to the Teacher Education Program
2. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 overall on all graduate work attempted
3. Two Recommendations from faculty
4. Completion of all coursework except for Internship Seminar, which is taken in conjunction with internship
5. Completion and verification of a minimum of 150 contact hours of clinical experiences. Ninety of these 150 hours must be in increments of at least three hours each. The majority of field experiences must occur in a P-12 setting. At least half of the field experiences shall be in the candidate’s teaching field and shall emphasize the application of content knowledge.
6. Evidence of current First Aid and CPR certifications
7. Successful completion of all three sections of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Test (APTT): Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information, and Writing
8. Successful completion of the Praxis II examination in each teaching field area of initial certification.
9. Successful completion of comprehensive exam in the teaching field(s)
10. Evidence of current professional liability coverage.
11. Completion of any additional requirements mandated by the Alabama State Department of Education.
    

Required Core Courses for the Alternative Fifth-Year Program

Required Core Courses: 30
Teaching Field:
Select 15 semester hours of adviser-approved ELE courses. A candidate may not enroll in a 5000 level course if it duplicates the same course listed on an undergraduate transcript. At least eight semester hours of teaching field courses must be at the 6000 level.

Alternative Fifth-Year certification programs are offered in the following secondary (grades 6-12) areas: Biology, History, English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Science and General Science.

Required Core Courses: 30
Teaching Field:
Select 15 semester hours of adviser-approved courses specific to the discipline. A candidate may not enroll in a 5000-level course if it duplicates the same course listed on an undergraduate transcript. At least eight semester hours of teaching field courses must be at the 6000 level. Candidates should consult their academic adviser regarding any specific course requirements in the teaching field. Comprehensive degree programs require coursework in multiple disciplines.

Alternative Fifth-Year certification programs are offered in the following elementary/secondary (grades P-12) areas: Art, Instrumental Music Choral Music, and Physical Education.

 top

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION (M.S.ED.)

ALTERNATIVE FIFTH-YEAR EXPERIENCE ROUTE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements for Graduate School, candidates for the Alternative Fifth-Year Experience Route degree in Elementary Education must

••• hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
••• have earned a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit in each of four disciplines: English language      arts (including reading and writing), mathematics, science, and social studies as part of the general      studies prerequisite courses;
••• show evidence of having earned the required number of undergraduate hours in coursework appropriate      to the subject to be taught;
••• hold valid teacher certification; and
••• meet one of the following specific admission criteria categories:

1. Students seeking admission to the Class A Program in K-6 Elementary Education who hold a valid elementary baccalaureate level certificate from any state will be admitted to the regular K-6 Elementary Master’s Degree Program at Troy University, Troy or Phenix City campuses, contingent upon all other admission requirements being met. Students completing this program will be eligible for Alabama Class A Certification in K-6 Elementary Education, based upon a recommendation by the Certification Officer.
2. Students seeking admission to the Class A Program in K-6 Elementary Education who hold a valid P-5 or 4-8 Georgia Teacher Certificate and who completed an internship in Grades K-6 within the seven years prior to program admission or who have had at least one year of teaching experience in Grades K-6 within the seven years prior to program admission, will be admitted to the regular K-6 Elementary Master’s Degree Program at Troy University, Troy and Phenix City campuses, contingent upon all other admission requirements being met. Students completing this program will be eligible for Alabama Class A Certification in K-6 Elementary Education, based upon a recommendation by the Certification Officer.
3. Students seeking admission to the Class A Program in K-6 Elementary Education who hold a valid P-5 or 4-8 Georgia Teacher Certificate and who did not complete either an internship in Grades K-6 within the seven years prior to program admission or who have not had at least one year of teaching experience in Grades K-6 within the seven years prior to program admission, will be admitted to the Alternative Fifth-Year Experience Route Program in K-6 Elementary Education at Troy University, Troy and Phenix City campuses, contingent upon all other admission requirements being met. All students admitted to the Alternative Fifth-Year Experience Route Program will be required to complete a three-hour internship. Students completing this program will be eligible for Alabama Class A Certification in K-6 Elementary Education, based upon a recommendation by the Certification Officer.
4. Students seeking admission to the Class A Program in K-6 Elementary Education who hold a valid P-3 (K-3), 6-12 (7-12) or P-12 (N-12) Alabama Teacher Certificate and who have had at least one year of teaching experience in Grades K-6 within the seven years prior to program admission, will be admitted to the Alternative Fifth-Year Experience Route Program in K-6 Elementary Education at Troy University, Troy and Phenix City campuses, contingent upon all other admission requirements being met. All students admitted to the Alternative Fifth-Year Experience Route Program will be required to complete a three-hour internship. Students completing this program will be eligible for Alabama Class A Certification in K-6 Elementary Education, based upon a recommendation by the Certification Officer.
5. Students seeking admission to the Class A Program in K-6 Elementary Education who hold a valid teacher certificate other than in Elementary Education from a state other than Alabama or Georgia and who have had at least one year of teaching experience in Grades K-6 within the seven years prior to program admission will be admitted to the Alternative Fifth-Year Experience Route Program in K-6 Elementary Education at Troy University, Troy and Phenix City campuses, contingent upon all other admission requirements being met. All students admitted to the Alternative Fifth-Year Experience Route Program will be required to complete a three-hour internship. Students completing this program will be eligible for Alabama Class A Certification in K-6 Elementary Education, based upon a recommendation by the Certification Officer.
6. Students seeking admission to the Class A Program in K-6 Elementary Education who hold a valid P-3 (K-3), 6-12 (7-12), or P-12 (N-12) Alabama Teacher Certificate who did not complete either an internship in Grades K-6 within seven years prior to program admission or who have not had at least one year of teaching experience in Grades K-6 within the seven years prior to program admission may be admitted to the Alternative Fifth-Year Program in K-6 Elementary Education at Troy University, Troy and Phenix City campuses, contingent upon all other admission requirements being met. All students admitted to the Alternative Fifth-Year Program will be required to complete a full-time semester-long internship. Students completing this program will be eligible for Alabama Class A Certification in K-6 Elementary Education, based upon a recommendation by the Certification Office

