College of Education

The mission of Troy University’s College of Education is to prepare outstanding educators, who are equipped and prepared with the knowledge, pedagogical skills and professional dispositions required to improve the learning opportunities of those they teach. We also train and provide clinical specialization for counselors, ASL interpreters, rehabilitation professionals, and others seeking academic degrees housed within the College of Education. Successful program completers are to be informed, innovative, reflective, globally minded and effective practitioners and professionals who stand apart from others in the professional job market due to the excellence and specialized accreditations held by many programs.

All certification programs are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. Our professional educator programs are nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), CAEP is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit programs for the preparation of teachers and other school professionals.

The College of Education is committed to preparing professionals who will be prepared to meet the needs of the next decade. As part of ongoing planning and evaluation, the College of Education regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each degree program.

Undergraduate Education Program Availability

Non-Certification Programs

Interpreter Training

Troy University’s interpreter training program provides graduates with the content knowledge and skills necessary to be licensed ASL English interpreters. This program meets societal needs by training interpreters for employment in various settings where they will serve deaf and hard of hearing populations.

*In order to officially enter the ITP and begin taking ITP prefix courses, a student must have:

• A 2.75 cumulative GPA on all course work;
• An Intermediate Plus or higher on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) or possess national certification;
• Completed ASL I-IV either at Troy University or any regionally accredited university.

Interpreter Training Program 

American Sign Language Minor

(18 Hours)

Master Mentor Program

The Master Mentor Program consists of four(4) 3-hour courses as outlined below. Students may enroll in this track in their final year of study. Students accepted into this track are still required to meet the 120-credit hour program criteria, as well as all other graduation requirements set forth in the ITP curriculum. Students wishing to enroll in the MMP track in lieu of Community Internship and Education Internship must meet the following criterion:

• Possess Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) national certification for a minimum of 5 years prior to entry into the Interpreter Training Program.

Rehabilitation and Disability Studies

The purpose of the undergraduate rehabilitation and disabilities studies major is twofold: (1) to prepare graduates for entry lev el professional rehabilitation positions both in the public and private sectors, and (2) to prepare students for graduate education in general and, in particular, graduate education in rehabilitation. The curriculum is built upon a strong liberal arts base designed to provide the student with an understanding of human behavior within the context of the social environment; an understanding of social service resources and social policy planning and analysis particularly as related to client systems served by rehabilitation professionals; understanding and skills needed to become a consumer of practice research and an ability to evaluate one’s own practice effectiveness; an understanding of rehabilitation theory and issues; skills in the assessment of disability; basic skills in effective communication with client systems; skills in the use of vocational information systems; the development of intervention strategies in human problems; and the development of skills to support action programs for client populations with disabilities. A field practicum is required (minimum of 240 clock hours).

Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Major

 
*120-hour field experience. This could be completed at the same site as Practicum I, or at a separate site.

Complete one of the following recommended minors or an advisor approved minor (18 hours): Applied Behavioral Analysis, Case Management, Criminal Justice, Exercise Science, Health Promotion, Interpreter Training, Leadership Development, Military Operations, Recreation, Spanish, Contract Medical Minor.

Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies Minor

(18 Hours)

Occupational Education Program (BSOE)

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Education combines theory with experience to prepare students as workforce development professionals in a variety of settings and occupations. Students qualify for the program based upon completion or possession of an Associates’ Degree from an accredited college or university.

Specialized General Studies Requirements
General Studies courses should meet the Troy University General Studies Program guidelines.

Admission Requirements to the BSOE Program

To apply for admission to the BSOE program, applicants must submit:

1. Completed Application for Admission,
2. Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended,
3. Evidence of an Associates’ Degree from a regionally accredited college*, or Associate of Applied Science Degree

*Any awarded Associates Degree must include coursework commensurate with the Troy University General Studies Program.

** Credentialed Work-Related Experience (30 Hours) – Troy University recognizes that individuals working in various occupations have garnered hundreds, perhaps thousands of hours of experience to become highly proficient in a particular area. Further, these individuals earn certifications, licenses, or some sort of credential indicating expertise. Troy University will provide academic credit for those hard-earned credentials. Individuals in the BSOE program can earn up to 30 hours in one of two ways:

1. National, state, military, or professional credentials that are widely recognized in the field as indicating currency and competency in work related abilities. These credentials will be scrutinized by TROY for authenticity, rigor, and occupational regard. Examples of acceptable credentials would include:
   - National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) certification
   - ANSI/NETA ETT Standard for Certification of Electrical Testing Technicians
   - Certified Information Systems Security Specialist (CISSP)
   - A+ Certification
   - Security + Certification
   - Community College of the Air Force credentials
   - USAF Air University credentials
   - Air Force Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL)
   - American Council on Education Credit (A.C.E.)
   
