Alternative Class A Program
The University of West Alabama offers the Alternative Class A Program for those individuals who have completed a non-teaching degree or for individuals who want to change teaching areas. Candidates must have a baccalaureate or higher degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50 in order to be admitted. This program will enable you to receive a master's degree in education, as well as master's level certification. Once you have applied and we determine you meet the requirements for unconditional admission, an advisor will be assigned and a program will be issued to you.
Field Experiences and the Internship are to be completed in an Alabama or approved Partnership Schools.
While the Internship can never be waived, you may request to receive credit for one or more field experience courses for full-time work as classroom teacher or an extended substitute teacher. Extended substitute work is defined as full-time work for at least twenty consecutive class days in the field for which certification is sought. Work as a short-term substitute or teacher’s aide is not acceptable for credit. Upon approval from the Dean, the student may receive credit for one field experience course per 90 classroom hours.
The requirements for unconditional admission to the Alternative A Program and to the Teacher Education Program must be met prior to issuance of the program work-sheet and enrolling in any course work. A GPA less than a 3.00 may result in removal of the unconditional admission status to the Teacher Education Program.
Programs of Study in the Alternative Class A Program
Students seeking professional certification may choose one of the programs listed below for a Master of Education degree.
- Early Childhood / Elementary Education P-6
- Special Education Collaborative Teacher K-6
- Special Education Collaborative Teacher 6-12
Students seeking professional certification may choose one of the programs listed below for a Master of Education degree OR a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
- Biology
- General Science
- Mathematics
- English Language Arts
- History
- General Social Science
- Physical Education P-12