NOTES:

1. "Internship in Grades K-6" and "at least one year of teaching experience in Grades K-6" are to be interpreted as internship or experience in an early childhood or elementary classroom (Grades K-6) in which English language arts including reading, and mathematics, social studies, or science is taught.
2. The Alternative Fifth-Year Experience Route Program is a 36-hour program that includes a three-hour internship.

Adviser-approved ELE coursework
Select 15 semester hours of adviser-approved ELE courses. A candidate may not enroll in a 5000-level course if it duplicates the same course listed on an undergraduate transcript. At least nine semester hours of teaching field courses must be at the 6000 level. Candidates should consult their academic adviser regarding any specific course requirements in the teaching field.

 top

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION (M.S.Ed.)

FIFTH-YEAR CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT AREAS

Purpose

The purpose of the fifth-year certification program for instructional support areas is to provide initial certification at the graduate level in the areas of Educational Administration, School Counseling, and School Psychometry.

In addition to the admission requirements for the Graduate School, candidates for the fifth-year programs for instructional support personnel must have baccalaureate-level professional certification in a teaching field. Temporary, provisional, and other nonrenewable certifications are not acceptable. See the specific program for other admissions and degree completion requirements.

Troy University College of Education students must meet all specialized accreditation requirements to be classified as graduates of specialized accredited programs (NCATE, CACREP). 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.

Additional Admission Requirements for Fifth-Year Certification Program in Educational Administration

The candidate shall not complete more than two courses from the approved program checklist until all requirements for unconditional admission have been met.

Applicants Must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate-level professional educator certification in a teaching field or master’s-level professional educator’s certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area. Verification of a professional educator certificate must be provided upon application to the program.
2. Verify a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience.
3. Submit prior to the interview an admission portfolio containing the following:
   ••• three letters of recommendation including one from the applicant’s principal or supervisor (these      letters should address the leadership abilities of the candidate and any previous leadership      experiences)
   ••• completed copy (all forms) of most recent performance appraisal to include professional      development component if available
   ••• evidence of leadership and management potential, including evidence of most recent      accomplishments in the area of educational leadership and/or student achievement
   ••• summary of candidate’s reasons for pursuing educational administration certification
   ••• summary of what the candidate expects from the preparation program
   
4. Pass an interview conducted by the Program Admission committee.

* In addition to the professional core, a survey course in special education is required unless previously completed.

The certification endorsement program in Educational Administration and Leadership is being phased out by the Alabama State Department of Education starting Fall 2007. No one will be admitted to the program after summer, 2007. Please work closely with your adviser.

Internship in Educational Administration
The internship shall include experiences at grade levels P-5, 6-8, 9-12, and in the central office and shall consist of qualitybased learning activities that closely approximate real school experiences and require demonstration of the knowledge of best practices. There must be a minimum of six months from the beginning of EAL 6663 to the completion of EAL 6664. The internship must be completed at the designated home campus.

Evaluation for Certification in Educational Administration
Criteria for determining eligibility for certification in educational administration and leadership (degree program or endorsement) shall include the following:

1. Completion of specific requirements with a GPA of not less than 3.25 on all courses in the approved educational administration program
2. Successful completion of all required components of the internship
3. A passing score on a comprehensive written educational administration test

Troy University offers a Master of Science in School Counseling. Additional admissions requirements, curriculum, and program completion expectations are listed in the Counseling and Psychology section to follow.

Troy University offers a Master of Science in School Psychometry. Additional admissions requirements, curriculum, and program completion expectations are listed in the Counseling and Psychology section to follow.

 top

GRADUATE CATALOG
TROY Home Page