   After review, TROY will award appropriate credit up to 30 hours; TROY will recommend subsequent action to reach the 30-hour requirement. (Example: enrollment in a specified program of study at a community college to earn credit in related skill areas.)
2. A detailed Work-Related Portfolio Assessment that must be completed before registering for the Professional Core. This portfolio will be assembled by potential students for evaluation by Troy University. In turn, TROY will determine appropriate academic credit (hours) and recommend any additional credentials needed to earn the full 30 hours required.

Troy University recognizes that some students may have acquired knowledge and skills through life experiences, but may not have recognized credentials indicating currency and/or competency in those skills. The Work-Related Portfolio Assessment allows students the opportunity to have life/work related experiences evaluated as educational experiences and credited toward the BSOE Area 2: Work Related Experience. This portfolio is a collection of materials which represent a student’s life experience in a certain subject area or skill. It will be assembled by potential students for evaluation by Troy University. In turn, TROY will determine academic credit (hours) and recommend any additional credentials needed to earn the full 30 hours required. Portfolio contents include:

Cover Letter (Required): A cover letter briefly summarizes and clarifies the life experiences, work related activities, and credential for which credit is requested. This letter can include:

• Community service
• Correspondence courses
• Employment
• Learning through technology
• Non-credit experience
• Certificates, licenses, awards
• Travel

Resume (Required): A more in-depth description of the applicant’s personal history such as education, employment, experiences, awards, etc.

Job description(s): Detailed descriptions of past employment commensurate with skills/ability claimed. This includes duties, responsibilities, length of employment, and any other details that would indicate work related experience.

Documents: Documents indicating proficiency levels in relevant areas of performance. This could include certificates, licenses, awards, supervisory ratings, commendations, and/or any other verification of skills.

Reflections: Written documentation of personal accomplishments and why the applicant feels their experiences merit academic credit.

Artifacts: Samples of work demonstrating applications of the concepts and principles in the skill being considered, such as engineering drawings, technical manuals, publications, video and/or audio tapes, and any other creations deemed appropriate, etc.

NOTE: Students submitting credentials or the portfolio are provisionally admitted. They will be permitted to begin Area 3 (the Professional Core) only after TROY has rendered a decision regarding credit award and additional credentials needed.

It is also recognized that many BSOE students may have already been in an occupational education environment and/or may have secured additional, related hours for courses similar to the Professional Core. To recognize and provide credit for these experiences, TROY will provide up to twelve (12) hours credit to the professional core in this manner:

1. Transfer credit for courses taken at another regionally accredited university with a grade of “B” or better. These courses must be comparable in catalog description to courses in the Professional Core and must be approved by the Dean of the College of Education.
2. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Students wishing to receive credit for the following courses must pass a course specific exam to receive credit for any one of these courses. These exams are developed by TROY faculty to assess a potential student’s grasp of course content. Each course will have one exam that is proctored at an appropriate location.
   ADE 3310: Teaching Adult Learners
   ADE 3320: Assessing Adult Learners
   ADE 3305: Teaching Adults with Technology

NOTE: Academic Regulation Requiring Residency. For Students seeking a bachelor’s degree from TROY, 25% of the credit hours required for the degree must be completed in “residence” through TROY or TROY ONLINE. Therefore, in some cases, students will not be granted transfer credit or PLA credit even if they qualify.

NOTE: Case Example – Student A, a welding instructor at ABC Community College, starts TROY with an associate’s degree and registers for the BSOE degree. Student A also provides evidence of work related experience. Student A MUST take all ten, 3-hour course to satisfy TROY’s 25% credit hour academic requirements.

Psychology

Psychology is the science concerned with the understanding of behavior and mental processes. A major in psychology provides students with (1) a useful foundation for further study at the graduate level, leading to various careers in psychology, or to study in the health professions and social work; (2) skills related to employment at the baccalaureate level for the pursuit of careers in mental health services, industry, human services or areas where the knowledge of behavior would be deemed beneficial; and (3) a sound preparation for describing, understanding, predicting, and controlling the events in their own lives. Students who obtain an advanced degree have a growing range of new opportunities for employment in medical settings, sports, business, the military, as well as private practice, university teaching, and research.

