2003-2005 - Graduate School - The University of Alabama

304 The University of AlabamaCourses used to qualify for a lower-level supporting certifi cate may not be used againas part of a higher-level certifi cation program.A cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.25 is required for all graduatework attempted after the master’s degree, and a fi nal comprehensive examination isrequired. A maximum of 15 semester hours of appropriate post-master’s-degree creditearned through an institution approved to offer graduate programs beyond the master’slevel in the fi eld of study in which the credits were earned may, with approval by thedepartment head or his or her designee, be applied toward the Class AA ProfessionalCertifi cate. It is important to remember that the awarding of a graduate degree does notnecessarily imply that the student is eligible for Alabama certifi cation.A student completing requirements for a master’s degree during a semester or summersession who does not need a full class load to meet those requirements may, withapproval of the adviser and department head, register for additional courses toward aClass AA Professional Certifi cate, not to exceed the maximum prescribed class load.Strengthened Subject Matter Option (SSMO). In family and consumer sciences,grad u ate students may opt to complete the Class A certifi cation program with theStrength ened Subject Matter Option, or SSMO. Generally, SSMO programs require amaster’s or higher degree in the teaching fi eld, with appropriate courses completed forlower-level cer ti fi ca tion or as an additional part of the graduate program (e.g., generalsurvey in exceptional childhood education). Since SSMO is not available in all fi elds,consult the appropriate department head or personnel in the Offi ce of Student Servicesand Certifi cation, 104 Carmichael Hall.Alternative approaches to certification. In addition to “regular” certification pro grams,the Alabama State Board of Education offers fi ve alternative ap proach es to certifi cation.These are as follows: (a) alternative baccalaureate-level approach (not available at TheUniversity of Alabama); (b) alternative fi fth-year-level approach (see information in thiscatalog); (c) speech- and language-impaired approach; (d) nationally certifi ed schoolpsychologist approach; and (e) National Board for Professional Teaching Standardsapproach. Further information re gard ing these alternative approaches is available viathe Offi ce of Student Services and Certifi cation, 104 Carmichael Hall.Policies for out-of-state stu dents at fifth-year (Class A) and sixth-year (ClassAA) levels for any area except educational administration. Admission requirementsfor fi fth-year (Class A) programs for teachers include “eligibility for Class B certifi cationin the teaching fi eld(s) in which Class A certifi cation is sought,” except in a few specified fi elds.Admission requirements for sixth-year (Class AA) programs for teachers include“eligibility for Class A certifi cation in the teaching fi eld(s) in which Class A certifi cation issought,” except in a few specifi ed fi elds.Out-of-state students who do not meet the above admission requirements to enrollin courses at the respective levels may be recommended to other state departments ofeducation based only on completion of coursework, not completion of approved pro grams.Thus, these students will not be eligible for Alabama certifi cation and, if and when thestudents wish to receive Alabama certifi cation and teach in Alabama, they must presentverifi cation of eligibility for an appropriate pre req ui site Alabama certifi cate before beingrec om mend ed for Alabama certifi cation.Policy for fifth-year level educational administration. All students (not just Al a bamastudents) must meet all admission requirements for the Class A Educational Ad min is -tra tion Program before enrolling in the program.Changes in certification requirements. The programs listed in this catalog thatlead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional certifi cates for service in the publicschools may be altered to meet certifi cation standards adopted by the state board ofeducation. Check with the appropriate department head for information.Coursework and/or a degree accepted from institutions outside the United Statesshall be substantiated by an evaluation of the foreign credentials from a state, federal,or private foreign credential evaluation service recognized by the Teacher Educationand Certifi cation Offi ce.