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.

Purpose

The purpose of the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) certification programs in instructional support areas is to extend the expertise and further develop knowledge, competencies, and skills of professionals holding master’s level certification in school psychometry, school counseling, or educational administration. 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.

Troy University 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 in Instructional Support Areas

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. complete a special education course as a prerequisite if not previously completed, and (Not required for Community Counseling.)
3. be unconditionally admitted and complete all additional admission requirements identified in the specific program,
4. hold valid master’s level certification in the same instructional support area in which the Class AA certificate is sought, (Not required for Community Counseling.)

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.

Additional admission requirements for the Education Specialist degree program in Educational Administration

In addition to the Admission Requirements for Graduate School, candidates seeking the education specialist degree in educational administration must hold the master’s professional educator certificate in educational administration.

In an effort to maintain the rigorous nature of the Educational Administration program, to stay in step with changes in the field of administration and to ensure that our candidates maximize the benefit from the program, Troy University strongly recommends that each candidate have completed at least one year of administrative experience in a public K-12 school prior to admission to the Ed. S. program.

All coursework applied toward the Ed.S. degree program must be earned at the 6000 level or above. At least 50% of the degree program must be earned at the 7000 level. Courses applied toward certification at the master’s level may not be applied toward certification at the education specialist level.

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School Counseling (Ed.S.) Certification Program
36 Semester Hours
Location: Dothan, Montgomery, Phenix City

Goals and Objectives
The goal of the Ed.S. School Counseling program is to strengthen and extend the students’ knowledge and skills developed at the Master’s level so that the students will

1. become informed, reflective decision makers;
   
2. understand the developmental, proactive, and preventive focus of counseling in the schools;
3. facilitate academic, career, and personal-social development of K-12 students;
   
4. provide interventions for learning and behavioral problems;
   
5. work collaboratively with parents, school personnel, and with other agencies and organizations to facilitate student learning; and manage a comprehensive developmental counseling program.

Electives 15 – 18*
* In addition to the required courses, a survey course in special education is required unless previously completed.

NOTE: All Education Specialist degree students must complete at least 18 semester hours of required coursework at the campus where the internship and/or practicum is supervised.

All coursework applied toward the Ed.S. degree program must be earned at the 6000 level or above. Courses applied toward certification at the master’s level may not be applied toward certification at the education specialist level.

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School Psychology (Ed. S.) Certification Program
33-36 Semester Hours
Location: Dothan

Initial certification for a school psychologist shall be at the sixth-year level. Criteria for admission to a school psychology program shall include at least baccalaureate-level professional educator certification in a teaching field and master’s-level professional educator certification as a school pyschometrist.

Goals and Objectives
The school psychology program provides broader experiences in psychometrics and interventions and, in addition, focuses on consultation, preventative strategies, training, program development, and program administration. The knowledge base expands the student’s exposure in learning measurement, behavior pathology, community psychology, multicultural influences, and organizational behavior. Models of service delivery are explored.

The objectives of the Ed. S. School Psychology Program are to strengthen and extend the master’s-level students’ knowledge and skills so that the students will

1. become informed decision makers, consultants, and facilitators for the education of children and the operation of schools;
2. select, administer, score and interpret tests, and communicate data in a wide variety of ways and to diverse populations;
3. intervene directly through counseling, cognitivebehavioral, and psychoeducational techniques, as well as early intervention and preventive programs;
4. intervene directly through consultation, training, and program development in schools and communities; and develop and to administer programs regarding the above.

*a survey course in special education is required if not previously completed.

All Education Specialist Degree students must complete at least 18 semester hours of required coursework at the campus where the internship and/or practicum is supervised.

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.

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Community Counseling (Ed.S.) Non-Certification Program
30 Semester Hours
Location: Montgomery

The Ed.S. in Community Counseling is restricted to students who hold a minimum 36-semester hour master’s degree in counseling. It is not a program which is approved by the Alabama State Department of Education as a certification program.

Goals
The Community Counseling program provides broader experiences in counseling. The knowledge base expands the student’s exposure to theories of counseling, group leadership, and specialized areas of study.

Objectives for Community Counseling Ed.S.

1. To expand knowledge of the functions, roles, professional identity, current trends/issues, professional organizations, and professional identity
2. To expand sensitivity and skill in providing counseling services to diverse cultural populations
3. To expand knowledge and skill in research
4. To expand knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of community interventions
5. To expand knowledge related to the general principles and practices of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders and dysfunctional behavior
6. To expand the ability to apply sound clinical and ethical judgment and skills
7. To demonstrate psychological health and the ability to use high levels of self-awareness

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