Psychology Major

Psychology Minor

(18 Hours)

Students may select any 6 (18 hours) PSY courses. PSY 2230 is a prerequisite for some upper level PSY courses.

Substance Addiction Education Minor

(18 Hours)

Applied Behavior Analysis Minor

(18 Hours)

Leadership Development Minor

(18 Hours) 

Educational Studies Minor

(18 Hours)

Certification Programs

Teacher Certification

Please see the list of certification programs offered at Troy University at the beginning of the College of Education (COE) section. All teacher education certification programs are approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. Students seeking teacher certification should refer to the specific program sections in the catalog for eligibility and program completion requirements. This information can be found on the COE website. Only those students who are properly admitted to an approved teacher certification program and complete all current requirements will be allowed to graduate.

Certification in Alabama

Candidates completing an approved teacher certification program are eligible to apply for the Alabama Class B initial professional certificate, provided they meet all of the following:

• A minimum grade point average of 2.75 on all undergraduate coursework , a 2.75 in the professional studies coursework, and 2.75 in the teaching field(s) coursework.
• A grade of C or better in all coursework in professional and teaching field which applies to certification; and
• Effective September 1, 2018, all teacher candidates seeking initial licensure in the state of Alabama must achieve a passing score, set by the Alabama State Department of Education, on the Teacher Performance Assessment, edTPA.

Any candidate who applies for a professional certificate is subject to all regulations set forth by the Alabama State Department of Education, including a comprehensive background check that shall be completed and cleared prior to observations in P-12 settings. 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. Implementation of additional requirements may be mandated by the Alabama State Department of Education and could supercede a student’s stated program requirements. 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.

Fingerprinting Requirement

Effective no later than the beginning of Fall 2008 semester, any candidate applying for admission to a state-approved program shall be required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check through the Alabama State Department of Education to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) pursuant to Act 2002-457. Fingerprinting must be completed and cleared prior to conduction of observations in P-12 schools.

Certification in Other States

Other states may grant professional certification to candidates completing the Troy University teacher education 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.

Statement of Guarantee for New Educators

Candidates who are recommended by Troy University for Alabama state teacher certification shall be granted remediation at no cost if:

1. they are employed in their areas of specialization of the awarded certificate;
2. they receive less than satisfactory performance on the state approved evaluation instrument;
3. remediation is requested within two years of the valid date of the Professional Educator certificate, which was issued based on recommendation by the unit.

In no case shall the unit be required to provide remediation for more than the first two years of employment.

Exit Examinations

Students are required to successfully complete the required PRAXIS II tests associated with their major and successfully complete internship. Effective August 2018 students seeking certification in Alabama will be required to pass the state adopted performance assessment, edTPA. Contact your content major advisor for details.

Certification Only

Candidates who currently hold valid Alabama professional teacher certification may complete program requirements for recommendation of additional teaching fields. Transcripts and professional experience will be reviewed prior to beginning any coursework to determine eligibility. Candidates must successfully complete all aspects of each program in which certification is sought. Including course requirements, appropriate nationally normed tests, and internship.

Transfer Credit Allowances

At least 25% of the credit hours required for the degree must be earned in residence with Troy University. Transfer credit for professional education courses and teaching area courses which give consideration to pedagogical application is allowable only for courses taken at a regionally accredited institution in a state approved teacher education/certification program. Other transfer credit is subject to approval.

General Studies Requirements

General studies courses cannot be used to meet requirements for both a major field and general studies. Some education majors have special general studies requirements. Consult your education adviser and the General Studies section of this catalog for details. Required major field courses are listed under the appropriate departmental listing in this catalog.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

Admission to Troy University does not qualify a student for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Candidates may only enroll in EDU 3310, EDU 3305 (or check-sheet approved discipline-specific technology course), EDU 4400 (or check-sheet approved discipline-specific classroom management course), SPE 3340 (or check-sheet approved discipline-specific diverse learners course), and EDU 3303 (or check-sheet approved discipline-specific education psychology/assessment course) prior to meeting all criteria for admission to the Teacher Education Program.Candidates must meet with their teaching field advisor for any restrictions regarding enrollment in teaching field courses prior to admission to TEP. Written application to the Teacher Education Program is required. Additional requirements include the following:

1. Completion of 48 semester hours or 80% of required General Studies courses including a grade of C or better in the two English composition courses and a grade of C or better in the required general studies mathematics course(s) for the teacher education major.
2. Early Childhood, Elementary, Collaborative Teacher K-6, and Collaborative Teacher 6-12 candidates must complete both MTH 1110 and MTH 1112 with a grade of C or better to satisfy the math requirement for admission to TEP.
3. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall, 2.75 in professional studies, and 2.75 in teaching field(s) is required. Students who fail to meet the required GPA may repeat courses. The university academic policy will be applied in calculating grade point averages. Each cohorts admitted to TEP must have an average cumulative GPA of 3.0.
   
   • Cohorts admitted to TEP must have an average GPA of 3.0. Meeting minimum GPA requirements does not guarantee TEP admission.
4. Successful completion of an interview.
5. Completion of a minimum of 12 clock hours of classroom observation/participation.
6. Evidence of successful background and fingerprint clearance.
7. Evidence of current professional liability insurance at one million dollars of coverage.

The Professional Internship Program

The Professional Internship Program is the culminating clinical field-based experience for candidates seeking certification in a teaching field. The Professional Internship Program provides the candidate with the opportunity to conduct classes and assume the role of teacher while receiving supervision from a classroom teacher and a university supervisor. Candidates must attend a pre-internship meeting one year prior to the semester of projected internship. Instructions regarding qualifications and applications should be obtained from the Certification and Field Experience Office and submitted two semesters prior to the semester that the candidate plans to intern.

All candidates completing an initial certification program for teachers must complete a nine-semester-hour internship in the grade level(s) and academic subject(s) of the certification sought. This is a full-time assignment for a full semester (approximately 600 clock hours) with placement in a regionally accredited school. Interns must enroll in the appropriate three-semester hour internship seminar course during the internship semester.

Prerequisites for internship include the following:

1. Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP).
2. A GPA of 2.75 overall on all coursework attempted.
3. A GPA of 2.75 in all professional studies coursework attempted.
4. A GPA of 2.75 in all teaching field coursework attempted.
5. Satisfactory disposition reviews.
6. Completion of all coursework except for Internship Seminar, which is taken in conjunction with internship.
7. Completion of all professional studies and teaching field courses with a grade of C or better.
8. Evidence of current First Aid and CPR certifications.
9. Students are required to successfully complete the required PRAXIS II Subject Assessments (content areas) associated with their major.
10. Evidence of current professional liability insurance.
11. Completion of any additional requirements mandated by the Alabama State Department of Education.

Undergraduate internship experiences must occur in the appropriate grade level(s) and subject(s) and are supervised by an approved certified classroom teacher. P-12 faculty shall provide regular and continuing support for interns through such processes as observation, conferencing, group discussion, email and the use of other technologies.

Early Childhood Education (P-3)

(120 Hours)

Specialized General Studies Requirements

See the General Studies section of this catalog for additional information.

Early Childhood education majors must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in each of the following disciplines as part of General Studies: Mathematics, Social Science, Science, and English.

Elementary Education (K-6)

(121 Hours)

Specialized General Studies Requirements

See the General Studies section of this catalog for additional information.

Elementary education majors must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in each of the following disciplines as part of General Studies: Mathematics, Social Science, Science, and English.

Collaborative/Special Education Teacher (K-6)

(121 Hours)

Specialized General Studies Requirements

See the General Studies section of this catalog for additional information.

Collaborative teacher majors must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in each of the following disciplines as part of General Studies: Mathematics, Social Science, Science, and English.

Collaborative/Special Education Teacher (6-12)

(121 Hours)

Specialized General Studies Requirements

See the General Studies section of this catalog for additional information.

Collaborative teacher majors must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in each of the following disciplines as part of General Studies: Mathematics, Social Science, Science, and English.

Secondary Education(6-12)

Specialized General Studies Requirements

See the General Studies section of this catalog for additional information. See discipline specific major for specialized General Studies requirements.

Available secondary education disciplines are as follows:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• English/Language Arts
• Comprehensive General Science
• Health
• History
• Mathematics
• Social Science

Interdisciplinary Education(P-12)

Specialized General Studies Requirements

See the General Studies section of this catalog for additional information.

In addition to the required General Studies and the education major identified above, students seeking Alabama Teacher certification in grades P-12 should complete the academic major in a specific discipline, and select Education as the second major. Students should consult with their education adviser concerning all certification requirements and with their academic discipline adviser for requirements in the major. Available interdisciplinary education disciplines are as follows:

• Art
• Music, Instrumental
• Music, Choral
• Physical Education
• Theatre